Preparing for College: How Do I Set Up a Long-Range Plan? (continued)

• Take challenging classes in English, mathematics, science, history, geography, a foreign language, government, civics, economics, the arts, and advanced technologies.
• Meet with your counselor early in the year to discuss your plans.
• Complete all necessary financial aid forms. Make sure that you fill out at least one form that can be used for Federal aid.
• Write colleges to request information and applications for admission. Be sure to ask about financial aid, admissions requirements, and deadlines.
• If possible, visit the colleges that most interest you.
• Register for and take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT), SAT Subject Tests, or any other exams required for admission to the colleges to which you are applying. If you have difficulty paying the registration fee, see your guidance counselor about getting a fee waiver.
• Prepare your application carefully. Follow the instructions, and PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES! Be sure to ask your counselor and teachers at least two weeks before your application deadlines to submit the necessary documents to colleges (your transcript, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Financial Preparation Checklist for Parents

Pre-High School:

• Start saving money for your child's college education.
• Investigate different ways to save money - buying U.S. Savings Bonds or opening a savings account in a bank, etc.

High School:

9th Grade

• Continue to save for college.

10th Grade

• Continue to save for college.

11th Grade

Help your child investigate the availability of financial aid from federal, state, local, and private sources. Call the Student Aid Hotline at the U.S. Department of Education (1-800-4FED-AID) for a student guide to federal financial aid. Have your child talk to his or her guidance counselor for more information.

• Help your child investigate the availability of scholarships provided by organizations such as corporations, labor unions, professional associations, religious organizations, and credit unions.
• If applicable, go to the library with your son or daughter and look for directories on scholarships for women, minorities, and disabled students.

12th Grade

Make sure your child completes all necessary financial aid forms, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from the U.S. Department of Education. Call 1-800-4FED-AID; TDD 1-800-730-8913 or visit the FAFSA web site at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

• Continue to save for college.