November: prepare application

four (4) quick summary tasks for the month of November

Monthly Checklist
Understand Costs
Estimate Your Costs
Financial Aid Review

Quick "November" Monthly Checklist

november task for HS seniors

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Use this checklist to review those tasks that should be completed by the start of November:

If you are choosing early admission for your college of choice, the completed application must be submitted by November (Nov 01 for most college - check your college for early submission deadlines).
Starting Your College Planning Late?
You have missed early college submission deadlines. You need to get going to meet regular submission deadlines in January. Review our late-starter file to get going: see late starter file
Finalize your list of college searches and review it with your HS counselor: see college search directory
Check your dates if you are taking any college entrance exams. Make sure test scores are being sent to your select colleges:
- SAT Exam
- ACT College Exam
Start your search for FREE scholarships and grants:
over $24.3 billion
worth of scholarships and grants in one location
Obtain the required items to complete your college application:transcripts, essays, letters of recommendations: see the October plan
Check with your colleges to make sure they have all of the information. Early admission notices will start to arrive next month.
Request financial aid information from your colleges. Contact your college's financial aid and admissions departments

Next Topic: Understand Costs

Understand the Cost of College

november task for HS seniors

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Don't let cost disqualify one school from another. Your "preferred" school may offer programs that can help you pay the cost.

But cost is an important criteria. You don't want to become so saddle with debt when you finish school. A less expensive school may offer the same program and benefits as the more expensive school. So do your research.

Private schools are generally more expensive than public schools. However, they also offer more aid programs that can bring the total cost down to par with other schools — especially if you have the profile they are looking for.

Your cost of attendance will include tuition, fees, room and board, books, transportation and personal expenses.

Summary of Costs

	(download this spreadsheet to analyze cost)

(download this spreadsheet to analyze cost)

School Tuition and Fees:
cost to attend class instruction and the use of facilities, labs, libraries and all other related services for each enrolled student
Books and Supplies:
the estimated amount for books and supplies the student will be required to purchase for classroom instruction — this item may include a computer and other electronic/telecommunication devices
Computer and Other Electronics:
not necessarily required since colleges offer computer labs and other shared facilities. However, given the electronic push made by colleges, it will be the student's advantage to have their own personal computer along with a printer and other necessary electronics
Room and Board:
the estimated cost for housing and food if you live in a residence hall; if you live off campus, food expenses are not estimated
Transportation:
the estimated cost for 2-3 round trips from your home to school; if you live with your parents, the estimated commuting costs will be calculated
Personal Living Expenses:
the estimated cost for clothing, grooming supplies, laundry and limited entertainment
Other Personal Costs:
personal expenses that are specific to the student such as disability expenses, dependent care, loan fees, etc.
Miscellaneous:
any other expenses that you can identify with your school's Financial Aid Office

Total Estimated Costs
(these costs are based on pricing trends that can vary by institution)

4-YEAR PUBLIC UNIVERSITY	Annual Cost In-State Resident	Annual Cost Out-of-State Resident	Annual Cost Live-at-Home Commuter
Tuition & Fees	$10,230	$26,290	$10,230
Room & Board	$11,140	$11,140	$0
Books -Supplies	$1,240	$1,240	$1,240
Transportation	$1,160	$1,160	$1,160
Other Expenses	$2,120	$2,120	$2,120
Total Annual Cost	$25,890	$41,960	$14,750

4-YEAR PRIVATE UNIVERSITY	Annual Cost On-Campus Resident	Annual Cost Live-at-Home Commuter
Tuition & Fees	$35,830	$35,830
Room & Board	$12,680	$0
Books -Supplies	$1,240	$1,240
Transportation	$1,060	$1,060
Other Expenses	$1,700	$1,700
Total Annual Cost	$52,510	$39,830

2-YEAR PUBLIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE	Annual Cost Live-at-Home Commuter
Tuition & Fees	$3,660
Room & Board	$8,660
Books-Supplies	$1,440
Transportation	$1,800
Other Expenses	$2,370
Total Annual Cost	$17,630

source:
2018-19 College Board Trends in Higher Education

Next Topic: Estimate Your Costs

Estimate Your College Costs

november task for HS seniors

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College cost profiling for your intended institution. Compare college costs side-by-side:

Simply input your colleges of choice and collegeboard will profile the costs of each school:
collegeboard.org
Compare colleges by region and cost:
nces.ed.gov

Use the calculator below to get a rough estimate. The calculation will provide you a fairly good idea on what to expect as you finalize your decision `where to attend college.

We also have some great tools to use - these spreadsheets require MS Excel or something similar

download college cost comparison spreadsheet
this spreadsheet allows you to compare cost and aid awarded among colleges
download budgeting worksheet:
use this spreadsheet to plan and budget your monthly expenses

Cost of Attendance		Other Expenses
Tuition and Fees		Transportation
Class Fees		Personal Needs
Books /Supplies		Entertainment
Room and Board		Computer
		Special Events

Cost of Attendance:
Other Anticipated Costs:
Total Estimated Cost: