September
	Register for the SAT I/II or ACT; your counselor will advise which one you should take.
	Make sure that your courses meet the academic requirements for high school graduation. Take AP classes, if offered at your high school.
	Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, employers, religious advisors, and others who know you well. Allow at least three weeks for the recommender to return the letter to you.
	Decide whether you should apply for "early decision" or "regular" admission at your colleges of choice; review guidelines carefully.
	Ask your guidance counselor whether college admissions representatives from your colleges of choice will visit your high school.
	Plan to visit your choice colleges. You can do "virtual tours" on many college websites.
	Review deadlines for specific college admission applications.
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October
	Review your school records with your college advisor.
	Attend college nights and information sessions.
	Register for the SAT I/II or ACT if you have not already done so.
	Work on applications and request transcripts be sent to the colleges to which you are applying. Plan to apply to at least three colleges.
	Begin to draft your college application essay, if one is required. Plan for several drafts and have a teacher or counselor read it.
	Schedule a planning conference with your college advisor.
	Research and apply for any private scholarships from local and national sources.
	Attend the college fair in your area! Check out our calendar to find out specific dates of events in your area.
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November
	Attend financial aid workshops and seminars that may be offered at your high school or local colleges.
	Finalize your college application essay, if one is required. Carefully proofread it for errors.
	Complete and submit your college applications and essays. Make copies of everything and store them in a safe place.
	Register for the SAT I/II or ACT if you have not yet done so.
	Reminder: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, employers, religious advisors, and others who know you well. Allow at least three weeks for the recommender to return the letter to you.
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December
	Apply for your Federal Student Aid Personal Identification Number (PIN). Remember, students and parents/guardians are required to complete the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) each year. Apply for your PIN early so that you can submit your FAFSA right after January 1st.
	Get student financial aid forms from your high school guidance office if not applying on-line.
	Ask your parents/guardians to gather copies of their tax returns.
	Check college aid application due dates and mark them on a calendar that you can see often.
	Talk to alumni and college friends during the holidays about their college experiences.
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January
	Determine if it would be a good idea to schedule an interview or campus visit to your college choices. Contact admissions offices to schedule appointments.
	Attend financial aid workshops at your high school or local colleges.
	File the FAFSA. You can submit the FAFSA using estimated tax return amounts from the previous year. The U.S. Department of Education will give you the opportunity to update your records once you have filed for the current year.
	File your New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Application online after you have completed your FAFSA.
	Check with your college to see whether any other financial aid application forms are required. Many private colleges and universities require families to complete the College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE.
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February
	File the FAFSA. The priority deadline for many colleges and universities is February 15.
	Colleges may ask for your mid-year high school grade report. Stop "Senioritis" in its tracks! Make a commitment to see your good grades through until the end of the year.
	Follow-up with your colleges to make sure that all of the required documents have been received and your application is complete.
	Begin saving money for the tuition and housing deposits you will need to give your chosen college to hold your place.
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March
	Colleges begin to send acceptance notices.
	File your completed paper TAP Application. It will be sent to you approximately three weeks after you submit the paper FAFSA.
	Register for Advanced Placement (AP) exams if you have taken AP courses. Discuss this with your guidance counselor.
	Check your financial aid status at your choice colleges.
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April
	If you are accepted by a college, you must make an enrollment decision. Return the required acceptance or refusal letter. If accepting, include the required deposit to hold your place.
	Colleges send out financial aid packages to accepted students. Accept or refuse the financial aid offered. If you have any questions, review your financial aid package with the college financial aid office.
	If possible, visit the colleges to which you've been accepted to help narrow down your decision.
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May
	Send thank you notes to all those who assisted you, including your college advisor, guidance counselor, secretaries, and teachers.
	Notify the colleges which you decided not to attend. If you decline admission, and have received an aid package, notify the college financial aid office so it can offer the award to another student.
	If you have to borrow money for a Subsidized or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan or Parent Loan, you will have to sign a promissory note that guarantees you will repay the loan.
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June
	Notify your high school guidance office of any scholarships you receive.
	Use your summer job to help finance your education and pay for odds and ends while in college.
	Check with your choice college to see if they offer summer immersion or orientation programs to help you transition into your freshman year.
	Get ready for your first year of college!
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