b'STEP 8: Start Thinking About Some colleges and universities require students to completePaying for College the College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile),which collects information for financial aid decisions.Read pages 39-50 of the Guide. You are eligible to receive CSS Profile fee waivers if you are a first-year undergraduate applicant whose parentsBy planning early, you will be prepared to pursue a financial live in the United States. The application opens between aid award that will make attending college possible for you. December 2023 and January 2024. It is available at Understanding how to break down college costs and apply https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org.for financial aid is critical when choosing a college. Learn the seven steps to conquer the FAFSALearn about the types of financial aid: With your family, look over the FAFSA tips and resources Grants (such as Federal Pell) are considered gift aidon pages 44-45 of the Guide for step-by-step instructions and do not have to be repaid. PHEAA, www.pheaa.org,on completing the FAFSA. The 2023 form will become is available for residents of Pennsylvania. available between December 2023 and January 2024. Scholarships can range from a few hundred dollarsUse the Net Price Calculatorsto the entire cost of your education, and do not needNet price calculators are federally mandated to be on allto be repaid. college and university financial aid websites to provide Loans (such as direct loans and private student loans)a financial aid estimate based on cost of attendance.have to be repaid with interest. Visit www.collegecost.ed.gov/net-price to search forFederal work-study provides you with part-timedifferent schools calculators and to learn more.employment on campus. Research scholarship opportunitiesFamiliarize yourself with the FAFSA and CSS Profile See pages 50 and 61 of the Guide for a list of scholarshipsThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and scholarship search engines. is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You must complete andsubmit this form to the U.S. Department of Education tobe eligible for all financial aid from the federal government,your state, and the college you ultimately choose to attend.Many colleges also require you to submit the FAFSA tobe considered for major scholarships. We recommend yousubmit your FAFSA promptly to be considered for the best financial opportunities available.RISING SENIOR CHECKL ISTThe seven action steps to take this summer: QUESTIONS?Learn about different types of colleges. Visit www.stepuptocollege.org Register and study for the SAT and/or ACT. for more information. Determine what colleges might be a good fit for you.Plan for upcoming college visits.Familiarize yourself with the application process and college admissions options.Draft your application essays.Understand financial aid, gather financial documents (such as 1040 tax forms, W-2 forms, etc.), and research scholarships.'