b'59December May/June Take the SAT or ACT, if you want to try to raise Take applicable Advanced Placement (AP) Exams your score (pp. 27-30). and request that your scores be sent to the collegeRemind your teachers and counselors of the deadlinesyou will be attending.for submitting your college recommendations for Make sure your school counselor sends yourregular admission (p. 38). final transcript to your selected college. If you were accepted Early Decision, check the If your acceptance offer includes a summer bridgeCHECKLISTSdeadline for acceptance and meet that deadline program, register on time.(p. 31).Work with your parents or guardians to applyJanuary for Federal Direct PLUS Loans (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) and other private loans, Continue to meet application deadlines for Regularif necessary. If your parents are not eligible for a Admission (p. 31). Parent PLUS Loan, inform your colleges financialConfirm that all of your college admissions aid office, so it can authorize you for additionalmaterials have been received by each school Federal Direct Loans (p. 43).to which you applied (p. 38).Visit PHEAA at www.pheaa.org to make sure Continue to check your email for requests the correct college is listed to receive a state grant.for income verification (p. 45).Review your financial aid award from the college you will attend and accept or decline each loanFebruary/March or grant individually (p. 47). Write thank you notes to those people who wrote Log in at studentaid.gov to complete your Loan recommendation letters on your behalf (p. 34). Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory NoteContinue to research and apply for scholarships for any federal loans noted on your financial aid (p. 50). award letter. Review all bills for tuition and room and board. April Follow all directions carefully and meet deadlinesMaintain organized files of all admissions and for payment.financial aid correspondence that you sendCreate a realistic budget for indirect college costs, and receive. such as books, phone usage, computer needs, andAnalyze your offers of admission and financial travel expenses (p. 54).aid packages carefully (pp. 46-48). July/August Identify a financial aid contact at each college Regularly check your college portal, email, and where you have been accepted. Check in with thatpostal mail to meet all deadlines for class registration,person if you have any questions. Request a revieworientation registration, tuition, room and boardof your financial aid offer if it does not meet your payments, placement testing, and housing requests.financial need or a new situation has developedCheck on your medical insurance coverage at impacting your ability to pay for college (p. 42). school and provide any information your collegeChoose your college and accept its offer of needs, such as your vaccination records.admission before the National Candidates Reply Contact the bursars office to set up a payment plan, Date, May 1. Send in any required deposits andif necessary.paperwork.Contact your future roommate(s) and discuss what you will need to bring for your dorm room (p. 53).'