Every College Checklist You Need For Summermyredkite.com /blog/every-college-checklist-you-need-for-summer/

There are so many moving parts, it just makes sense to have a handfulof checklists to follow when preparing for college.

Let’s face it – when it comes to searching, applying and (finally!) attending college,there are a lot of deadlines to keep track of. And on top of those deadlines are all of theother things you need to do to prepare for what will be one of the biggestaccomplishments in your life. All of those due dates, to-do’s and lists floating around inyour brain can get a little overwhelming. That’s where the college checklist comes intoplay.

Or, maybe you’re a parent, anxiously awaiting the day you help your baby move out ofyour nest and into a dorm room. You want them to be as ready as they can be, butyou’re not quite sure what you can do to help.

Thankfully, we know exactly what you need to accomplish at each stage of the college

journey. With summer right around the bend, here are the things that you need to takecare of, for whatever stage of the college process you’re in.

College Checklist for Soon-to-be High School Seniors

❑ Save some spending money. You’ll want to have money in your pockets when youget to college for buying snacks, treating yourself to a good time, and anything else thatmay arise. Set a goal for how much you’d like to save before you go to college.

❑ List what you want out of a college. Know what you want so you know what to lookfor.

❑ Schedule AP classes. Advanced Placement classes not only look great on a collegeapplication, but they could also earn you college credits.

❑ Prepare for standardized tests. Find prep courses and start studying so you canace the SAT and ACT. While you’re at it, go ahead and schedule your test date, too.

❑ Ask for letters of recommendation. What teachers are you closest with? Ask themfor a recommendation letter now, before they are getting a lot of other requests.

❑ Search for scholarships on Red Kite. The sooner you start looking, the better.We’ll help find you financial aid that suits you.

❑ Beef up your college resume. Find volunteer work and job experience that will lookgreat to colleges. It’s even better if you can shadow professionals who work in theindustry you’d like to be in one day.

❑ Do your research. Attend college fairs and visit college campuses. You’ll be happyyou did when the time comes to make a final decision.

❑ Clean up your online presence. Colleges will look at your social media profiles.They’ll search for you to see what’s out there on the internet. Now’s the time to clear outanything…questionable.

College Checklist for Parents of Soon-to-be High School Seniors

❑ Have “the talk.” No, not that “talk.” Sit down with your student and discuss what typeof college they’d like to attend.

❑ Be a teacher. You have a lot of wisdom to share with your student. Now’s the time todo it!

❑ Mark your calendar. Put together a calendar of all the important dates you mustremember, such as application deadlines. You’ll both feel a bit more at ease.

❑ Plan financially. In addition to helping your student put together a savings plan, startlooking into what your options are in terms of financial aid. If you need help, visit us.

College Checklist for Soon-to-be College Freshmen

❑ Attend Orientation. Find out what events your school holds for incoming freshmenand start planning. Don’t forget to fill your parents in, too!

❑ FAFSA. File your Federal FAFSA by June 30

❑ What’s your major? Think about what you’d like to major in. If you need help, reachout to professionals working in the field that interests you. They’ll give you an idea ofwhat major is best.

❑ Saving and budgeting. Are you seeing a theme here? Saving money for college iscrucial. Make a budget to follow when you get to school, so you spend responsibly.

❑ Send your final high school transcripts. Make sure you inform your high school ofthe college you’ll be attending, so they can send your transcripts.

❑ Start stocking up. Stock up on everything you’ll need for college. School supplies,ramen noodles, all the basics! Plus, look for dorm furniture and a laptop if needed.

❑ Don’t start slacking. Even though you’ve been accepted to college, you still need tofinish your senior year strong! Keep up the good work to avoid any problems down theroad.

❑ Reach out to your roomie. When you find out who your roommate will be, try to getin contact to introduce yourself – and discuss who’s bringing the coffee maker.

❑ Spend time with your friends. You and your friends from high school are about topart ways for a while. Spend time with them while you can, since you won’t see themagain until holiday break.

College Checklist for Soon-to-be Parents of a College Student

❑ Double and triple check. Make sure all necessary forms and paperwork have beensubmitted.

❑ Send thank yous. A lot of people played a role in helping get your student acceptedto college. Send thanks to teachers, guidance counselors and anyone else who helpedout.

❑ Quality time. Before they head off on this adventure, spend some quality time withyour student.