COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT 2009

September 2009

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLEGE PLANNING PROCESS (What to do and when)

1. Prepare (throughout high school)

Take classes and participate in activities that will prepare you for college.

· Take challenging, college preparatory classes

· Participate in extracurricular activities that fit interests, abilities, goals, etc.

2. Explore (throughout high school, especially junior year)

Use available resources to find out about schools that might be a good fit.

· Websites

· Books, catalogs, mailings, etc.

· People (College reps, teachers, recent graduates, youth pastors, etc.)

· Visit colleges

· College Fairs

o Christian College Fair in Vista at Tri-City Christian School

Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

More info: www.naccap.org/fairs.asp?mod=event&id=90

o Escondido College Fair at California Center for the Arts

Monday, October 19, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

3. Testing (Spring/Summer of junior year)

Take tests that are required or recommended for college.

· ACT/SAT

· AP Exams

4. Narrow choices (Fall of senior year)

Choose 2 – 5 colleges to apply to.

5. Apply (Fall and Winter of senior year)

Complete and send in all application materials on time.

6. Financial Aid (Winter of senior year)

Apply for financial aid.

· Financial Aid Seminar at Calvin Christian (January)

· Starts with FAFSA (as soon as possible after Jan. 1 of senior year)

· Types of Aid

i. Grants

ii. Scholarships

iii. Work Study

iv. Loans

* Throughout high school, but especially beginning of senior year, search for scholarship opportunities (web sites, employers, clubs, organizations). Beware of scholarship search services that charge money.

7. Decide (Spring of senior year)

Make your final decision by May 1.