August:
- Finish researching & visiting colleges.
- Narrow down which schools you want to apply to.
- Check to see if there are separate application processes required for your intended major.
- Look at financial aid information for colleges you are considering.
- Sign up on one or more of the FREE scholarship search websites.
- Register for any additional ACT or SAT administrations (early fall recommended) and study for ACT/SAT. Request that scores be sent to colleges when you register. ACT click HERE. SAT click HERE.
- Attend the College Fair at Surry Community College.
- Begin college applications taking special note of supplemental information requested (personal statements, essays, test scores, recommendations, etc.)
- Determine application deadlines for first choice colleges and be prepared to meet those deadlines. Early deadlines are often between October 1 and November 1.
- Request teacher recommendations well ahead of deadlines. When they agree to provide a recommendation, remember to give teachers information about the college or scholarship the recommendation is for and well as you extra-curricular involvement.
- Apply for any scholarships advertised.
- Do well in your classes!
- Make sure you register for any additional ACT/SAT administrations if needed. ACT click HERE. SAT click HERE.
- Schedule any college interviews if required or recommended.
October:
- Complete and submit applications for first choice colleges.
- Make sure you have essays, college applications, and scholarships proof read.
- Continue to look for scholarships you are eligible for.
- Read college admission websites/blogs to continue gathering information about schools you are interested in.
- Check CFNC.org to determine which schools will offer fee waivers during College Application Week.
- Determine if you need to set up an online account at the school you have applied to.
- Continue to submit college applications.
- Finish college applications during College Application Week if possible.
- Continue to look for scholarships you are eligible for.
- Begin looking at college financial aid websites regarding cost of attendance and resources available.
- Check to see if all materials have arrived at the colleges you have applied for.
- Use the FAFSA4caster.
December:
- Early decision college admission letters may start arriving!
- Continue applying for scholarships.
- Students and parents should prepare to complete their taxes ASAP in preparation for submitting the FAFSA.
- Attend financial aid meeting at school.
- Continue applying for scholarships.
- Attend FAFSA workshop at school if needed.
- Complete the FAFSA once your taxes are complete. You should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks of completing the FAFSA.
- Apply for scholarships. Many local scholarships are available now!
March-April:
- You should have received acceptance letters by now and estimated financial aid award letters should arrive as well.
- Watch your email for information about college financial aid documents that may be needed to complete verification.
- Consider a follow-up visit and consult financial aid available to make final decisions about which school to attend.
- Once you determine which school to attend, submit your deposit.
- Apply for scholarships. Many local scholarships are available now!
- Make final decision about which college you plan to attend and notify the school (usually by May 1).
- Watch your email for information about college financial aid documents that may
be needed to complete verification. - If you were placed on a waitlist, contact the school and let them know you are still interested.
- If you have taken any college courses, request transcript(s) be sent from the college(s) to the institution you will attend.
- Graduate from high school!!!
- Submit a final transcript to the college you will attend.
- Begin looking for a bill for tuition, room and board.
- Attend orientation and/or registration.
- Read ALL information sent from the college to make sure all documents are in order.
- Relax, earn some money, and get ready for your next academic adventure!