Checklists
August to September
- Develop a college plan
- Establish a consistent visit schedule to your high school career center. High school career centers have information and resources about numerous colleges in your state and out of state
- Talk to a high school counselor about your college plans. They have contact information of college recruiters and admissions representatives
October to November
- Meet with local college admissions representatives that visit your high school on a regular basis
- Attend college fairs and financial aid nights with your parents
- Research online about available scholarships both from colleges you applied for and outside organizations
- Apply for scholarships continuously
December
- Apply for scholarships continuously
- Narrow your college choices to those schools that are the best fit for you
- Visit the colleges of focus interest. This will give you an idea about the climate, campus culture and class style (Read more about what to ask during your compus visits)
- Explore all campus housing options
January
- Understand early submit of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Organize the related financial records to prepare for FAFSA
- Request (both you & your parents) your personal identification number (PIN) at pin.ed.gov
- Complete and submit free application of FAFSA at fafsa.gov as soon as possible after January 1st
- Apply for scholarships from outside organizations
February to March
- Respond in a timely manner to any requests from any colleges for additional documents such as IRS 1040 income tax returns of clarification of information on the financial aid application
- Review financial aid notifications (aid offers) carefully with your parents
- Make comprehensive considerations with parents and decisions on college attendance
April
- Pay enrollment deposit. Many institutions require an enrollment deposit for you to sign up for (early) orientation by May
- Submit Immunization Verification so that you can register for class during orientation
- Complete the math placement exam (if your institution requires you to). Many institutions use math placement exam results to guide you for appropriate freshman math courses
- Mark your calendar with important deadlines such as housing, meals, transportation, financial aid, etc. (Important dates for new college parents)
May
- Attend on-campus orientation, during which consult academic advisors, complete early class registration and confirm on-campus housing and meal plan
- Maintain high academic standards during senior year. College admissions are contingent on graduation from high school. Some colleges require your senior-year course work information
- Check the flexible payment options at your college
- Pay tuition and fees. It’s important to meet deadlines
- Purchase books, obtain parking decal and student ID
