Campus Bound Checklist
CAMPUS BOUND CHECKLIST
Step-by-Step College Planning & Application Guide
Phase 1 & 2: Search & Apply
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Student Name
Counselor / Mentor
Target Entry Term & Year
1
Where to Go: Fit Factors & College Shortlist
Rank your top personal priorities before finalizing your list (check what matters most):
Location & Distance Major & Accreditation Total Cost & Aid Campus Size & Vibe
| College / University | Application Deadline | Status |
|---|
| 1. | | Planned [ ] Submitted [ ] |
| 2. | | Planned [ ] Submitted [ ] |
| 3. | | Planned [ ] Submitted [ ] |
| 4. | | Planned [ ] Submitted [ ] |
| 5. | | Planned [ ] Submitted [ ] |
2
Application Requirements Master Checklist
Core Application Components
Create Common App / Coalition / Direct accounts
Write & polish Personal Statement essay (500-650 wds)
Draft supplemental essays required by specific colleges
Compile activities & extracurriculars resume list
Proofread application thoroughly & preview submission PDF
Documents & Recommendations
Ask 2 academic teachers for recommendation letters
Provide "brag sheet" or resume to recommenders
Request official high school transcripts sent
Send official SAT/ACT test scores (or confirm test-optional)
Log in to college student portals & verify all items received
Senior Year Critical Admissions Timeline Key Milestones
AUG – OCT
Shortlist & Drafts
Ask recommenders
NOV – DEC
EA / ED Deadlines
Submit applications
DEC – FEB
FAFSA & RD Deadlines
Apply for scholarships
MAR – MAY 1
Offers & Housing
Commit & Deposit
CAMPUS BOUND CHECKLIST
Financial Aid, FAFSA & Scholarship Management
Phase 3: Money Matters
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3
FAFSA & Federal Financial Aid Checklist
FAFSA Opens Every Year (StudentAid.gov)
A FSA ID Account Setup
Student creates FSA ID account
Parent/Contributor creates FSA ID
Wait 1-3 days for SSA verification
FSA ID Username: _______________
B Required Tax & Records
Social Security # or Alien Reg #
Prior-prior year federal tax returns (1040)
W-2 forms & untaxed income logs
Bank balances & asset records ready
C Form Submission
Add up to 20 colleges to FAFSA
Both student & parent sign with FSA ID
Save FAFSA Submission Summary
Student Aid Index (SAI): _________
4
Scholarship Search & Submission Log
Target: Apply for 5–10 external scholarships
| Scholarship Name & Organization | Award Amount | Deadline | Key Requirement | Status |
|---|
| 1. | $ | | | [ ] |
| 2. | $ | | | [ ] |
| 3. | $ | | | [ ] |
| 4. | $ | | | [ ] |
| 5. | $ | | | [ ] |
5
Financial Aid Offer Comparison (Net Cost)
| Cost vs Aid Breakdown | Option A: ___________ | Option B: ___________ | Option C: ___________ |
|---|
| Estimated Direct Cost (Tuition + Room/Board) | $ | $ | $ |
| (-) Free Gift Aid (Grants & Merit Scholarships) | -$ | -$ | -$ |
| (=) NET DIRECT PRICE (Actual Out-of-Pocket) | $ | $ | $ |
| Offered Federal Student Loans (Sub / Unsub) | $ | $ | $ |
| Federal Work-Study Offered | $ | $ | $ |
Rule of thumb: Compare net cost, not sticker price. Grants do not need to be repaid; loans must be repaid with interest.
Pro-Tip: Have a special circumstance (job loss, medical expenses)? Contact each college's financial aid office directly to request a Professional Judgment Appeal.
CAMPUS BOUND CHECKLIST
Campus Tours, Housing Selection & Decision Day
Phase 4 & 5: Visits & Commit
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Campus Visit & Tour Experience Checklist
What to Do on Campus
Register ahead for official info session & student tour
Sit in on an introductory college class in your major
Eat a meal in the student dining hall & test the food
Walk through a freshman residence hall & laundry room
Explore surrounding town/neighborhood for safety & transit
Smart Questions to Ask Students
1. "What do you love most and what would you change here?"
2. "How accessible are your professors and academic advisors?"
3. "Do students stay on campus during weekends, or head home?"
4. "What career services or internship placements helped you?"
5. "How easy is it to make friends and find your community?"
| College Visited | Academics (1-5) | Campus Vibe (1-5) | Housing/Food (1-5) | Gut Reaction |
|---|
| 1. __________________ | / 5 | / 5 | / 5 | Yes [ ] Maybe [ ] No [ ] |
| 2. __________________ | / 5 | / 5 | / 5 | Yes [ ] Maybe [ ] No [ ] |
| 3. __________________ | / 5 | / 5 | / 5 | Yes [ ] Maybe [ ] No [ ] |
7
Housing, Roommates & Living Checklist
Housing Application Milestones
Submit Housing Application before priority deadline
Pay housing deposit (often refundable until May 1st)
Select room style: Traditional hall vs Suite vs LLC
Choose meal plan tier based on dining frequency
Roommate Match & Compatibility
Complete lifestyle profile (sleep hours, cleanliness, study)
Join college class group / roommate portal to connect
Discuss guest expectations & sharing items (fridge, microwave)
Confirm mutually matched roommate ID in college portal
8
Decision Day: May 1st Commitment Checklist
Final Milestone
Submit enrollment deposit to your chosen college by May 1
Decline admissions offers at other schools so waitlisted peers can get spots
Accept financial aid package in student portal
Register for summer New Student Orientation
Submit final official high school transcripts & AP/dual scores
Complete college health & immunization clearance forms
I have officially committed to attend:
Date: ____________
