251 N. Illinois St. • Suite 400 Indianapolis, IN 46204

Ph: 317.416.2888 Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org

www.youtube.com/ISMCollegePlanning

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE ATwww.ISMCollegePlanning.org

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e planning information

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tly to yo

ur inbox!

Sign up for our e-newsletter!

Facebook

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Seni r Year Checklist Connect with us online at www.ISMCollegePlanning.org

Narrow your list of college possibilities. Collect all the applications you need and make note of the school’s deadlines. Use the ISM College Planning Worksheet(www.ISMCollegePlanning.org/PlanningWorksheet) to compare your costs at those colleges.

If you haven’t already done so, schedule visits to the schools you are considering. Call ahead and schedule an appointment with the admissions and financial aid offices at the school.

Begin asking people for recommendation letters for both scholarships and college applications.

If you are looking to improve your scores, or take the test for the first time, register and prepare for the fall SAT or ACT. Better scores may lead to better financial aid offers.

Talk to your parents or guardian about their ability to help you pay for college. Search for scholarships online at: www.fastweb.com www.collegenet.com/mach25 www.collegeboard.com/scholarships

Email Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org with any questions about paying for college.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), required of all applicants for financial aid. To be eligible for state of Indiana aid the form is due at the Federal Processor by March 10. It’s available online at www.fafsa.gov. Note: Some colleges may ask that you complete the FAFSA early. Make sure you meet that deadline and not miss a possible opportunity at institutional financial aid.

Watch for College Goal Sunday to get free help on filling out the FAFSA. To find this year’s date, time and locations, check www.CollegeGoalSunday.org.

Investigate your costs to attend specific colleges using each school’s Net Price Calculator. Easily find the calculator for the school(s) of your choice at http://collegecost.ed.gov/netpricecenter.aspx. Talk with your college financial aid office and ask about any additional financial aid forms you need at that particular school.

Continue searching for scholarships. In fact, keep looking for scholarships until you have graduated college. You can never have too much money that you don’t have to pay back.

Review your financial aid offers. Check deadlines for sending in your required deposit, housing applica-tion, or any other forms requested by the school. You’ll most likely have to make your decision by May 1. Remember to let the other schools know that you won’t be attending.

Finish high school strong! Keep up the good grades!

Search and apply for late deadline scholarships.

If you don’t have a summer job yet, look for one. It will be a big help to have some extra money when you start your freshman year.

There’s tons of great tools and resources for you at our website:

ISMCollegePlanning.org For more information on financial aid and college planning, “Like” us on Facebook: facebook.com/ISMCollegePlanning

Talk with your school counselor to find out if you are on track for college. Sign up for any Dual Credit or AP courses you may be eligible for. The cost of earning college credits in high school is much less than paying for those classes when in college.

Gather information on colleges you have an interest in attending. Use the College Search tool at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to explore options and plan for the future. Write down the estimated costs for those schools as well. You can compare the information and costs before making your finaldecision on where to attend.

Take the PSAT to get a feel for the SAT and to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program. Also investigate and prepare for the ACT. Doing well on these tests may increase your eligibility for grant and scholarship money.

Attend college nights or college fairs at your high school or local community center. Remember to ask the college representatives about scholarship and financial aid opportunities at that particular school.

Winter break! Find out the real scoop on colleges from your friends and relatives who come home from campus. Ask if you can come to visit some weekend.

Save your school work. Your English papers may help with scholarship applications or college admissions applications.

Listen for announcements about scholarships open to juniors. Talk with your counselor and search for scholarships you may be eligible for now and in your senior year. Search for additional scholarships online at: www.fastweb.com www.collegenet.com/mach25 www.collegeboard.com/scholarships

Look into taking one or both of the spring SAT and ACT tests. Remember that achieving a good score on these tests may reward you with more opportunities for grants and scholarships.

Complete the online form at www.FAFSA4Caster.ed.gov to estimate your eligibility for federal student aid. Use that information to help you make a plan to pay for college.

