• Revise and update your college list based on information gleaned during your visits.
• Make a detailed list of test names, dates and fees; registration deadlines; college application deadlines; and financial aid applications and deadlines.
• Ask your teachers, guidance counselors and employers for letters of recommendation.

Tip: You must take tests like the SAT and ACT at least six weeks before your college's submission deadline.

• Take the SAT and ACT exams again if necessary.
• Begin drafting college application essays.
• Check housing availability at the colleges to which you're applying. Residence hall space may be limited.

Tip: Thorough sleuthing can pay off. When you visit your top school choices, interview a broad range of people, including students, faculty and staff.

• Obtain financial aid applications from your high school guidance office or college financial aid administrator. Or call 1.800.4FED.AID toll free.
• Begin preparing your college applications. Ask the college when the application materials are due and how to submit them.

Tip: Avoid the urge to ease up on your studies during senior year. Colleges look at how well you are able to balance your schoolwork with your activities and still maintain a good GPA.

• Apply for outside funding and scholarships.
• Ask your parents to save their year-end payroll stubs if they show earnings for the year. You can use this information to start filling out the FAFSA
• Contact colleges to obtain any financial aid applications they require in addition to the FAFSA and find out their deadlines. Private campus aid is often on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tip: January 1 usually is the deadline for applications to some selective colleges. Others have deadlines later in January or February.

• Complete and submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. Applications aren't accepted before this date and federal grant funding is limited. Be sure to keep a copy of your application.
• If you're male and haven't yet registered for the Selective Service, complete the check-off box on your FAFSA, or register at a U.S. post office. Men who are 18 years or older must be registered to be eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Tip: In addition to payroll stubs, the information from your parents' most current income tax returns will help you answer the information requested in the Financial Aid forms.

• Check to see if your high school has mailed your mid-year transcripts to the colleges to which you've applied. Colleges require transcripts before making their final decision on whom to admit.

Tip: Many schools have March deadlines for admissions applications; make sure yours are in early.

• About four to six weeks after you submit the FAFSA you'll receive the results in the form of a Student Aid Report (SAR).
• Send the SAR to any of your chosen colleges, if they haven't received a copy.

Tip: The SAR will tell you the amount of money your family is expected to contribute (expected family contribution or EFC), any government grants and your eligibility for a Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan.

• Review financial aid award letters from the colleges and decide which college to attend. The letters describe the amount of assistance you'll receive--usually a combination of grants and scholarships, work study and student loans.
• Inform the college of your choice that you accept its offer.
• Apply for Federal Stafford loans as needed. Your parents also can apply for a Federal PLUS Loan. Submit loan applications based on the school's procedures.

Tip: The SAR will tell you the amount of money your family is expected to contribute (expected family contribution or EFC), any government grants and your eligibility for a Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan.

• Congratulations! Now that you've taken all the required courses and tests to prepare for college, it's time to prepare for some fun. Remember: Your graduation is around the corner and the good times are about to begin.

Tip: Find out whether your college offers interest-free tuition payment plans to enable you or your family to pay your college expenses in installments throughout the year.

• All of your hard work is finally paying off. Relax and enjoy the festivities.

• Take advantage of this two-month summer break. If you're working, hoard all the money you can. It will come in handy in September.

Tip: If you need to supplement these sources of financial aid, consider a private loan such as a Bank of America Student Maximizer.

• Student loan funds begin to arrive at schools about two weeks before classes begin for those students who submitted their applications early. (Two or more disbursements are sent on dates selected by the school.)

Tip: If you're a first-time borrower, keep in mind that there may be a waiting period of 30 days before your funds are released. So be sure you have enough money set aside to pay for initial fees and expenses.