College Checklist

1. Fall of Junior Year

PRAY.
Consider what kind of college you would like to attend—Christian or secular, state or private, large or small.
Collect college information. Search the Internet, attend college fairs, request college catalogs/information and ask your college friends about their schools.
Research the strength of the academic programs you are interested in at each school.
Take the ACT or SAT. Your guidance counselor can tell you how to sign up. (Plan to take the test 2 or 3 times so as to obtain the best score possible.)

PRAY MORE.
Narrow your college choices as much as possible.
Visit the colleges you have selected. Get a tour of the campus, attend chapel, eat in the cafeteria, visit classes, meet professors and spend the night in a residence hall.

PRAY.
Narrow your college choices to your top three, if possible.
Check into local community scholarships (parents' employers, community organizations, churches etc.) and their deadlines.
Start a rough draft of your scholarship essay about yourself, your achievements and your goals.

KEEP PRAYING.
Submit admissions applications to the colleges you have chosen.
If you haven't visited the campuses of your top choices already, be sure to do so now.
Research and fill out any scholarship/financial aid forms you may need. Become aware of interview or audition dates that pertain to you. Don't let these deadlines pass you byâ€¦be proactive!
Consider the option of retaking the ACT or SAT, if you think you can improve your score. You usually get to use your highest score, even if you don't improve it the second time.

DON'T STOP PRAYING.
Wait and see to which school(s) you have been accepted.
Ask your parent(s) or guardian to file their income tax returns as soon as possible. Make sure to file yours if you have income to report.
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov before the priority deadline. The earlier you submit the form, the more likely you are to receive all of the aid for which you are eligible.
Fill out your housing/roommate application and any other departmental applications. Your college may also require a deposit.
Once you receive your financial package from your top schools, figure out how much the college will cost and how much money you will need for living expenses. Work out a general budget for the next 4 years.
Decide whether you will need to take out loans or get a job...or both.
Make your final college decision, if at all possible.
Graduate from high school. Congratulations!

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! WORK! WORK! WORK!
Find out when the residence halls or campus will be open and plan your arrival. Keep in mind you may need to arrive early for freshman orientation activities.
Ask the college admissions counselor if you can register early for your classes.
Complete health documentation and financial aid forms, as required.
Get ready...You are about to embark on an amazing journey!