College Preparation Checklist

TO DO:

...all year

• Explore careers and their earning potential with the Occupational Outlook Handbook search tool at www.bls.gov/oco.

• Learn about choosing a college (and find a link to our free college search tool) at StudentAid.gov/prepare-for-college/choosing-schools.

• Go to college fairs and college-preparation presentations hosted by college representatives.

...fall

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT.* You must take the test in 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program.

...spring

• Register for and take exams for college admission.* The tests that many colleges require are the SAT, the SAT Subject Tests, and the ACT. Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require.
  

• Use the free scholarship search tool at StudentAid.gov/scholarships to find scholarships for which you might want to apply. Some deadlines fall as early as the summer between 11th and 12th grades, so prepare now to submit applications soon.
  

• TO EXPLORE:
  Visit www.YouTube.com/FederalStudentAid and go to the “Types of Aid” playlist to see how the government can help you pay for college.

• Learn how to avoid scholarship scams and identity theft at StudentAid.gov/scams.
  *REMEMBER: Register for all tests in advance, and be sure to give yourself time to prepare appropriately! If you have difficulty paying a registration fee, ask your school counselor about getting the fee waived.
  

• Summer Before 12th Grade
  
  TO DO:
  Create a username and password called an FSA ID that you’ll use to confirm your identity when accessing your government financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents. You and your parent will each need your own unique FSA ID. Learn about the FSA ID, and create yours, at StudentAid.gov/fsaid. Note: You must create your own FSA ID; if your parent creates it for you, that’ll cause confusion later and will slow down the financial aid application process.
  

• Narrow down the list of colleges you are considering attending. If you can, visit the schools that interest you.
  

• Contact colleges to request information and applications for admission. Ask about financial aid, admission requirements, and deadlines.
  

• Decide whether you are going to apply under a particular college’s early decision or early action program. Be sure to learn about the program’s deadlines and requirements.
  

• Apply for scholarships. Your goal is to minimize the amount of loan funds you borrow so you have less to pay back later.
  

• TO EXPLORE:
  Find out what government financial aid you can apply for, and how, in Federal Student Aid at a Glance at StudentAid.gov/glance.
  

• Watch the “Overview of the Financial Aid Process” video at www.YouTube.com/FederalStudentAid to learn about getting student aid from the government.
  

• Be careful when searching for scholarships. Read Don’t Get Scammed on Your Way to College! at StudentAid.gov/resources#consumer-protection to learn how to avoid getting cheated out of money.