It’s mid-October, verging on late October (where exactly is that dividing line?). You’re looking for things to do to avoid working on your college apps, aren’t you? It’s really just the essays, right? Well there are lots of other ways you can be moving the ball forward as deadlines approach. Here are some suggestions:
SEVEN Fill out your FAFSA and CSS Profile! FAFSA is the gateway for financial aid – it is the first step you must take to open up any need-based aid opportunities (including student loans). Here’s a quick four-step kickstart:
- Go through this short practice EFC calculator on the College Board’s website.
- Here’s a list of the documents you’ll need to complete the FAFSA.
- Print out the REAL FAFSA on paper and do a practice run.
- Check this list of colleges that require the CSS Profile to see if any of the schools on your list require this additional form.
SIX Make sure you’ve filled out your Common App – completely! Here’s our video walk-through to help you through this.
FIVE Make sure you’re HAPPY with every single college on your list. You shouldn’t apply anywhere you wouldn’t be happy and proud to attend. You should only apply to colleges whose acceptance letters will add joy to your day! (thanks KonMar!)
FOUR Follow Gideon @IvePetThatDog on Twitter or instagram. Honestly. This may be the only thing on this list that will genuinely make you happy.
THREE Have you sent your test scores yet? DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN SEND THEM BEFORE YOU SUBMIT THE ACTUAL APPLICATIONS?!
TWO Read all of our info on how to make your college essays great. If you aren’t writing your essays, at least you can be reading about them!
ONE Watch Malcolm Gladwell tell you why going to the most prestigious college you could possibly get into may not be the best idea. Time to revisit your college list?