Write a résumé. Use it to apply for a summer job. While you’re working on your résumé, think about how your experiences and activities can help you find scholarship opportunities as well as looking good on your college applications.

Are you an athlete? Meet with your coach and ask for help in meeting college coaches. If you plan to play a sport in college, register for initial eligibility with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Missing an opportunity at a sports scholarship because you were ineligible can be a costly mistake.

Visit college campuses. Make appointments with Admissions counselors to talk about what you should do in your senior year to maximize your chances of getting into the college of your choice. Also talk with them about the institution’s financial aid options, including scholarships. It never hurts to swing by the Financial Aid Office on your campus tour and ask a few questions.

Save some money from your summer job for college. A little money in the bank now is less money you will need to borrow for college down the road.

Juni r Year Checklist

12. 1.

2345689

101112

WHY COLLEGE?

FINDING THE RIGHT CAREER AND COLLEGE

FAFSA: APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID

IMPORTANT DATE

THE WHAT, WHERE AND HOW OF SCHOLARSHIPS

FREE MONEY

WORK STUDY

EDUCATION LOANS

SAVINGS TIPS

JR. & SR. YEAR CHECKLISTS

CONT-

ENTS

Why College? Savings Tips!

Student Loan Game Plan is a unique online resource that helps you understand how over-borrowing to pay for college can affect your financial future. By answering some key questions, the Student Loan Game Plan will help you make smarter choices when it comes to borrowing money to pay for college. As part of your plan to pay for college, use this tool to receive personalized, real-time results along with suggestions on ways to reduce expenses and education loan indebtedness.

www.ISMCollegePlanning.org/GamePlan2. 11.

Follow us on Pinterest for more informative charts, infographicsand photos from our events!pinterest.com/ISMCollegePlan

EDUCATION PAYSUnemployment Rate in 2012 Median Weekly Earning in 2012

2.5% $1,624

$1,735

$1,300

$1,066

$785

$727

$652

$471

2.1%

3.5%

4.5%

6.2%

7.7%

8.3%

12.4%

Doctoral Degree

Professional Degree

Master’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Associate Degree

Some College, No Degree

High School Graduate

Less than a HS Diploma

10. 3.

ONLY CONSIDER AFTER “FREE MONEY” IS EXHAUSTED

HOW TO APPLY

For more information on student loans and borrowing wisely visit: ISMCollegePlanning.org/StudentLoans

Subsidized:The Federal Government pays the interest while you’re still in school.

Unsubsidized:You are responsible for the interest from the time you receive the loan. You can postpone paying interest while you’re still in school, BUT that just means you will be paying more interest.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan2 types:

So you’ve decided college is for you, but what will your major be?What college is right for you?

ISM College Planning is available to help you navigate through the college planning process and assist you with the available tools at www.ISMCollegePlanning.org.

Contact us at Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org or call us at 317.416.2888

ISMCollegePlanning.org/PickingMajor

4. 9.

Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org.

FAFSA on the Web

FAFSA4Caster.ed.govThere is no need to wait until your senior year to get estimates on eligibility for federal student aid. Prior to being able to complete a FAFSA, families can use the FAFSA4Caster as a tool to help them estimate their federal student aid eligibility. Having an early estimate of your federal aid options can be helpful in making a plan to pay for college.

FAFSA on the Web WorksheetThe FAFSA on the Web Worksheet is not just a form with a catchy name; it is a form that can make completing the FAFSA online easier. The form can be printed from the FAFSA website and gives you and your parents the option to answer some of the FAFSA questions on paper first. The Worksheet has many of the financial questions along with the instructions on what is needed to answer those questions properly.

You’ll need it later. Your PIN can also be used to sign for Direct Loans and complete entrance counseling. Since you will be filing a FAFSA every year you attend college you’ll need it for

future FAFSA forms as well

WORK STUDYThe Federal Work-Study program offers eligible students the opportunity to work in a field related to their course of study.

