Make an appointment to meet with your guidance counselor if necessary
Create an information file for each college on your list
Plan final college visits and interviews (remember to send thank you letters to each college you visit)
October
Start drafting college essays
Attend local College Fairs and/or Financial Aid Nights
Complete any Early Decision applications (if you wish to use the Early Decision process, check with your guidance office for any scholarship opportunities you may be eligible for)
Check with your church, local paper, community organizations or parents' employer for additional scholarship opportunities
Submit secondary school/counselor evaluation forms
Try to send at least one college application by Thanksgiving
Keep college files up to date with current information
Eat more turkey or Tofurkey!
December
Finalize all applications and essays--review these with your guidance counselor, teacher or a parent for content accuracy
Mail completed applications to colleges
Ask teachers for recommendation letters (and provide them with addressed/stamped envelopes)
January
Attend a Financial Aid Night at your High School (if any)
Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after the 1st of January online using your PIN at:
fafsa.ed.gov
Send colleges special talent documentation or information to better your chances of acceptance
February
Ensure that colleges you have applied to received the results of your FAFSA and College Board tests
March
Watch your mail college responses
Send any new materials to colleges which may help their admissions decision
Make a list of student loan questions and call the PNC Education Loan Center (1-800-762-1001) for smart education financing solutions
April
The responses from colleges you applied to should have arrived
Make a commitment and choose your school
Write "Thanks, but no thanks" letters to colleges you will not be attending
If you are on a waiting list, write a "pleading" letter and send any supporting materials you can--ask teachers, coaches, and counselors for assistance
May
Take the Advance Placement (AP) Exam
Complete the dormitory forms (if any)
Make sure you apply for your student loan--call the PNC Education Loan Center (1-800-762-1001)
June
Graduation--Congratulations!
If you accept a Federal Work-Study option, it may be your responsibility to find a position
Summer
Participate in extra-curricular or volunteer activities
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