Opening Doors, Changing Trajectories

First in Family wants to expand educational opportunities so all first-generation students in our community have the knowledge and resources they need to move forward with confidence to pursue their academic and professional goals.

Senior Year To Do List

GET ORGANIZED

Keep all important documents in one place:

  • Transcript, test scores, and applications
  • Financial aid forms and tax documents

Mark these dates on your calendar:

  • ACT registration and test dates
  • College application deadlines
  • Financial aid/scholarship application deadlines
  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): October 1-June 30
FOCUS ON SCHOOL

Take challenging courses—your senior-year courses and grades matter.

  • Avoid “senioritis.” Colleges can rescind offers for low grades or disciplinary issues.
  • Stay mindful of social media—don’t let a post hurt your chances!
BOOST YOUR ACT OR SAT (IF NEEDED)
  • Take a full practice test and complete test-prep exercises over the summer.
  • Register to take the test in September or October.
  • Send scores to your colleges if your scores will improve your chance of admission or they are required.
  • Higher ACT or SAT scores increase admissions and scholarship opportunities.
TALK WITH YOUR FAMILY ABOUT PAYING FOR COLLEGE
College tuition is one of the biggest financial commitments many families make. Have an honest conversation with your family about your total annual income and how much money (if any) you have saved for college.
KNOW YOUR APPLICATION OPTIONS
  • Early Decision (ED): Binding; for your top choice only. This option does not allow you to compare financial aid awards however, so be sure you can afford your estimated cost using their Net Price Calculator.
  • Early Action (EA): Non-binding; get early decisions from multiple schools.
  • Regular Decision: Deadlines depend on the school - usually December or January.
  • Rolling Admissions: Apply anytime; decisions made within weeks.
  • Open Admissions: Community colleges welcome all with a diploma or GED.
APPLY TO COLLEGE
  • Research colleges that would be a best fit for you.
    • Consider location, size, programs, admissions requirements, school culture, cost and available aid, and graduation rates.
  • Find a mix of reach, target, and safety schools.
  • Request recommendations early and thank your recommenders.
  • Polish your essays—get feedback from teachers or mentors.
  • Check for portfolios, auditions, or supplements if required.
  • Complete all applications for college admission and financial aid (FAFSA, CSS, and/or school-specific forms) before their deadlines.
FIND FREE MONEY
  • Fee waivers: Ask your counselor if you qualify.
  • FAFSA & scholarships: Billions in scholarships available; check FastWeb, College Board, Scholarships.com, and Cappex.
  • No-loan colleges: Some meet full need for low-income students.
  • Compare costs: Research the cost of attendance (COA), including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
  • Understand the difference between grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
SENIOR SPRING CHECKLIST
  • Contact financial aid offices with questions about your financial aid award.
  • Visit campuses if possible to finalize your choice.
  • Make your decision and submit your deposit to ONE school only (usually by May 1).
  • Accept/decline offers and complete required paperwork through college portals.
  • Decide on waitlists if applicable.
  • Take AP exams for college credit.
  • Request final transcripts be sent to your college.
  • Thank your recommenders and counselors.
  • Celebrate - you are going to college!

How Do I Pay For College?

Understanding the full cost of attendance and exploring available funding options early can help make college more manageable and affordable.

ESTIMATE YOUR STUDENT AID INDEX (SAI)

Use this estimator to determine your federal aid eligibility.

The SAI is an eligibility index number that your college’s financial aid office uses to determine how much financial aid you should receive. A negative number means you need more aid.

UNDERSTAND FINANCIAL AID
GRANTS

A grant is a form of gift aid (free money) based on need that doesn’t usually have to be repaid. Pell grants are the most common type of federal grant offered to students who complete the FAFSA. There are also grants available to teachers in training which must be repaid if the teaching agreement is not fulfilled. Other federal, state, university, and nonprofit grants are also available. 

