College Checklist

High School Juniors

• Explore possible college majors and careers.
• Talk with counselors, family and friends about possible choices.
• Spend time in your library exploring career information.
• Consult college and university representatives when they visit your school.
• See your school counselor or the admission adviser of any college you are considering attending.
• Make sure you will qualify for admission on the basis of class rank and high school course work.
• Plan to complete any deficiencies in high school course work.
• Tours and preview day programs offer a great opportunity to visit campuses.
• Contact the campuses that interest you and make an appointment to visit.
• Attend college and career fairs in your area.

High School Seniors - Fall

• If you have not already taken the ACT or SAT test, see your school counselor to register for the earliest possible test date.
• Visit any college or university by making an appointment for a campus tour or preview day.
• Begin researching scholarship opportunities and financial aid.
• Check announcements at your school on scholarships, financial aid, college representative school visit, and education fairs.

High School Seniors - Winter

• Familiarize yourself with the financial aid process.
• If financial aid information sessions are offered at your school, attend with your parents.
• If you haven't already applied for admission, don't delay!
• Many UW System campuses have admission or housing deadlines or priority dates after which they may not be able to accept applications.
• Financial aid applications are available beginning January 1.
• Pick up a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your school counselor or apply electronically.
• Check with your school counselor or campus financial aid office on the availability of local or campus scholarships.
• Several free scholarship searches can be found on the Web.

High School Seniors - Spring

• If you haven't already done so, you can still apply for financial aid.
• Be aware of campus financial aid priority dates!
• Make a reservation to participate in placement testing, orientation, and registration programs.
• Each university will send information to admitted students with information on new student programs.
• You can get a head start on your degree by enrolling in a summer session.
• Check on course offerings and apply for college credit course work.
• If you applied and were admitted to more than one college or university, notify any campus(es) that you have chosen not to attend.

High School Seniors - Summer

• Orientation, advising and registration programs are held on most campuses.
• Be sure to register for the session you hope to attend or contact the campus for information or to make arrangements.
• Keep any letters you receive for reference.
• From late May through July, financial aid award letters will go to students who applied on time.
• Be sure to read any letters carefully and respond by any deadline specified.