EducationQuest Foundation
College Planning Bulletin
A monthly college planning guide for Nebraska high school students
May 2017
Seniors … borrow wisely for college!
Review these tips before you decide how much to borrow in student loans:
Borrow only what you need, even if it’s less than the amount offered in your award letter.
Try to use your student loan money only for tuition, room and board, books and fees. Get a part-time job during college to pay
other expenses.
Apply for financial aid each year you attend college by completing the FAFSA.
Continue to look for scholarships while you’re in college.
Keep track of your student loan debt throughout college at nslds.ed.gov.
To learn more, read the EducationQuest Blog article: “5 Popular Questions about Student Loans” and see the “Paying for College”
section at EducationQuest.org.
How to prepare for your freshman year of college
Visit the College Students section at EducationQuest.org for tips to help you prepare for your freshman year of college. You’ll find
information on these topics:
Achieving academic success
How to manage your money
How to select a major
What to expect your freshman year of college
Check out the EducationQuest Blog for additional articles about college life.
Juniors… here’s your summer to-do list
Narrow your college choices to three or four by the time school starts. If you haven’t already, schedule campus visits to your top
contenders.
Become familiar with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Beginning October 1, 2017, you and your parents can
complete this form to apply for college financial aid.
Update your Activities Resume at EducationQuest.org. Include extracurricular activities, honors, awards, and part-time jobs.
Look for scholarships. Check out ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org for Nebraska-based scholarships, and pay attention to scholarships
current seniors have received.
Find a summer job to help pay for college expenses. Ask prospective employers if they offer education assistance
programs.
May “To Do” List
Seniors
___ Apply for student loans, if necessary.
___ Register for new student orientation at your college.
___ Start a list of dorm room essentials.
___ Get a summer job to help pay college expenses.
Juniors
___ Register by May 5 for June 10 ACT.
___ Register by May 9 for June 3 SAT.
___ Continue campus visits.
___ Get a summer job and save for college.
For free help with college planning, contact EducationQuest Foundation:
Omaha
402-391-4033
888-357-6300
Lincoln
402-475-5222
800-303-3745
Kearney
308-234-6310
800-666-3721
Scottsbluff
800-303-3745 ext. 6654
EducationQuest.org
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Your Journey to College Begins with Us
10