Whether you’ve been saving and planning for your child’s college education for the past 18 years or you just recently started discussing college plans with your child, senior year is the time when many decisions need to be made.
The summer before your child’s senior year is a good time to narrow down college choices. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to research colleges online, request catalogs, attend college fairs, and visit campuses to help finalize the list of schools.
Be sure to note specific school deadlines for applications, scholarships, and financial aid forms and check them regularly. The following calendar is a general overview of the application and financial aid process.
| Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
| Research colleges online, attend college fairs, and visit college campuses to make a final list | General admission applications are typically due in December or January—confirm the deadline for each school | Review financial aid packages offered by various colleges; compare out-of-pocket costs at each college | Buy school and dorm supplies |
| Early decision/early action applications are typically due in October or November—confirm the deadline for each school | Submit college PROFILE financial aid form and college-specific financial aid forms where necessary | Review ongoing requirements of any college scholarships if selected | Work to earn spending money |
| Attend financial aid night at local high school | Confirm that colleges have received all application and financial aid materials | Make a final decision and notify the college by May 1 | Prepare to move if you are going away to school |
| The federal government’s financial aid application, the FAFSA, can be filed as early as October 1 | Continue to apply for college scholarships | Pay required college deposit | Sign student loan promissory note and receive federal student loan counseling if applicable |
| Apply for college-specific scholarships | Research and apply for private scholarships | Sign up for college orientation session if required | Off to college! |
| An independent third party has developed this resource.
Commonwealth Financial Network is not responsible for their content and does not guarantee their accuracy or completeness, and they should not be relied upon as such. These materials are general in nature and do not address your specific situation. For your specific investment needs, please discuss your individual circumstances with your representative. Commonwealth does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing in the accompanying pages should be construed as specific tax or legal advice. Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services offered through Blakely Financial or CES Insurance Agency
This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WV, and WI. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced. |
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| Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2021. |
