Planning ahead: what should I be doing?

[mezzomom]

While my daughter's away from home, I've had a chance to change my focus from her college search to thinking about the things I'll need to do for financial aid paperwork. I've been keeping all tax-related items filed appropriately (for a change), so that I can jump into doing our taxes right away in January. And I seem to recall from last year that someone suggested applying for your FAFSA PIN in December (duly noted on the calendar), so that we have it when we need it. Any other suggestions from you veteran moms and dads?

[xiggi]

If you plan to apply ED, EA, SCEA or whatever new alphabet-soup derived early application that might arise, you may want to start the process earlier by completing the PROFILE forms.

http://www.collegeboard.com/article/...0-8374,00.html

I believe the application process for the CSS Profile starts as early as the end of September. Also remember that you'll need PIN for parents and the student(s). If I remember correctly, you only need one account to register for CSS.

Although it is not a financial issue, it is helpful to start preparing the recommendation process as early as possible.

[wishingandhoping]

If your D is applying ED anywhere, you may have to crank up the schedule a bit. I noticed that FA info was due at many schools at the same time the ED application is due. And in many cases, that's Nov. 1!

[txrunnerj]

You may want to research and compare the tuition rates/housing and financial aid stats such as merit aid offered at each school your D is considering.
Other dates she may need to plan around include any ACT or SAT test dates, college days, college scholarship weekends (based on previous year), outside scholarship deadlines your D plans on applying to (based on the previous year's deadlines) and possibly prioritize scholarship applications by odds and time factors.
Time management is a huge issue if your student is active in school the Senior year. Some students are better than others with this. Between activities, the college application process, and the emotions your family may have because of the senior year, the more planning and support you can offer, the better IMHO.