11th Grade College Planning
Students
To Do:
ALL YEAR
- Review “Every Year in High School”
- Explore careers and their earning potential in the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/loco
- Log on to your MyFSA account at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/myfsa and look at the information for any colleges you saved if you completed the College Matching Wizard in the past. Try the college search again if you’ve changed your mind about what you want from a school.
- Go to college fairs and college-preparation presentations by college representatives.
FALL
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT. You must take the test in 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program.
SPRING
- Register for and take exams for college admission. The tests that many colleges require are the SAT Reasoning Test, the SAT Subject Tests, and the ACT. Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require.
- Use www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/scholarship to find scholarships for which you might want to apply. Some deadlines fall as early as the summer between 11th and 12th grades, so prepare now to submit applications soon.
To Explore:
- Visit www.college.gov and click on “how to pay” to see how other young people paid for college.
- Learn how to avoid scholarship scams and identity theft from Save Your Money, Save Your Identity at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/lsa.
- Familiarize yourself with ways to pay for college at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/guide. The following sections of Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid will be especially useful to you right now.
- Federal Student Aid at a Glance
- Other Financial Aid Sources
- It’s a Jungle Out There
Parents
To Do:
- Review “Every Year in High School”
- Take another look at your financial solution, and be sure you’re on the right track to pay for college.
- Talk to your child about the schools he or she is considering. Ask why those schools appeal to your child, and help him or her clarify goals and priorities.
- Attend college fairs with your child, but don’t take over the conversation with the college representative. Just listen, and let your child do the talking.
- Take your child to visit college campuses, preferably when classes are in session.
To Explore:
- Get in-depth information on federal student aid programs at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/guide.
- Learn about student and parent loans in Your Federal Student Loans: Learn the Basics and Manage Your Debt at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/repayingpub.
SUMMER BEFORE 12th GRADE
Students
To Do:
- Narrow down the list of colleges you are considering attending. If you can, visit the schools that interest you.
- Contact colleges to request information and applications for admission. Ask about financial aid, admission requirements, and deadlines.
- Decide whether you are going to apply under a particular college’s early decision or early action program. Be sure to learn about the program deadlines and requirements.
To Explore:
- Find out what government financial aid you can apply for at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/guide.
- Be careful when searching for scholarships. Read “Don’t Get Scammed on Your Way to College!” at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/pubs.
Parents
To Do:
- Review your financial situation and make sure your child is looking into or already has applied for scholarships.
- Ask your employer whether scholarships are available for employees’ children.
To Explore:
- Take a closer look at Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/guide to ensure you understand the federal aid programs and upcoming application process.
Source: "College Preparation Checklist" Pamphlet from www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov