Take these college prep steps

November 14, 2011
Filed under Centerpiece, Featured, News, Top headline

By Jamie Jones

Three years of Borah must come to an end one day, the time that comes when there is no more lackadaisical electives or free textbooks; seniors must ready themselves to say goodbye to easy grades and twin spirit days, and segway into adulthood.

For some, this includes college. For those that have chosen this long and drawn out process, an early beginning for this senior-exclusive extracurricular activity is a must.

1. At the beginning of senior year, decide the type of school that is right for you.

2. Next, check priority deadlines and the entrance requirements for all of the colleges you are considering.

3. Take the SAT or ACT!

4. Sign up for college catalogs and download applications on college websites.

5. Ask for letters of recommendations from teachers and mentors. Have a resume ready to hand out to teachers, counselors, and other leaders of the community.

6. Research private scholarship sources (Fastweb.com, Navaince, Zinch and idahocis.org), and write letters to admissions offices requesting application information.

7. Next, discuss your application essay with your English teacher and career counselor.

8. In November, talk to your parents about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms. Make sure your parents have their tax forms from last fiscal year. Forms are due as soon as possible after January 1.

9. If you haven’t done so already, apply to selected colleges (usually three to five). Keep copies of applications and other paperwork.

10. In January, fill out a FAFSA form at fafsa.ed.gov; also, fill out and submit the financial aid forms required by the schools to which you’ve applied.

11. In March, submit tax forms if required by the financial aid office.

12. At the end of your senior year, make your final decision on which school you want to attend and send in your acceptance letter. Remember to fill out your housing application, too.

13. In June, have your high school send your final transcript to your college.

14. Sometime during the summer, attend college orientation and sign up forclasses.

15. During the summer, work to add money to your college funds. And finally, enjoy your last summer before college.