College Timeline

Start saving early to maximize your possible returns. Learn more about how to start saving.

A 529 savings plan is a tax-free way to save for education expenses. Learn more about the advantages of a 529 plan.

529 plans are popular, but they’re not the only way to save for school. Affinity programs, savings bonds, and Coverdell savings accounts are just a few options. Find out about other ways to save for college.

What’s your kiddo into? Sports, animals, dancing, building things…whatever it is, try to nurture their passions. Check out books from the library, take classes, and spend time together on their interests. This shows your child how to pursue and learn about something they love. Early childhood interests can turn into activities, clubs, and pursuits that may one day help their college applications or career directions.

Help your child set academic goals, and support them along the way. Achieving goals helps kids develop confidence in their abilities and builds their work ethic. Encourage your child to take on challenges and stretch themselves. Be sure to show interest in your child’s schoolwork and celebrate achievements.

Encourage your child to join school clubs, sports, and community service programs. Getting involved at a young age helps kids explore interests, identify hidden talents, and build social skills. Parents and guardians, get involved with your child’s school, and pursue your own interests, too. Your kids are watching and learning from you!

Walk around a college campus, or look for child-friendly events to attend. Many colleges offer classes or camps to local children and families. Simply being on campus can help spark your child’s interest in college.

Take some time to focus on your interests and passions. How could you use them to choose a career path? Check out Uncover Your Interests for more on career exploration. Consider Your Options can help you decide what kind of education or training you might need to reach your goals.

Think about what you want in a college. Location, size, campus culture, and academic programs are just a few things to consider. Make a list of schools that interest you.

Challenge yourself with the most rigorous classes you can manage. Colleges like to see challenging coursework on your transcript. Good grades in advanced, honors, or AP classes tend to count more toward your GPA. And you might earn college credit for some AP classes.

Keep track of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, honors and awards, and other experiences. You’ll have a handy reference when it’s time to start filling out applications.

You can register with the NCAA Eligibility Center before you even start high school. College coaches have rules around how and when they can contact you before your junior year. But you can reach out to them. You can make unofficial visits to schools you’re interested in, and you can call and email coaches.

The time you spend outside of school is important, too. Check out after-school clubs, volunteer opportunities, classes, and hobbies. A part-time or summer job can be a great way to build your resume, get work experience, and earn money!

Advanced and AP classes give you the chance to challenge yourself, and may earn you college credit. You can also explore early college credit programs, which let you take college-level courses (and earn college credit) while you’re still in high school.

Some colleges are limiting use of standardized tests in admissions. But taking the SAT/ACT won’t hurt you and may really help you. These tests are still used in many scholarship decisions, too.

Destination College is one of the many ways we help New Hampshire families plan for college. Destination College is a free, in-person event that happens each spring. The event is for high school juniors and their families. You’ll attend college planning workshops, get tips about the application process, and attend a college fair.

There’s an almost endless number of schools out there. Your job is to narrow it down to the schools that might be right for you.

Now is a good time to talk to your family about what you can afford to pay for college. And you’ll want to get up to speed on financial aid. Don’t stress – we’re here to help.

Thinking about college alternatives, like a job, apprenticeship, or military service? You’ve got choices, and now’s the time to make a plan. Take a look at Explore Other Pathways to find out more.

Coaches can start contacting and recruiting athletes starting in junior year.

College and career fairs are a perfect way to learn about lots of schools in one place. You can get answers to your questions. And you’ll have the chance to meet (and impress!) admissions representatives. Find out when the next local college fair is and register.

Your college essay is an important part of your application, and it’s a great opportunity to let your personality shine through. Don’t leave it till the last minute. You’ll want time to write, re-write, and ask other people to edit it.

Maybe you’re considering something other than college – a job, an apprenticeship, or joining the military are just a few options. Now’s the time to build a solid plan. Take a look at Explore Other Pathways to find out more.

Senior year is when athletes can make official college visits. Coaches can send you written letters offering athletic aid, and you can sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI).

Get ready to apply! Learn all you need to know about the Common App, types of applications and admissions, and more at Get to Know the Application.

It’s FAFSA time! Senior year is when you’ll need to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Different schools have different FAFSA deadlines, so make sure to keep track. For more information and tips, check out File Your FAFSA.

Financial aid may play a big part in deciding where to go to school. But offer letters can be tricky to understand and compare. We can help you figure it out. Check out Understand Financial Aid for more information. If you need more help, get in touch with us. We’re happy to help!

Is there a gap between what you and your family can afford and what college will cost? That’s where loans come in. Federal and private loans have different benefits, and both types of loan can help you finance college costs. Granite Edvance can help you get the right loan.

Now is the time to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Search for scholarships through your school, in your hometown, across New Hampshire, and all over the country. More than 1.7 million scholarships are awarded in the U.S. each year – grab your piece of the pie!

Once you’ve been accepted, you can breathe a sigh of relief – but your work isn’t done! You’ll need to fill out forms, send in deposits, sign up for orientation, and register for classes, among other tasks. Make sure you check your email and/or college portal regularly so you don’t miss next steps and deadlines.