Printable checklists
Comparing Aid Offers
- List each school's full cost of attendance (not just tuition)
- Circle only the gift aid (grants + scholarships) on each letter
- Cost of attendance minus gift aid = real yearly cost, per school
- Check whether each scholarship is renewable and any GPA condition
- Ask whether grant aid holds all four years (watch for front-loading)
- Separate loans and work-study out - they are not discounts
- Appeal if your finances changed (ask for a professional judgment review)
- Appeal with a stronger competing offer in writing if you have one
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College List Checklist
- Aim for 8 to 12 applications total
- Include 2 to 4 reaches, 4 to 6 matches, at least 2 safeties
- Make sure every safety is affordable and genuinely liked
- Run the net price calculator on every school
- Confirm each school has the major and programs your student wants
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Dorm Packing Checklist
- Twin XL sheets (buy two sets) buy › (Amazon)
- Mattress topper buy › (Amazon)
- Shower caddy that drains buy › (Amazon)
- Under-bed storage bags buy › (Amazon)
- Surge protector with plenty of outlets and a long cord buy › (Amazon)
- Removable wall strips buy › (Amazon)
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FAFSA Checklist
- Create the student's FSA ID (studentaid.gov)
- Create the parent/contributor's FSA ID - separate email, weeks ahead
- Find your state's FAFSA deadline (often early)
- Find each school's aid deadline (and whether it wants the CSS Profile)
- File at fafsa.gov as soon as it opens - never pay to file
- Add every college you're considering
- Every contributor gives IRS data consent (or it won't process)
- Complete the CSS Profile for schools that require it
- Read the FAFSA Submission Summary for flags
- Respond fast if a school selects you for verification
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Before Bid Day Checklist
- Ask for the full fee schedule in writing (dues, national fees, house costs)
- Talk through the time commitment for a first semester
- Ask about the chapter's alcohol and hazing stance
- Check whether the school publishes chapter conduct records
- Agree on a budget before recruitment starts
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If They're Homesick
- Remind them almost everyone feels this at weeks 3 to 6
- Encourage one small action: a club, an office hour, a lunch
- Send a care package
- If it is deep or lasts many weeks, loop in campus counseling
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Paying-For-It Checklist
- Open or fund a 529 (even late, for the state tax benefit)
- Confirm what your 529 covers and what it does not
- Ask each college what merit aid it offers
- Check local scholarships: employer, community foundation, clubs, counseling office
- Run each school's net price calculator
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Before You Borrow
- Exhaust gift aid and any appeal first
- Take subsidized federal loans before unsubsidized
- Look up the federal student-loan limit for their year in school
- Set a dollar cap for Parent PLUS before you sign anything
- Check median earnings for the school against the total you'd borrow
- Read every term before signing any private loan
- Know the grace period and whether income-driven repayment fits
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Testing Checklist
- Take a practice SAT and a practice ACT; pick the stronger one
- Plan a first real sitting for spring of junior year
- Use free official practice (Khan Academy, ACT) before paying for anything
- Retake in fall of senior year only if the score can improve
- Check each school's middle-50% score range
- Send scores where you're at or above that range; withhold where you're below
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The Legal Paperwork Checklist
- FERPA waiver (so the school will share grades and billing)
- HIPAA authorization (so doctors can talk to you)
- Healthcare power of attorney
- Financial (durable) power of attorney
- Decide health insurance: parent's plan vs the school's (waive the school plan by the deadline if staying on yours)
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The Parent's Summer Checklist
- Submit the enrollment deposit by May 1
- Complete health forms and immunization records
- Sign the FERPA waiver
- Complete the HIPAA authorization
- Set up healthcare and financial power of attorney
- Set up the tuition payment plan and authorized-payer access
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What Your Student Must Do
- Complete the housing application and deposit
- Finish roommate matching
- Register for orientation and finish any modules
- Register for classes
- Choose a meal plan
- Get the student ID
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