College Countdown
SEPTEMBER
- Begin your senior year with a good attitude, determined to get the best grades you can. Even if you haven't always worked your hardest previously, colleges like to see improvement senior year.
-Review college websites and take note of admissions requirements (i.e. Do the schools you are interested in require SAT 2s?). Make a list of colleges you will apply to. You can apply to as many “reach” schools as you want, as long as you apply to at least one “safe” school (a school you wouldn't mind going to and that you know you will get into). Try to keep your list as small as possible. Application fees add up quickly.
-Meet with your counselor to discuss your plans.
-Begin to fill out your college applications online and submit them as soon as possible.
-Make college visits.
-Pay attention to announcements and listen for visits from college representatives. Make arrangements with the counseling office to meet with representatives.
-Complete the activity sheet given to you by your counselor and return it to the counseling office by the designated date.
-Research scholarships and apply to any you are eligible for. Be aware of the monthly updates posted in your English and Social Studies rooms and on the counseling website. Keep copies of everything you send.
-Compare overall college costs and find out the percent of students that receive financial aid. Keep a record of these comparisons on charts.
-If you plan to retake a standardized test, or need to take SAT 2 subject tests be aware of SAT and ACT registration deadlines and test dates.
-If you are planning on playing a sport at a division one or two college, you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse on line at www.ncaa.org.
-Begin to consider ideas for your college application essay and outline your approach.
OCTOBER
-Work with your counselor on completion of college applications. Keep in mind that most Early Decision deadlines fall in early to mid November.
-Decide who you would like to write your recommendation letters (i.e. employers, teachers) and get the information to the people you choose in a timely manner.
-Write thank you notes to the people who write letters for you.
-Visit colleges if you haven't already done so.
-Continue to research and apply for scholarships you are eligible for.
-If you are applying to schools that require SAT 2s, register to take them ASAP (no later than the December test date).
NOVEMBER
-Continue to work with your counselor on application completions.
-Submit Early Decision applications. (Even if you are not applying Early Decision, colleges prefer to get applications before Thanksgiving).
-Talk with college friends who are home for the holiday.
-Have you made your campus visit yet?
-Investigate what other financial aid forms are required by schools you are applying to.
-Be aware of SAT and ACT registration deadlines and test dates.
DECEMBER
-If you have not already done so finish filling out your college applications. Make copies of all forms sent. BE AWARE OF APPLICATION DEADLINES!
-Attend, with your parents, financial aid night (date and time to be announced).
-Pull together family financial papers.
-Familiarize yourself with the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website ( www.fafsa.ed.gov ) and apply for a PIN number for you and a parent. This PIN will serve as your electronic signature when you submit your FAFSA. You cannot submit the FAFSA until after January 1st.
-Turn any mid-year grade report forms into the counseling office.
-Continue to investigate scholarships.
JANUARY
-Fill out the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and submit as soon after Jan. 1st as possible. Some funds do deplete so the earlier you apply the better. Use information from your most recent tax returns. Be accurate. Mistakes cause delays. Keep copies of all forms submitted. (If taxes are not done, estimate and you can make corrections later).
-If you are applying to any New York State schools you must also submit a TAP application. This can be accessed immediately after you submit your FAFSA online or by going to www.hesc.com. (Note: some of the TAP application will be pre-filled out based on information you provided on your FAFSA. Double check all answers and fill in any blank areas).
-Comply with college deadlines.
-Check with financial aid officers of representative colleges.
-Do not forget to apply for every scholarship you can.
FEBRUARY
-Within a few days of submitting your FAFSA you should receive an emailed Student Aid Report (SAR) indicating your eligibility for aid. Review this for accuracy and make any necessary corrections.
-Check colleges own financial aid forms. BE AWARE OF DEADLINES!
-Scholarships!
MARCH
-Complete all campus financial aid applications.
-Local scholarship forms are available in the counseling office. Apply to all you are eligible for. Be aware of deadlines.
-Make sure your SAR reaches the financial aid office of the college you choose to attend as soon as your decision is made.
APRIL
-Be on the look out for college notification letters. Make a list of the schools you have been accepted to and begin to compare costs.
-Many colleges send out financial aid offers with acceptance letters. You must sign and return a copy of your chosen school award letter in order to receive financial aid.
-Continue to investigate all local, private, and college scholarships. Be aware of deadlines.
MAY
-***Notify the counseling office of your final college choice so that we can send final grades and proof of graduation.
-In most cases acceptance notices must be given to colleges by May 1st along with a deposit (usually between $100 and $500 depending on the school).
-Speak with the financial aid office of the college you will be attending. Will you need to fill out loan applications?
-Deadline date for most local scholarships is May 1st.
-Apply for summer job. Save money!
JUNE
-Answer all requests from your college promptly.
-Save $
-GRADUATE!!
JULY
-Check that housing arrangements are in order.
-Decide what to pack for school. If you can, contact your roommate(s) in advance to coordinate whose bringing what.
-Be aware of and attend orientation programs.
-College bill arrives.
-Read all academic information sent to you.
-Get an idea of fall courses you will be taking.
AUGUST
-Select fall courses.
-Be aware of upcoming registration deadlines and fees.
GOOD LUCK!
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