COLLEGE PLANNING
HOW TO PREPARE, PLAN & PAY FOR COLLEGE
QUESTIONS ABOUT
COLLEGE PLANNING?
Schedule an appointment with our specialist.
COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE
FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
SEPTEMBER
DRAFT COLLEGE ESSAY
Meet with school counselor to discuss you college plan.
Keep your parents updated.
Start preparing any early admission applications.
OCTOBER
EARLY APPLICATIONS & FINANCIAL AID
Send in early action applications by the deadline.
Gather materials needed for FAFSA & the CSS Profile and all required financial aid forms. Check the college website for financial aid application deadlines.
Keep copies of everything!
NOVEMBER
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Continue to submit admission applications to colleges.
Keep tracking deadlines for both admission and financial aid materials.
Check with guidance office and rischolarships.org for scholarship opportunities.
DECEMBER
APPLICATIONS & SAT/ACT
Complete your college applications prior to winter vacation.
Submit regular decision applications.
Send your SAT & ACT scores your colleges you are applying for regular decision.
JANUARY
SCHOLARSHIPS & TRANSCRIPTS
Visit RIScholarships.org to search for free scholarships and grants for college.
Request your high school transcripts to be sent to your colleges.
Submit FAFSA if you have not done so yet!
FEBRUARY - MARCH
UPDATES & COLLEGE VISITS
Monitor your applications and make sure all materials are sent and received on time.
If you haven't chosen your favorite school, arrange a second visit for those you are most interested in!
APRIL
FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTERS
Review financial aid award letters with parents.
Send tuition deposit to the college you will attend by May 1st.
Don't forget to waive health insurance if you are already covered by your parents.
MAY
BUDGET & LOAN OPTIONS
Establish a budget for tuition, books, supplies and living expenses.
Start comparing loan options if you need to borrow for school.
SUMMER
PREPARE & PACK
Make a list and gather items you will need for your dorm.
Pack half of what you have because that is what usually fits!
Contact your roommate and introduce yourself and prevent duplication of major room items (fridge, tv, etc.)
CONGRATULATIONS!
YOU DID IT!
Take a some time to relax and enjoy the rest of your summer!
RISLA wishes you the best of luck on your new adventure.
Remember, we are here to help you prepare, plan, and pay for your educational journey!
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KNOWLEDGE FOR COLLEGE
Enter to win $2,000 scholarship
KNOWLEDGE FOR COLLEGE
ENTER TO WIN $2,000 SCHOLARSHIP
Visit our Knowledge for College Scholarship page to learn more and enter today!
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EVENTS
VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON EVENTS
EVENTS
UPCOMING VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON EVENTS
A free service offered by RISLA's College Planning Center.
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RISCHOLARSHIPS.ORG
Search for local scholarships
RISCHOLARSHIPS.ORG
SEARCH FOR FREE SCHOLARSHIPS
Look for hundreds of hard-to-find local scholarships.
Get started with your scholarship search today!
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QUESTIONS
Schedule a Free Appointment
QUESTIONS
SCHEDULE A FREE APPOINTMENT
Do you have questions about college planning? We are here to help you prepare, plan, and pay for college.
KNOWLEDGE FOR COLLEGE
ENTER TO WIN $2,000 SCHOLARSHIP
Visit our Knowledge for College Scholarship page to learn more and enter today!
EVENTS
UPCOMING VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON EVENTS
A free service offered by RISLA's College Planning Center.
RISCHOLARSHIPS.ORG
SEARCH FOR FREE SCHOLARSHIPS
Look for hundreds of hard-to-find local scholarships.
Get started with your scholarship search today!
QUESTIONS
SCHEDULE A FREE APPOINTMENT
Do you have questions about college planning? We are here to help you prepare, plan, and pay for college.
