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Guidance » Just for Seniors

Just for Seniors

Seniors!
 
Seniors: Do you tweet? Are you on Facebook? College admissions officers are increasingly turning to social media and online search to find the best candidates for admission. What you are posting publicly could harm... or help you! Learn more at: http://www.reputationmanagement.com/


To view the power point presentation from Financial Aid Night, click on the link below:

PHEAA PowerPoint       

FAFSA Completion Help
To help Pennsylvania families complete the FAFSA® PHEAA has partnered with PASFAA to conduct FAFSA Completion Help Events from October through April. These sessions are free to the public. Review the FAFSA checklist to view a list of the documents/information that families need to complete the FAFSA form.

https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/ 


Action Plan: High School Seniors

 

Fall

 

Pulling Your Applications Together
  • Narrow your list of colleges to between 5 and 10 and review it with your counselor. Get an application and financial aid info from each. Visit as many as possible.
  • Submit your FAFSA as soon after October 1 as possible. Men 18 or older must register for the selective service to receive federal financial aid.
  • Make a master calendar and note:
    • Test dates, fees, and deadlines
    • College application due dates
    • Required financial aid applications and their deadlines
    • Recommendations, transcripts, and other necessary materials
  • Ask for recommendations. Give each person your resume, a stamped, addressed envelope, and any required forms.
  • Write application essays and ask teachers, parents, and friends to read first drafts.

Applying Early Action or Early Decision?

  • November 1: For early admissions, colleges may require test scores and applications in early November. Send your SAT® scores at collegeboard.com.
  • Ask if your college offers an early estimate of financial aid eligibility

Get Financial Aid Info

  • Attend financial aid info events in your area.
  • Talk to your counselor about CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® and learn about it with Completing the PROFILE.
  • Use Scholarship Search at collegeboard.com, review scholarship books, and ask your counselor about local and state funding sources.

 

Winter

Application Details

  • Most regular applications are due between January 1 and February 15. Keep copies of everything you send to colleges.
  • Have your high school send your transcript to colleges.
  • Contact colleges to make sure they've received all application materials.

Financial Aid: Apply Early. Apply Right.

  • You and your family should save this year's pay stubs to estimate income on aid forms that you'll file early next year.
  • Many priority financial aid deadlines fall in February. To get the most attractive award package, apply by the priority date. Keep copies of everything you send.

 

Spring

When the Letters Start Rolling In

  • You should get acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April.
  • Use Compare Your Aid Awards to compare awards from different colleges. Questions? Talk to financial aid officers. Not enough aid? Ask if other financing plans are available.
  • If you haven't already, visit your final college before accepting.

May 1: Making Your Final Choice

  • You must tell every college of your acceptance or rejection of offers of admission or financial aid by May 1. Send a deposit to the college you choose.
  • Wait-listed? If you will enroll if accepted, tell the admissions director your intent and ask how to strengthen your application. Need financial aid? Ask if funds will be available if you're accepted.

 

Summer

Next Steps

  • Start preparing for the year ahead.