Senior Timeline

Now is the time for high school seniors to organize everything related to their college plans. There are applications and forms to complete and deadlines to keep track of. We've compiled a list of things seniors should do this year to make sure their plans fall into place. . .without those last minute anxiety attacks!

Make a calendar showing application deadlines for admission, financial aid and scholarships
Research scholarship opportunities
Take a full course load of college-prep classes
Make sure you've taken the classes necessary to graduate
Strive to make good grades
Register for, and take, the standardized tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT)
Participate in extracurricular/volunteer activities
Talk to counselors, teachers and parents about your college choices
Attend college-prep or financial aid nights held at your high school or by local organizations
Ask teachers/school counselor for letters of recommendation
Narrow your list of colleges to three to six schools
Visit the colleges you're interested in attending
Complete admission and scholarship applications
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible after January 1st

To view the entire college planning calendar, with tips for everyone from freshmen to seniors, go to www.EducationPlanner.org.

Changes in Federal Student Aid

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 includes a number of provisions that took effect on July 1, 2008 that are good news for students and their families. The good news includes:

The interest rate on Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans dropped from 6.8% to 6.0.
The Pell Grant increased by $490, raising the maximum award to $4,731.
Students can receive up-front tuition assistance ($4,000 per year) if they commit to teaching high-need subjects in high-need public schools upon graduation.
Parents can defer payment of PLUS Loans while their students attend college.

Skills for Success

Your teen's future job prospects depend on the skills they offer an employer. Your teen's high school and college years are a great time for students to develop the skills employers are looking for. . .no matter what field they may be interested in working.

Work Ethic
Employers want employees who are reliable, dependable, and self-motivated.
Time Management Skills
Time management involves planning and following a schedule; listing the tasks that need accomplished and estimating how long it will take. Good time management skills are needed in every profession.
Problem-Solving Skills
Virtually all employers look for employees who can identify a problem, develop solutions and implement them.
Verbal Communication Skills
Verbal communication skills include both speaking and listening. Communication is a two-way street; employees must be able to listen to respond effectively.
Written Communication Skills
The ability to write clearly and concisely is vital in the workplace. Writing in the work world often comes in response to a request for information or to brief others about a situation.
"People" Skills
The ability to work well with others and build good working relationships is important in any field. Good working relationships are built on trust and mutual respect and help employees work more efficiently and effectively.
Technical Skills
Basic technical skills include the use of a word processing program (like Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet program (like Microsoft Excel). Spreadsheet programs are widely used in businesses to organize and analyze information. The ability to search the Web to gather reliable information is also important.

Encourage your college-bound student to invest the time to develop and sharpen the skills necessary for a successful career. . . they'll thank you for it later!

Explore any or all of our web sites. You'll be glad you did!

Manage your AES account online at aesSuccess.org.

YouCanDealWithIt.com gives you the real story on money, student loans and life.

EducationPlanner.org is our award-winning career and college planning site.

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