May calendar: finalize college selection

now comes the moment to decide where to go to college

May is the decision month. This is when you choose which college to attend based on your career and financial objectives.

Acceptance notifications are due May 1 for many colleges. So note all deadlines. Let's review the financial aid options that were listed in your award letter.

Below are four (4) quick summary tasks for the month of May :

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scroll to summary tasks

for HS seniors

Quick Monthly Checkup

A brief checklist:

Most schools have a May 1 deadline for acceptance. Deposit money will likely be required to reserve your admission. Check your school for information.
Be considerate and promptly notify all other schools where you have been accepted that you will be attending another school. It opens up the admission slots for other students.
If you are on a waiting list for a school you would like to attend, contact the school to let them know you are still interested. Keep your channels open.
Stay the course. Continuing checking for scholarships and grants.

for HS seniors

Getting the Financial Aid Letter

You should receive your "Financial Award Package" with information on your qualifying financial aid from each school where you have been admitted.

The Financial Award Package will show the cost of attendance and the amount of each financial aid award that will be awarded. The difference between the cost and the amount awarded is the portion that the family is expected to contribute towards the cost of education.

Note the Ways to Pay for College:

Scholarships and Grant Aid Programs:
check your community and local businesses
Federal Student and Parent Loans:
federal student and parent PLUS loans are available — view details and options
Private Education Loans:
need a little extra to cover the full cost? — compare plans
Home Equity (Bank Equity Program):
use the equity in your home to finance all or part of your education without restrictions

summarizes the financial aid process
	View our Financial Aid notes ...

for HS seniors

Finalize Your Housing

Respond to all requests from the college you will be attending. Notify all other colleges of your decision not to attend.

Check your college for on-campus living arrangements or make arrangements to live off-campus.

For on-campus:
check with your college of choice. Once you get accepted into college, you need to move fast on on-campus housing arrangements to avoid being placed on a waiting list.

Start getting yourself ready for college by downloading this FREE moving-to-college checklist. It provides a list of items you will need to "design a home away from home".

File Type: pdf

for HS seniors

Find That Summer Job

Have you found that summer job? Use the summer to raise money you will need for college. Money earned can be used for tuition, housing, transportation and for fun entertainment.

If you worked last summer with a job you liked, go back and see if you can work with them again this coming summer. Or try to find a different summer job that fits your career goals.