College Planning Timeline for Grade 12

FALL

• All male students must register for selective service on their 18th birthday to be eligible for federal and state financial aid.
• Read thoroughly all mail you receive from colleges.
• Consult with your I KNOW I CAN representative.
• Continue to work on your grades.
• Don't just take the easy courses. The more you are challenged, the better prepared you are for the first year of college.
• Continue your specialized activities demonstrating initiative, creativity, commitment, and Leadership. Consider a more active role. (Get involved in student government or a project.)
• Narrow your college choices to four.
• Attend the Kiwanis College Fair or other local college fairs.
• Make sure you are enrolled in the college prep courses needed for college admission.
• If you haven't taken the ACT or SAT, register now.
• Sign up to meet with college representatives who visit your high school.
• Make more college visits, if necessary, to narrow your choice.
• Apply for scholarship and talent grants. See your guidance counselor or college representative for more information.
• Search for scholarships on the Internet.
• Obtain letters of recommendation (teachers, employers, counselors, volunteer organizations, etc.)
• Meet college application deadlines. Apply early. Make sure you have applied to at least one college you know you can afford, and where you will be accepted.
• Order the CSS Profile if required by your university.
• Keep copies of everything you send.

• Finish completing your college admission and financial aid applications. All applications should be sent prior to winter break. Keep a copy of everything you send.
• Obtain the need analysis forms: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from the guidance office. The FAFSA may not be processed prior to January 1. The form is also available on the Internet.
• Write to the colleges of your choice for their own institutional financial aid applications (some require separate forms).
• Attend the financial aid night at your high school.
• Collect college financial and tax information in preparation for completing your financial aid application.
• Register for the I KNOW I CAN financial aid forms assistance nights, which will be held in February.
• See your I KNOW I CAN representative for your college's specific financial aid deadlines.

• Make sure all forms necessary for admission and all possible financial aid applications have been submitted (keep copies).
• Attend the I KNOW ICAN workshops in your school.
• Pass the 12th grade proficiency tests.

• When you receive your Student Aid Report (SAR), review it with your I KNOW I CAN advisor.
• By now you should have received the financial aid award notice from the colleges.
• Discuss this with your I KNOW I CAN advisor.
• Return acceptance form (for admission and financial aid) to the college you plan to attend. Include all appropriate fees.

• Finalize your college choice. If at all possible do not make your selection without having made a campus visit.
• Withdraw your application from admission and financial aid from the colleges you have decided not to attend.
• Complete the follow-up paper work for the college (examples: scheduling orientation session, housing deposit, medical exam, etc.).
• Notify the guidance office of your college of choice and request a final transcript be sent to the college in June.
• Get a Last Dollar grant application from your I KNOW I CAN representative.

• If applicable, apply for a Stafford Direct Loan through a lender. Allow 6 weeks for processing the loan.
• Receive orientation schedule from the college.
• Receive residence hall assignment from the college.
• Receive course scheduling information and cost information from the college. This may be done during orientation.
• Congratulations! You've done a great job. Best wishes!
• Call the I KNOW I CAN office at 469-7044 if you have questions.