Students

To Do:

All Year

• Explore careers and their earning potential in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Or, for a fun interactive tool, try the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search.

• Learn about choosing a college and find a link to our free college search tool.

• Go to college fairs and college-preparation presentations by college representatives.

Fall

• Take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (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 standardized tests that many colleges require are the SAT, the SAT Subject Tests, and the ACT. Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require.
• Use the U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search 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.

Summer Before 12th Grade

• 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.
• Use the FAFSA4caster financial aid estimator, and compare the results to the actual costs at the colleges to which you will apply. To supplement any aid FAFSA4caster estimates you might receive, be sure to apply for scholarships. Your goal is to minimize the amount of loan funds you borrow.

Parents 

To Do:

• Take a look at your financial situation, 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 representatives. Just listen, and let your child do the talking.
• Take your child to visit college campuses, preferably when classes are in session.
• Make sure your child is looking into or already has applied for scholarships.
• Ask your employer whether scholarships are available for employees’ children.