JUNIORS:

September and October

Study Hard! Your cumulative GPA and class rank at the end of your junior year will be used on your college applications

Ask about college fairs and which standardized tests are used for college admission

Start a college file to store your important paperwork

 

November and December

Research careers that appeal to you

Look for job shadow opportunities or talk to people in your profession of interest

Talk with friends and family members to learn about their college experiences

 

January and February

Meet with a counselor to discuss high school courses that will help you reach your career/educational goals

Get involved in extracurricular activities. Consider a sport, club or volunteer opportunity. Activities look great on college and scholarship applications!

Conduct research. Check out www.mapping-your-future.org to help you plan a career, select a school, and pay for college.

 

March and April

Narrow down college choices and review their applications. Consider your major, quality of the school, cost and location when choosing.

Contact colleges and schedule a visit. Take a tour while college classes are in session so you get an idea of what it would be like to be a student on campus.

Take the ACT or SAT test

 

May and June

Apply for a summer job and start saving for college!

 

July and August

Locate your social security card, you will need it for applications

Enjoy your summer!

 

SENIORS:

September and October

Obtain college applications and make note of their due dates

Register to retake your ACT or SAT if needed

Create a list of your extracurricular, volunteer and work experiences to use on your college and scholarship applications

 

November and December

Ask for letters of recommendation and give them lots of time to complete them.

Watch for information on financial aid nights at your High School.

If you are a male the age of 18 register with the Selective Service at a post office or at www.sss.gov as is required to eligible for financial aid

Set a personal goal to have all of your college applications submitted before your school's winter break. Then you can enjoy your break!

 

January and February

File your taxes as soon as possible. You will need this information to complete FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Processing usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks.

Verify the admissions office at the schools to which you have applied have received all of your application materials.

 

March

Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for errors. It contains all of the information you entered on the FAFSA.

Pay attention to information on local scholarships. Your High School counselors will enter your English classrooms and explain the application process and deadlines.

 

April and May

Start watching for financial aid award letters from the schools you've applied to.

Confirm that housing, registration and financial aid are in order at the school of your choice.

Pay attention to the application deadline for local scholarships.

Ask the High School counselors to send your final transcript to your college.

Apply for a summer job and save!

 

June and July

Update your college file if needed. You are responsible for knowing how much you may have borrowed in student loans.

Make a list of what you will need for classes and what you will need in your dorm or apartment.

Establish a budget for the year.

 

August

Watch for your tuition bill. Confirm that your financial aid and scholarships have been applied to your tuition.

Some scholarships may not be awarded until after you have completed your first semester. Plan accordingly to pay your tuition at the beginning of the semester and then to be reimbursed upon completion of the semester.

GOOD LUCK and enjoy your college experience!