ISM College Planning @ISM_CollegePlan

Your job may fit with your course of study

Your income is excluded when you renew your FAFSA the next year

Money that is not a loan and does not have to be repaid because you earned it!

Max of 20 hours per week (this could be an advantage if you don’t want to work too many hours)

Most often minimum wage

8.

10Circle this Date!MAR

Remember, to be eligible for State of Indiana Financial Aid you must have your FAFSA filed by March 10.

5.

WHAT YOU NEED TO FILE YOUR FAFSA:

Students:• Social Security Card• Drivers License (if any)• W-2 forms and/or records of money earned• Federal Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1040, 1040a, or 1040EZ)• Current bank statements

Parents:• Social Security Card• W-2 forms and/or records of money earned• Federal Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1040, 1040a, or 1040EZ)• Current bank statements• Other Business or Investment records

FREE MONEY!

Federal Grants State of Indiana Grants

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FAFSA? ISM WOULD LOVE TO HELP. EMAIL US: Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org

6. 7.

THE WHAT, WHERE & HOWWhat? Where? How?

If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is...

According to the Federal Trade Commission, students should look and listen for these red flag lines:

The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.

You can’t get this information anywhere else.

I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold the scholarship.

You’ve been selected by a ‘national foundation’ to receive a scholarship, or You’re a finalist” in a contest you never entered.

The scholarship will cost some money.

We’ll do all the work.

NATIONAL CENTER FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES www.ncld.org (Search: Scholarships)

NATIONAL MS SOCIETY www.nmss.org

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE HARD OF HEARING OR DEAF:www.sertoma.org/scholarships

HISPANIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND:www.hispanicfund.org

UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND:scholarships.uncf.org

GATES MILLENIUM SCHOLARSHIP:www.gmsp.org

AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND:www.collegefund.org

Top FREE Search sites:www.fastweb.comwww.collegenet.com/mach25www.collegeboard.com/scholarships

Students with Disabilities:

Heritage/Minority Scholarships:

Free Scholarship Search Help

6. 7.

THE WHAT, WHERE & HOWWhat? Where? How?

If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is...

According to the Federal Trade Commission, students should look and listen for these red flag lines:

The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.

You can’t get this information anywhere else.

I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold the scholarship.

You’ve been selected by a ‘national foundation’ to receive a scholarship, or You’re a finalist” in a contest you never entered.

The scholarship will cost some money.

We’ll do all the work.

NATIONAL CENTER FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES www.ncld.org (Search: Scholarships)

NATIONAL MS SOCIETY www.nmss.org

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE HARD OF HEARING OR DEAF:www.sertoma.org/scholarships

HISPANIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND:www.hispanicfund.org

UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND:scholarships.uncf.org

GATES MILLENIUM SCHOLARSHIP:www.gmsp.org

AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND:www.collegefund.org

Top FREE Search sites:www.fastweb.comwww.collegenet.com/mach25www.collegeboard.com/scholarships

Students with Disabilities:

Heritage/Minority Scholarships:

Free Scholarship Search Help

8.

10Circle this Date!MAR

Remember, to be eligible for State of Indiana Financial Aid you must have your FAFSA filed by March 10.

5.

WHAT YOU NEED TO FILE YOUR FAFSA:

Students:• Social Security Card• Drivers License (if any)• W-2 forms and/or records of money earned• Federal Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1040, 1040a, or 1040EZ)• Current bank statements

Parents:• Social Security Card• W-2 forms and/or records of money earned• Federal Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1040, 1040a, or 1040EZ)• Current bank statements• Other Business or Investment records

FREE MONEY!

Federal Grants State of Indiana Grants

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FAFSA? ISM WOULD LOVE TO HELP. EMAIL US: Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org

4. 9.

Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org.

FAFSA on the Web

FAFSA4Caster.ed.govThere is no need to wait until your senior year to get estimates on eligibility for federal student aid. Prior to being able to complete a FAFSA, families can use the FAFSA4Caster as a tool to help them estimate their federal student aid eligibility. Having an early estimate of your federal aid options can be helpful in making a plan to pay for college.

