AUGUST /SEPTEMBER:

  • Make a list of your top college choices.

  • Download or request admissions information and school catalogs.

  • Visit colleges.

  • Compare the tuition and other costs for the schools that interest you.

OCTOBER:

  • Complete the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov as soon as possible after October 1.

  • Apply to the colleges you want to attend.

  • Check with the college(s) where you applied to see if you need to complete a College Scholarship Services (CSS) profile or a Financial Aid form.

  • Search for scholarships.

NOVEMBER–MARCH:

  • Check with your top colleges for FAFSA, institutional, and state aid priority deadlines.

  • Watch the mail for your: – Student Aid Report – Financial Aid Award letter

APRIL/MAY:

  • Make your final choice of which college you want to attend.

  • Send in your deposit before the deadline.

  • Review your award letter to learn about funding options to cover costs of college.

JUNE/JULY:

  • Determine how much additional money you may need to pay for college expenses.

  • After exhausting grants, scholarships, and other aid — if you have additional expenses — consider applying for a Private Student Loan from CEFCU to help cover your educational costs.