Continue taking core academic courses and stay committed to your extracurriculars.

Stay involved in school or community-based activities.

Apply to colleges early and pay attention to deadlines.

Work with counselors and teachers to submit transcripts and recommendation letters.

Complete and submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1.

(Fall) Meet with your school counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate and fulfill college admission requirements.

(Winter) Complete and submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1. If you have questions about the federal student aid programs or need assistance with the application process, call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or the TTY for the hearing impaired, 1-800-730-8913.

Apply for additional scholarships.

Review financial aid offers and compare them.

(Winter) After you submit the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within three days to three weeks. Quickly make any necessary corrections and submit them to the FAFSA processor.

(Winter) Complete any last scholarship applications.

Visit colleges that have been accepted to.

(Spring) Review your college acceptances and compare the colleges’ financial aid offers.

(Spring) Finalize your college, notify that school of your commitment, and submit any required financial deposit. Many schools require this notification and deposit by May 1. 

Work with your child on filling out the FAFSA form. For tips, read Federal Student Aid and Identity Theft.

Read IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education to see how you might benefit from federal income tax credits for education expenses.