ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

• Meet with Your Counselor
  • Talk to your school counselor about what you need to graduate and what colleges expect. Make sure you're on track.
• Make a College Wish List
  • Think about what you want in a college. Write down things like:
    • Majors or academic programs you're interested in
    • Sports (competitive or just for fun)
    • Clubs, Greek life, or other activities
    • Size of the campus
    • How far it is from home
• Take a Practice Test (PSAT or PreACT)
  • These can help you prepare for the real SAT or ACT. Bonus: A strong PSAT score could qualify you for National Merit Scholarships.
• Start Researching Colleges
  • Look into schools that match the things on your college wish list. Make a short list of ones that interest you.
• Plan College Visits
  • Spring Break is a great time to visit campuses and get a feel for different schools.
• Choose Your Senior Classes
  • Pick classes that challenge you but also help you stay on track for college admission.
• Think About Recommendations
  • Start a list of teachers, coaches, or mentors who know you well and could write great recommendation letters.
• Build Your College Resume
  • Keep track of your activities, jobs, volunteer work, awards, and clubs—anything that shows who you are outside the classroom.
• Create Your FSA ID
  • You’ll need this ID to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in the fall of your senior year. Your parents will have a form to fill out as well.
• Take the ACT or SAT
  • Many colleges still use these scores for admissions and scholarships. Try to take them early enough to meet fall deadlines for Early Action applications.

• Start Your College Applications
  
  • Begin working on applications for your top-choice schools.
• Know Your Deadlines
  
  • Every school has different deadlines. For example, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s Early Action deadline is November 1, with decisions sent by December 1.
• Ask for Recommendation Letters
  
  • Choose mentors who know you well—like coaches, teachers, or employers—and ask them early. Give them plenty of time!
• Finalize Your College Essay
  
  • Make your essay original and personal. Avoid using citations, quotes, or AI tools—colleges want to hear your real voice.
• File the FAFSA
  
  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens October 1. Some schools give better aid packages to students who apply early.
• ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University recommends submitting your application by February 1 to be fully considered for scholarships and aid. Our program encourages even earlier so that you can be considered for the most scholarships outside of federal or state aid.
• Apply for Scholarships
  
  • Look for scholarships at the local, state, and national level. Also check with each college you’re applying to. Never pay for scholarship info or applications—real ones are always free!
• Stay on Top of Your Email and Mail
  
  • Colleges will start sending updates, offers, and decisions. Check your inbox (and spam folder!) regularly so you don’t miss anything important.
• Make Your College Decision
  
  • Once you’ve reviewed your options and chosen a school, make it official by accepting the offer and paying your deposit.
• Tell Your Counselor
  
  • Let your school counselor know where you’re going so they can send your final transcript to your college.
•  

Overview of the Tests

• Both the SAT and ACT are widely accepted for college admissions and merit-based scholarships, and neither is inherently "harder" than the other; success on one test often depends on individual strengths.
• A good ACT score is generally considered 23 or higher, while the national average composite score for the graduating class of 2024 was 19.4, .
• Scores below a 15 on the ACT are typically considered low for four-year colleges, but a strong GPA or outstanding college application can help mitigate this.

Preparing for the Tests

• Pick Your Test
  
  • Not sure whether to take the SAT or ACT? Try a practice test for each one to see which feels more comfortable and plays to your strengths.
• Set a Score Goal
  
  • Look up the average test scores for the colleges you’re thinking about. That way, you can aim for a score that gives you a strong chance of getting in.
• Make a Study Plan
  
  • Ideally, give yourself 3–6 months to prepare. But even with just a month of focused study, you can still make real progress if you use your time wisely.
• Use Study Tools
  
  • Free resources like Khan Academy are great for SAT prep. For the ACT, check out books like Kaplan's ACT Prep Plus or The Official ACT Prep Guide.
• Take Practice Tests
  
  • Taking full-length practice tests is one of the best ways to get used to the format and timing. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel on test day.
• Look Into Fee Waivers
  
  • If money is tight, you might qualify for a fee waiver that covers the cost of signing up for the SAT or ACT. Ask your counselor or check online at GreatSchools for details.

• File Early
  • Submitting your FAFSA promptly increases your chances of receiving grants and scholarships, which are often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The portal opens October 1st. Some universities and colleges prefer you complete the application by February 1st.
• Gather Documents in Advance
  • Before you start the FAFSA, gather what you need ahead of time. This includes things like tax returns, bank statements, investment records, and your FSA ID. Having everything ready will help you avoid mistakes and delays.
• Create Your FSA ID
  • You and one of your parents (if you're considered a dependent student) will each need an FSA ID. This lets you sign and submit your FAFSA online. You can make one at studentaid.gov.
• Student Should Start the FAFSA
  • It’s best if the student fills out their part of the FAFSA first before inviting a parent to add their info. This helps keep things clear and avoids confusion.
• Read Carefully and Avoid Common Mistakes
  • Pay attention to every question. Common mistakes include leaving blanks, typing in the wrong Social Security number or driver’s license number, or getting your marital status wrong.
• Understand Dependency Status
  • Whether or not you need to include your parent’s info depends on your dependency status. Make sure you understand what that means before filling out the form.
• Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
  • There’s a tool that can pull in your tax info straight from the IRS. It saves time and reduces the chance of making mistakes.
• Monitor Your Application Status
  • After you submit it, keep an eye on your FAFSA to make sure everything went through and to see if you need to fix anything or send more info.
• File Every Year
  • You have to fill out a new FAFSA each year you want financial aid for college. Don’t forget!
• Minimize Reportable Assets
  • If you’re able to, you might want to make big purchases or move money into retirement accounts before submitting your FAFSA. That could help you qualify for more aid.
• Appeal if Necessary
  • If your family’s financial situation changes or the aid offer isn’t enough, reach out to the college and ask if they can give you more financial aid.

• Once you've chosen your college, here’s what you need to do to officially get started:

  1. Complete Any Required Forms
     • Each school has its own paperwork—like health forms, housing contracts, or emergency contacts. Be sure to fill these out on time.
  2. Sign Up for Orientation
     • Orientation helps you get to know the campus, meet other students, and learn important info before classes start. Spots can fill up fast, so register early!
  3. Take Care of Financial Aid and ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúing
     • Make sure your FAFSA is submitted and complete any other financial aid steps your school requires. Review your billing information and set up a payment plan if needed.
  4. Set Up Your Student Accounts
     • Activate your college email, student portal, and any other accounts your school uses. This is how you’ll get important updates.
  5. Register for Classes
     • Once your school gives you access, choose and sign up for your first semester classes. Some colleges assign advisors to help you with this.
  6. Send Your Final Transcript
     • Ask your high school to send your final transcript to your college after graduation—this is usually required to finalize your enrollment.