High School Seniors

First Semester - Senior Year

Any time after October 1, you can start filling out your FAFSA. You’ll need to create a user name and password and you’ll be assigned an individualized PIN, so make sure you keep a copy of all this information handy.
Fill out your FAFSA and any local financial aid documentation you may need.
Now is the perfect time to research different types of financial aid and understand the differences between grants, scholarships, federal student loans, and private student loans.
Go to any and all financial aid events you get the opportunity to.
Start researching scholarship opportunities, both online and offline. Local scholarships tend to have less competition so check your local papers and community bulletin boards.

Check the status of your FAFSA.
Apply for any private scholarships you may have found.
Select the financial aid package you have been approved for. Make sure you do this prior to the deadline.
Get in touch with your college’s financial aid office if you need any clarifications or to negotiate a better financial aid package.
Mark the deadline to pay your first tuition bill and make sure you have all your finances in order. You definitely do not want to miss this deadline.