Create Your Plan

Did we mention that creating a plan is far simpler than you’ve been told? It is. In fact, we’ve reduced the process of getting your applications prepared and submitted to the following steps. We implore you to begin this process in 8th grade. Yep, eighth grade. Because all but the last two steps are just practice and they will continue to change until you get to the submission part in 11th grade. So the plan is malleable and evolving – but so are your strategies.

1. Estimate your family’s Expected Financial Contribution

Before you can start selecting colleges you need to have some idea of what your family will be expected to contribute – your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). In the end, your EFC will be based on the longer FAFSA form but the estimate generated by the FinAid calculator offers a legitimate figure. Use this as you prepare your list of colleges. You can complete the estimate anonymously and as often as you want. Expect it to change several times during the process.

Financial Aid Calculator

2. Choose and research your colleges

Complete an Application Grid for three Reach, Stretch and Dream schools. Capture all the relevant information you need to make critical decisions about school choices including what a student needs to achieve in the following areas:

  • Grades
  • Test Scores
  • AP and Class Transfer
  • Essay Requirements
  • Community Service – Personal Profile information
  • Financial Needs Assessment
  • College and Career Options

Download our Free Application Grid Worksheet to help you plan!

Download Worksheet

3. Create Your Plan

  • Once you know what the schools cost and what they expect in terms of performance, you can create personal strategies for admissions and financial aid options to achieve your goals.
  • Use our Resources Guide to get more information, guidance or help.
Resources Guide

the rest
is up
to you

  • Work hard in school.
  • Take the requisite tests.
  • Visit schools. Ask alumni.
  • Volunteer intelligently
  • Complete your FAFSA Application.
  • Select and complete your College Applications.

AppPrep.  We encourage families to begin working early to help their kids earn a debt-free degree.