Schools

Clock is ticking for all of you college-bound seniors

By MICHELE MILLER, Times Staff Writer
Published October 31, 2007

It's countdown time for high school seniors. And while some are still in homecoming mode, for the college-bound there are some important tasks to attend to - now. Here's a fall to-do list, courtesy of the J.W. Mitchell High Guidance Department, that applies to any 2008 senior headed for postsecondary education next year:

1. Take the SAT or ACT.

- For information on ACT, go to www.act.org.

- For information on SAT, go to www.collegeboard.com.

2. Begin the application process for colleges of your choice. Plan on applying to four to six schools, including your "dream school."

3. Have a teacher or other adult proofread your college applications and essays.

4. Research and apply for scholarships.

5. Go to FACTS.org for college/career information.

6. Visit colleges you are interested in. Check Web sites for open house dates.

7. Document your community service hours for Bright Futures scholarships.

Note to parents of college-bound seniors:

When it comes to federal scholarships, grants and student loans, it's pretty much first-come, first-served. While June 30, 2008, is the deadline to apply for FAFSA - the Free Application for Federal Student Aid - applications may be submitted as early as Jan. 1, 2008. (Note: Many schools use the FAFSA to determine state or school aid. State deadlines may be earlier than FAFSA.)

What's on your to-do list? Compiledocumentation including bank statements, Social Security numbers and completed (not necessarily filed) 2007 tax returns. For information on FAFSA, how to apply, worksheets and state deadlines, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov/ or contact a high school guidance counselor.

[Last modified October 30, 2007, 20:47:19]