Early Augest:

Continue the college application process. You and your familly should meet with your guidance counselor to become familiar with the college admissions and financial aid processes. Some universities and colleges have fall deadlines while others are in the spring. Setting up a calendar with all the various tasks and deadlines associated with the application process will be very helpful to submit paperwork on time. Set aside plenty of time to draft, edit, and re-write application essays.
 
 


December:

Begin researching the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available through your high school or on the Internet at the U.S. Department of Education site (www.ed.gov). The site will also provide financial aid and eligibility information and can calculate an estimated financial aid package.
 
Work with your parents to complete the FAFSA form on or as soon after January 1 as possible. Send it no later than Fevruary 1 to be considered for the maximum amount of available awards. You should receive the Student Aid Report (SAR) from the financial aid processor. If you have not received your SAR within four weeks after you file your FAFSA form, call 1-800-4FED-AID to inquired about your applicaiton status.
 
 


June:

  Devise a budget with your child and determine how much will be covered by financial aid, how much you'll provide, and how much your child will contribute by working and/or borrowing.