College Planning Calendar for High School Seniors

College Planning Calendar for High School Seniors Expanded version available at www.AdventuresInEducation.org August o Set up a file to keep the information you receive from and send to colleges. Review the file weekly. o Explore college and scholarship information online. Sign up for a regular electronic newsletter (AIEmail) at aie.org. o Request admissions, housing, and scholarship information and applications from your target colleges. September o Mark your calendar for college fairs scheduled at your high school or in your community. o Meet with your high school counselor to develop a college admissions plan. o Register for the October or November SAT and/or ACT, depending on the test required by your target colleges. Keep in mind that there are prep courses that you can take to help you study for these tests. o Inquire about admissions application fee waivers to see if you qualify. o Discuss college costs with your parents. October o Create a schedule of admissions, housing, financial aid, and scholarship application deadlines. o Begin admissions and scholarship applications and essays. o Ask about and attend a financial aid program at your high school or in your area. o Request high school transcripts and letters of recommendation. November o Collect letters of recommendation or ensure that they have been submitted to your target colleges. o Submit admissions applications for early decision/early action programs. December o Complete, photocopy, and submit your admissions and scholarship applications. o Get any other financial aid forms that may be required by your target colleges. January o Complete taxes early; you will need tax information for the FAFSA. o If you plan on completing the FAFSA electronically, obtain a FAFSA PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. If you are not sure what financial aid form (FAFSA or TASFA) to submit, go to www.collegeforalltexans.com, click on Apply and then For Financial Aid. This information will help you determine the correct form and links you to the TASFA. o Schedule personal interviews at your target colleges, if required. February o Complete, photocopy, and submit the paper or electronic FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov) or TASFA. See Appendix A of the TASFA for a list of schools that accept the TASFA. If your school is not in Appendix A you will have to complete the paper FAFSA and send it to the school. o Make sure that you have submitted all required financial aid forms to your target colleges. o Watch your mail or e-mail for requests or responses from colleges regarding financial aid and admissions. March o Ask your high school counselor about Advanced Placement (AP) exams for college credit. o Review your files and follow up on submissions to and requests from admissions, housing, and financial aid offices. o Look for a summer job. College Planning Calendar for High School Seniors (continued) Expanded version available at www.AdventuresInEducation.org April o Continue to watch for admissions notifications and financial aid award letters. o Evaluate financial aid awards based on the cost of attendance and other factors at your target colleges. o Sign and return award letters and any other required financial aid forms. o Plan a college budget. o Make your final enrollment decision by accepting your top admissions offer and submitting the enrollment deposit, if requested. Most deposits are due by May 1, but check with your selected colleges. o Notify the colleges that you choose not to attend. May o Study for your AP exams and high school finals. o Contact the financial aid office at your selected college to check your status. o Finalize on-campus housing plans if you plan to live in a dorm. o Have your high school guidance office send a final official transcript to your chosen college. June o Complete any remaining financial aid forms. o Plan for college orientation and transportation. o Start a list of everything you will need to take to college. o If you are just now deciding that you want to attend college, it may not be too late for some colleges. Contact the college you are interested in attending to find out what you need to do. o Prelease an apartment if you plan on living off campus. July o Establish a bank account at a bank near your college. o Pay your fall tuition and fee bill and on-campus housing bill or arrange for your financial aid to pay them, if that option is available. o Set up an address/phone book for relatives and friends you want to keep in touch with. Include emergency numbers like doctors and insurance companies. Congratulations, you’re on your way!