Next Year Graduates...

Seasonal College Prep Checklist

Summer for Rising Seniors

• Finalize Your College Lists

  Plan your college visits for at the top 3 colleges of your choice.

• Begin Your Financial Literacy

  Learning the differences between grants, scholarships, student loans, and student aid minimizes debt and financial stress, creating an environment for you to focus on your academic journey.

• Plan Your Scholarship Applications

  Scholarships can provide a light stream of academic income for your talents, interests, and backgrounds. No need to limit yourself. Increase your opportunities and apply for as many as you have time to do. You may have fun!

Fall Semester

• Build a Strong Support Team of Friends, Mentors and Professional Contacts

  They will become one of the most valuable assets you have throughout your life, providing emotional support, career insight, or a simple easy going social call.

• Take the SAT and/or ACT

  Give yourself enough time to prepare or retake if necessary. You Got This!

• Submit Applications Prior to the Deadlines

  Don't put yourself under unnecessary stress. Applications take time and rushing through the process starts your journey in an uneasy way so let's treat ourselves with respect.

• Request Your Transcripts & Letters of Recommendation

  Transcripts take time to process, and we don't want to miss out on an opportunity. Be respectful to those who are writing your letter of recommendation. Give them enough time for them to thoughtfully capture who you and what you bring to the table.

• Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid

• Don't Forget Your Scholarship Applications :D

Winter Break

• Review and Update Your Student Aid Report

• Scholarship Applications Final Submissions

Spring Semester

• Chose the College That's Right for You

  May 1st is usually the deadline for Early Action. Know your deadlines and compare financial aid and applicable scholarships. Don't forget to formally decline any schools that you haven't chosen to attend.

• Start Looking at Your Housing Options

  Understanding the finances and time associated with on and off campus options ensures living costs are kept at a minimum. Calculate travel time and transportation, housing, and utility costs to capture what daily life will entail due to your location.