Juniors

August

• Review your high school courses and activities. Colleges look for challenging course work, strong grades, and extracurricular activities.

September

• Browse college catalogs and guidebooks, and surf the web for information.

• List 10 colleges you would like to attend.

• Talk to your parents and high school guidance counselor about that list to narrow it down.

• Register and study for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT).

• Plan to attend college fairs and parents’ nights in your area.

October

• Take the PSAT.

• Research Advanced Placement (AP) or college courses you might take.

• Continue researching organizations that award scholarships to graduating seniors. You may need to apply for them the summer after your junior year.

November

• Learn about eligibility requirements for federal and private student loans.

• Talk as a family about how much you can afford to spend for your education.

January

• Plan for the next round of tests: the SAT and the ACT.

• Attend financial aid nights in your area.

February

• Investigated private scholarships and other aid programs. Check with your parents’ employers, local membership organizations, or programs related to your intended course of study.

• Make the most of spring break with a weeklong college tour.

• Register for the SAT and ACT. Take an exam prep courses to help you succeed.

March

• Visit three to six schools on your final list. Schedule and admissions interview and an overnight stay. Take time at each school’s financial aid office to collect information.

• Begin preparing essays for admissions and scholarship applications.

• Take the SAT and/or the ACT.

• Mark your calendar with dates for future tests.

May

• Take the SAT and/or the ACT.

• Mark your calendar with the dates for future tests.

June

• Continue researching organizations that award scholarships to graduating seniors. You may need to apply for them the summer after your junior year.

Seniors!

September

• Meet with college admissions representatives visiting your school.

• Make a calendar of key application and financial aid deadlines.

• Ask teachers, guidance counselors and other adults who know you for letters of recommendation for scholarship and admissions applications.

October

• Take the SAT or ACT if necessary.

• Work on admissions application essays.

• Revisit your top school choices. Talk face to face with current students and faculty members at those schools.

• Continue to seek and apply for scholarship awards from a variety of sources.

November

• Take the SAT or ACT if necessary.

• Obtain financial aid applications from your colleges of choice.

• Prepare your college applications.

December

• Gather the data needed for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

January

• Submit your completed FAFSA as soon after January 1st as possible.

February

• Check to see if your mid-year transcripts have been sent to the schools to which you have applied.

• Plan for AP exams.

March

• Look for your Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail. Pay particular attention to the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and discuss it with your parents and family.

April

• Watch the mail for acceptance letters and financial aid award letters. Compare the financial aid packages.

• Choose a school and send in a deposit by the deadline.

• Contact the financial aid office at your chosen school to make certain your application is complete.

May

• Take AP examinations.

• Write thank yous to the people who wrote you letters of recommendation.

• Celebrate your high school graduation!