O Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov as soon as possible. Make sure you use the ".gov" site when completing your FAFSA. It's free. Other sites will charge you a fee.
O Request recommendations from teachers, employers, and counselors. Provide a resume.
O Narrow your list of schools and schedule visits.
Make sure you use the ".gov" site when completing your FAFSA. It's free. Other sites will charge you a fee.
O Check with your high school counseling office for scholarship resources, including KHEAA's Affording Higher Education (See page 16).
O Take or retake the ACT or SAT.
O Complete online admissions applications.
O Attend college fairs and financial aid nights.
O Watch scholarship deadlines and create a calendar.
O Some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
O Review college acceptance letters and compare financial aid offers.
O Decide about a school and send in the deposit by May 1.
O Complete verification documents if you're asked to verify your FAFSA.
O Look for a summer job.
O Sign up for early registration / orientation / housing / early start.
O Look for KHEAA's Thriving in College publication at kheaa.com. If you plan to graduate early, talk with your school counselor and be sure to look ahead on the timeline.
If you plan to graduate early, talk with your school counselor and be sure to look ahead on the timeline.
O Establish a contact at the college you'll be attending, such as an admissions counselor, coach, or other college representative.
O Do one last check of your KEES award amount through your My KHEAA account. Contact your high school counselor immediately if you notice an error.
O Check with your college to make sure it has received your final transcript, dual credit transcript, and all necessary paperwork.
O Set up your online student account at the school you'll be attending.
O Follow your school's social media accounts.
O Complete entrance counseling and sign Master Promissory Note (MPN) if borrowing student loans.
Preparing for College