Monthly college planning tips  

May 2012

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Seniors … borrow wisely for college!

Review these tips before you decide how much to borrow in student loans:

  • Borrow only what you need, even if it’s less than the amount offered in your award letter.
  • Try to use your student loan money only for tuition, books and fees. Get a job during college to pay living expenses.
  • Compare the estimated starting salary of potential careers to your estimated college debt to ensure you can afford future loan payments.
  • File the FAFSA at fafsa.gov each year you attend college.
  • Continue to look for scholarships while you’re in college.
  • Keep track of your student loan debt throughout college at nslds.ed.gov.

To learn more about student loans, see the “Paying for College” section at EducationQuest.org. Use the Student Loan Repayment Calculator to estimate future loan payments.

Making the transition to college …

Seniors, check out the “Students Transitioning to College” section at EducationQuest.org. You’ll find information about: 

  • Wrapping up your senior year
  • How to manage your money
  • Selecting a major
  • What to expect your freshman year of college
  • Helpful apps to download before you head to college

Juniors … what you can do this summer to prepare for college!

  • Start narrowing your college choices. By the fall of your senior year, you should have narrowed your choices to three or four schools. Visit some college campuses this summer and check out college websites.
  • Watch some videos. EducationQuest’s “Find the Right Fit” video features two high school seniors who go through the process of finding colleges that match their career interests. The “Go.Visit.College!” video provides campus visit tips from college students and college representatives. Find them in the “Videos” section at EducationQuest.org.
  • Update your Activities Resume at EducationQuest.org. Include extracurricular activities, honors, awards and part-time jobs.
  • Look for scholarships. Check out ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org, which has over 2,000 local and statewide scholarships. You should also pay attention to the scholarships seniors are earning.
  • Find a summer job to help pay for college expenses. Ask prospective employers if they offer education assistance programs.

May “To Do” List

Seniors:

___ Apply for student loans, if necessary.

___ Register for freshmen orientation at your college.

___ Start a list of dorm room essentials.

___ Get a summer job to help pay college expenses.

Juniors:

___ Register by May 8 for the June 2 SAT.

___ Register by May 4 for the June 9 ACT.

___ Continue campus visits.

___ Get a summer job and save for college.