Financial Aid Timeline

September

• Meet your guidance counselor
• Register for the PSAT (Pre-Scholastic Aptitude Test)
• Encourage your family to begin Financial Aid Planning
• Purchase or borrow college reference books
• Get motivated and think about extra-curricular and community service activities
• Memorize your Social Security Number

October

• Take the PSAT
• Study hard and keep your grades up
• Volunteer your services in a career field that interests you--internships are often helpful and build strong resumes

November

• Research career paths and opportunities
• Visit a science, art or history museum
• Eat turkey or Tofurkey!

December

• Use PSAT results to begin to review or determine your range of college choices
• Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss college options. Find out which College Admissions tests are required (SAT, ACT, ACH) for the schools that you're considering

January

• Consider and research College Board review courses or videos
• Call the PNC Education Loan Center for helpful information on how to pay for your college education (1-800-762-1001)

February

• Register and study for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
• Register and study for the American College Test (ACT) and Achievement Test exams (ACH), if necessary
• Talk to your guidance counselor and family to further research your career field
• Look for local college fairs around your area

March

• Look into interesting and challenging summer courses, jobs or internships
• Meet with your guidance counselor and narrow your list of college choices to five or six schools
• Continue to study for college boards (SAT, ACT, ACH)

April

• Take the SAT, take the ACT and ACH if required by your school(s)
• Request college catalogs and applications from the five or six colleges you've selected

May

• Plan your senior school year course and activity schedule
• Get a summer job
• Plan a vacation!

June

• Arrange for initial college interviews and visits

Summer

• Do something inspiring!
• Keep up the extra-curricular activities and community service work
• Continue college and scholarship research
• Visit potential college campuses

September

• Keep up with your course work
• Make an appointment to meet with your guidance counselor if necessary
• Create an information file for each college on your list
• Plan final college visits and interviews (remember to send thank you letters to each college you visit)

October

• Start drafting college essays
• Attend local College Fairs and/or Financial Aid Nights
• Complete any Early Decision applications (if you wish to use the Early Decision process, check with your guidance office for any scholarship opportunities you may be eligible for)
• Check with your church, local paper, community organizations or parents' employer for additional scholarship opportunities
• Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after the 1st of January online using your FSA ID at: fafsa.ed.gov

November

• Create an FSA ID at: fafsa.ed.gov
• Submit secondary school/counselor evaluation forms
• Try to send at least one college application by Thanksgiving
• Keep college files up to date with current information
• Eat more turkey or Tofurkey!

December

• Finalize all applications and essays--review these with your guidance counselor, teacher or a parent for content accuracy
• Mail completed applications to colleges
• Ask teachers for recommendation letters (and provide them with addressed/stamped envelopes)

January

• Attend a Financial Aid Night at your High School (if any)
• Send colleges special talent documentation or information to better your chances of acceptance

February

• Ensure that colleges you have applied to received the results of your FAFSA and College Board tests

March

• Watch the mail for responses from colleges
• Send any new materials to colleges which may help their admissions decision
• Make a list of student loan questions and call the PNC Education Loan Center (1-800-762-1001) for smart education financing solutions

April

• The responses from colleges you applied to should have arrived
• Make a commitment and choose your school
• Write "Thanks, but no thanks" letters to colleges you will not be attending
• If you are on a waiting list, write a "pleading" letter and send any supporting materials you can--ask teachers, coaches, and counselors for assistance

May

• Take the Advance Placement (AP) Exam
• Complete the dormitory forms (if any)
• Make sure you apply for your student loan--call the PNC Education Loan Center (1-800-762-1001)

June

• Graduation--Congratulations!
• If you accept a Federal Work-Study option, it may be your responsibility to find a position

Summer

• Participate in extra-curricular or volunteer activities
• Prepare yourself for college in September
• Good luck in your future endeavors!