Applications and Financial Aid Forms — “Be Proactive”!
Congratulations! You have chosen your “Final List” of schools. It is time to go through what we call the college “application process” and the “financial aid process” to get into your “right school” and get as much free money as possible! In order to maximize your results we recommend you follow the steps outlined below.
In summary, a good rule of thumb is to BE PROACTIVE! Do NOT assume (everything is fine)! Please “fix” any issues as soon as possible — it is not the college’s job to tell you something is missing from your application. (Just think about it — how many students start an application with a particular school but then change his/her mind and never finish, plus, never tell the school)? It is critical that you do not procrastinate at this time because of the deadlines set by the Colleges.
ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS
For every school you are applying to:
- Create a folder (for each school)
- Go to school website and print out “admissions” requirements and highlight each task.
- As you complete each task, check off and put date completed.
Once you have completed all application requirements, contact the Admissions Office by phone and ask for status. For example:
- “Have you received all required information?” If yes, note date and person you spoke to. If no, take steps to fix and then repeat until confirmed.
- “When can I expect to receive an acceptance letter?” Note expected date and track.
FINANCIAL AID FORMS
For every school you are applying to:
- Go to school’s website and print out “financial aid requirements” and highlight each task.
- As you complete each task, check off and put date completed.
Similar to “Admissions” above, once you have completed all financial aid form requirements, contact the Financial Aid Office by phone and ask for status. For example:
- “Have you received all required information?” If yes, note date and person you spoke to. If no, take steps to fix and repeat until confirmed.
- “When can I expect to receive an award letter?” Note the date and track.
In summary, BE PROACTIVE and do NOT assume!
