CollegeforTN.org - Prepare for College

January:

Complete and submit your college financial aid application and the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) between January 1 and February 15, and check for other financial aid options. (In other words, get money.) In order to be considered for financial aid, you will need to submit these forms even if you have not yet been notified of your acceptance to the college(s) to which you applied.
Go to FAFSA on the Web form now.
Request that your high school send your official transcripts to the colleges to which you are applying.
Make sure your parents have completed their income tax forms in anticipation of the financial aid applications.
Contact the admissions office(s) of the college(s) to which you have applied to make sure that your information has been received, and that they have everything they need from you.

February:

If you completed the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks. Make the necessary corrections and return it to the FAFSA processor as soon as possible in order to have your forms processed quickly.
Complete your scholarship applications.
Contact the financial aid office of the college(s) to which you have applied to make sure that your information has been received, and that they have everything they need from you.

March/April:

You will probably hear from the colleges as to whether or not you are accepted by April 15.
Compare your acceptance letters, financial aid, and scholarship offers.
When you choose to accept a college's invitation to attend the institution, you will be required to pay a nonrefundable deposit for freshman tuition (this should ensure your place in the entering freshman class).

May:

Take exams for any AP and other honors-level subjects you studied in high school.
You should make a decision by May 1st as to which college you will be attending and notify the school by mailing your commitment deposit check. Many schools require that your notification letter be postmarked by this date.
If you were placed on a waiting list for a particular college, and have decided to wait for an opening, contact that college and let them know you are still interested.

June:

Have your school send your final transcripts to the college that you will be attending.
Contact your college to determine when fees for tuition, room and board are due and how much they will be.