How to Prepare For College

Senior Year Action Plan 

September-December:

• Narrow your list of colleges to between 5 and 10 and review them with your counselor and parents.  Talk with your counselor and parents about what you are planning to do after graduation-both will be better able to assist you in your decision if they know UP FRONT!
• Have your counselor check to make sure you will meet graduation requirements.
• Make a calendar that notes test dates, fees and deadlines.  This should include application due dates and financial aid deadlines.
• Begin to ask teachers, counselors, coaches, leaders, or any other non-related adult to write letters of recommendation for you-AND give them a resume or 1 page of information about yourself and your college/career goals that will help the person writing the recommendation.
• Register to take the ACT or SAT again (if you want to attempt a better score) and be sure to check which test the college you plan prefers.
• Complete college applications.
• Apply for every scholarship you are eligible for. 

 

    January-June:

• File for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) ASAP!! You will need your parent's W2 to fill out the FAFSA.
• You can fill out the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and can get a PIN number to use to add or change your information up to the point of submitting it. (Add the pin # for the school(s) you want to attend. Example: Robert Morris School code is 001746
• You have until March 15th to meet the priority deadlines for most colleges.
• Inform schools of your acceptance or decline of offers by May 1st!!
• Send in housing contacts AS SOON AS you are sure of your attendance-housing can be in high demand and you need to secure yours!
• Get a summer job after Senior year to help pay for books and living expenses the following year. Expect to pay between $300-$900 for your books!