KnowHow2GoKy

• Create a high school plan. Take the most challenging classes you can handle.
• Focus on learning (Grades will be a permanent part of your student's transcript - colleges will see them).
• Help your student improve or continue good study habits.
• Encourage her to get involved in extracurricular activities so she can explore her interests.
• Check out his ILP to see if he's completed the interest inventory.
• Help her research career possibilities.
• Compare different college options with your student.
• If you haven't already, start saving money for college.
• Start keeping track of her KEES money.

• Create or review your student's high school plan and make sure he is choosing the right courses and he's on track to meet Kentucky high school graduation requirements.
• Encourage your student to continue focusing on learning. Colleges will see her grades.
• Keep your options open--take the most challenging classes you can handle.
• Ask your school counselor about getting a head start on college classes through AP, dual credit, early college, or IB classes.
• Go to a college fair or financial aid night at school.
• Help her research colleges and scholarships with in her ILP
• Take part in after-school activities or clubs.
• Consider a part-time job, internship, or volunteer position.

SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER

• Make sure your student meets with his school counselor.
• Talk with your student about what she wants in a college (majors available, size, location, faculty-to-student ratios, sports programs, cost, etc).
• Choose 5-10 colleges that meet her needs and request information from them.
• Find out how your student's grades, test scores, etc., compare with the requirements of his college(s) of choice.
• Encourage her to take challenging courses. If possible, add AP, IB, or dual credit classes.
• Help your student stay involved in activities and encourage him to take a leadership role.
• Be sure your student registers to take the PSAT (October).
• Go to college and financial aid fairs with your child.
• If your student is interested in the military, he or she will need to register for the ASVAB test. A local recruiter or school counselor can provide more information.

DECEMBER - FEBRUARY

• If applicable, your student should sign up to take the SAT in May or June. See a school counselor for details.
• Your student can begin to prepare for SAT and/or ACT by taking practice tests (lots of free ones online!).
• Read all information you and your student receive from her preferred colleges.
• Pay attention to school announcements and communications about guidance office events such as spring open houses and college tours.
• Check deadlines.  Get familiar with the application and financial aid deadlines at your student's top choice schools and make sure he puts them on his calendar.
• Look for and apply for scholarships.
• Ask her if she's decided on a college major.

MARCH - MAY

• Take the ACT (All Kentucky juniors take the ACT in March).
• Sign up for college campus visits/tours with your student.
• Help your student create a resume. A school counselor or college & career advisor is a great resource for help.
• If she hasn't already, make sure she plans her senior year courses to meet all graduation requirements.
• Encourage your student to apply for summer jobs or internships, or look for volunteer opportunities.
• Sit down with your student and help him narrow his list of colleges to five.
• Suggest adults who might write your student a letter of recommendation for their college applications (think about church or community leaders, teachers, coaches, etc.).
• Remember your student can apply to college under early decision or dual enrollment programs.
• Remind your student to registration for June SAT or ACT tests, if needed.

JUNE - AUGUST

• Your student should request applications from your top colleges of choice.
• Have him work on his personal statement (many applications require students to write a short essay about themself).
• Visit college campuses with your student.
• If you intend to play NCAA sports, register for Initial Eligibility. You cannot play, practice, or be recruited until you are certified by the NCAA's Initial Clearinghouse. 
• If possible, save money for college.
• If you're applying for an early decision, request high school transcript(s) and letters of recommendation from teachers, etc; send them in with your application.

SEPTEMBER

• Create your FSA ID for your Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
• Save September pay stubs to complete your FAFSA next month
• Get organized! Start a calendar with all test names, registration dates, and fees as well as admissions and financial aid deadlines.
• Start a binder or folder to file all correspondence.
• Choose top 5 colleges and request applications.
• If applying early decision, check with admissions office for deadlines.
• Sign up for October or November ACT and/or SAT I and SAT II tests.
• Apply for scholarships.

OCTOBER

• Fill out your FAFSA (available October 1 for students entering college in 2017 or later)
• Request letters of recommendation.
• Ask teachers, and others to help you with your personal essays.
• Take SAT I, SAT II and/or ACT exams.
• Attend college fairs.
• Visit/tour colleges.
• Ask colleges about financial aid forms.
• Meet with your school counselor to check in on progress.
• Keep up with grades and homework.
• Submit applications to out-of-state colleges.

NOVEMBER

• Sign back into your FAFSA or call 1-800-433-3242 to check the status of your application. If you have been selected for verification, check with your counselor about how to respond.
• Get financial aid applications from colleges.
• Get five copies of high school transcripts.
• Males 18 and up must register for Selective Service to get federal financial aid. Register online at www.sss.gov.
• Take SAT I, SAT II and/or ACT exams.
• If necessary, register to retake SAT and/or ACT tests in December or January. Click here for testing dates.
• Submit applications to KY state schools.
• Apply for scholarships

DECEMBER

• Mail admissions applications, if due
• Do colleges have your recommendations?
• Apply for scholarships

JANUARY

• If due, mail admissions applications and/or make sure they've been received.
• Make sure all admissions files are complete
• Keep copies of all forms you mail.
• Schools may want a tax return to prove financial aid eligibility. Make sure to check the status of your FAFSA online
• Mail end-of-semester transcripts to colleges.
• Apply for scholarships.

FEBRUARY

• When you get your Student Aid Report, make sure your colleges of choice are listed.
• If the SAR asks for updated information, or you need to make a correction, do so ASAP. Failure to respond could cost you financial aid!
• College admissions letters start to go out.
• Apply for scholarships

MARCH - MAY

• Contact financial aid offices to see if your application is complete.
• If you're not admitted to any colleges, see your school counselor for guidance.
• Review financial aid awards from colleges.
• Decide which school to attend and notify all colleges by May 1.
• Apply for on- or off-campus housing.
• Respond to all letters from your college of choice by due date!

JUNE - AUGUST

• Within 10 days of graduation, remind your high school to send your official final transcript to your college.
• Finalize summer school or job plans.
• Double check campus housing arrangements.
• Participate in freshman orientation and tour programs.
• Register for your first semester of college classes
• Take any required placement tests.
• Save money for college expenses.

HAVE FUN!!