College Preparation Guide For Parents and Students

Every Year of High School What STUDENTS can do: Start planning financially for college (Re)evaluate post-secondary & career plans Take appropriate coursework Stay involved in school and community activities Communicate with the school counselors

Every Year of High School What PARENTS can do: Talk with student about post-secondary plans Monitor student’s study habits, grades, and attendance Encourage student to take appropriate coursework Start preparing financially for college

9th Grade Start researching careers: Create a resume: www.mynextmove.org nvcis.intocareers.org Create a resume Create a resume: Make a list of your awards, honors, paid and volunteer work, and extracurricular activities Enhance your resume: Participating in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops, and camps with specialty focuses such as music, arts, and science.

10th Grade Research majors Research colleges: Take the PSAT Majors, entrance requirements, costs, other factors Take the PSAT Attend career and college information events Use your summer wisely: Work, volunteer, or take a summer course (away or at a local college). Ask questions

11th Grade ALL year: In the Fall: In the Spring: Re-evaluate career and college plan Continue researching colleges Attend college fairs and presentations by college representative In the Fall: Take the PSAT exam In the Spring: Take the ACT and SAT Start researching scholarships

Summer Before 12th Grade Finalize college list Contact colleges: for information about the admissions process, deadlines, and financial aid Visit colleges Decide if you are going to apply early decision to a college Estimate college costs: Use the FAFSA4caster financial aid estimator one last time at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov, and compare the results to the actual costs at the colleges to which you will apply.

12th Grade – ALL YEAR Senior year counts!: Get good grades Stay involved in school Stay in touch with your counselor regularly

12th Grade – Fall Meet with your counselor to: Make sure you are on-track for graduation Make sure you are on-track for meeting post-secondary plans Register to (re)take the ACT or SAT (if needed) Write college essay(s) Get teacher recommendations Apply to colleges that have fall admissions deadlines: California schools Early action / decision choice (if applicable) Create your Public Ed Foundation Scholarship Account & start applying for scholarships: https://thepef.academicworks.com/ PEF scholarships become available in early November

12th Grade – Winter Complete college applications: Regular decision schools Encourage parents to complete income tax forms early: After January 1st but before February 1st Complete the FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aide File before February 1st (if possible) Continue to apply for private scholarships

12th Grade – Spring Finish applying to colleges Review college acceptances and financial aide packages: Contact a school’s financial aid office if you have questions about the aid that school has offered you. Accept a college offer: When you decide which school you want to attend, notify that school of your commitment and submit any required financial deposit. Many schools require this notification and deposit by May 1. Continue to apply for private scholarships

Questions?