Everyone knows college is expensive, but most students aren’t aware that just getting into college can be a substantial burden.

Before your students ever step onto a college campus, they’ll have to pony up for application fees, test fees and more. Many high school students will pay hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars, just getting into college.

For many high school students, one of the first steps towards getting into college is taking their standardized tests. This year the cost to take the ACT rose to $28 — $42 with the optional writing test, which most students should take. SAT-takers will see a similar price hike, with exam fees now set at $41.50.

Considering many students may take the ACT or SAT several times, SAT/ACT costs alone could top $200.

Of course, test preparation isn’t getting any cheaper, either. A good SAT or ACT preparation course can easily cost hundreds of dollars. Even simple home-based test preparation books and CD training adds to the bottom line – although the benefits are undeniable.

With test scores in hand, students will be ready to apply for colleges, where they’ll have to dig into their pocketbooks again. Application fees at many schools can be $50 or more.

Seniors will also need to budget transportation (and possibly lodging) costs to go and visit their top schools.

While waivers can help offset some of the costs for low-income students, they need to know the waivers come with restrictions before they decide if that’s the route they wish to take.

For some students, a traditional four-year school just may be out of reach, and guidance counselors should be prepared to offer them alternatives, such as career colleges.

The transition to college is a huge step for seniors, and whether they’ll admit it or not, they rely on their high school guidance counselors to help them along the way.

Let them know: the cost of college begins now.