You are almost there, congratulations! Look through this timeline for a general idea of what to expect and use the other tabs for more information on the different tasks. This is not to make you feel overwhelmed, but just prepare you for what's to come throughout the entire year. Remember to take care of yourself and enjoy your remaining time in high school. I am here as a resource to help guide you and get you where you want to be!

August-September:

• Register and take the ACT and/or SAT

  • Ask for a fee waiver!

• Research colleges and make a list (see "College Overview" tab for more information)

• Complete the RDS

  • See "RDS" tab for more information

• Create all college related accounts (make sure to use personal email):

  • Make CFNC.org (need for RDS and College Applications)

  • Make Common App Account

• Create an FSA ID at fafsa.ed.gov (for both you and your parent/guardian)

  • See "FAFSA" tab for instructions

• Ask for letters of recommendation

  • The earlier you ask, the better!

• Check to see if any of the schools from your list require essays/short answers and begin working on those!

October:

• Take the SAT and/or ACT if applicable

  • Bring your SAT admission ticket, a photo ID, a calculator, and a snack.

  • If you need to re-test register for the November SAT

• If you haven’t already, begin college applications so you can have them complete by College Application Week (October 17 - 21, during which many of the NC public, private, and community colleges waive their application fee)!

  • Be aware of your application deadlines! They can sneak up on you.

• Begin your FAFSA on October 1st and check FAFSA deadlines for each school to which you applied.

  • March 1st is a good rule of thumb, but some schools need it done earlier. Also, earlier is better since grant and loan money is sometimes contingent on the remaining funds.

• Some schools require CSS Profile

  • Click here for a list of schools that required a CSS profile last year: https://profile.collegeboard.org/profile/ppi/participatingInstitutions.aspx

• Start looking for and applying to scholarships! Free money never hurts.

November-December:

• Finish college applications (again, be mindful of institutions deadlines for admissions AND scholarships)

• Make sure all test scores, transcripts, and supplemental information has been sent in. You can do this by checking the college application portals you used to apply.

• SCHOLARSHIPS! Never stop looking for scholarships!

January-June:

• Submit mid-year transcripts/reports if required

• SCHOLARSHIPS

• You will begin to hear back from colleges, scholarships, and financial aid meaning...it is time to decide!

  • If can be tough to decide what your next step is, reach out if you need help! I can help you go over financial aid packets with you as well.

• Congratulations!