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General Monthly Timeline for College Planning
September
o Discuss your classes, college plans, & test scores with your school counselor
o Research schools and create a list of 4-8 colleges.
o Arrange campus visits.
o Create a list or calendar with deadlines and required test scores.
o Create CommonApp.org account.
o Work on college essay.
o FAFSA! Create your FSA ID at FAFSA.GOV
o Search for scholarships & grants - all year process. (Check guidance website)
o Register for Oct 11th SAT
October
o Finalize college choices.
o Prepare early decision, early action or rolling admission applications.
o Request transcripts and letters of recommendation from school counselor, teachers, coaches, etc.
o Take Oct 11th SAT
o Attend Financial Aid Nights and search for additional sources of financial aid.
November
o Continue completion of applications. Be aware of early decision application deadlines.
o Attempt to have all applications completed by Thanksgiving break.
December
o Submit all college applications by the winter break.
o Submit FAFSA
o Take SAT if needed.
o Stay organized. Continue to track important dates and deadlines on your calendar.
January
o Fill out and submit colleges’ required financial aid forms.
o When you have financial aid questions, contact the appropriate college financial aid office (FAO).
February–March
o College decision and financial award letters start rolling in. If you are denied admission or are wait listed, you can send a letter of appeal and offer additional achievement information.
o Arrange to have mid-year transcripts sent to colleges as needed.
o Make sure FAFSA has been submitted by March 1st.
o Respond quickly to college requests for additional documentation.
April
o Carefully analyze your letters of acceptance and financial aid documents.
o Make a decision & send your deposit (most colleges ask for response by 5/1).
o Send a thank you letter to the colleges that you have been accepted to but have decided not to attend so they will be able to give your spot to someone on their waiting list.
o Carefully follow the directions in your acceptance letter (esp. important deadlines, instructions on housing, financial aid, orientation, etc.).
May
o Fill out the form provided by the school counseling office to specify which college should receive your final official transcript. Respond quickly to requests and return necessary forms—when in doubt contact the financial aid office (FAO).
o Notify your FAO of any additional funding you’ll be receiving to pay for college (scholarships and loans, etc.).
o Evaluate student loan lenders and take time to understand student loans. Learn about borrowing responsibly.
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