To max your chances of receiving aid, you have to start early. Now is the time to begin making a list of colleges. Think BIG. Don’t let location, size, or costs limit you. If you have a dream-school list, that’s great. If it’s in your head, write it down!

Once you’ve created your list, look into the following:

• Admission and aid application deadlines
• Tuition costs for in-state or out-of-state students
• State, federal, and school aid programs based on both need and merit
• Any unique deals, such as first-generation and community-service awards
• The average annual cost increase of tuition, fees, and room and board

Action Items
Throughout the year, focus on the following to ensure that you get in and get the money you need to pay for it.

Fall

Get ready for your tests
Make sure to take the PSAT. Not only is it great practice for the SAT, it can also qualify you to compete for a National Merit Scholarship!TIP: Recent articles have stated that some colleges are allowing alternatives to standardized test scores.  Some institutions will accept high school grades in lieu of SAT or ACT scores.  Check with the institutions before you plan your test dates! (But either way, take the PSAT.)

Check out financial aid nights
It might not be exciting, but you’ll learn all kinds of great stuff that will help you pay for college.

Start looking for scholarships
Think of your search like a game — with prizes! Good places to start include the Web, your parent’s employers, religious institutions, local organizations, and your guidance office.

Winter

Start your SAT or ACT prep
It’s not too early! A lot of scholarship competitions and college grant programs use test scores to screen applicants.

Build a portfolio
Nope, we’re not talking about paintings. Start keeping track of all of your successes. It’s easy to forget little things, like marking periods on the honor roll, or winning a prize in the freshman science fair. By keeping track, you’ll feel good and remember what you’ve done when it’s time to apply for awards.

Spring

Visit your friendly aid counselor
While the aid process may seem like it's all paperwork and waiting, it should be a face-to-face process. Visit an aid counselor on campus and ask to have an early aid estimate. It's best to know your situation a year ahead, rather than a few months before enrollment.

Take the SAT or ACT
If you reach your score goal, the test will be out of the way! If not, you’ll have plenty of time to study for the fall sitting.

Summer

Work it
Squirrel away as much money as you possibly can. You’ll thank yourself later.