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College Planning for High School Seniors

September

• Request applications and brochures from your target colleges if you haven’t already. For more college options, sign up for FastWeb’s College Search.
• Schedule college interviews with prospective schools.
• Set up a budget for college application costs – they can add up.
• Get your applications in order by creating files for your target schools. Make a list of application requirements (essays, transcripts, etc) and deadlines for each.
• Request letters of recommendation from teachers, advisors and employers.
• Work on application essays.

October

• Talk to your parents about college cost. Decide how much you can afford and explore your options for funding.
• Request transcripts sent to your target schools.
• SAT is offered on October 4, 2008. ACT is offered on October 25, 2008. Get all 2008-2009 test dates.
• Visit to learn more about financial aid.
• Start applying for scholarships from private organizations. Check your FastWeb search results for new scholarships.

November

• If you’re applying Early Action or Early Decision, get your application in this month.
• Keep copies of all applications and forms sent to colleges.
• Request test scores sent to colleges.
• SAT is offered on November 1, 2008. Get all 2008-2009 test dates.

December

• Work on college applications! Many applications are due this month or in early January.
• SAT is offered on December 6, 2008. ACT is offered on December 13, 2008. Get all 2008-2009 test dates.
• Start gathering materials and financial records for the , available on January 1.

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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