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College Planning for High School Seniors

January

• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1.
• Check with your prospective colleges about additional financial aid application forms and requirements.
• Send mid-year reports to colleges, if necessary.
• Verify that your applications have been received by colleges.
• Send thank-you notes to your recommendation sources.

February

• Review the SAR (Student Aid Report) to make sure the information is correct. You should receive it 4-6 weeks after you submit your FAFSA (1-2 weeks if you submit your FAFSA electronically).

March-April

• Check the mail for admissions letters and financial aid awards.
• Compare your admissions offers. Ask your guidance counselor to help you weigh your options.
• Contact the financial aid office if you have any special financial aid circumstances.
• If waitlisted, notify the admissions office if you’re still interested.
• Plan your summer internship, job or program.
• Time for a decision! Most schools ask that you choose your school by May 1.

May

• Notify (in writing) the schools you have decided not to attend.
• Make sure you’ve received the necessary forms for housing, health insurance, financial aid, etc.
• Pursue additional student loan options.
• Notify colleges of any private scholarship awards.

June-August

• Have your final transcripts sent to your new school.
• Research banking options near your college.
• Double-check any final deadlines for housing, financial aid, etc.
• Set up a projected first-year college budget.

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