Donna’s Monthly to Do List - April

Seniors:

• You should hear from any other colleges that you have applied to.
• Visit Open houses, alumni receptions and April Hosting programs for new admits.
• Meet with Financial Aid if you have additional concerns about your financial aid offer.
• Discuss and compare the various offers with your parents

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - March

Seniors:

• Other than making sure you’ve submitted grant and financial aid forms before the deadlines, sit back and relax, You’re in the final stretch!

Juniors:

• You should be compiling a list of schools that you will visit over the summer as well as send for applications.
• Plan to attend spring college fairs
• Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss options
• Get a copy of your transcript to review your grades and course work

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - February

Seniors:

• Make sure that you have submitted appropriate forms for state grants, pay attention to deadlines

Juniors:

• Start researching scholarships
• Register for the SAT and any SAT II’s
• Start researching colleges
• Register for an SAT prep courseResearch summer academic programs

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - January

Seniors:

• FAFSA can be submitted on line any time after January 1.
• Complete any additional financial aid applications with the colleges including the CSS profile.
• If required arrange to have first semester grade sent.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - December

Seniors

• Complete your application. Make sure that your school has time to send out transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.
• Review your checklists to make sure that every application is complete. Proof read your application. Don’t just use spell check, have at least 2 other people read it for mistakes. It’s amazing what we miss.
• You should have applied for a PIN.
• Urge your parents to complete tax forms early.
• Anytime after January 1, you should submit the FAFSA along with any other forms required for financial aid. Remember that to qualify for Federal and State Grants you must submit this form. Do so early so that you meet your state’s deadline.

Juniors

• Although the holidays are here, keep your eyes on your grades; remember this is the last full year of grades that count.
• Review your Spring schedule to make sure that you are programmed for the courses you need.
• Start looking for summer jobs that offer you opportunities to work and learn at the same time. Internship programs are looking for students like you.
• Look into summer study programs, state sponsored institutes and foreign exchange opportunities. Remember that many of these programs and jobs will be taken if you wait until the Spring.
• Consider participating in a mentoring program. This is a way to learn about careers, network and gain valuable advice from others. Your mentor can be especially helpful when looking for colleges, and internships.
• Are there proficiency tests required in your state in order to graduate? Pay attention to the testing schedule in your particular school.
• Look into a SAT prep classes for the Spring or start arranging to take the first SAT in the Spring. Do some research on the ACT and consider whether or not you could benefit from taking both tests.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - November

Seniors

• Early Decision Applications are due and interviews should be scheduled.
• If you haven't taken the SAT, this is the last SAT you can take if you want your scores to reach the college in time.
• If you are still dragging your feet on applying, use the college fairs going on in November to narrow down your choices. Speak with alumni to get a sense of the school.
• Scholarship applications should be submitted, pay attention to deadlines. Make sure that you have completed financial aid forms and completed the CSS profile if the school requires it.
• Check individual school deadlines.
• Apply for a PIN in preparation for applying for the FAFSA online.

Juniors

• You should also be attending college fairs. Collect material about a variety of schools that may interest you. Ask questions about admissions requirements.
• Review your academic schedule to make sure that you are on track to graduate and take all of the courses that you need. Review your transcript and familiarize yourself with graduation requirements.
• Consider enrolling in AP classes if you are eligible, to challenge yourself.
• This is your year to shine! Pay special attention to getting the best grades that you possibly can. Don't drop language and science courses. Although your school may only require 2 years of lab science and foreign language, most competitive schools want to see 3-4 years. Electives are wonderful but make sure that they are challenging you and going to prepare you for college level work.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - October

Now that you’re back in the swing of things, October becomes a very busy month. For Juniors and Sophomores, use this time to focus on getting good grades, participating in school and extracurricular activities and attending the numerous college fairs that will be held during October and November. It’s never too late to start looking. If you are a junior, this is the ideal time to start creating that long list of schools you might want to consider. Don’t just pick up brochures: use the opportunity to speak with admissions representatives as well as alumni who attend many of the local fairs.

