· Visit college campuses; ask college friends for advice.

· Request applications and brochures from your top college choices and visit their Web sites.

· Practice application essays by writing sample drafts

· Organize your applications by creating files for your target schools.

List application requirements and deadlines.

· Take the ACT and/or SAT

· Request letters for recommendation form teachers and community

leaders early.

· November: If you’re applying through Early Action or Early Decision, submit your application this month.

· If you are planning to enroll in summer classes’ right after graduation, you must obtain a PIN number and complete your Free Application for

Federal Student Aid. (FAFSA) You will use the 2005 Income Tax Return.

o http://www.pin.ed.gov.com/

o http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.com/

· Work on those college applications. Many applications are due in

early January.

· January: File the Free Application for Student Aid. (FAFSA) You will use the

2006 Income Tax Return.

· Check with your prospective colleges about additional financial aid application forms

and requirements.

• Check the mail for admissions letters and financial aid awards.

· Compare your admissions offers. Ask your guidance counselor to help you weigh your options.

· Time for a decision! Most schools ask that you choose your school by May 1^st. (Every school

has different deadlines!!! Know those deadlines!

· May: Don’t forget to notify schools you have decided not to attend.

· Double check deadlines for housing, financial aid, etc.

· Send your final transcripts to your new school.