College preparations

Gumbymom
Sat, 31 Dec 2016 17:23:44 +0000

1. Ask parents about how they can pay (budget), figure out your EFC (Estimate Family Contribution) and if you are eligible for need-based and/or merit aid and if FA is needed to attend college.

2. Take the PSAT and/or PLAN. Figure out which test, SAT or ACT works best for you, study/prepare and try to get at least one full test sitting in before June 2017. This will give you time over the summer to study and retake in Sept/Oct 2017 if needed and still allow time for results to be available for ED/EA schools if you plan to apply.

3. Take any SAT subject tests by June 2017 or Fall 2017.

4. Visit some colleges and make a preliminary list of schools that you are interested in applying. Check the common datasets (CDS) to see where you fall in respect to your Stats. You want 1-2 good financial safeties (high acceptance rate (stats 75th percentile)/low costs) on your list, several Match schools (stats at the 50th percentile or higher) and a 1-2 Reach schools.

Good Luck.