Senior Year

It's your senior year. You've made it, Congratulations! Very soon you will be walking across the stage to receive your high school diploma. This may be a very scary time for you, but rest assured, you will be fine.

Here are a few tips that you can consider as you are making preparations.

Have you completed the FAFSA? The Free Application for Student Aid is necessary to help you qualify for financial aid such as pell grants, student loans and some scholarships.

Remember, college applications have deadlines for when they should be submitted for admission. Stay on top of all dates.

Continue to seek out financial aid and scholarship opportunities and apply for anything for which you may qualify, there is a lot of money out there. Talk to your high school counselor about local scholarships. Get the applications and apply!

Avoid Senioritis... It is very easy to find yourself in the senior slump of not wanting to study or go to classes. Hang in there, you're almost done.

Stay involved... you will need extra curriculuar activities to list on your college applications and forbscholarships. Its not too late to volunteer at the local homeless shelter or at your local church or community group.

If you don't know how to budget, Learn to! Its great practice to stay on top of your budgeting. Very soon, you will be away from home and away from your parents. Its very important that you know how to manage your finances.

Attend college fairs in your area and make it a point to visit college campuses. College fairs expose you to a variety of schools. Campus visits will help you narrow down your choice.

Make a list of two to three people to write letters of recommendation for you. Choose people who actually know you, not just those with a cool title. Give them plenty of time to write the letter(s). Don't forget to say Thank You!

Take the ACT/SAT in September/October (repeat as necessary or desired).

These are only a few things that could help you to prepare for college. Most of all, Pat yourself on the back, you've achieved a major milestone!