Fall
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Organize applications by creating files for each of your target schools. List all requirements and deadlines.
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Retake the ACT and/or SAT if you are looking to improve your score for colleges and Bright Futures.
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Visit college fairs in October if still looking.-Request letters of recommendation as soon as possible from teachers (at least one month before the application due date).
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Apply to schools - must have on-line application.
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Visit www.fastweb.com to search for scholarships. Check out www.finaid.org to learn more about financial aid.
Winter
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Register for a PIN so you can complete and sign the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.pin.ed.gov.
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File the FAFSA: www.fafsa.ed.gov, ASAP after January 1st.
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Come to the LHHS Financial Aid Night in January.
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Check with your prospective schools about additional financial aid application forms and requirements.
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Apply for Bright Futures at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org after December 1st.
Spring
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Check email/mail regularly for admissions decisions.
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Compare your admissions offers. Ask your counselor and parent to help you weigh your options.
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Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for any mistakes and report them to your prospective school. Your SAR should arrive approximately 3-5 days after you submit your FAFSA online, or 10 days after your paper FAFSA is received.
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Time for a decision! Most schools ask that you choose your school by May 1st or earlier.
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Check deadlines for housing, financial aid, etc.
Glossary of Terms
Award Letter: A letter telling you what financial aid your college is offering to you (including types, amounts offered, specific program information, etc.) You may choose to accept some or all of what is offered.
Credit (or Credit Hour): A unit of measurement for fulfilling course requirements in college. Most colleges require that you complete a certain number in order to graduate.
Cost of Attendance: Includes all costs associated with attending college: tuition and fees, room/board, books and supplies, etc.
Enrollment Status: Indicates you attend school full-time or part-time. In general, you must attend at least part-time to qualify for financial aid.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC): The amount students and their family are expected to contribute financially toward cost of attendance.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Students must fill out the FAFSA each year to find out how much federal aid they are eligible to receive. www.fafsa.gov
Open Admissions: Students are admitted regardless of academic qualifications. Most community colleges have open admissions policies.
Out-of-State Students: Generally applies to students attending a public university outside of their home state. Out-of-state students must pay a higher tuition rate unless they establish legal residency for the state where they attend school.
Rolling Admissions: There is no set admissions deadline date; qualified students are accepted until classes are filled.
Student Aid Report (SAR): This notifies you that your FAFSA has been processed. Your EFC also appears on the SAR.
Undergraduate Student: A student who has not completed a baccalaureate or first professional degree.