• Pre-College Checklist for Seniors

     

    August   September
    • Review your career plans and decide which type of school is right for you.
    • Visit some college campuses.
    • Narrow your college list to 3 - 5 schools.
    • Request catalogs and admissions information.
    • Contact your high school counselor for registration materials and test dates for SAT and/or the ACT.
    • Signup for Educaid's free email CollegeBound Newsletter at www.educaid.com.
    • Go to www.scholarships.com to review scholarships availavle to you.
    		 
    • Meet with admissions representatives who are visiting your school.
    • Make a list of test names, dates fees, registration deadlines, and of deadlines for college admissions and financial aid applications.
    • Remember that you must take tests like the SAT and the ACT at least six weeks before the deadline for scores to be submitted to colleges.
    • Begin asking teachers, guidance counselors, and employers for letters of recommendation to include with your admissions and/or scholarship applications.
    October   November
    • Take the SAT or ACT exam, if necessary.
    • Work on admissions application essays.
    • Visit your top school choices.
      • Interview some students, faculty and staff.
    • Attend special programs such as college fairs and financial aids nights.
    • Find out which financial aid applications your college choices require and when the forms are due.
    • Some private universities may require that you register for CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE™ at this time.  (This determines your qualification for private school aid.)
    		 
    • Take the SAT or ACT exam, if necessary.
    • Obtain financial aid applications from your guidance office or college of choice.  
      • Read them carefully to determine what information is required and when applications are due.
    • Begin preparing your college applications.  
      • Check with the colleges to find out when materials must be postmarked.
    December   January
    • Pick up Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at your high school counseling office or your local library.  
      • Begin working on it but DO NOT SUBMIT IT BEFORE JANUARY 1st.
    • Apply for outside funding or scholarships.
    • PARENTS: Save your year-end payroll stub if it shows your earnings for the year.  You may need it for financial aid eligibility reviews by schools.
    		 
    • Submit your completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the processor as soon after January 1st as possible.
    • KEEP COPIES OF ALL FORMS YOU SUBMIT.
    • January is Financial Aid Awareness Month.  Look for special programs in your area. (in some states)
    • PARENTS: It's helpful to get your income tax returns prepared early - school may request them to prove eligibility for financial aid.
    February   March
    • Check to see if your mid-year transcripts have been sent to the schools to which you have applied.
    • Mail your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), if you have not already done so.
    • Research taking Advanced Placement (AP) or College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams.
    • Rank your finalized list of colleges.
    • February is Financial Aid Awareness Month.  Look for special programs in your area. (in some states)
    		 
    • Look for your Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail.  Your SAR contains federal financial aid information.
    • Submit SAR and tax forms to the financial aid office if requested.  
      • Contact each office to make certain that your application is complete.
      • Find out what else your need to do to establish and maintain your eligibility for financial aid.
    • Keep copies of all forms you submit to the financial aid office.
    • If you have not received your Student Aid Report four weeks after sending in your FAFSA, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (319) 337-5665
    April   May
    • Watch the mail for college acceptance and financial aid award letters.
      • Compare the financial aid awards you receive.
    • Make your final decision and send in a deposit by the deadline.
    • Check with the college you've chosen about details of signing and returning financial aid award letters.
    • Notify the other schools that you will not be attending.
    • Watch for important deadlines at your chosen college (i.e. housing, etc.)
    		 
    • Take Advanced Placement (AP) examinations that are given in high schools nationwide.
    • If you need and are eligible for a student or parent loan, call Educaid at 1-877-318-2368 for a loan application.
    • Finalize your summer school or summer job plans.
    June
    • Enjoy Graduation !!!!!!
    • Enjoy the Summer!!!!!!
    • If you are living on campus obtain the necessary items for dorm living:
      • Toiletries (towels, washcloths, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
      • Pens, pencils, notebooks
      • Sheets, pillows, blankets
      • Utensils (forks, spoons, knives, etc.)
      • Plates, bowls, cooking utensils, etc.
      • Microwave and/or refrigerator
      • Alarm clock
      • First Aid Kit (Band-Aids, bandages, aspirin, Pepto Bismol, etc.)
      • Tool kit (screw driver, hammer, pliers, wrench, etc.)
      • Luggage (suitcases, footlocker, etc.)
      • Laundry detergent
      • Hamper (or laundry bag)
    • If you are living on campus and you know your roommate(s) make contact with them and divide the dorm necessities between you (i.e. who will bring a refrigerator, a microwave, a TV, a stereo, etc.)