your senior year

• Initial Meeting with Adviser to review your plan

• Research colleges/programs that you will apply to

• If you will need recommendation letters for College or Scholarship applications think about who you will ask, and prepare a summary of your accomplishments/activities to share with them (“brag sheet”)

• You are welcome to start applying to schools- many have applications open at this time

• Create your FSA ID in class (you will need your social security number)

• Apply to your colleges (especially those with early decision)

This may include: online application, essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, SAT scores...

• Note: some schools have free applications only during College Month

• Be sure to let Adviser know when you complete an application - (prizes and recognition during this month!)

• Begin your FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) in class

parents will need to complete their portion as well for you to complete the application and submit

• Continue to apply to colleges

• Complete your FAFSA if you have not done so already

• After you submit it, check to see if you need to make any corrections

• Look at your SAR (student aid report), review with Adviser if you have questions

• After your FAFSA is filed, create a MISSG state aid account and see if you qualify for any state aid

• Continue working on anything that you have not yet completed

January is a focus on paying for college:

• File your FAFSA if you have not done so already (priority deadline is March, but some colleges base their aid on your financial need as determined by FAFSA and may have an earlier deadline)

• Apply for Scholarships

  • The Manistee County Community Foundation scholarship application opens January 1

  • Check out all the scholarships available to you and apply

• Meet with your adviser to review where you are at in the process, and get help where needed

• Compare colleges you’ve been accepted to

  • Compare Financial Aid Offers and look at net cost for each school

  • What is the right fit for your academic/career goals?

  • Is the campus/city a good fit for you?

• Complete FAFSA by the end of this month for the priority deadline

• Continue working on anything that you have not yet completed

• Make your decision about your plans for Fall 2021

• Let your adviser know your plans so we can celebrate on Decision Day in May

• You’re almost graduated......

• Make sure to stay in contact with your chosen school/program and don’t miss any deadlines

  • Freshman orientation, housing selection, first year advising..

• Congratulations Graduate!