How to Avoid the 5 Most Expensive Mistakes High Schoolers Make
(Under the New Student Loan Law)
The new federal student loan law removes protections like loan forgiveness and income-based repayment. Now more than ever, families need to play offense — not defense — when it comes to college prep.
Here are the 5 costliest mistakes high school students make — and how to avoid them.
❌ Mistake #1: Waiting Until Junior Year to Get Serious
Why It’s Expensive:
Grades from 9th–11th are the most heavily weighted by colleges.
Poor early grades drag down GPA and limit scholarship potential.
What to Do Instead:
Start strong in 9th grade and build momentum.
If you’ve already had a rough start, get tutoring help now to raise your trajectory.
Focus on core academic classes (English, math, science, history, foreign language).
❌ Mistake #2: Skipping Test Prep or “Winging It”
Why It’s Expensive:
A 100-point increase on the SAT can be the difference between a $0 scholarship and $10,000/year.
With loan forgiveness off the table, every dollar you don’t borrow matters.
What to Do Instead:
Use free tools like Khan Academy, but don’t rely on them alone.
Consider a structured prep program or tutor to boost results.
Treat test prep like a part-time job — 3–4 hours/week can change your future.
❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring FAFSA Until the Last Minute
Why It’s Expensive:
The FAFSA is first-come, first-served for many types of aid.
Missing deadlines = missing out on free money.
What to Do Instead:
Set a reminder: The FAFSA opens October 1 of senior year.
Fill it out even if you don’t think you’ll qualify — many schools require it for merit aid.
Keep tax returns, student SSN, and financial docs organized by spring of junior year.
❌ Mistake #4: Taking Out Loans Without a Plan
Why It’s Expensive:
Under the new law, most forgiveness programs are gone.
Many grads won’t have access to income-based repayment.
What to Do Instead:
Research average salaries for your intended major.
Only borrow what you’ll reasonably be able to repay — ideally, no more than your expected first-year salary.
Consider community college, scholarships, and living at home for 1–2 years to cut costs.
❌ Mistake #5: Underestimating the Power of One-on-One Support
Why It’s Expensive:
Without accountability, students often procrastinate, skip key deadlines, or choose the wrong classes.
The cost of “figuring it out later” can be tens of thousands in extra tuition or interest.
What to Do Instead:
Work with a tutor, coach, or mentor who knows how to navigate the high school-to-college journey.
A single meeting could change your student’s GPA, test score, or scholarship outlook.
✅ What You Can Do This Week
Add October 1 (FAFSA open date) to your calendar
Ask your teen what their current GPA is — and what they’d like it to be
Schedule one SAT or ACT practice test this weekend
Review your student’s transcript and college list together
Book a free 15-minute call with a college prep expert
Final Word:
The rules have changed — and families can’t afford to wait.
At Tutors & Friends, we help students boost GPA, prep for the SAT, stay organized, and create smart academic strategies tailored to this new reality.
👉 Book a free call with us today to build your student’s success plan.
