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*Important Information for U.S. Registration Deadlines:

	U.S. deadlines apply to students testing in the U.S., U.S. Territories, and Puerto Rico.
	Mailed U.S. registration materials must be postmarked by the U.S. deadlines.
	Sunday administrations occur the day after each Saturday test date, for students who cannot test on Saturday due to religious reasons.
	The Language Tests with Listening are offered only in November and only at selected test centers. For more information visit College Board of line (www.collegeboard.com) School Code is 342 239. For more information visit ACT, Inc. online (http://www.act.org)

Before The Tour:

	Do Research--know its outstanding programs, faculty-student ratio, educational mission, the mascot, competitive sports teams, major rivals.  Know all pertinent, public information about the college
	Read while you wait.
	Make good use of your time.
	The more you understand about a college, the more efficient you will be during the tour.
	Your tour guide will be a student.  Preparing is the first step to a successful and efficient campus tour.

While on The Tour:

	Ask tour guide why did you choose this college?
	What have been your best experiences here?
	Why did you stay after freshman year?
	What is your plan for after graduation?

After The Tour:

	Talk to the tour guide--ask questions of personal concern--attending a large college, worried about making friends, test scores high enough.
	Write down five impressions you received from the tour.
	Ask tour guide for his/her email address.
	Explore on your own.

PLAN AHEAD

During the Summer:

	Consider enrolling in a community college in the fall to take classes that will count toward both your high school and college degrees.
	When finalizing your school schedule, enroll in as many Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses as possible.  If you do well, you could earn college credit while you're still in high school.
	Work!  Get a part time job or two over the summer to save money for college and have something to add to your resume.
	Use the summer to brush up on your math and vocabulary skills to help you retake the SAT and/or ACT in the beginning of your senior year.
	Put your best high school work in a portfolio.  A sample of a graded essay or of a special project may be required for college admission.

During theFall:

	Start budgeting for college costs and keep searching for scholarships.  Go to http://www.nextSTEPmag.com/Contest
	Keep up your grades
	Attend college fairs, financial aid nights and college-planning workshops.  http://www.nextSTEPmag.com/Calendar
	Request financial aid information from each college you're considering and record the deadlines (call school's financial aid office for help)
	Athletes, attend a fall prospects showcase or tournament in your sport.  Contact coaches and prepare a highlights video to show them.
	Pick a major or two to help narrow your college choices.  http://www.nextSTEPmag.com/collegeMatch
	Still undecided?  Take a personality profile.  http://www.nextSTEPmag.com/Assessment
	Research what type of degree or certification is necessary for the career you desire.
	Take the SAT or ACT this fall if you haven't or retake to increase your scores.
	Sit down with your parents to find out, for sure, if and how much your parents plan to contribute to your college education.
	When requesting letters of recommendations for your college and scholarship applications, give your letter writers at least three weeks.  Also give them pre-addressed, stamped envelopes and make sure they know the deadlines and purpose of the letters.
	Keep copies of everything you send to scholarship and admission offices.

During the Winter:

	Encourage parents to fill out tax returns ASAP so you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
	Fill out and submit any other financial aid forms required by the colleges you have applied to.  http://www.nextSTEPmag.com/Scholarships

Spring of Senior Year

	Review your Student Aid Report and make any necessary changes.
	Watch the mail for financial aid award letters.  Determine the package that best meets your needs.  Watch for response deadlines--you may be required to sign and return a copy of your financial aid award letter in order to receive the money.
	Start looking for a summer job.
	If student loans are part of your award package and you need them to cover college costs, discuss them with your family.
	Expect acceptance letters to start arriving in April.
	Athletes, if you are still without a school, call every college coach that contacted you to see if they have any last minute needs for players.
	Send in your tuition deposit by May 1 to reserve your spot at the college of your choice.
	Respond to the other colleges to which you were accepted to let them know you won't be attending.

Summer Following Graduation:

	During summer break, keep searching for scholarships.  Visit local library, guidance counselor and college financial aid office to investigate scholarships offered by local businesses, your workplace and community organizations.
	Male seniors must register with Selective Service upon turning 18.  You can automatically register when you complete the FAFSA.
	Save some money!  You will need every penny you can save for college.
	Continue to review your financial aid options.
	Plan on attending our college's summer orientation.
	Watch the mail for important housing, orientation and registration materials.
	If required, send your final high school transcript to the college you will attend.
	You're graduating high school!  Have a safe and fun summer, and enjoy college!  You'll be fabulous!

FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION:

The College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) can provide the necessary information in assisting you with your college financing.  Visit their website www.CFNC.org  or call 1-800-600-3453.

WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID?

Financial aid is money that is given to you so that you can pay for college and can be obtained by most students.  The federal government is the largest source, followed by the state government, colleges, and private organizations.

GIFT-AID, GRANTS, AND SCHOLARSHIPS –

This is money that does not have to be repaid.  The federal government funds two of the largest grant programs, the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.  The major state grants are the NC Student Incentive Grant, UNC Need-Based Grant, the NC Community College Grant, the NC Legislative Grant, and NC State Contractual Scholarship.

Pell Grants are up to $4,050 per year that are given to students based on family financial need.  This money does NOT have to be paid back.  Grant amounts can change each year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are given to students with exceptional financial need.  This money does NOT have to be paid back.

Federal Work-Study is awarded to students who demonstrate need on their FAFSA, which you should submit in January of your senior year.  You may work up to 20 hours per week at jobs available on or off campus.

Federal Stafford Loans are for undergraduate students who can borrow from $2,625 to $10,500 per year depending on their financial need and grade level.  The interest rate on Stafford loans is capped at 8.25%.

Federal Plus Loans are for the natural, adoptive or stepparents of dependent undergraduate students.  Parents can borrow up to the cost of their child's education minus other financial aid awarded.  Borrowers must undergo a credit analysis, and repayment begins 60 days after the first disbursement.  The interest rate on PLUS loans is capped at 9%.

Federal Perkins Loans up to $3,000 per year for students with exceptional need.  These loans carry a fixed interest rate of 5%. 

Put together a month-by-month calendar for the next 12 months that includes important admission and financial aid deadlines. Prepare!  Prepare!  Prepare!  Get a college prep guide from local library. Start developing a list of extracurricular activities for prospective colleges. Keep your grades up!  Your academic record is now more important than ever. Consider taking college prep or Advanced Placement courses through which you can earn college credit. Start planning your college visits.