It’s never too early to start planning for college. Here is a checklist to help you make the financial part of college planning go as smoothly as possible.

Parents of Sophomores and Juniors:

• If you have not done so already, encourage your child to save some money for college. Even if your child only saves enough for books or supplies, it will give you a head start.
• Find out when financial aid presentations will be given at your child’s high school and attend with your child.
• Begin researching scholarships, especially ones offered by local community/civic, church, business or non-profit organizations. Learn the deadlines and criteria and begin a file system by date to help your student follow-up at the appropriate time.
• Attend campus preview day events at the schools your child is considering. Be sure to ask to meet with someone in the financial aid office so you can learn the process the college uses to award scholarships and financial aid.
• Help your child excel on entrance exams. Often an SAT/ACT prep course can help your child raise his or her score significantly which may mean more scholarship money. Even if you have to pay for a prep course, it can be a great investment.

Parents of Seniors:

September – December

• Submit applications to all the colleges being considered.
• Request financial information from each school.
• Attend a financial aid workshop with your child.
• Research scholarship opportunities at each college your child is considering. Learn about community, business, church and nonprofit scholarships as well.
• Apply for scholarships and grants. Some scholarships and grants require application a year before enrollment so start early.
• Apply for your PIN at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. Both you and your child will need one to complete the FAFSA in January.
• Attend college fairs and visit college campuses with your child.
• Learn about student and parent loans.
• Learn about campus work opportunities.

January – February

• Complete your federal tax return (and have your child complete his or hers).
• Complete the FAFSA at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. (This is a free process so do not pay anyone to do this for you.) Both you and your child must complete a FAFSA. Send the results directly to the school(s) your child is applying to. Click here for a printable list of the school codes for all accredited Adventist colleges in North America.
• When your child receives his or her SAR (Student Aid Report) after completing the FAFSA, verify the information is accurate and submit any corrections immediately.

March – June

• Celebrate the acceptance letters your child receives.
• Inquire about additional financial forms to be completed at the schools your child is accepted to and complete these forms by the deadlines.
• Prayerfully review and compare the financial award letters your child receives from each school. A typical award letter will list all the scholarships, grants (federal and state) and loans your child is eligible for. It may also include total cost of attendance and any amount your family is expected to contribute.
• Remember God’s promise to give you wisdom (James 1:5) and make a decision.
• If required, sign and return the award letter to the school selected. Decline the award letters to the schools not chosen.
• If required, make a deposit to hold your child’s place in the first-year class.
• Let the colleges not chosen know of your child’s decision.
• Complete all necessary forms for the financial aid office.
• If your financial award does not cover all costs, apply for any loans you or your child plan to secure.
• If your child is eligible for a work-study program, contact the financial aid office for details.
• If your child plans to find another job, apply as early as possible.

Summer

• Complete necessary loan forms, if applicable.
• Make arrangements for your first payment. Many campuses have deadlines even before you arrive on campus.
• Start packing! Congratulations!

To request more information about Adventist colleges and universities today, click here.