Timeline
|
September
|
- Make sure you have all applications required for college admission.
- It is a good idea to submit all college applications by the end of October (Halloween).
- Be sure to send a transcript to each college. This can be done electronically at www.docufide.com
- If planning to retest, register for the October/November SAT Reasoning Test and/or SAT Subject Tests, or September/October ACT.
- If the colleges require recommendations, ask the appropriate people to write on your behalf. At least three weeks before the due date, ask your counselor and teachers, employers, or coaches to write letters of recommendation. Provide any necessary recommendation forms and/or any special instructions. Write "Thank You" notes to those who write recommendations and keep them informed of your decisions.
- Plan visits to colleges (if you didn't get to them during the summer or if you want to return to a campus for a second time).
- Attend College Visits through the Carlson Counseling Department, so you can talk with college representatives in person.
|
October
|
- Attend a regional college fair to investigate further those colleges to which you will probably apply.
- Mail applications in time to reach the colleges by the deadlines. Check with your guidance counselor to make sure your transcript and test scores have been/will be sent to the colleges to which you are applying. To do this, you must submit a Transcript Request Form.
- If applying for early decision or early action, send in your application now. Also prepare applications for back-up schools. Remember, if you are accepted under the early decision option, you are expected to enroll at that college and to withdraw all other applications. Submit financial aid information if requested from early decision/action candidates.
- Register for the December/January SAT Reasoning Test and/or SAT Subject Tests, or December ACT if you have not completed the required tests or if you are not happy with your previous test scores and think you can do better.
- Have official test scores sent by the testing agency to colleges on your list.
|
November
|
- Continue completing applications to colleges. Make copies of all applications before mailing the applications.
- Check to see if the colleges to which you are applying require any other financial aid form. Register for the CSS Profile if required and obtain the college's own financial aid forms, if available.
- Start consulting the Scholarship Handout. The Scholarship Handout is available in the Counseling Office and online. Scholarship information can also be found in the Junior/Senior Handbook or on FastWeb.
- Keep all records, test score reports, and copies of applications for admission and financial aid. Do not throw anything away until at least the end of your first year in college. Having detailed records will save you time and effort should anything be lost or should you decide to apply in the future to other colleges and scholarship programs.
|
December
|
- Have official test scores sent to colleges on your list if you have not done so.
|
January
|
- Parents and students, complete your income tax forms as soon as possible. You will need those figures to fill out the FAFSA. Complete and return your FAFSA as quickly as possible after January 1. Priority deadline is March 1. Check to make sure your colleges or state does not require any other financial aid forms. If they do, contact the college's financial aid office.
|
February
|
- Remember to monitor your applications to be sure that all materials are sent and received on time and that they are complete. Stay on top of things and don't procrastinate; you can ruin your chances for admission by missing a deadline.
- Attend Carlson's Financial Aid Night with a parent/guardian. A Financial Aid expert will be on hand to answer all of your questions. Please review the Fafsa worksheet prior to completing the online form.
- If you completed a FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks after submitting the FAFSA. Review the SAR carefully and check for any inaccuracies. If necessary, correct any items on the SAR and return it to the FAFSA processor (if a college transmitted your data directly, notify the college of any change).
- If more than four weeks have passed after sending in your FAFSA and you have not received an acknowledgment, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (319) 337-5665. To identify you, they will need your name, social security number, address, and date of birth exactly as it was written on your FAFSA.
|
March
|
- Review your college acceptances and financial aid awards. Be sure to compare financial aid packages in your decision-making process. If you are positive you will not enroll at one or more of the colleges which accepted you, please notify those colleges that you have selected another college. Keeping colleges abreast of your plans might enable those colleges to admit someone else. If you know which college you will attend, send your tuition deposit and follow all other instructions for admitted students. You must decide which offer of admission to accept by May 1 (postmark date).
|
April
|
- By May 1, decide on the one college that you will attend. By May 1, send in your tuition deposit to the college you will attend. Notify the other colleges that accepted you that you have selected another college.
|
May
|
- If your first-choice college places you on their waiting list, do not lose all hope. Some students are admitted off the waiting list. Talk with your counselor and contact the college to let them know you are still very interested. Keep the college updated on your activities.
- Take Advanced Placement examinations, if appropriate, and request that your AP scores be sent to the college you will attend.
|
June
|
- Request that your counselor send your final transcript to the college you will attend. Notify the college of any private scholarships or grants you will be receiving.
- Know when the payment for tuition, room and board, meal plans, etc., is due. If necessary, ask the financial aid office about a possible payment plan that will allow for you to pay in installments.
|
July
|
- Look for information in the mail from the college about housing, roommate(s), orientation, course selection, etc. Respond promptly to all requests from the college.
- Ease the transition into college. Accept the fact that you'll be in charge of your academic and personal life. What you do, when you do it and how things get done will be up to you. You'll have new responsibilities and challenges. Think about budgeting your time and establishing priorities. Take charge of the changes that lie ahead and eliminate or minimize pressures. Go forth with confidence and enthusiasm, willingness to adapt, and determination to succeed academically and personally.
- Pack for college. Don't forget to include things that remind you of friends and family. Be prepared for the new opportunities and challenges. Have a great freshman year!
|