Junior Year
It is important to maintain and improve your grades during your junior year. Grades can make the difference in whether you receive scholarships and grants. Work to improve your vocabulary, reading and math skills-achievement test scores are also very important for both admission and financial aid. Start a personal file to document your achievements, awards, community service, sports, club and school activities.
September:
ƒÝ Register to take your PSAT.
ƒÝ Use the career center to explore educational and career opportunities available to you.
ƒÝ Get more involved in extracurricular activities
October/November:
ƒÝ Take your PSAT in October.
ƒÝ Discuss your family's financial resources. Obtain an estimate of your EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION (EFC) and determine adjustments to increase financial aid eligibility.
ƒÝ Start a list of college characteristics that are important to you.
December:
ƒÝ Register for January SAT.
ƒÝ Attend local meetings about financial aid or college admissions. Take final steps to increase financial aid eligibility.
Senior Year
September:
ƒÝ Register to take your achievement tests (SAT's and/or ACT's).
ƒÝ Work with your guidance counselor on career interests and appropriate scholastic programs.
ƒÝ Obtain on-line, applications for each school (6 to 8) that you're applying to.
ƒÝ Develop a matrix to keep track of forms and deadlines. Will you apply Early Decision or Early Action?
ƒÝ Continue to search and apply for private scholarships as appropriate.
October/November:
ƒÝ Obtain on-line, financial aid information from each school, including forms, procedures and deadlines.
ƒÝ Continue to search for private scholarships.
ƒÝ Request letters of recommendation and transcripts.
ƒÝ Work on completing your applications
December:
ƒÝ Finalize applications prior to Winter Break.
ƒÝ Obtain on-line, a worksheet for the FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) and CSS PROFILE. Verify the deadlines for each college your applying to.
ƒÝ Begin collecting family tax information.