Money Monday • College Planning
Don’t Get Spooked by College Deadlines: Your Fall Checklist
From freshmen to seniors—and the families cheering them on—here’s how to move your college plans forward this week.
By Sherri Ross, Imagine Scholarships
Money Monday on Red Kite ·
I have a little saying this time of year: “I don’t get scared until Halloween!”
But if you’re a high school senior who wants to attend college and hasn’t started submitting college applications, I might make an exception!
With November 1st right around the corner, it’s officially crunch time for many college-bound students. And here’s something families sometimes overlook: College application deadlines and scholarship deadlines often go hand in hand.
NOVEMBER 1
A date to double-check
Some colleges have November 1 early action, early decision, or priority scholarship deadlines. Check each college’s official website for its dates, requirements, and scholarship application process.
But don’t panic! Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or the parent of one, there’s something you can do THIS WEEK to get ahead.
Your fall college planning checklist
For seniors
It’s go time!
If you haven’t started submitting applications, now is the time to check what’s due. Some colleges require you to apply by an earlier date to receive scholarship consideration.
For a month-by-month look at what’s ahead, explore our guide from August through College Decision Day with your family.
Your Money Monday assignment
- Check the admissions and scholarship deadlines for every college on your list.
- Submit applications early enough to avoid last-minute technical headaches.
- Make sure transcripts, recommendation letters, and test scores, if required, are on track.
- Complete the FAFSA for the school year you plan to attend, and check school and state aid deadlines.
- Before submitting, review these 6 common FAFSA mistakes parents can avoid with your family.
- Find out whether your colleges require separate scholarship applications.
Remember: Getting accepted to college is exciting. Getting accepted with scholarship money? Even better!
Considering a trade or career program?
If you are choosing a path other than college, trade school applications are open now also. Check its application dates, program start dates, and financial aid options, too. Timelines vary by school and program.
For juniors
Start exploring!
You don’t have to know exactly where you want to go to college, but now is a wonderful time to start exploring your options.
Did you know that many colleges offer free virtual campus tours? You can explore dorms, classrooms, dining halls, and campus life without ever leaving your couch.
Your Money Monday assignment
- Choose five colleges that interest you.
- Take a virtual tour of at least two.
- Research admission requirements and estimated costs.
- Look for merit scholarship opportunities.
- Start a simple spreadsheet to track what you discover.
Keep the PSAT on your radar.
And don’t forget about your PSAT! Depending on your scores and eligibility, it can open doors to scholarship opportunities, including the National Merit Scholarship Program.
The more you explore now, the more options you’ll have later.
For sophomores
Build your scholarship story!
Here’s something I wish more students understood: You don’t have to wait until senior year to start preparing for scholarships. In fact, some of the strongest scholarship applications are built over several years. Colleges and scholarship committees want to know who you are beyond your grades.
Your Money Monday assignment
- Get involved in activities you enjoy.
- Look for leadership opportunities at school or in your community.
- Track volunteer hours, awards, accomplishments, and extracurricular activities.
- Build strong study habits and keep working on your grades.
- Explore careers and majors that interest you.
Here’s a little secret: You don’t have to do everything. Make the things you do count. Focus on activities that reflect your interests and give you room to grow.
For freshmen
Your future starts now!
Welcome to high school! College may seem like a lifetime away, but these four years will go faster than you think.
And while I certainly don’t want you stressing about college applications just yet, there are a few simple things you can do now that your future self will appreciate.
Your Money Monday assignment
- Take your classes seriously. Freshman grades are part of your high school academic record.
- Try a new club, sport, or extracurricular activity.
- Explore your interests and discover what makes you excited to learn.
- Start a simple list of your accomplishments and activities.
- Get comfortable asking questions and building relationships with teachers.
Most importantly, enjoy high school! You don’t need a perfect four-year plan. You just need to start building a strong foundation.
For parents & families
You’re part of the team!
As a mom of four adult children, I know firsthand that navigating college admissions and scholarships can feel overwhelming. One minute you’re packing their kindergarten lunchbox, and the next you’re trying to understand FAFSA, tuition costs, and scholarship deadlines!
Here’s my encouragement: Be involved, but let your student take ownership of the process.
Your Money Monday assignment
- Have an honest conversation about what your family can realistically afford.
- Learn the difference between sticker price and net price—what you pay after grants and scholarships.
- Use each college’s net price calculator to estimate potential costs.
- Help your student create a calendar of important deadlines.
- Start researching scholarships together.
- Celebrate progress, not just acceptance letters!
For more ways to support your student, explore Red Kite’s resources for parents.
And please remember: A college education doesn’t have to come with a mountain of debt. Planning early, exploring options, and understanding how financial aid works can make an enormous difference.
Keep your college plans organized
Download our College Planning Checklist to track next steps throughout high school—from exploring interests to submitting applications.
Download the College Planning Checklist (PDF) →One last thought…
Small steps. Bigger possibilities.
The only thing that should be scary this Halloween is the haunted house down the street—not your college admissions or scholarship journey!
Whether you’re just beginning high school or preparing to submit your first application, small steps today can lead to big opportunities tomorrow.
So grab a pumpkin spice latte, pull out that college planning checklist, and get to work.
You’ve got this!
Happy Money Monday!
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Helpful advice for your college journey.
Sherri Ross of Imagine Scholarships shares practical advice to help students and families navigate the financial side of college planning. Through the Red Kite and Imagine Scholarships partnership, we’re bringing families useful tools, trusted resources, and guidance to help make college more affordable.
