When thinking about college, it's important to plan seasonally. In the fall, register for standardized tests and schedule college visits. Create a student resume and decide on application deadlines. In winter, focus on regular decision applications and financial aid forms like the FAFSA. Review financial aid packages in the spring and make an informed decision based on social and financial factors. Complete necessary forms over the summer in preparation for the fall semester.

3. When thinking
about college…

4. Think
Seasonally

5. In the Fall

6. Register and take or… re-take the
SAT
Register for the SAT HERE
or the
ACT
Register for the ACT HERE

7. Schedule college
visits to make
sure you like the
school…
Or at least take a
look with a virtual
tour

10. Create your
Student
Résumé
Outline it first,
then have an
advisor review it!
Tips for writing a
great high school
resume

11. your favorite teachers,
coaches or advisors for
student recommendations
Tips for the best ways to ask for a
recommendation

12. Decide how
you want to
apply to
college
What is Early Decision?
What is Early Action?
What is Regular Decision?

14. HERE are 7
reasons to avoid
senioritis!
Control your early
symptoms of senioritis
and keep working hard!

16. In Winter

17. Start regular decision applications
HERE are the dates you need to know
for college applications
Finish up college visits
HERE are some tips for planning the
perfect college visit

18. How are your
social media
profiles looking?

19. 4 easy ways to clean up your
social media profiles
1 - Choose appropriate pictures
3 - Check privacy settings
If your grandmother wouldn’t be happy with it, untag yourself
You can easily privatize your social media
by changing your personal settings
2 - Search Your Name on Google
If any embarrassing/inappropriate tweets
or public posts come up from your social
profiles, you should probably delete them
Don’t be this guy 
4 - Sticks, stones and words…
In addition to sticks and stones, words can
also hurt you – so be careful what you
post, tweet, pin etc.
If you think that
admissions officers
can’t find you, read
this article

20. File the FAFSA on time!
“The early bird gets the worm”
File the FAFSA by:
Rule of thumb for maximum
financial aid eligibility!

22. Financial aid is generally awarded
on a first come first serve basis
The earlier you file the FAFSA, the
more likely you can qualify for
maximum funding

23. FILE YOUR FAFSA!
January 1st:
New FAFSA is
available online
Q: What if tax returns are not
ready by FAFSA filing date?
A: Estimate figures and file
FAFSA before deadline; Update
figures later once taxes are filed

24. Know your sources of funding
Grants:
Scholarships:
Sources:
Sources:
Awarded considering student financial
need
Federal, state, institutional
Awarded based on merit
College of attendance, charities,
social organizations
Most popular:
Federal Pell, FSEOG, various state
programs, school based programs
Most popular:
Academics, community service,
leadership, personal attributes,
athletics
Federal Loans:
Widely available for students
Sources:
Federal Direct Loans
Work Study:
Most popular:
Subsidized, unsubsidized, parent plus
Reminder
Earn the hourly federal
minimum wage, up to 20 hrs
per week
Always maximize grants, scholarships and other financial aid before applying for student loans!

25. Apply for
Scholarship Search Basics
1 - Use online resources: Filter for national options
2 - Check local: Community groups can help
3 - Avoid scams: Don’t pay for scholarship applications

26. Also remember to…
Fill Out Your
CSS Profile For
Elite Schools
Review Your
Student Aid Report,
Admissions Decisions
and Financial Aid
Awards
Which schools
qualify as
elite? Here’s
the list
Tips for
reviewing your
financial aid

27. Spring

28. Understand your
Financial Aid Package
Sample Financial Aid Package
FAQs
•What are Federal Loans?
•What is Federal Work Study?
•What are Federal Grants?
•What are State Grants?
•What are Institutional Grants?
Click to check out NASFAA’s Cash for
College brochure for more (.PDF on
NASFAA site)

29. KEY FINANCIAL AID TERMS
YOU SHOULD KNOW!
Financial Need = COA – EFC
The difference between COA and EFC is the student’s
financial need, and determines eligibility for need
based financial aid resources. Student with greater
financial need will qualify for more financial aid.
EFC = Expected Family Contribution
The amount of financial support your family is
expected to provide towards college costs (determined
mostly by family income and assets as calculated on
the FAFSA).
COA: Cost of Attendance
Total costs associated with attending college including
tuition, room & board, books, transportation,
personal expenses.

30. Calculate your Financial Need!

31. Review your Financial Aid Offer
So what’s the deal
with professional
judgment?
Do I qualify?
How to receive merit-based scholarships?
How to review a financial aid offer?
What is professional judgment?

32. Know your Degree vs Debt potential
Top-Paid Degrees
1. Engineering
2. Computer Science
3. Physics
4. Applied Math
5. Economics
6. Info Systems
7. Finance
8. Government & Political Science
9. Construction Management
10. Biochemistry
What is Degree vs. Debt?
Tips for career to debt repayment?

34. “Socially, academically & financially balanced…
…your decision should be.”

35. Congratulations! You’ve been
Now
What?
Make an Informed Decision
about your School Choice that
incorporates social and
financial reasoning
Consider Your Debt Versus Your
Potential Earnings in Your Career
Submit your deposit to the
school of your choice

36. It’s Summer

38. To complete the
Direct Loan
Master Promissory
Note and Entrance
interview online
Federal Direct
Loan Website

39. Ask your college billing office
• Is your account up to date?
• Financial & medical clearance
• How do you set up a monthly bill-payment
plan?
• Do you need college health insurance?
• In most cases if you’re covered by your parents,
may waive charges
you
• Are you cleared to move into your dorm?

40. Prepare your college
What does a college budget look like?
How can I calculate MY college budget?