College Bound Checklists
College Parents of America is dedicated to providing college bound families and students with resources to make the transition to college easier. There are many tools and services that are robust services to help families identify and select a college for their college bound student.
Our function is to help be a trusted advisor who provides frameworks, tips and insights to keep you on track towards your goal of achieving a higher education and its benefits for your student.
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
