Preparing for College

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Checklists were provided by the GEAR UP Program

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Your Senior Year, 12th Grade

Review your June SAT/ACT scores. Decide if you will retake one or both and register for the next exam if necessary.
Make sure you have all necessary applications for college admission and double check the deadlines for the schools to which you intend to apply.
Begin writing the application essays for your college applications.
Stay in contact with the representatives of the colleges to which you would like to apply.
Schedule an appointment with your school counselor to review your four-year plan and discuss your educational plans and goals.
Request letters of recommendation for your college applications.
Save for college housing and enrollment deposits (from $200-$400, depending on the school).
Research and apply for additional scholarships.

Attend a financial aid workshop with your parents/guardians.
Continue filling out college and scholarship applications (be sure to keep copies of everything you send out).

Apply for a personal identification number (PIN) for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). www.pin.ed.gov
Attend a financial aid information session at your high school if you did not attend in November and/or have additional questions.
Meet with your school counselor to go over your final college choices.

Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible (ideally between January 1st and February 15th). Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
Ask your school counselor to send your first semester transcript to the colleges to which you applied (if the colleges requested them).

Keep track of all of your applications. You can call and ask each college if your application file is complete.
You should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks after you have submitted the FAFSA.
Meet with your school counselor to discuss your college admissions and financial aid progress.
Once you begin receiving offers of admission, begin contacting the housing offices at the schools about housing options.
You will begin to receive initial financial aid offers from the schools to which you have been admitted. Read your mail!
Take advantage of college Spring Preview Days that are available at schools to which you have been admitted.

Make your college decision by May 1st, the National Candidates Reply Date (or earlier if you know), and send in your enrollment/tuition deposit to the college you will attend. Find out when tuition, room and board, meal plans, etc. are due.
Look for information in your mailbox from your college about housing, orientation, course selection and registration.

Request your final high school transcript be sent to the college of your choice and any other scholarship programs that require one.
Attend your college's orientation.

Information on this page was provided by the College Success Foundation.