FAFSA 

SCHOLARSHIPS
Many colleges, as well as nonprofit and private organizations, offer scholarships to help students pay for college. This is another type of free money that is sometimes based on academic merit, talent, or a particular area of study, and sometimes based on financial need.
WORK STUDY JOBS
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides on-campus, part-time jobs that allow students to earn money for educational expenses.
LOANS
When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues and any fees. It is important to understand your repayment options. All students who file the FAFSA are eligible for some federal loans. There are also private loans available, often with less favorable interest rates and conditions. Students should not have loan payments that will be more than 8% of their estimated gross earnings after college.

How Do I Pay For College?

Understanding the full cost of attendance and exploring available funding options early can help make college more manageable and affordable.

ESTIMATE YOUR STUDENT AID INDEX (SAI)

Use this estimator to determine your federal aid eligibility.

The SAI is an eligibility index number that your college’s financial aid office uses to determine how much financial aid you should receive. A negative number means you need more aid.

UNDERSTAND FINANCIAL AID
GRANTS

A grant is a form of gift aid (free money) based on need that doesn’t usually have to be repaid. Pell grants are the most common type of federal grant offered to students who complete the FAFSA. There are also grants available to teachers in training which must be repaid if the teaching agreement is not fulfilled. Other federal, state, university, and nonprofit grants are also available. 

FAFSA 

SCHOLARSHIPS
Many colleges, as well as nonprofit and private organizations, offer scholarships to help students pay for college. This is another type of free money that is sometimes based on academic merit, talent, or a particular area of study, and sometimes based on financial need.
WORK STUDY JOBS
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides on-campus, part-time jobs that allow students to earn money for educational expenses.
LOANS
When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues and any fees. It is important to understand your repayment options. All students who file the FAFSA are eligible for some federal loans. There are also private loans available, often with less favorable interest rates and conditions. Students should not have loan payments that will be more than 8% of their estimated gross earnings after college.

How Do I Pay For College?

Understanding the full cost of attendance and exploring available funding options early can help make college more manageable and affordable.

ESTIMATE YOUR STUDENT AID INDEX (SAI)

Use this estimator to determine your federal aid eligibility.

The SAI is an eligibility index number that your college’s financial aid office uses to determine how much financial aid you should receive. A negative number means you need more aid.

UNDERSTAND FINANCIAL AID
GRANTS

A grant is a form of gift aid (free money) based on need that doesn’t usually have to be repaid. Pell grants are the most common type of federal grant offered to students who complete the FAFSA. There are also grants available to teachers in training which must be repaid if the teaching agreement is not fulfilled. Other federal, state, university, and nonprofit grants are also available. 

FAFSA 

SCHOLARSHIPS
Many colleges, as well as nonprofit and private organizations, offer scholarships to help students pay for college. This is another type of free money that is sometimes based on academic merit, talent, or a particular area of study, and sometimes based on financial need.
WORK STUDY JOBS
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides on-campus, part-time jobs that allow students to earn money for educational expenses.
LOANS
When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues and any fees. It is important to understand your repayment options. All students who file the FAFSA are eligible for some federal loans. There are also private loans available, often with less favorable interest rates and conditions. Students should not have loan payments that will be more than 8% of their estimated gross earnings after college.

Does a Career and Technical Education (CTE) make more sense?

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a structured series of courses and practical experiences aligned to specific industries.

At the postsecondary level, these programs are offered through community colleges and technical institutes as certificates or associate’s degrees in fields such as healthcare, trades, IT, education, and hospitality.

By combining classroom learning with hands-on training, CTE provides students with industry-recognized credentials that directly connect to workforce opportunities.

Roadmap to College

A wealth of valuable information covering topics such as academic help, career paths, college applications, financial aid, and much more. Whether you’re a student seeking guidance or a parent looking for support, this comprehensive collection of college prep resources is here to empower you on your journey towards success. Explore, learn, and take the first step towards a bright future today!

VISIT SITE

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The First in Family application is closed for 2025-2026. Please check back in September for information about the 2026-2027 application cycle.

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