September: Register to take the SAT / ACT.Narrow your college choices – make sure one of those choices is a Florida public university.Request admission requirements and information from your selected universities if you have not already done so.
October: Make sure official SAT /ACT scores are sent to your top choices.Take or retake the SAT1 or SAT II Subject area tests (required by schools with very selective admissions processes).Be aware of deadlines for university admissions and financial aid.Ask for a letter of recommendation for scholarships from someone who knows your academic history and abilities well. (Thank you notes to those helping you are appropriate!)Search national and state scholarship websites and create your scholarship profile.
November: Devote time, energy and thought to your admission essays. Have someone proofread them.Give college admissions recommendations forms to teachers and counselors at least 4 weeks before they are due.Keep records in your school files of all applications, correspondence and emails. Take or retake the SAT/ACT if needed.Attend college fairs.Have your high school forward official transcripts to your chosen colleges.If you are seeking an appointment to a military academy, make sure your file is current with the person or organization from which you are seeking a nomination.If you are seeking an athletic scholarship, make sure you are registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse to be certified and eligible for college sports programs.
December: Submit any remaining applications.Work on a portfolio if required by your college (music, drama, athletics)Prepare a portfolio about yourself and your accomplishments to use in scholarship applications and interviews.
January: Submit your family’s financial information (must prepare taxes) as soon after Jan 1 as possible.File your FAFSA (free financial aid through the government) as soon as taxes are prepared.Request transcripts for first semester grades be sent to your college choice.Begin the application process for local scholarships. If you have not done so, make arrangements to visit the college campus before accepting an offer to attend there.
February: You will receive letters of acceptance or non-acceptance. Review all carefully and file them in your files.Be aware that room and board payments are required to hold a dorm room.Continue working on scholarship applicationsReview financial reward letters with your parents. Seek out assistance from guidance counselors to understand the award offered to you. If acceptable, you and your parents sign and return.Be aware of your financial obligations if you sign a promissory note for financial aid.
March: Most universities will give a deadline for your to accept or reject their offer. Be aware of deadlines.If you have received offers from universities which you have decided not to attend, notify them as soon as possible.Work on a budget for your selected college.Accept student loans if necessary.
April: Prepare for AP tests. Send thank you notes to those who wrote recommendations
May: Verify when payments for tuition, dorm fees and other expenses are due.Register for summer orientation sessions (required by most).
Summer: Get a summer job if necessary.Finalize your college budget.Make a list of what you will need to take.Buy supplies for your dorm room (check for size of supplies – especially sheets) Be aware of limited storage.Attend freshmen orientation.
