AUGUST
Review your high school courses and activities. Colleges look for challenging courses, strong grades, and extracurricular activities.
SEPTEMBER
Browse college catalogs and guidebooks, and surf the web for information.
List 10 colleges you would like to attend.
Register and study for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT).
Plan to attend college fairs and parents' night in your area.
OCTOBER
Take the PSAT.
Continue reseaching organizations that award scholarships to graduating seniors. You may need to apply for them the summer after our junior year.
NOVEMBER
Learn about eligiblity requirements for federal and private school loans.
Talk as a family about how much you can afford to spend for your education.
FEBRUARY
Investigate private scholarships and other aid programs. Check with your parents' employers, local membership organizations, or programs related to your intended course of study.
Make most of the spring break with a weeklong college tour.
MARCH
Plan on attending Penn-York College Night 2017 at St. Bonaventure University.
Register for the SAT given at Salamanca HS on Saturday, May 5th, 2018.
MAY
Take the SAT given at Salamanca HS on Saturday, May 5th, 2018.
COLLEGE PLANNING - 11TH GRADE
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Are you the type who likes to have everything big in your life planned out? Good for you! We're on your side with this "Look Ahead" timeline of month-by-month college preparation "To-Do's!"
SEPTEMBER
Sign up for the SAT given at Salamanca in November - Check in the Student Support Center for the date.
Double-check that your courses meet graduation requirements.
Get shining letters of recommendation from your fan club of teachers and employers.
If you couldn't get to your college picks over the summer, make plans to visit during your next long weekend or break.
OCTOBER
Check out any college nights or conferences you've heard about.
Psst! If you forgot to register for the SAT, do it now!
Start filling out your applications. Find out what you can about early admission dates.
Be sure to attend FINANCIAL AID NIGHT at School.
It's time to fill out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Ask for assistance from your school counselor's office.
Get to writing! Attempt a first draft of your application essay and resume.
Don't let your schoolwork suffer!
NOVEMBER
Attend financial aid meetings and seminars with your 'rents.
Meet again with your college advisor.
Finish up your applications and schedule visits/interviews to your selected colleges.
Oh yeah -- did we mention the SAT? Take it (again).
Pick up student financial aid application forms.
DECEMBER
Keep track of individual college applications and financial aid forms.
Are all your college applications submitted? Are any other due dates approaching?
Okay procrastinators: Holiday break gives you lots of time to finish your essay and resume, not to mention those applications.
JANUARY
Xerox your family's tax returns for future reference.
Search school bulletin boards and the Internet for specific scholarship and financial aid info.
Make your mid-year grades available to colleges.
Check your mail for decisions on those early admission applications.
FEBRUARY
Send your mid-year high school grade report to colleges. Your guidance department can help.
Check out financial aid available from church groups, labor unions, and other organizations.
It's due! This month is the deadline for many colleges' admission applications.
MARCH
Do you need to register for Advanced Placement (AP) exams? If so, get to it!
Remember those tax return xeroxes? Keep them on hand -- colleges may require you to submit copies.
Time to hunt for a summer job.
Financial aid deadlines are approaching -- don't miss 'em!
Been accepted to a few colleges? Arrange to visit them.
Selected a college? Mail in the housing deposit.
APRIL
Colleges should be letting you know the deal soon. Try not to stress!
If you haven't done so yet, it's time to make an enrollment decision (May 1st is the cut off), accept the financial aid offered, and send in housing and tuition deposits!
When you get your financial aid package, review it with your choice college's advisors until you completely understand it.
It's not too late to register for the Advanced Placement (AP) exams if you hurry.
MAY
Ask that your final transcript be sent to the college you will be attending.
Notify the colleges you have decided not to grace with your presence.
If you get an aid package from one of your "No" schools, let them know so another lucky student can reap the award.
Send thank-you notes to those who have helped you out along the way.
JUNE-AUGUST
Let your high school guidance office know of any other scholarships you land.
If you have to borrow some bucks from the Federal Family Education Loan Programs, fill out the applications.
Remember that summer job? Put some money away -- you'll need it for education funding and books!
All of your college preparation has paid off. Get ready for your first year of college!
COLLEGE PLANNING - SENIOR YEAR
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