Monthly Planning Guide For The College Bound Student
Courtesy of U.S. Bank
Planning ahead for college is the best step you can take to assure that your college career will be successful. College admissions officials are emphatic that an advanced placement class taken in high school is a plus. In your junior year of high school take college-level courses. If your high school does not offer these courses, check with a local community college to see what they offer.
You may also want to take the college entrance exam your junior year in the event you would want to retake it as a senior.
As a high school senior you will probably take college entrance exams in the fall. You should also begin applying to colleges at that time. The application deadline for many schools is January 1 but may be as early as November.
College officials recommend that you apply to a range of schools. A "safe" school is one where you know you have the grades and test scores to be accepted. Many state universities have more generous admissions policies for in-state students and community colleges usually enroll any high school graduate.
Receiving an acceptance letter from the college of your choice does not mean that you can take it easy the rest of your senior year. Some colleges will revoke your admission if you let your grades fall or you take easy courses your senior year.
Do not be disappointed if you do not get accepted at the college of your choice. There is a college education for every student that wants one.
Junior Year
September - December
- * Review your courses for this year and plan for your senior year. Be sure you select the high school courses required for college admission.
- * Investigate Advanced Placement Courses (High School courses which will count for college credit).
- * Prepare a list of colleges you're considering. Check with your school counselor and/or library for books and computer materials on the colleges you're interested in attending.
January - February
- * Begin to narrow the college list and contact the remaining colleges for literature.
- * Set up a file for each college you are considering.
- * Check out financial aid/scholarship information at www.finaid.org.
March - May
- * Take the ACT or SAT.
- * Grades aren't the only thing schools evaluate; how's your public service involvement?
- * Keep your grades up!
June - July
- * Visit colleges and take tours. Continue to refine your list of colleges.
- * Continue to evaluate colleges, perhaps talking to a recent graduate or current student.
- * Add money from your summer job to your college savings account.
Senior Year
August
- * Decide which school is right for you-large or small, public or private, close to home or away from home?
- * Use the summer to narrow your choices and visit schools.
- * Register to take the SAT or ACT, if you did not do so as a junior or if you want to retake the tests.
September
- * Check with your school counselor about local college fairs.
- * Call or write the schools you are interested in and ask for catalogs and applications.
- * Get letters of recommendation.
- * Research private scholarship sources and write letters requesting application information for those you've identified.
October
- * Visit additional colleges, and make necessary second visits.
- * Discuss your application essay with your English teacher.
- * Complete and submit your application if you are applying on an "early decision" basis.
November
- * Remind your parents that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms are due as soon as possible after January 1.
- * Check priority deadlines and entrance requirements for all colleges that you are considering.
- * See if any of the colleges you are considering offer an early financial aid estimate.
December
- * Apply to selected colleges (usually three to five). Keep copies of applications and other paperwork in your file folders.
- * Check out the U.S. Bank Internet Scholarship Program at www.usbank.com/studentloans.
- * Last chance to take SAT or ACT.
January
- * Obtain a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your high school or Dept. of Ed. web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- * Fill out and submit the forms required by the schools you have applied to.
- * Attend a financial aid night at your high school.
February
- * After you and your parents complete your tax returns, complete the FAFSA and submit it for processing.
- * Research possible sources of financial aid with your High School Guidance Office or a College Financial Aid Office.
March
- * As college forms arrive, promptly complete and return them to colleges, don't let them sit! (Keep copies in your files.)
- * Submit copies of tax forms if required by the Financial Aid Office.
- * Look for a summer job
April
- * Make your final decision on which school you want to attend and send in your deposit.
- * If you need a student loan call U.S. Bank for an application and the lender code for your state.
- * Complete the application for any student loans for which you plan to apply.
May
- * Notify colleges to which you applied but will not attend.
- * Send thank you notes to the teachers and counselors who helped you.
June
- * Have your high school send your final transcript to your college.
- * Have fun at graduation.
July
- * Add more money from this summer's job to your college savings account.
- * Pay required school fees and bills.
- * Consider U.S. Bank as your student loan lender if you need to borrow money for college.
Information courtesy of U.S. Bank
U.S. Bancorp, Member FDIC
For more information call 1-800-242-1200
or visit: www.usbank.com/studentloans
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