College calendar checklist

Careers and Colleges, Sept-Oct, 2003

SEPTEMBER

SENIORS

* Review your college choices with your guidance counselor.

* Collect application materials and keep careful track of all due dates.

* Plan to take the SAT I or ACT.

JUNIORS

* Get involved in activities.

* Register for the October PSAT.

* Start exploring all college and career sources--the counselor's office, guide books, and Web sites. such as www.CareersAndColleges.com.

OCTOBER

SENIORS

* Start outlining essay ideas.

* Contact teachers about recommendations. Give them a month to write.

* Visit any of your college choices that you haven't seen already.

JUNIORS

* Attend college fairs, talk to people about their college experiences, and explore schools online. Keep a file on colleges that interest you.

* Write notes about your interests and courses you'd like to study.

NOVEMBER

SENIORS

* If you're applying early, don't miss the November deadline.

JUNIORS

* Concentrate on classes and improve your grades.

* Start to find colleges that match your interests.

DECEMBER

SENIORS

* Complete all applications neatly and mail them on time. Don't forget to enclose the application fee.

* Make sure you have a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Call (800) 4-FED-AID or go online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

* Gather your financial records.

JUNIORS

* Review your academic record with your guidance counselor. Discuss the colleges you're interested in and your chances of acceptance.

SEPT/OCT: Still looking at those college brochures?

JANUARY

SENIORS

* Submit your FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.

* Investigate scholarships.

JUNIOR

* Start preparing for the spring admission tests. Free study aids are available online, at the library, and in your guidance office.

FEBRUARY

SENIORS

* If you've applied for aid on January 2, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR), noting eligibility for aid.

* Some colleges require mid-year grades. Be sure your high school sends them.

JUNIORS

* If possible, schedule campus visits when classes are in session to get a better feel for the school.

MARCH

SENIORS

* Plan to take AP exams in May.

JUNIORS

* Take the SAT I or ACT this spring.

APRIL

SENIORS

* Look for admission notices in the mail (some by e-mail).

* Carefully review financial aid award packages.

* Send required deposit to the school of your choice.

* Make sure your high school sends final grades, class rank, and proof of graduation to your college.

JUNIORS

* Narrow your college choice to five to eight schools.

MAY

SENIORS

* Decide which college you will attend; notify all others of your decision.

* Finalize all elements of your financial aid package. You may need to get loan applications directly from a lender.

* Enjoy the rest of your senior year and gear up for a busy summer before college.

JUNIORS

* Volunteer or do an internship this summer. The experience may provide material for your application essay.

* Identify teachers and other adults who can write you strong recommendations.

JANUARY: Got that FAFSA in the mail?