Fall
One Last Time:: Finish making campus visits, or use this time to go back to a particular school that your child liked.
Apply Here :: By December, your child should complete and submit college applications (maybe earlier if they are applying for early admission), so use the fall season wisely.
Ask Around :: Your child should be asking for materials like recommendation letters that will accompany their application — and sure to allow plenty of time for teachers, counselors and coaches to write and mail them given their busy schedules
Spring
Bottom Line:: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1 with your child to lock in your family’s financial aid profile.Click here for more information on FAFSA and applying for financial aid.(Remember to review your child’s Student Aid Report (SAR) when it arrives in case there are any errors.)
No Senioritis : Remind your child that colleges don’t stop looking at grades after applications are in, so encourage your senior to stay focused in school and keep their grades up.
Watch the Mailbox : April is the most common time when admission decisions and financial aid award letters arrive, so keep an eye on the mail — and know your child will be, too.
Summer
Final Touches:: Make sure your child has a final transcript sent from their high school guidance office to their college’s academic records office.
Getting Ready :: Spend time during your child’s last summer at home helping them pack and prepare for the major changes associated with the move to college in the fall.
Parent Check List
Continue to talk to your child about college plans as if he or she will definitely go to college.
Keep an eye on your child’s study habits and grades – stay involved.
Encourage your child to take Advanced Placement or other challenging classes.
Add to your child’s college savings account regularly.
Work with your child on filling out the FAFSA.
Scholarship Information
Scholarship Search Engines
Athletic Scholarships
Search athletic scholarships for undergraduate student-athletes at Division I and Division II schools. www.ncaa.org
MSN Money
Family & College Finance Center
www.moneycentral.msn.com/family/home.asp
ScholarSite.com
Scholarship Search
A free personalized search of over 2,000 scholarships, loans, internships and other financial aid programs.
Scholarship Directories
Financial Aid
Before you start researching and applying for financial aid, help yourself stay organized by collecting all your personal information ahead of time and reviewing each option carefully with your family before making final decisions.
Review federal, state and private loans, grants and scholarships you may qualify for
Collect personal identification (driver’s license, Social Security Number, proof of citizenship, birth/naturalization certificate or U.S. passport)
Collect important financial documents (tax returns, bank statements, etc.)
Identify FAFSA submission deadlines
Complete FAFSA after January 1
Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) (should arrive 4-6 weeks after you submit FAFSA)
Submit SAR corrections immediately if information is incorrect
FAQ
If my parents are divorced, does that mean I won’t get the same financial aid as somebody else?
Financial aid is primarily based on financial need that you demonstrate by filling out and submitting a FAFSA. Your situation at home may actually qualify you for more aid, not less, if you live in a single-parent household, for instance. Every situation is different, though, so the best thing to do is submit a FAFSA and find out what your Expected Family Contribution will be. The FAFSA is available in the “Forms” section.
Does it hurt my chances of getting into school if I’m the first in my family to apply?
While it’s true that certain schools may look favorably on “legacy” students whose parents or relatives previously attended, most every school is going to judge your application primarily based on your own individual merit. In fact, being a first-generation student is an inspiring story — consider writing about your experience in a personal essay. Find more resources for first-generation students by clicking here.
What if my parents won’t listen to my argument for going to college?
If your parents or family disagree with you about college, it can be challenging — but there are things you can do to convince them to support your goal. If money is the primary concern, you can investigate your financial aid options (see “How To Pay”) and be prepared to share what you find with your parents. If striking out from home and leaving behind a family business is an issue, talk to your parents about how college can give you the skills you need to support yourself and perhaps build your own business someday. See “Talking To Family” for more tips and advice about college conversations at home.