College Planning

Senior Year Time-Line

August

• Review college websites.

• Review career plans and decide which schools are right for you.

• Request admissions information and school catalogs.

• Obtain registration information/test dates for ACT if going to a 4 year college.  act.org

September

• Mark your calendar with testing, admissions, and financial assistance deadlines.

• Meet with college reps.

• Ask employers, teachers, and guidance counselor for letters of recommendation.

• Begin filling out scholarship applications.

October

• Take ACT if required by college.

• Go on campus visits of your top school choices.

• Work on admissions or scholarship essays.

• Begin filling our admissions applications.

• Attend college fairs.

• Student AND parent create a financial aid account and FSA ID to access the FAFSA-  Create An Account 

November

• Attend financial assistance nights.

• Begin filling out your admissions applications.

• Ask your high school to send your transcripts to the schools to which you have applied.

• Follow up to ensure letters of recommendation are sent

• Contact the schools’ financial aid offices to determine which forms are required.

 December

• Submit your FAFSA to the processor ASAP.  Complete the form on FAFSA Website. 

• Continue filling out scholarship applications.

• Finalize your college applications. 

• Start developing a financial plan for college.

January

• Ask your parents to file their tax forms as early as possible.

• Watch for other important deadlines.

• Submit your FAFSA to the processor ASAP.  Complete the form on FAFSA Website 

February

• Rank your preferred schools.

• Continue filling out scholarship applications.

• Locate FAFSA training in your area.  Search Missouri FAFSA Frenzy for locations.

 March

• Submit tax forms to the financial aid office.

• Narrow your school choices..

• Notify schools you will not be attending. 

April

• Submit your FAFSA by April 1st

• Watch the mail for school acceptance and financial aid letters.

• Make your final school decision.

• Complete housing application.

May

• Plan for college orientation, transportation, and housing.

• Follow up with college to ensure all paperwork is completed.