Parent's College Preparation Checklist
There are several Web sites with further information on how to assist your student in preparing for college. A few of these are http://www.collegeboard.com/, http://www.mapping-your-future.org/ and http://www.act.org/.
Student in High School Students Junior Year – FallSeptember: Student should register for the PSAT/NMSQT Exam. Results on the exam may qualify the student for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s scholarship programs.
October: Students take the PSAT/NMSQT Exam.
Fall: Research finance options to pay for your student’s education by learning more about costs, financial aid and scholarships.
Year round: Visit college campuses, take campus tours, attend open house programs and college fairs in your area and at schools your student may be interested in attending. Talk with your student about what to look for in a college.
Student’s Junior Year – Winter
Winter: Students should register for college entrance exams – such as the SAT and/or ACT. Information can be found at http://www.actstudent.org/regist/index.html or http://mapping-your-future.org/selecting/standard.htm.
Year round: Continue to visit colleges and have discussions with your student about what he/she is looking for in a college.
Student’s Senior Year – Fall
Fall: Students should start applying to colleges now! Most college applications require the student to submit the application with the school counselor or administrator signature, an application fee, official school transcripts and college entrance exam score reports. Some schools also require letters of recommendation and/or personal statements from the student. Students should provide a resume of activities/education to those preparing the letters of recommendation and give plenty of time for them to write the letter.
Fall: Register for college entrance exams if the student would like to re-take the exams.
Fall: Research local and other scholarship opportunities through the Web and school counselors.
Year round: Continue to visit college campuses and fairs.
Student’s Senior Year – Winter
Winter: Apply early for Financial Aid. All students, even those expecting scholarships, should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can pick up the FAFSA from their school counselor or the FAFSA can be submitted online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
Winter: Ensure that scholarship application deadlines are met.
Winter: Student should make their final decision on what school to attend. Some schools have a deadline for students to confirm attendance and/or submit a deposit.