You are busier than ever- studying, working, volunteering and hanging out with your friends. It's your last year of high school. Even with all of that, it's still not too late to get serious about planning for college. Here's what to do next:

• Ask your parents to attend a financial aid workshop with you. Discuss financial aid options such as scholarships and grants.



• Meet with your parents and your high school counselor to review your academic records. Make sure the courses you've taken up to this point, and are taking this year will satisfy the admission requirements of the college(s) you're interested in attending.



• Continue to schedule campus tours. Talk to the college about admissions, curriculum, campus life, costs and financial aid options.



• Ask teachers for letters of recommendation. Get extra signed copies in case you need to send to additional colleges.



• Fight "senioritis". Keep up the grades and good study habits.



• Complete your essays, resume, audition tapes, art portfolios, etc. Also, send thank you notes to teachers, counselors and others that supported you in reaching your college goal.



• Make sure your file and your High School Planner are kept updated throughout the year, since this is when you'll need to have all of that information at your fingertips.



• Decide on your college major. Some scholarships are for specific fields of study, like accounting or business or teaching.



• Apply for admission to the college(s) of your choice. We recommend that you work with your high school counselor to select 3-6 colleges. Choose 1 or 2 that you consider the most difficult to get accepted into, 1 or 2 of the easiest and 1 or 2 middle choices. Be sure that you submit and that the college(s) has received all required documentation before the application deadline.



• If you're submitting your admission applications online, you can also release your high school transcript to the college at the same time.



• Research and apply for financial aid such as scholarships, grants and loans. Pay close attention to deadlines!



• After January 1, file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - Your parents' and your taxes should be prepared before you apply.



• Know your deadlines! Keep track of them by calendar so that you don't forget. You could miss a great opportunity to get financial aid or early/regular admission if you miss the required deadline(s). Also, pay particular attention to deadlines for refunds/cancellations. If you change your mind about the college you want to attend, you'll want to be able to get a refund on any early payments that may have been made (things like dorm room or housing deposits).



• Males age 18 to 25 must register for Selective Service to apply for federal financial aid.



• About four weeks after you submit your FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR). Make any necessary corrections and return it to the FAFSA processor as soon as possible.



• Once you have been accepted to the college(s) of your choice, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!



• Talk with your parents and the college's financial aid office about the cost of attendance and review your financial aid options, based on award letters received from your college(s), for grants, scholarships, work-study programs and loans. Determine your college budget and decide what financial aid to accept.



• Talk about payment plans and any deposits (dorm room) that must be paid before you start college. Calendar the dates and amounts so that you and your parents can keep track of upcoming expenses.



• If applicable, have your parents retrieve your college money from your 529 college savings programs.



• Develop a long-range budget to pay for college.



• Enjoy your high school graduation. Put any monetary gifts aside for your college costs.



• Consider getting a summer job or internship - save the money earned for college.



• Schedule an appointment with your doctor for required immunizations and physicals. Verify insurance coverage with your college's Student Health Services.



• Participate in freshman orientation programs that occur before the college year begins. The programs are a great way to become familiar with the campus and to meet other new students before college starts.