This is also the month for the PSAT. Juniors should be signed up for this test which also is used to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Sophomores looking to get a head start with a practice PSAT are also encouraged to register. October is also the month many students will take the SAT for either the first or last time. Both the SAT and ACT are offered this month. But, pay attention to registration deadlines for these tests is in September. (More and more students are choosing to take both tests to compare their performance on them.) If you are a senior and already know what schools you are applying to, check to see whether you need to take the SAT subject tests. Many competitive schools require them. While it is recommended that you take them after finishing the subject, you’ll do best on the Math and English ones if you wait to take them in your senior year. In either case, take them early in order to meet college application deadlines.

Seniors planning on applying for early action or early decision admission should have completed their applications and submitted them to their schools to be sent out. The deadline for most of those applications is early November (November 1 or November 15) so it is important to have them ready now. Many schools may take as long as 2-3 weeks to get transcripts out, so get your requests in early. This is also important for school recommendations. Don’t assume that a teacher will be able to get that recommendation letter to you immediately, so give them time.

For those students applying regular decision or rolling decision, you should be using your time to narrow down your choices to a short list. Attend local and regional college fairs to collect information and pick up applications. Stop by the table of colleges that you are applying to. Introduce yourself to the college rep and ask them questions. You not only may pick up valuable tips, but you make yourself known to individuals who can be a useful resource. Although you may have your parents accompany you to these fairs, it is your job to step up and ask specific questions you have about the school. After all, you are the one who will be ultimately attending that school. Ask about admissions deadlines, interview requirements, open houses and campus tours. If you have the opportunity to speak with alumni, don’t be afraid to ask them about their own experience. They may have a very different perspective from the admissions counselor. The information you collect will help you create that short list of schools that you will eventually apply to.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - September

For both college students and the college bound student:

You’re on your way! Whether in college or high school, your focus is on your classes. What do you need to do to do your best? Don’t wait until midterms to seek out that tutor or ask for help. Make friends in all your classes, join or start your own study group. Find people who share your dreams and want to succeed as much as you do. Take time to get involved, whether it is student government, sports, arts or community service. Find activities that help you to grow and work towards your dreams. Create a support system around you, whether it is family, classmates or friends, surround yourself with positive thinking people who want you to succeed as much as you do. Be confident and the rest of the year will keep you on track.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - August

Some of you will be packing to head off to college for freshman orientation. Saying goodbye to family and friends while looking forward to making new friends is exciting and sad at the same time. Take the time to contact your roommate in advance, if you know them. You can decide on items to bring to make that dorm room more comfortable. Rather than having 2 of everything, agree on who is bringing what. Talk with your parents about finances so that both you and your parents know what the budget looks like.

Those of you returning to high school should be focused on what is ahead of you. Are you a senior? If so, you should have already drawn up a list of colleges, and started on their applications. You should know all the various deadlines and familiarize yourself with your schools procedures. If you are applying early decision to a college, this is important. Although you can't fill out the FAFSA until January of your senior year, have you downloaded a copy to familiarize yourself with it? Have you put the dates for college fairs that are being held locally or regionally on your calendar? Have you planned to take the SAT or ACT in the early fall? Although school hasn't started yet, you can't afford to wait for a couple of weeks to get started on some of these things. The first month goes by so quickly and deadlines creep up very quickly. This is especially true if you are applying to college Early Decision. Most colleges have early November as a deadline. The only way to make these deadlines is to be prepared before school starts. Remember, you are not the only person requesting transcripts and teacher recommendations. Depending on each teacher and the school, these requests can be delayed by a couple of weeks; you need to make sure that those delays don't hurt you. Have you reviewed your academic program with your counselor to make sure you are taking the most challenging course load you can handle? Too many kids I meet have never done this, assuming that the guidance counselor has made that determination. If you feel that the guidance counselor is not helping, ask your parents to come with you to speak to them.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - July

Those waiting to go to college should be working, saving up money for all the college essentials: books, clothes, computer, etc. Start practicing living on a budget. Open a checking or saving account and learn how to balance your monthly statement. Start making a detailed list of what you will need when you go off to school. You wouldn’t believe how many students pack the I-Pod but forget the aspirin and cold medicine. Research programs or organizations you might want to join on campus. Get a copy of the college catalog and familiarize yourself with course requirements and departmental requirements. Have you looked at the registration materials, course descriptions and class schedule? You will not have a lot of time to select courses and figure out your schedule once you are on campus so start planning early.

