Talk to your school counselor. 

Tell them about your plans and make sure you are on track for graduation.

Explore career options. 

Look into careers that interest you, and consider job shadowing or internships to get a better idea of the kind of work you want to do. Doing this will also help you choose colleges or training programs that will align everything.

Start thinking about your major. 

What do you want to study? Research your options and try to connect it back to your future career to see a bigger return on your investment.

Finalize your college list. 

It’s important to research the schools you are interested in and to make sure you have a good mix of safety, target, and reach schools. Also, keep track of deadlines to make sure you never miss an opportunity!

Keep your grades up. 

Colleges will see your senior year grades after your first semester is complete, so don’t let those grades slip.

Take all necessary standardized exams. 

Make sure you’re registered for the SAT, ACT, or any other tests your schools require before December to get your test scores back in time. Practice with Khanacademy.org or Schoolhouse for free 99 to ensure you get a good score.

Complete your college applications. 

Make sure you have all the necessary materials, including transcripts, test score reports, essays, and recommendations to move forward.

Apply for financial aid through the FAFSA within 45 days of it opening

The FAFSA opens on October 1st this year. Get your app in soon after it opens and make sure to fill out any other financial aid applications your schools require as well. Bonus: Look for funding in your state to see if there is additional money you qualify for and complete those applications around the same time. Check the NASFAA State Financial Aid Finder for your state’s financial aid page.

Look for scholarships. 

Look locally and nationally to apply to as many as you can find. Take it seriously and treat this like your part-time job!

Lastly, enjoy your senior year. 

You’re only a senior once, so make the most of it! Spend time with friends, participate in extracurricular activities, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Good luck out there!

Oh before you go…Don’t forget to get the On Track For College Student Workbook to get organized. Click the image below to purchase your copy on Amazon.

Learn more about the author Mizz P. here: About Mizz P.

The post On Track For College-High School Senior Checklist  appeared first on On Track with Mizz P..

The summer melt is the Boogeyman of college-bound students and strikes fear into the hearts of college access professionals everywhere. You’d think that with all the tech tools and constant emails, we’d have it under control. But nope, the summer melt is still lurking, affecting about 40% of students who plan to go to college and disproportionately affecting low-income students and students of color the hardest.

So, what is causing all the chaos? It could be anything from missing information, incomplete paperwork, or just plain old procrastination. But don’t worry—I’ve got a plan to help you beat the summer melt and make sure you’re sitting in your first class this fall instead of being stuck at home wondering what went wrong.

Here’s your summer melt survival checklist to stay calm, cool, and On Track:

Check Your Email DAILY

Your chosen college might have a specific set of tasks to complete or opportunities you can take advantage of by a certain deadline. Not checking your email means you’ll miss out on a lot, so start every day by checking your email.

Secure Your Housing

Going away for school? Make sure you complete all housing forms and drop that deposit to secure your spot. Nothing melts away dreams faster than losing your home away from home because of a missed deadline.

Register for Classes

Make sure you get advised to know what classes to take and register to get your schedule locked in so you’re ready to roll.

Accept Your Financial Aid Awards ASAP

You can’t pay for school if you don’t have any money, so hit that “accept” button on your awards to secure your cash before it’s too late. (Have a conversation about what is provided with your family before you complete this step.)

Get Through Verification

If you’re selected for verification, don’t panic—it’s just the school wanting to double-check your FAFSA info. This process can drag on, so get your paperwork done and handed in like, yesterday!!! Waiting too long can delay your financial aid, and trust me, you don’t want that.

Take Your Placement Exams

No one wants to hear the word “exam” in the summer, but placement tests are a must. Schools use these to decide if you need any extra help or if you’re ready for college-level courses. If you put this off, you might get bumped to the next semester. So, make it a priority!

Submit All Paperwork

Immunization records, residency forms—you name it, they need it. These documents are standard but super important. Turn them in on time to avoid any last-minute enrollment issues.

Attend Orientation

Orientation is your chance to get familiar with campus life, meet your new friends, and learn the ropes. Plus, it’s usually required, so don’t skip it!

Settle Your Bill 

Discuss how you are going to pay your bill with your family and give up the cash by the deadline the school sets. Whether it’s a payment plan, loan, or the “bank of mom and dad,” make sure it’s all sorted out. No money, no classes—it’s that simple.

Download my app, On Track For College, to stay on track throughout your freshman year, It’s packed with weekly tips, resources, and everything you need to navigate your first semester of college like a pro. Feel free to download using this link https://mizzp.link/ontrackapp and share widely!

Ready to go off to college?
Check out my Amazon Storefront for my college must-haves: https://amzn.to/4bsooSM

Learn more about the author Mizz P. and her offerings here: www.mizzp.nyc

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Newsflash: The cost of education is rising! Are you ready to meet the cost???

Pay Less For College Strategy # 1: Apply for Scholarships and Grants 

There are plenty of options out there and none of them require repayment. Search for opportunities through your state, intended college, local community organizations, corporate entities, and national scholarship databases. 

For Scholarships

Tailor your applications to each scholarship’s criteria and apply to as many as possible.

Check databases like bold.org and JLV scholarships for scholarship opportunities and keep your eye on my scholarship + list throughout the year as well.

For Grants

Apply through FAFSA for access to federal funds and check your state to see if you qualify for state grants and funding. 

Not sure what your state offers? 

Check the Nasfaa State Program Finder to see what other types of aid are available to you.

Pay Less For College Strategy # 2: Choose a Community College to complete General Education Courses 

Starting at a community college can be significantly less expensive than starting at a four-year institution. Their costs are much cheaper which will make it easier on your pockets and can help you save thousands of dollars in the long run. Start at a community college to complete all general education requirements, then transfer to a four-year college or university to finish up.

Pay Less For College Strategy # 3: Take CLEP Exams

CLEP exams allow students to obtain college credits for wayyy less money. There are tons of exam topics to choose from (34 to be exact) and the exams cost $95 + $25 (administrative fees). Check out the requirements for your major before choosing which exams to take, then check the CLEP school policy search to see which schools accept these tests.

Pay Less For College Strategy # 4: Attend an In-State Public University

Public universities often offer lower tuition rates as an incentive to keep residents in-state. The cost difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition can be substantial compared to other college choices so consider choosing a public state school to lower your college-related costs.

***And remember kids, you do not have to break the bank on your college education. Be intentional and work your plan to make sure this investment brings you back a great return. STRATEGY OVER EVERYTHING FOLKS!

Looking for more ways to pay less for college?

Get my College Money Prep Toolkit for an in-depth explanation of college costs and how to make college more affordable. Hope to see you on the inside!

Learn more about the author Mizz P. here

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