SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER
• Discuss your classes, college plans, and test scores with your college counselor.
• Finalize your college list of schools to which you will apply. Make a list of the deadlines.  
• Find out the application-of-choice used by each college. Some schools offer online applications or the common application.
• Register to take the SAT/ACT again if necessary.
• Determine if you need to take SAT II subject tests.
• Continue to search for scholarships, grants and other ways to pay.
• Work on your college application essays; get feedback from family, teachers, and counselors.
• Remind teachers who have agreed to write your letters of recommendation.
• Attend college fairs and financial aid nights.
• Candidates for early action/decision should complete college applications.
• Visit college representatives visiting our high school.
• Arrange campus visits.


NOVEMBER
• Continue completing your college applications. Early decision deadline is often November 1 or 15.
• Search for additional sources of financial aid.
• Get a jump on things and estimate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).


DECEMBER
• Complete school applications, ideally by December 1.
• Collect information needed to complete the FAFSA and review FAFSA tips.
• Determine how to submit your FAFSA (paper or on the Web). IMPORTANT: Don’t submit your FAFSA before January 1 — it will be returned not processed.
• Stay organized. Remember to keep copies of applications and correspondence. Continue to track important dates and deadlines on your calendar.


JANUARY
• Submit your FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.
• Fill out and submit other required financial aid forms if necessary. Follow instructions carefully and make copies.
• Send your midyear report and semester grades to the appropriate schools.


FEBRUARY—MARCH
• College decisions arrive.
• Watch the mail for your Student Aid Report (SAR). Carefully examine the results.
• If there are special circumstances affecting your family’s financial situation, be sure to discuss them with the FAO.
• Stay on top of important financial aid deadlines.  
• Respond quickly to college requests for additional documentation.


APRIL
• Gather information to make an informed decision. Visit colleges where you are accepted for the final time.
• Review financial aid and scholarship packages.  
• Keep a copy of the award letter for your records.
• Make a decision and send your tuition deposit — most colleges require a response by May 1.
• Notify the other colleges that you won’t be attending — other students will be happy to take your spot.
• Carefully follow the directions in your acceptance letter, including important deadlines; these letters provide specific instructions on housing, financial aid, orientation, and more.
• Continue to mark your calendar with important deadlines.


MAY–JULY
• Respond quickly to requests and return necessary forms to your school’s financial aid office. Notify them of any additional funding you’ll be receiving to pay for college (scholarships and loans, etc.).
• Sign up and attend any orientation sessions required by your school.
• Plan a budget for college and save.
• Purchase college supplies.