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	College Planning Checklist

	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

COLLEGE CONSIDERATIONS

location (near home, long-distance)
cost (both in-state and out-of state, classes, fees, housing)
available majors and areas of specialization
distinctions and awards
size and makeup of student body
entrance requirements
academic record of incoming freshmen and graduates
extra-curricular and campus activities
financial aid options and scholarships

FINANCIAL AID TIPS

initially, don't rule schools out because of cost
more expensive schools often give more financial aid
research school-based scholarships and grants
research options based on gender, major, ethnicity, etc.
research scholarships, grants, and work study
begin applying for scholarships as you send in admissions
the FAFSA (Free Application For Student Aid) determines eligibility
file the FAFSA as soon as possible after Jan 1 of your senior year
4-6 weeks after submitting, you will receive Student Aid Report
SAR summarizes your info and Expected Family Contribution
if you are asked for, you will need to submit W-2's and 1099's
apply for student loans if still need assistance
may receive your first bill for tuition before school starts
ask about payment plans for first payment, rather than lump sum
you will need to reapply for financial aid each year

JUNIOR YEAR

talk to your guidance counselor about entrance requirements
review your current studies and plan for appropriate senior classes
begin thinking about what majors and careers interest you
decide on a list of schools that meet your personal criteria
request detailed information and applications for each school
set up a "college information" file for each school
include checklists for each school's application requirements
make copies of applications and file before submitting
keep copies of all correspondence in college file
schedule appointments for open houses and visits with college reps
pick your first date to take the SAT / ACT (April, May, or June)
plan appointments to visit your top two or three college campuses
start working out a realistic college budget
examine your funding sources and start researching financial aid

SENIOR YEAR

examine your funding sources and start researching financial aid
begin working on your essay
put together your personal and academic resume
request transcripts from guidance office
begin applying the day after Labor Day
develop a time table of admissions deadlines
obtain scholarship and financial aid information (including FAFSA)
send out financial aid applications right after first of year
mail off FAFSA form by March 1
schedule college and scholarship interviews as required
add interview dates to your time table
make your final selection and accept college and financial aid offer
inform all colleges of your decision
talk to representative of chosen college about housing and classes

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

"Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook."

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