Welcome to the new school year! Here are a few pointers to help you get started on your road back to academia.
College Freshmen
- Check the Admissions section of the college website to see if there’s a freshman orientation you need to attend or any other tasks that must be completed before you start classes.
- Find out who to contact about meal plans and parking permits.
- Don’t have your books yet? Investigate your options—choosing used books and comparing sellers can save you money!
- If you will be making payments to your school, be sure you know the procedures you will need to follow.
- You’ve probably completed your 2017-2018 FAFSA by now, which determines your financial aid eligibility for your freshman year. Keep in mind that the 2018-2019 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available on October 1. Complete your FAFSA for your sophomore year as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2017.
High School Seniors
- If you haven’t decided which college you’ll attend next year, list three or four schools that interest you and compare them. Important things to consider are:
- School size
- Location
- Programs and majors
- Admission requirements
- Campus diversity
- Tuition and fees
- Total financial aid available
- Scholarships offered by the college
- Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or soon after Oct. 1 this year, enabling your school(s) of interest to determine how much federal and state aid they can offer you to help you pay your college expenses.
- Don’t say no to yourself! Take (or re-take) your ACT, submit your FAFSA and apply for as many scholarships as you can.
High School Juniors
- Volunteer! Helping out in your community can give you great experience and make you more successful on your scholarship and college admission applications.
- Start making a list of schools you would like to visit. It’s best to have more than one college in mind so that you can be well-informed about your options.
- Keep up those grades! Your high school grade point average (GPA) will be an important factor in determining whether you are eligible for college admission.
- Consider Advanced Placement and/or concurrent enrollment classes while you’re in high school. This can save a bundle on your college expenses. Ask your counselor for more details.
High School Sophomores
- You must apply for the Oklahoma’s Promise (OKP) scholarship in the eighth, ninth or 10th grade. If you haven’t applied for OKP yet, your final deadline is July 2, 2018. The family income requirements are changing, so don’t assume you won’t qualify for OKP! Visit with your counselor to learn more.
- As you choose your classes each semester, remember that the more advanced classes will make you more prepared for college. Along with your high school grade point average, colleges will also evaluate the courses you’ve taken to see how rigorous they were.
- Volunteer in your community and participate in extracurricular activities at your school. When it’s time to apply for college and scholarships, this may help you earn scholarships.
High School Freshmen
- Study hard and make the grade. Good study habits and a strong GPA will serve you well on your journey toward college.
- If you didn’t apply for Oklahoma’s Promise during 8th grade, visit okpromise.org for program requirements and to sign up for this scholarship program.
Check out UCanGo2.org’s checklists for Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors for more information on staying on track for college.