FAFSA on the Web WorksheetThe FAFSA on the Web Worksheet is not just a form with a catchy name; it is a form that can make completing the FAFSA online easier. The form can be printed from the FAFSA website and gives you and your parents the option to answer some of the FAFSA questions on paper first. The Worksheet has many of the financial questions along with the instructions on what is needed to answer those questions properly.

You’ll need it later. Your PIN can also be used to sign for Direct Loans and complete entrance counseling. Since you will be filing a FAFSA every year you attend college you’ll need it for

future FAFSA forms as well

WORK STUDYThe Federal Work-Study program offers eligible students the opportunity to work in a field related to their course of study.

ISM College Planning @ISM_CollegePlan

Your job may fit with your course of study

Your income is excluded when you renew your FAFSA the next year

Money that is not a loan and does not have to be repaid because you earned it!

Max of 20 hours per week (this could be an advantage if you don’t want to work too many hours)

Most often minimum wage

10. 3.

ONLY CONSIDER AFTER “FREE MONEY” IS EXHAUSTED

HOW TO APPLY

For more information on student loans and borrowing wisely visit: ISMCollegePlanning.org/StudentLoans

Subsidized:The Federal Government pays the interest while you’re still in school.

Unsubsidized:You are responsible for the interest from the time you receive the loan. You can postpone paying interest while you’re still in school, BUT that just means you will be paying more interest.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan2 types:

So you’ve decided college is for you, but what will your major be?What college is right for you?

ISM College Planning is available to help you navigate through the college planning process and assist you with the available tools at www.ISMCollegePlanning.org.

Contact us at Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org or call us at 317.416.2888

ISMCollegePlanning.org/PickingMajor

Why College? Savings Tips!

Student Loan Game Plan is a unique online resource that helps you understand how over-borrowing to pay for college can affect your financial future. By answering some key questions, the Student Loan Game Plan will help you make smarter choices when it comes to borrowing money to pay for college. As part of your plan to pay for college, use this tool to receive personalized, real-time results along with suggestions on ways to reduce expenses and education loan indebtedness.

www.ISMCollegePlanning.org/GamePlan2. 11.

Follow us on Pinterest for more informative charts, infographicsand photos from our events!pinterest.com/ISMCollegePlan

EDUCATION PAYSUnemployment Rate in 2012 Median Weekly Earning in 2012

2.5% $1,624

$1,735

$1,300

$1,066

$785

$727

$652

$471

2.1%

3.5%

4.5%

6.2%

7.7%

8.3%

12.4%

Doctoral Degree

Professional Degree

Master’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Associate Degree

Some College, No Degree

High School Graduate

Less than a HS Diploma

Talk with your school counselor to find out if you are on track for college. Sign up for any Dual Credit or AP courses you may be eligible for. The cost of earning college credits in high school is much less than paying for those classes when in college.

Gather information on colleges you have an interest in attending. Use the College Search tool at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to explore options and plan for the future. Write down the estimated costs for those schools as well. You can compare the information and costs before making your finaldecision on where to attend.

Take the PSAT to get a feel for the SAT and to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program. Also investigate and prepare for the ACT. Doing well on these tests may increase your eligibility for grant and scholarship money.

Attend college nights or college fairs at your high school or local community center. Remember to ask the college representatives about scholarship and financial aid opportunities at that particular school.

Winter break! Find out the real scoop on colleges from your friends and relatives who come home from campus. Ask if you can come to visit some weekend.

Save your school work. Your English papers may help with scholarship applications or college admissions applications.

Listen for announcements about scholarships open to juniors. Talk with your counselor and search for scholarships you may be eligible for now and in your senior year. Search for additional scholarships online at: www.fastweb.com www.collegenet.com/mach25 www.collegeboard.com/scholarships

Look into taking one or both of the spring SAT and ACT tests. Remember that achieving a good score on these tests may reward you with more opportunities for grants and scholarships.

