College Planning for Seniors

Posted on June 13, 2017

College Planning for Seniors

September
  • Request applications and brochures from your target colleges if you haven’t already. For more college options, sign up for FastWeb’s College Search.
  • SAT is offered on several different dates. Visit sat.collegeboard.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
  • ACT is offered on several different dates. Visit actstudent.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
  • Schedule college interviews with prospective schools.
  • Set up a budget for college application costs – they can add up.
  • Continue to check with online sources, such as FastWeb.com to find scholarship money.
  • Check the Guidance webpage and the Bulletin Boards at school for local scholarship opportunities.
  • Get your applications in order by creating files for your target schools. Make a list of application requirements (essays, transcripts, etc.) and deadlines for each.
  • Request letters of recommendation from teachers, advisors, and employers.
  • Work on application essays.
  • Make an appointment to meet with your school counselor, Ms. Snyder, to discuss your options.
  • Talk to your parents about college cost. Decide how much you can afford and explore your options for funding.
  • Check with your prospective colleges about additional financial aid application forms and requirements.
  • Start gathering materials and financial records for the FAFSA, available on October 1st.
  • Create a FSA ID a week before planning to complete the FAFSA. Visit fsaid.ed.gov to do so.

 

October
  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available on October 1st.
  • Request transcripts to be sent to your target schools.
  • SAT is offered on several different dates. Visit sat.collegeboard.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
  • ACT is offered on several different dates. Visit actstudent.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
  • Visit FinAid.org to learn more about financial aid.
  • Start applying for scholarships from private organizations. Check your FastWeb search results for new scholarships.

 

November
  • If you are applying for Early Action or Early Decision, get your application in this month.
  • Keep copies of all applications and forms sent to colleges.
  • Request test scores be sent to colleges.
  • SAT is offered on several different dates. Visit sat.collegeboard.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
  • ACT is offered on several different dates. Visit actstudent.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
    • Continue to apply for scholarships from private organizations. Check your FastWeb search results for new scholarships.
  • COLLEGE APPLICATION DEADLINE: THANKSGIVING!!!

 

December
  • If you missed the Thanksgiving deadline, work on college applications! Many applications are due this month or in early January.
  • SAT is offered on several different dates. Visit sat.collegeboard.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
  • ACT is offered on several different dates. Visit actstudent.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
  • Continue to apply for scholarships from private organizations. Check your FastWeb search results for new scholarships.
  • Start gathering materials and financial records for the FAFSA, available on January 1st.

 

January
  • Check with your prospective colleges about additional financial aid application forms and requirements.
  • Send mid-year reports to colleges, if necessary.
  • Verify that your applications have been received by colleges.
  • Send thank-you notes to your recommendation sources.
  • Continue to apply for scholarships from private organizations. Check your FastWeb search results for new scholarships.
  • Begin to check regularly with the Guidance webpage, the Bulletin Boards, and Ms. Snyder for local scholarship opportunities.
  • Review the SAR (Student Aid Report) to make sure the information is correct. You should receive it 4-6 weeks after you submit your FAFSA (1-2 weeks if you submit your FAFSA electronically).

 

February
  • Continue to apply for scholarships from private organizations. Check your FastWeb search results for new scholarships.

 

March – April  
  • Check the mail for admissions letters and financial aid rewards.
  • Compare your admissions offers. Unsure of which decision to make? Ask your school counselor, Ms. Snyder, to help you weigh your options.
  • Contact the financial aid office if you have any special financial aid circumstances.
  • If waitlisted, notify the admissions office if you are still interested.
  • Apply for any and all local scholarships that you qualify for. Check the postings and with Ms. Snyder for available opportunities.
  • Plan your summer internship, job, or program.
  • Time for a decision! Most schools ask that you choose your school by May 1st.

 

May
  • Notify (in writing) the schools you have decided not to attend.
  • Make sure you have received the necessary forms for housing, health insurance, financial aid, etc.
  • Pursue additional student loan options.
  • Notify colleges of any private scholarship awards.
  • Request that all Dual Enrollment transcripts be sent to the college that you will be attending.

 

June – August
  • Have your final transcripts sent to your new school.
  • For college student-athletes, ask to have your final transcripts sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center.
  • Research banking options near your college.
  • Double-check any final deadlines for housing, financial aid, etc.
  • Set up a projected first-year college budget.

Posted in School Counseling News.