Senior: December, January, February

Ask for letters of recommendation in advance.
Write essays for applications that require it.
Work on filling out applications.
File applications by deadline.
Decide if you will attend and make down payments for an Early Decision acceptance.
File the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.
File the CSS Profile if any of your colleges requires it.
File any other financial aid documents your colleges require.

Give additional materials (i.e. resume, a couple examples of your best work, etc.) to those who will write your letters of recommendation.
Ask someone you trust to read and help edit your essays.

Don't forget about application fees.
Work on the CSS Profile if any of your child's colleges require it.
Work on the FAFSA—file it as soon as possible after January 1.
Research the financial aid process.
Research loan options.
Think about how your child's college education will be paid for.
Determine your family's affordability threshold.
Talk with your child about how his or her college education will be paid for and your family's affordability threshold.
Go to any college nights or events your child's school offers.

- Review and update your academic plan; take challenging courses.

- Work hard to get good grades.

- Keep an updated resume.

- Stay involved in extracurricular activities.

- Explore potential career options: talk to people, check the Internet, job shadow, etc.

- Search for scholarships.

- Visit colleges of interest.

- Continue to evaluate and collect information about colleges to which you apply.

- Maintain relationships with your teachers and counselor.

- Talk with college students about their experiences.