For those of you in high school, use the summer to grow: Whether that means work or vacation, taking a preparatory class, learning a new hobby, volunteering in a project or visiting a college. Use your time to relax and refresh your body while challenging your mind. Start on the required reading for that English course or take a refresher course to improve your chances of doing well in school. Can you take a class at the local junior college? If you are a senior, you should have started researching colleges. Contact them and request the applications for admissions and financial aid. Research scholarships that are available in your community and on a national level. Does your parent’s employer or the church you belong to offer scholarships? Start completing these applications early. Pay attention to deadlines. Start working on the personal essay or writing sample most college applications ask for. Even if you are using the Common Online application, many schools require additional forms. If you have already taken the SAT, consider taking a prep course to improve your score or consider taking the ACT. Have you registered for the SAT or SAT II exams. These subject tests should be taken after you complete the course. So don’t wait until 12th grade to take the subject test that you took in your sophomore year. Although many schools don’t require them, most competitive schools do and they are not offered as frequently so be aware of those dates.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - June

Newly admitted college students should be finalizing their financial aid plans. You should have completed the FAFSA and have researched all of the loan options. Have you met someone in Financial Aid who can answer your question and doesn’t just send you to apply on line? Part of your financial aid package is a loan. What kind of loan is it? Is it subsidized or not subsidized? Educate yourself about this. What are the backend borrower benefits? Some loans have origination and guarantee fees, are you responsible for them? Do you know that you don’t have to use the college’s lender? The law says you can get those loans anywhere, so shop around. If you know you need a loan, first take advantage federally guaranteed loans; they have the most competitive interest rates. If you need additional loans, you may be eligible for PLUS or Private/Alternative loans. Be aware that they require a credit check (both) and cosigner (privates) Private loans are more expensive, the rates bare variable and dependent on your credit history. So shop around. The rule is: The better your credit, the lower the rate. Remember, these loans will pile up quickly so borro0w as little as possible. Now is a good time to learn how to live on less. You’ll appreciate it once you start repaying them.

For those of you still in high school, start thinking about how you can get the most out of your summer vacation. You should consider pursuing a variety of activities that will feed your mind and refresh your body. Starting with your school, research opportunities to attend a summer program, travel abroad, or participate in work/study internships. Looking for a job? Are there opportunities to work in a field you’re interested in? Seek out adults in your community who can mentor you, introduce you to new ideas and interests. Although making money is always a plus, there are loads of volunteer opportunities that provide you with early career exposure, mentoring relationships and real experience. Sometimes these positions lead to paid positions in subsequent years. Working at McDonalds? Try to start saving some of your money to pay for college. It is a lot easier to work during the summer than during the school year, especially if you are taking a challenging course load. Ask at your school for special programs and school sponsored activities you can take advantage of. You don’t have to have a lot of money to participate in some of the State sponsored preparatory programs available.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - May

Seniors:

• Contact the college you will be attending.
• Mail in additional required forms, deposit, housing forms, etc., as they become due.
• Research loans if they are a part of your financial aid offer. Review the various options.
• Discuss with your parents finances and start creating a budget.
• Look for summer employment to help save some money for college.
• Congratulations! You’re on your way.

Juniors:

• You should have compiled a short list of schools to visit over the summer.
• Make plans to download or write for college applications that you can start over the summer.
• Develop a resume.
• Do a self appraisal in preparation for writing college essays. Review your goals, values, and plans. Take a look at some of the college essay questions and start thinking about how you would answer them. (*Note: the essays take the longest to complete, so start thinking about content now) If you are traveling over the summer or participating in a program that you might want to write about, keep a journal of thoughts, reflections or impressions of your experiences. If you have no special plans for the summer, look at opportunities to get involved in a research or service projects to broaden your experience.