12th Grade Students

All Year Long

Work with a parent to update your information in Federal Student Aid Estimator and continue to save for college
Take challenging classes in core academic subjects
Stay involved in school- or community-based activities that interest you or let you explore career interests
Talk to your school counselor and other mentors about education after high school
Work hard all year; second sememster grades can affect scholarship eligibility
Stay involved in after-school activities and seek leadership roles, if possible

Fall

Meet with your school counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate and fulfill college admission requirements
If you haven't already, register for and take college admission tests; check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require
Apply to the colleges you have chosen; follow instructions and pay close attention to deadlines!
Well before application deadlines, ask your counselor and teachers to submit required documents to the colleges to which you're applying

Winter

Encourage your parents to complete income tax forms early to determine information for your federal student aid application
As soon after January 1 as possible, complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), along with any other financial aid applications your school(s) of choice may require
Complete any last scholarship applications

Spring

Visit colleges that have invited you to enroll
Review college acceptances and compare their financial aid packages
Notify your chosen school of your commitment and submit any required financial deposit; pay attention to deadlines!

12th Grade Parents

Continue to talk to your child about college plans
Keep an eye on your child's study habits and grades
Encourage your child to take challenging classes
Add to your child's college savings account regularly
Work with your child on filling out the FAFSA
Help your child learn about the responsibilities involved in accepting a student loan by reviewing Student Loan Repayment with him or her
Keep an eye on communications from schools to which your child sent FAFSA information for information on Federal Direct Loans; the Direct Loan Basics for Parents brochure atwww.direct.ed.gov/pubs/profpubs.html might be helpful