As if the Senior year isn't busy enough, now you've got to start seriously planning for college. Between the aptitude tests, the applications, the school visits and soul searching, you've barely got time for your actual schoolwork. (That doesn't seem too smart, does it?) Lucky for you, it's Chela to the rescue. Just click on the month you're in, and we'll give you all the details on what you should be doing to stay on track. Also let your high school guidance counselor know about Chela. We may visit your school for Financial Aid workshops! We make it easy. You make it happen.

January
Happy new year! Now's the time to gather 2001 tax records for you and your parents, including bank statements, tax returns, W-2 forms, and records of benefits from the Social Security Administration, Department of Veteran's Affairs and other agencies. You will need this information to process your FAFSA, which you should have already received.

You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive federal financial aid! If you haven't done so, visit fafsa.ed.gov to fill out your form online. If you need assistance, go to FAFSA 411 for help you can easily understand.

If required, submit a state financial aid application. Complete and send other aid applications before the specified deadlines. Search for any other scholarship opportunities that may be available to you through our ScholarSearch site.

High school males! Be sure you register with the Selective Service when you turn 18. You can automatically register when you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is required in order to submit your FAFSA.

February
Fill out the financial aid forms required by the colleges to which you have applied. Make copies and keep them in a safe place.

Your prospective colleges may require mid-year grade reports. If so, give them to your Guidance Counselor to complete. Follow up in a week to make sure they were mailed.

Make arrangements to take the May Advanced Placement (AP) exams through your Guidance Office.

March
Be on the lookout for your Student Aid Report (SAR)! Once it arrives from the schools you've applied to, review it for accuracy and make any necessary changes. The SAR will tell you your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) – how much your family is expected to pay toward the cost of college. Chela offers Federal Stafford and PLUS loans – as well as the Non School-Certified and School-Certified Loans – to help you offset the out-of-pocket college costs.

If you haven't received your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks of sending your FAFSA, contact the Federal Student Aid Center at (319) 337-5665.

Community colleges begin accepting admission and aid applications this month. Ask about financial aid deadlines.

You'll begin receiving your admission decision letters. If you haven't visited the schools that accepted you, plan a trip. If you've already visited, a second trip may help you make a decision. Before you go, stop by Bestplaces.net for information on hotels, restaurants and attractions in the cities near your schools.

Didn't get into the college you wanted? Consider an appeals process. You could apply as an undecided major or choose another field of study or another school within the college. Research the options available to you on your college's web site or call the school for guidance.

Review your financial aid awards. Do you need more money?

Use our Interactive Worksheet Calculator to estimate your real costs of college after financial aid.

Explore other options to help you pay for college expenses not covered by financial aid, such as an Non School-Certified Loan or School-Certified Loan from Chela.

April
College admission letters and financial aid award notifications usually arrive before May 1st. Compare which package best meets your needs before you make your final decision. Call your top college choices if you haven't received a response from them.

Compare financial aid award letters received – and evaluate how much gift aid you were awarded versus how much you and your family may have to borrow. Use our Expected Family Contribution Calculator, In-School Budget Calculator and Cost-of-Living Comparison Calculator to help you figure out the best deal. Watch for response deadlines. You must sign and return a copy of your financial aid award letter to receive financial aid.

Find out which loans you qualify for. Complete applications for a subsidized Federal Stafford Loan, unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan or Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).

Notify schools of your acceptance or rejection of their admission offer. The acceptance deadlines for many schools is April or early May.

If you've been put on a waiting list by your college of choice, call the Admissions Office to see how you can improve your application and chances for admission.

May
If you haven't already done so, select and notify the college you will be attending. Remember to notify the colleges you decide not to attend as well.

Take any AP exams for which you applied back in February.

Summer (June-August)
Ask your Guidance Counselor to send your final school records to the college you have chosen.

Attend your college orientation. It's a great way to meet members of your class, familiarize yourself with the campus, and maybe even register for classes.

Register for college prep courses at your local community college. Take classes required for your major that you didn't take in high school. Get a job and start saving your money for fall.

Gear up for college. You'll need everything from sheets and towels to shampoo and soap. Buy the things you'll need gradually over the summer. Your school will send you a list of furniture they'll provide and items you'll need to bring with you. Go through our checklist for smart storage solutions and items you may be missing: Shower sandals, a caddy to carry bathroom essentials, space saving ideas like over-the-door towel racks and collapsible storage cubes, mini refrigerator and TV/VCR combo.

In July, your school should send you information about your room assignment and roommates. You may want to call or write to introduce yourself and break the ice. You may even want to consider sharing the cost of more expensive items (ie: fridge, microwave).

Notify your college about any outside scholarships, grants or other funding you have been awarded. Still need more money? Consider an Non School-Certified Loan or School-Certified Loan from Chela to help fill the gap.

September
Get your college letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, friends in community organizations and advisors. Choose people who know your work and abilities well. Quality not quantity truly applies here. Be sure to provide a stamped, addressed envelope for each school. Give each person at least a month to write the recommendation, and don't forget to write thank you notes.

Taking or retaking the SAT or ACT? You'll want to take the test as early in the year as possible. If you need to wait, keep in mind that you must take these tests at least six weeks before application deadlines. Go to collegeboard.com or Act.org for upcoming SAT and ACT registration deadlines and test dates – and register right online!

Meet with any college admissions representatives who will be visiting your school.

Many schools look for improvements in grades and will even overlook poor grades in your freshman and sophomore years if you can show considerable progress in your last years. For extra help with studying or homework, check out My Encyclopedia or our online Dictionary/Thesaurus.

October
Early decision applications should be completed and submitted now.

Start thinking about your application essays and topics.

Attend college fairs in your area.

Let colleges know if you have taken Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which may be worth college credit, as well as honors level courses.

Put together a 'resume' of your college qualifications to help you prepare for the application process.

November
Have your transcripts been sent to your colleges of choice? If not, meet with your Guidance Counselor right away.

Don't be late for early action or early decision deadlines! Check the dates and submit your applications on time.

Bone up for your application essays by preparing a skeleton draft. Your essay can mean the difference between acceptance and rejection. Make it personal. Include achievements as well as challenges you've overcome. Engage the Admissions Officer in wanting to know more about you. Be sure you have your draft reviewed by an English teacher or Guidance Counselor.

If necessary, take or retake the SAT and ACT tests. Visit collegeboard.com or Act.org for upcoming test dates and registration deadlines.

Stay on top of application deadlines for the schools you want to attend.

Keep an eye on scholarship deadlines.

Remind those providing recommendations to mail them by the deadlines you provide.

December
Submit college applications! If your colleges have January deadlines, complete and return all applications and required information. Use the checklist furnished by each school. Most schools consider an application incomplete until all supporting materials have arrived.

Explore scholarship and grant opportunities. Start by using our ScholarSearch section.

Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st.