Checklist for Seniors Make sure your high school course selections are appropriate for your college/career interests and that you are meeting high school graduation and college requirements. Talk to your counselor about your plans for education after high school in light of your test scores, class rank, your high school grade, and your interests and abilities. Students are welcome to view the catalogs in the counseling center. The selection is not complete, and if you do not find a catalogue for the college of your choice, most addresses are available for you to write the college. The "Coin3" internet-based program is available to guide you regarding career selection and college search information. Request application materials for admissions and financial aid from schools to which you intend to apply. Ask the university about departmental scholarships. If you are requesting college admission on an early decision basis, be sure that your application materials are submitted by the deadline - usually by October. Attend the MISD College Night and Financial Aid Program with your parents in September at Eastfield College. Visit the colleges you are considering on a weekday and confirm your choice. Make arrangements in advance for a personal interview with an admissions officer and a financial aid officer. Stay overnight if possible. Be aware of admissions and financial aid application deadlines and meet them. Keep accurate records of all applications and supporting materials you submit. Be aware of application deadlines for local and private scholarships. Give recommendation forms to teachers, counselors, and others from whom you are seeking references at least two weeks before they are due to be returned; include a stamped, addressed envelope. Follow up to make sure they have been mailed. If you are seeking an appointment to one of the MILITARY ACADEMIES, make sure that your file is current with the person or organization from which you are seeking a nomination. If you are seeking a scholarship based on ability, send a copy of your game or performance schedule to the appropriate college or personnel. Ask your high school teachers and coaches about contacts you might have. If portfolios, audition tapes, writing samples, or other evidence of talent is required for admission or for scholarships, finalize them. Go to www.CollegeScouting.com to complete a profile. If admission interviews are required or recommended, schedule them. Submit a need analysis form (FAFSA) for financial aid as soon after January 1 as possible. Request that a copy of your transcript be sent to the schools to which you have applied. Be sure your current class rank is included. Pick up, complete, and return the Application for Local Scholarships in January. You will need a Statement of Graduation form from your counselor if planning to attend Eastfield Summer School for the first semester. Make an appointment with an Eastfield counselor to plan your course work and registration (972-324-7106). Make your final decision about which school you will attend and notify them in writing of your acceptance. Decline other offers of admission in writing. Review the conditions of any financial award you may receive with the financial officer. Special situations will be taken into consideration at that time. Arrange for housing and a meal plan, if necessary. A housing deposit is often required. This step should be taken as soon as possible due to limited housing at many colleges. Find out when payment of school charges for tuition, fees, room and board, etc., will be due, and plan how you will meet those charges. Understand how financial aid will be disbursed and whether you can defer bills until the funds are available. Be aware of any summer orientation sessions at your school and make plans to attend. Attending this orientation will make the beginning of your college freshman year less frightening and much easier. Prepare a proposed budget for your freshman year in college.