It’s a right time to make your family’s plan for obtaining college costs whether your student is a junior or senior in high school. Look through an important financial aid deadlines and priorities. This month-by-month calendar will help you to get money.

January
Seniors: Complete your tax returns in preparation for fulfilling the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once all tax returns are completed, you should fill out and present your FAFSA as soon after Jan. 1 as possible. You can complete it out online or receive a paper copy from your guidance counselor. Examine prospective colleges about additional financial aid forms you may need to demonstrate.
Juniors: Get in contact with the admissions and financial aid offices at colleges in which you’re interested to receive information on admission, financial aid and scholarships.

February
Seniors: Complete and submit the financial aid forms required by the colleges you are interested in. Learn from your guidance counselor about any updated scholarship information, and contact any organizations that have not yet replayed to your submitted scholarship applications.
Juniors: It’s never too early to begin seeking for scholarships. Begin your search by surfing the Internet. Also discuss your scholarship opportunities with your high school guidance counselor.

March
Seniors: Look through your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accordance and to change. If you have not got your SAR four to six weeks after completion of your FAFSA, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center. Follow up with your prospective college’s financial aid office to be sure they have obtained all necessary paperwork.
Juniors: Work on your grades. They will be scrutinized during the college admission process as well as on scholarship applications.

April
Seniors: Check the mail for financial aid award letters. Define the package that is appropriate for you. Also check the response deadlines—you may be required to sign and return a copy of your financial aid award letter in order to obtain financial aid.
Juniors: Open a savings account if you don’t already have one.
Juniors and seniors: Begin seeking for summer employment. Money from a summer job will come in handy when you are at college.

May
Seniors: If your award package includes student loans and you need them to pay for college, discuss this kind of funding option with your family. Firstly you should check with your college’s financial aid office prior to completing and presenting your loan application(s) so that you can follow their preferred process. Continue to follow up on pending scholarship applications.
Juniors: If you are considering a military academy appointment, contact with your congressperson.