Eustace Senior Plan

• Make sure you are registered for the classes that your prospective colleges require
• Refine the list of schools to which you wish to apply
• Write for (or download) catalogs and applications or see counselor for information
• Make a detailed list of test names, dates and fees; registration deadlines, college application deadlines; and financial aid applications and deadlines.
• Ask your teachers, guidance counselors and employers for letters of recommendation.
• Register and begin studying for the SAT and ACT tests again if needed.

  October 

• SAT & subject tests - click for dates
• Take the SAT and ACT tests again if necessary.
• Meet with counselor as needed
• Some private universities may require you to register for CSS/Financial Aid Profile at this time
• Work on essays and personal statements, if needed
• Submit completed applications to college admissions
• Check housing availability at the colleges to which you are applying.  Residence hall space may be limited.
• See information regarding teacher and counselor recommendations above.
• Register and begin studying for the SAT test.

  November

• SAT & subject tests - click for dates
• Obtain financial aid applications from your high school guidance office or college financial aid administrator.  Or call 1.800.4FED.AID toll-free.
• Tyler offers meetings for parents/students with college recruiter
• Meet with counselor, if needed
• Continue to submit applications as completed--most applications completed by the end of the month
• See information regarding written teacher and counselor recommendations above
• Continue working on essays and personal statements
• Investigate scholarship opportunities by visiting the Eustace Counseling Departments Scholarship site.
• Take the SAT test if you haven't already done so
• Register and begin studying for the ACT test

  December 

• SAT & subject tests - click for dates
• Meet with counselor, as needed
• Apply for outside funding and scholarships
• Ask your parents to save their year-end payroll stubs if they show earnings for the year.  You can use this information to start filling out the FAFSA in January.
• Contact colleges to obtain any financial aid applications they require in addition to the FAFSA and find out their deadlines.  Private campus aid is often on a
       first-come, first-served basis.
• Register and begin studying for the SAT and ACT test
• Take the SAT and ACT tests if you haven't already done so
• Some colleges reply

  January 

• SAT & subject tests - click for dates
• Late application DEADLINES!
• Meet with counselor, as needed
• Submit FAFSA application as soon a possible after January 1.   Access the FAFSA application on the Web at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Applications aren't
       accepted before this date and federal grant funding is limited.  Be sure to deep a copy of your application.
• If you are a male and haven't yet registed for the Selective Service, complete the check-off box on your FAFSA or register at a US post office.  Men who are
       18-years or older must be registered to be eligible to receive federal financial aid.
• Register and begin studying for the ACT test
• Take the SAT test if you haven't already done so

  February

• Check to see if your high school has mailed your mid-year transcripts to the colleges to which you've applied.  Colleges require transcripts before making
       their final decision on whom to admit.
• Take the ACT test if you haven't already done so.

  March 

• About four to six weeks after you submit the FAFSA, you'll receive the results in the form of a Student Aid Report (SAR)
• Send the SAR to your chosen colleges, if they haven't received a copy.  The SAR will tell you the amount of money your family is expected to contribute
       (expected family contribution or EFC), and whether you qualify for the Federal Pell Grant.
• Arrange for letters of recommendation--give recommendation request, any forms, and stamped addressed envelopes to teachers 3 weeks prior to deadline

  April 

• SAT test ONLY - click for dates
• Review financial aid award letters from the colleges and decide which college to attend.  The letters describe the amount of assistance you'll receive -- usually
       a combination of grants and scholarships, work study and student loans.
• Inform the college of your choice that you accept its offer.
• Apply for Federal Stafford loans as needed.  Your parents also can apply for a Federal PLUS loan.  Submit loan application based on the school's procedures.
• College visits
• Meet with counselor, if needed, to discuss options
• Applications due for local scholarships to the counseling office as requested.
• Take the SAT and ACT tests if you haven't already done so

  May 

• SAT & subject tests - click for dates
• Take the SAT test if you haven't already done so
• Students reply to colleges--May 1 is final reply date for most schools. (Make sure you return housing contracts and pay fees by deadline.)
• Notify the other schools that you will not be attending
• Final check with counselor
• Post-Secondary plans (Arranges for final transcript to be sent to student's school of choice)
• Local Scholarships
• Congratulations!  Now that you've taken all the required courses and test to prepare for college, it's time to prepare for some fun.  Remember:  Your
       graduation is around the corner and the good times are about to begin.
• Graduation May 27, Congratulations!!

  June 

• SAT & subject tests - click for dates
• All of your hard work is finally paying off.  Relax and enjoy the festivities.

  July 

• Take advantage of this two-month summer break.  If you're working, hoard all the money you can.  It will come in handy in September.

  August 

• You're on your way to college where you can make the most of your opportunities, have some fun and get down to work.