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Freshman Year, High School |
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- Join school clubs and community organizations.
- Strong academic record should be built.
- Start speaking to your guidance counselor.
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Sophomore Year, High School |
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- Get complete information of the college, if possible visit personally.
- Talk to the students you know.
- Take PSATs.
- Think of the college clearly- urban or rural, private or public, large or small.
- Stay active during the admission process.
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Junior Year, High School |
 Fall |
- Narrow down your list of schools to five or ten.
- Request for admission materials and catalogs from these schools and check out the same in the web sites.
- Meet the financial aid staff, students and faculty.
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Spring |
- A list of all your application due dates should be made.
- Be ready to take SAT, SATII and/or the ACT in March or April.
- Mark the colleges you want to apply so that your scores will be sent there.
- Consult your counselor if you can register for advanced placement to earn college credit.
- Maintain good academic score. Many colleges will look up for your senior years' performance.
- Keep visiting your college. Spring break is a fine time.
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Summer |
- If you haven't yet taken SAT, SATII or the ACT, sign up for these entrances.
- Continue visiting colleges.
- Obtain all application materials including forms from various colleges.
- Work hard and take part in extra curricular activities as well as volunteer organizations.
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Senior Year, High School |
August
September |
- Shortlist your list of schools to make them between five to ten.
- Ask for admission material, catalogs from the short listed schools, and visit their Web sites.
- Be open to any kind of recommendations and guidance from your counselor, teachers, and employers.
- Visit the schools on your list and meet their faculties, students, and the financial aid staff.
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October
November |
- A list of all your application due dates should be made.
- Fill your forms under proper guidance and start writing your essays.
- In case you are looking for early admission, request an Early Financial Aid application.
- You must download a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Various resources which provide these copies are public libraries, high school guidance counselors, or local colleges.
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December
January |
- Apply for the scholarships.
- Submit your application as early as possible.
- Parents should complete the tax process early; this is needed for filling FAFSA and other financial aid applications.
- Submit FAFSA as soon as possible. You must ensure that you fill in the names of colleges of your interest and keep a copy for your record.
- Start your preparation for advance placement exams, if applicable.
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February
March |
- Four weeks have passed by since you've submitted your FAFSA and no reply as yet? Time to call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID.
- Ensure that your financial aid applications, transcripts, and recommendations have been submitted.
- Check your Student Aid Report (SAR) if it needs any corrections. Keep a copy with yourself and send another to your school, if required.
- Relax! Waiting to hear from the colleges may be the most difficult time.
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April
May |
- Compare the colleges that have accepted you and study the financial aid you have been offered.
- Make a detailed study of the ones which have accepted you and the ones which have not.
- Sign financial aid forms and return them with your deposit.
- Take advanced placement exams for college credit, if required.
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June
July
August |
- If required, you should apply for a Stafford Loan.
- If needed, ask your parents to apply for a PLUS loan. Keep yourself updated on your school's PLUS application deadlines and other requirements.
- Discuss your loan details with your financial aid administrator and attend an entrance interview with a financial aid counselor to learn about the terms of your loan.
- For students applying for Stafford loan, they can complete their required entrance interview online.
- Enjoy your summers!! Look forward to an amazing time in a well-earned college.
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Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars.