Tools and Resources
Countdown Calendar

Between getting through school, going to work, and maintaining a social life, there's not much time to think about college. That's why we created this month-by-month calendar of things you can do to prepare and make the process easy.

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September

• Research the colleges you are interested in attending. Be sure to ask for academic and financial aid information. College Search
  
• Find out about scholarship opportunities that are available in your own community and from these colleges. Scholarship Search

October thru December

• Submit your application for admission and arrange to visit campuses.
  
• Take the ACT (December) and SAT (November and December) tests - making sure you register at least six weeks in advance. 4tests.com
  

January

• Apply for financial aid. Complete the FAFSA form and mail it after January 1, but before mid-February. FAFSA.com
• Collect any necessary tax and financial records from your family and your own W-2 and tax forms.
  

February thru March

• Expect to receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) four to six weeks after sending it in. If you don't receive it or need a duplicate copy, write to:

  Federal Student Aid
  Information Center
  P.O. Box 84
  Washington, DC 20044

April

• After you receive your financial aid award packages from the colleges you applied to, compare and choose the one that's best for you.
  
  
• Sign and return the award letter for acceptance to the college of your choice and notify other colleges that you will be attending school elsewhere.
  
  
• Contact your school's financial aid office and fill out a Student Loan Application as soon as possible.

May

• Contact your college to find out about housing, financial aid, orientations and other details you'll need to know.
  
  
• If you plan on living off campus, you should start looking for an apartment. Need help? Apartment.com

June thru July

• Kick back and enjoy your freedom, while you earn some extra money to take with you to college. Careerbuilder.com

August

• Student funds are disbursed to the college financial aid office.
  
  
• Be sure to keep all your loan records and any other information your college gives you.