What You'll Need
The key to navigating the collegiate world of academic funding is organization. Here’s what you’ll need.
File Folders
Keep these in a convenient place and label them appropriately—you’ll be referencing this information frequently.
- One for each college you’re considering.
- Academic records
- Volunteer and extracurricular activities and/or awards
- Information on federal aid and/or state programs
- Information on scholarship programs
- Copies of college savings accounts
- Copies of IRS forms (you’ll eventually need these for Federal Financial Aid)
Calendar
Keep track of important dates, such as scholarship deadlines, FAFSA submission deadlines and college application deadlines. As you receive materials, log them into your calendar. Dates such as community activity dates are also important.
Electronic Calendar
Electronic calendars help you track deadlines for future years—simply log in the information and, when the date arrives, a reminder message will pop on your screen.
File Cabinet or File Box
Keep all your folders in one location; you’ll be glad you did.
This is an excerpt from Get Cash for College: Real Advice for Real Results, our exclusive guide to helping high school students and their parents prepare for college academically and financially.
High School Students
» Freshman Year
» Sophomore Year
» Junior Year
» Senior Year
» What You Need
Financial Aid Advisor
» Financial Aid Advisor: The Guided Tour
» First Step: Completing The FAFSA
» The Financial Aid Calendar
» The Financial Aid Process
» Know Your Options