If you are
a college bound Senior in High School, the following information will help you
on your quest to find the right college for you and financial aid to pay for
it. Click on the month to find out what you should be doing for acceptance into
the college of your choice.
Things to do in September
for Seniors
1. Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to obtain your PIN and
your parents PIN (Personal Identification Number), which are your electronic
signatures for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2.
Admissions
representatives will be visiting your school. Make sure you meet with them.
3.
Make
a list of test names, dates, fees and registration deadlines for college
admissions and financial aid applications. For scores to be submitted to
colleges, remember that you must take tests like the SAT and ACT at lease six
weeks before the deadline.
Things to do in October
1. Take the SAT or ACT exam
if necessary.
2. Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to obtain your PIN and
your parents PIN (Personal Identification Number), which are your electronic
signatures for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
3. Now is the time to work on
your admission application essays.
4. Reserve some time to visit
your top school choices, interview students, faculty and staff. You can also
visit your top school choices on the Internet.
5. Special programs such as
college fairs and financial aid nights are definitely worth attending.
6. Find out which financial
aid applications your college choices require. Make sure you know when forms
are due.
7. To determine your
qualifications for private school aid, keep in mind that some private
universities require that you register for the CSS/Financial aid PROFILE at
this time.
Things to do in November
1.
Take the SAT and ACT exam if necessary.
2.
Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to obtain your PIN and
your parents PIN (Personal Identification Number), which are your electronic
signatures for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
3.
Contact your Guidance Office or college of your choice to
obtain financial aid applications. Read them carefully to determine what
information is required and when the applications are due.
4.
Begin preparing your college applications. Make sure you find
out when materials must be postmarked.
5.
Begin asking teachers, guidance counselors and employers for
letters of recommendation to include with your admissions and/or scholarship
applications.
Things to do in December
1.
Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to obtain your PIN and
your parents PIN (Personal Identification Number), which are your electronic
signatures for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2.
Pick up a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at
your high school’s Guidance Counselor’s Office or your library. You can also
download it or apply online at the web site in #1 or call 1-800-433-3243.
3.
Remember, do not send your FAFSA forms until after January 1.
They are only accepted in the year you are planning to attend school.
4.
Ask your parents to save their year-end payroll stubs to show
their earnings for the year. They may need them for financial aid eligibility
reviews by schools.
Things to do in January
1.
Don’t delay, FAFSA forms must be submitted as soon as possible
after January 1.
2.
Keep copies of all the forms you submit for your records.
3.
In 4-6 weeks, you will receive a copy of your Student Aid
Report (SAR). Each school you listed on your FAFSA will get a copy as well.
4.
Let your parents know that it is helpful to get their income
tax returns prepared early. School may request them to verify eligibility for
financial aid.
5.
January is Financial Aid Awareness Month. Take advantage of
special programs in your area.
Things to Do in February
1. It is important to check
on your mid-year transcripts. Make sure they were sent to the schools you've
applied to.
2.
Is
that FAFSA form still sitting around? Mail. Better yet, apply online.
3.
Find
out about taking the AP (Advanced Placement) or the CLEP (College Level
Examination Program) exams.
4.
Rank
your finalized list of colleges that you would like to attend.
Things to Do in March!
1. Look for your SAR (Student
Aid Report) in the mail. Your SAR will inform you of your Expected Family
Contribution. Be sure to review it and submit corrections if necessary.
2.
Your
Financial Aid Office may need to see signed copies of your parents' tax
returns. Make sure they get them. And while you're ate it, find out what else
you need to do to establish and maintain your eligibility for financial aid.
3.
If
it's been four weeks since you sent in your FAFSA form and you have not heard
anything, contact the
Things to Do in April
1. You are almost there.
College acceptance and financial aid award letters will be arriving in the
mail. Compare the financial aid packages you have been offered.
2.
It
is decision time. Make your final decision and send in a deposit by the
deadline.
3.
Find
out about the details of signing and returning financial aid award letters at
the college you have chosen to attend.
4.
Let
other schools know that you are sorry, but you will not be attending their
school.
5.
Be
aware of important deadlines at your chosen college (housing, financial aid,
etc.)
Things to Do in May
1.
Look out for Advanced Placement examinations. They are given
in high schools nationwide
2.
Now is the time to finalize your summer school or summer job
plans.
Things to Do
in June and July
1.
Try to get a summer job. You will be earning money for
college.
2.
If you need more money after receiving your financial aid,
apply for a student loan. For fastest results apply online at www.studentloan.com.