Narrow list of colleges to consider.

Register for the October SAT or ACT, if necessary. Visit some college campuses. Explore classrooms and dorms,and speak to students and faculty members.

Send for catalogs and information regarding admission application procedures, financial aid and entrance requirements from colleges of interest.

Track deadlines for application submission.

Review instructions and begin writing rough drafts of essays.

Request recommendations from teachers, employers and/or guidance counselors. Give teachers and counselors form for letters of recommendation along with stamped envelopes.

Attend college fairs and financial aid nights sponsored locally.

File early action/early decision applications, if appropriate.

If not applying early, file applications for schools with early deadlines or rolling admissions.

Register for the December or January SAT or December or February ACT, if necessary.

Finalize application essays and complete admission procedures.

Remind references of application deadlines. Send thank you notes to these people.

Ask your guidance counselor for financial aid forms, or go to our website (www.NationalCollegeFunding.net) to sign up and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Note filing deadlines: Universities will start reviewing your FAFSA as of January 1st.

Take the SAT Language Tests with Listening (French, German, Japanese proficiency), if appropriate.

Mail all applications or turn them in to your high school, depending on the system your school uses.

If accepted early, withdraw other applications.

If deferred, update material for that school.

Parents: Retain year-end payroll information. It may be required to re-determine financial aid eligibility.

Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Keep copies. Since most schools have a limited supply of aid and some dispense it on a rolling basis as they accept students, it is to your advantage to apply as early as possible.

Parents: Prepare IRS tax returns early—they will be needed on the FAFSA to determine financial aid eligibility.

Watch the mail for college decisions.

Forward medical forms to each school requiring a physical exam as a condition of admission.

Review college acceptances and compare financial aid offers.

Pick your college, send in a deposit, and notify other colleges of your decision.

Request course descriptions and schedules from your college of choice. Confirm housing arrangements.

If you need help paying for college, contact NCFS for Loan options.

Start a file for copies of all college paperwork.

Graduate.