The clock is ticking. If you are six years old, you don't need to be making important decisions just quite yet in regards to your college experience. But if you are halfway through your Junior year of High School...you better get focused.
Our University produces an 18 month calendar that helps college-bound students start getting things lined up by the middle of their Junior year. If that's you...here's a generic version that can help you know what to be thinking about and acting on.
Please remember that each University or College is different. Please consult with your specific college of choice for a list of their specific deadlines and application procedures. This calendar also assumes that you are accepted into college at some point in the process.
JANUARY
* Meet with your career counselor or guidance counselor to discuss college requirements.
* Browse college reference books and familiarize yourself with college terminology.
* Begin discussing college costs and financial aid with your family.
* Continue to study hard and be involved in school, church, and community activities.
FEBRUARY
* Begin to think about your future interests and career.
MARCH
* Narrow your college choices to 10. Start to prioritize that list.
* Attend ACT/SAT study prep class.
* Request information including an application from the colleges on your list.
APRIL
* Take advantage of opportunities to visit the colleges you're considering.
* Register for the ACT or SAT in April or May. Check the deadlines. You must register six weeks before the date of the examination. After taking the test, meet with your counselor to review your scores. Plan to take it again in your senior year. For more information see www.ACT.org or www.collegeboard.com.
* Continue to study hard and be involved in school, church, and community.
MAY
* Investigate the availability of financial aid from federal, state, local, and private sources. Check out www.fasfa.ed.gov, www.Scholarships.com, and www.fastweb.com.
* Investigate the availability of scholarships provided by organizations such as corporations, labor unions, professional associations, religious organizations, and credit unions.
* Create a college folder and file for the following:
· Copies of your report card and a list of awards and honors received.
· A list of community organizations and clubs joined, including dates of service and offices held.
· Rough draft of a writing sample about why you want to attend college.
JUNE - AUGUST
* Find a part-time job that is related to your career interests.
* Continue saving money for college.
SEPTEMBER
* Attend college fairs in your area or talk to admission officers that visit your school.
* Complete and submit your college applications for admission and financial aid.
* Ask your counselor/teacher, parents, employers, to submit the necessary documents to your colleges of choice (your transcript, letters of recommendation, etc.).
* Visit your top college choices during a preview weekend for High School Students or for an individual visit.
* Take the ACT or SAT in October, November, or December. Check the deadlines. You must register six weeks before the date of the examination.
OCTOBER
* Attend college fairs and presentations by college representatives. Listen to your school's announcements for information about college representatives visiting your school or area.
NOVEMBER
* Contact the Admission offices of your college choices to check on any missing documents that need to be turned in for your application.
DECEMBER
* December 15 is typically an early application deadline. Please submit all application materials by this date to qualify for any early submission benefits.
JANUARY
* Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
FEBRUARY
* Complete applications for scholarship opportunities you have discovered.
* If you have not already visited the college, schedule a visit to meet with professors, students, and your admission officer.
* Make sure your admission/financial aid file is complete, paying particular attention to meeting the March 1 priority deadline for Financial Aid.
MARCH
* March 1: Priority deadline for submitting application and financial aid information. Some states may allow for later submission. Check the FAFSA website for your deadline or ask your admissions counselor.
APRIL
* Review your financial aid awards, sign any letters and return them to your college. If the financial aid award is insufficient to meet your needs or if you don't understand something, contact the financial aid office of your college.
MAY
* Mail in any housing deposits, housing forms, and medical forms.
JUNE
* Contact your high school counselor and submit your final transcript to your college.
* Participate in any summer orientations and register early for classes and housing.
JULY
* Contact your roommate and make moving plans.
AUGUST
* Participate in New Student Orientation for all incoming freshman!
Whether or not this calendar is in line with your specific college planning, it is important to remember a couple of things:
+ Early is good - Get those forms, applications, and deposits in as early as you can.
+ Communicate often - Make sure that everything is in place. Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up.
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