04 November

Freshmen

  • Do you know the averagecost of colleges in Iowa? How about out-of-state colleges? Explore costs throughout the nation at www.ihaveaplaniowa.gov or https://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/content/student-resources

  • Talk with your parents about your school and career plans. Discuss how you plan to reach your goals, and ask for their advice.

  • Get into the habit of reading in your free time. Reading will help you develop a strong vocabulary, which is important on college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT.

Sophomores

  • It's not too early to start thinking about how to impress potential employers. Learn about developing the skills employers want today.

  • Are you preparing to pay for college? Start talking to your parents now. Read about tuition and other college costs.

  • Walk with family members, friends, teachers, school counselors and coaches about their college experiences.

Juniors

  • Plan to take the ACT or SAT exams, if you need them. FInd out registration and test dates. Get ready for the exams by using online practice tests or study guides at your local library or bookstore.

  • Review websites and brochures from the colleges that you might want to attend.

  • Check the entrance requirements of the colleges that you're planning to apply to, and find out which test(s) you need to take.

  • Beware of scholarship search and financial aid service organizations that cost money. Most information is available at no cost.

  • Look into campus visits. Some colleges host special visit days for juniors.

Seniors

  • Look into financial aid options. Continue to research and apply for private scholarships.

  • Be aware of deadlines. Begin or continue to send in applications for admission. Most colleges accept online applications and some may waive the application fee for applying online. Keep copies of paper applications and write down the date you submit online applications.

  • Attend an ICAN Financial Aid Presentation in your area, if available. Ask your guidance office for the dates, time and location.

  • Beware of scholarship search and financial aid services that cost money. Much of the information is available at no cost.

Parents

  • Don't let a poor economy derail your child's college plans. Make sure you're saving as much as you can, because most of the burden of college costs falls on you and your child. Sometimes paying for college means a change in lifestyle or finding alternative means of funding.