Complete the online form at www.FAFSA4Caster.ed.gov to estimate your eligibility for federal student aid. Use that information to help you make a plan to pay for college.

Write a résumé. Use it to apply for a summer job. While you’re working on your résumé, think about how your experiences and activities can help you find scholarship opportunities as well as looking good on your college applications.

Are you an athlete? Meet with your coach and ask for help in meeting college coaches. If you plan to play a sport in college, register for initial eligibility with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Missing an opportunity at a sports scholarship because you were ineligible can be a costly mistake.

Visit college campuses. Make appointments with Admissions counselors to talk about what you should do in your senior year to maximize your chances of getting into the college of your choice. Also talk with them about the institution’s financial aid options, including scholarships. It never hurts to swing by the Financial Aid Office on your campus tour and ask a few questions.

Save some money from your summer job for college. A little money in the bank now is less money you will need to borrow for college down the road.

Juni r Year Checklist

12. 1.

2345689

101112

WHY COLLEGE?

FINDING THE RIGHT CAREER AND COLLEGE

FAFSA: APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID

IMPORTANT DATE

THE WHAT, WHERE AND HOW OF SCHOLARSHIPS

FREE MONEY

WORK STUDY

EDUCATION LOANS

SAVINGS TIPS

JR. & SR. YEAR CHECKLISTS

CONT-

ENTS

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Pinterest

Instagram

Seni r Year Checklist Connect with us online at www.ISMCollegePlanning.org

Narrow your list of college possibilities. Collect all the applications you need and make note of the school’s deadlines. Use the ISM College Planning Worksheet(www.ISMCollegePlanning.org/PlanningWorksheet) to compare your costs at those colleges.

If you haven’t already done so, schedule visits to the schools you are considering. Call ahead and schedule an appointment with the admissions and financial aid offices at the school.

Begin asking people for recommendation letters for both scholarships and college applications.

If you are looking to improve your scores, or take the test for the first time, register and prepare for the fall SAT or ACT. Better scores may lead to better financial aid offers.

Talk to your parents or guardian about their ability to help you pay for college. Search for scholarships online at: www.fastweb.com www.collegenet.com/mach25 www.collegeboard.com/scholarships

Email Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org with any questions about paying for college.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), required of all applicants for financial aid. To be eligible for state of Indiana aid the form is due at the Federal Processor by March 10. It’s available online at www.fafsa.gov. Note: Some colleges may ask that you complete the FAFSA early. Make sure you meet that deadline and not miss a possible opportunity at institutional financial aid.

Watch for College Goal Sunday to get free help on filling out the FAFSA. To find this year’s date, time and locations, check www.CollegeGoalSunday.org.

Investigate your costs to attend specific colleges using each school’s Net Price Calculator. Easily find the calculator for the school(s) of your choice at http://collegecost.ed.gov/netpricecenter.aspx. Talk with your college financial aid office and ask about any additional financial aid forms you need at that particular school.

Continue searching for scholarships. In fact, keep looking for scholarships until you have graduated college. You can never have too much money that you don’t have to pay back.

Review your financial aid offers. Check deadlines for sending in your required deposit, housing applica-tion, or any other forms requested by the school. You’ll most likely have to make your decision by May 1. Remember to let the other schools know that you won’t be attending.

Finish high school strong! Keep up the good grades!

Search and apply for late deadline scholarships.

If you don’t have a summer job yet, look for one. It will be a big help to have some extra money when you start your freshman year.

There’s tons of great tools and resources for you at our website:

ISMCollegePlanning.org For more information on financial aid and college planning, “Like” us on Facebook: facebook.com/ISMCollegePlanning

251 N. Illinois St. • Suite 400 Indianapolis, IN 46204

Ph: 317.416.2888 Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org

www.youtube.com/ISMCollegePlanning

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE ATwww.ISMCollegePlanning.org

Have colleg

e planning information

sent direc

tly to yo

ur inbox!

Sign up for our e-newsletter!