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College Planning Checklist

FRESHMAN YEAR

  • Develop good study habits
  • Learn about extra-curricular activities - many colleges consider talent and leadership
  • Visit your School Counselor
  • Begin high school resume of extra-curricular activities
  • Monitor involvement with Social Media - can affect college admission

SOPHOMORE YEAR

  • Continue with good study habits - work hard in classes (GPA matters!)
  • Take the PSAT Test
  • Check in with your School Counselor
  • Consider attending the local College Fair
  • Find summer job to start saving for college
  • Participate in volunteer activities

JUNIOR YEAR

  • Keep working hard in your classes - keep raising that GPA!
  • Attend college rep visits at school--these are the people who will eventually read your applications
  • Start a list of colleges you are interested in
  • Take the PSAT seriously- it could lead to scholarships
  • Initiate contact with colleges to request information and learn about preview days
  • Attend College Fairs
  • Plan to visit colleges, preferably when they are in session
  • Explore SAT/ACT review courses
  • Create a testing timeline including multiple testing dates if needed
  • Update profile in SCOIR
  • Meet with counselor for Junior Planning Meeting
  • Talk as a family about college costs. Estimate costs at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov
  • Request teacher recommendations in the spring
  • Begin writing college application essays during the summer
  • Continue to monitor involvement with Social Media

SENIOR YEAR

  • See School Counselor as needed to help with college application process
  • Continue studying - NO senioritis! (colleges can revoke admissions)
  • Pay attention to deadlines!
  • Know which schools require ACT/SAT scores directly from testing agency
  • Update your profile on SCOIR
  • Register for the ACT and/or SAT, if necessary
  • Visit with College Representatives in the fall
  • Finalize list of colleges - visit, visit, visit!
  • Complete FAFSA after October 1st
  • Attend local and/or national College Fairs
  • Organize application and university scholarships by deadlines -Know application requirements for each school
  • Attend financial aid workshop with your parents
  • Secure letters of recommendation if required by school
  • Submit transcript requests through SCOIR
  • Complete and submit online college applications
  • Complete FAFSA after October 1st
  • Continue with scholarship search
  • Complete Senior Exit Survey on time
  • Notify your college of your plans to attend by accepting aid package and submit housing request and send in deposit on or before May 1st
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