Summer
(Sophomore-
Junior Year)

ü     Take May or June SAT II test in subjects that are being completed

ü     Finalize summer plans: Job? Summer study? Volunteer work?

ü     Begin to visit colleges and Financial Aid Offices.

Fall
(Junior Year)

          September:

ü     Prepare for PSAT.

ü     Attend college fairs and admissions representative visits.

October:

ü     Take PSAT.

Winter
(Junior Year)

December:

ü     Receive PSAT scores, discuss strategies; evaluate weak areas.

ü     Make provisions for SAT/ACT Test prep.

ü     Talk to college students home on break.

January:

ü     Plan SAT/ACT test dates and test prep schedule.

ü     Begin to make a master list of colleges.

February:

ü     Write or call colleges to request information.

Spring
(Junior Year)

March:

ü     Plan any spring vacation college visits.

ü     Create an organizer for all the materials you receive.

April:

ü     Determine senior year classes.

May:

ü     Consider whether to take AP (Advanced Placement) courses senior year.

ü     Plan summer and fall college visits.

Summer
(Junior -
Senior Year)

June:

ü     Many students take SAT/ACT this month.

July/August:

ü     Continue to visit colleges and Financial Aid Offices.

ü     Continue to request information from additional colleges.

ü     Study, get a job, do volunteer work.

ü     Review and update master college list.

Fall
(Senior Year)

September:

ü     Attend college fairs and admissions representative visits.

ü     Stay overnight and arrange interviews where possible.

ü     Request additional information and applications from your college choices.

ü     Photocopy applications.  Provide Guidance Office with copy.

October:

ü     Begin drafting essays,

ü     Request letters of recommendation and transcripts.

ü     Create a master schedule of application deadlines.

ü     Continue to visit colleges.

ü     Consider Early Decision options.

ü     Research and apply for scholarships.

November:

ü     Work on completing essays and applications.

ü     Obtain Early Financial Aid Application for private schools.

Winter
(Senior Year)

November/December:

ü     Send Early Decision application, if applicable.

ü     Complete any applications due in January or February.

January:

ü     Complete ALL applications, even with later and/or rolling deadlines.

ü     Photocopy everything before you mail it.

ü     Submit the FAFSA after January 1.

ü     Check financial aid deadlines for each school/state you are interested in.

ü     Be sure to indicate on the FAFSA your colleges of interest.

Spring
(Senior Year)

March:

ü     Verify that schools have received all application documents.

ü     Try to wait patiently!

ü     CHECK: Most financial aid deadlines are March 1st

April:

ü     Applaud acceptances, put rejections in perspective.

ü     Plan any visits to campuses that will help finalize decision.

ü     Contact admissions or financial aid offices with any questions you have.

ü     If wait-listed: return response cards, keep in touch with admissions offices, update records, write additional letter or statement.

ü     Send deposit on time!

ü     Receive and review your Student Aid Report (SAR).

ü     Submit IRS tax forms if required by your school's Financial Aid Office. These forms should be submitted as early as possible.

May:

ü     Take AP exams, if applicable.

ü     Send thank you notes to ANYONE who has been especially helpful.

ü     Begin to keep track of housing and registration schedules.

ü     Make sure final high school transcript is sent to the college  you'll attend.

ü     Plan to enjoy your summer!

Summer
(after graduation)

ü     Parents submit application/promissory note for PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) funds according to your school’s Financial Aid Office requirements and deadlines (to cover educational expenses not covered by financial aid).

ü     Student, if eligible, submits Stafford application/promissory note.

ü     Return your Student Aid Report (SAR) to your college(s) of choice (if requested).

ü     Promptly reply to all requests from your school financial aid office.