College Application and Financial Aid Calendar
August 31, 2021
Activities for high school student’s senior year
Whether you’ve been saving and planning for your child’s college education the past 18 years or you just recently started discussing college plans with your child, senior year is the time when many decisions need to be made.
The summer before your child’s senior year is a good time to narrow down college choices. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to research colleges online, request catalogs, attend college fairs, and visit campuses to help finalize the list of schools.
Be sure to note specific school deadlines for applications, scholarships, and financial aid forms and check it regularly. The following calendar is a general overview of the application and financial aid process.
Fall
- Research colleges online, attend college fairs, and visit college campuses to make a final list
- Early decision/early action applications are typically due in October or November—confirm deadline for each school
- Attend financial aid night at local high school
- The federal government’s financial aid application, the FAFSA, can be filed as early as October 1
- Apply for college-specific scholarships
Winter
- General admission applications are typically due in December or January—confirm deadline for each school
- Submit college PROFILE financial aid form and college-specific financial aid forms where necessary
- Confirm that colleges have received all application and financial aid materials
- Continue to apply for college scholarships
- Research and apply for private scholarships
Spring
- Review financial aid packages offered by various colleges; compare out-of-pocket cost at each college
- Review ongoing requirements of any college scholarships if selected
- Make final decision and notify college by May 1 Pay required college deposit
- Sign up for college orientation session if required
Summer
- Buy school and dorm supplies
- Work to earn spending money
- Prepare to move if you are going away to school
- Sign student loan promissory note and receive federal student loan counseling if applicable
- Off to college!
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