OKcollegestart - Financial Aid Timeline

Financial Aid Planning Timeline

7th Grade

Dream big. Imagine yourself in college, shaping your future the way you want it. Then decide no one will hold you back!
Talk to people who have attended college to learn about their experiences.
Save a little, learn a lot. It's never too early to start saving for college. Check out OklahomaMoneyMatters.org for more saving and money management tips, and consider signing up for a college savings account from Oklahoma529.com. It's generally best to keep most savings in your parent's name.	College Savings Calculator
Learn about Oklahoma's Promise. Talk to your counselor and visit OKPromise.org to learn about our state's premier scholarship program. You can begin enrolling in 8th grade.	Oklahoma's Promise
Get involved. Colleges are looking for students who will give a helping hand in their communities. Find an activity that interests you and join in-if not at school, then with a community, religious or social group.
Wise up. Make wise choices that will help you succeed in life rather than choices that would keep you from reaching your goals.	Successful Study Techniques Time Management 101
Focus. To prepare for high school, consider taking more challenging courses to develop a strong academic foundation.
Ask for help. If you're struggling in a subject, don't get discouraged. Ask your teacher or parents for help and see about tutoring opportunities.	How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension How to Write Effectively
Start thinking about which jobs interest you. What kinds of work would suit your interests, abilities, aptitudes, values and learning styles?	Career Finder Career Cluster Survey Interest Profiler
Visit a college campus. Many colleges now offer virtual tours. Find a list of the Oklahoma tours on the Explore Schools page.	Explore Schools
Keep believing. College is a challenge, but it's also rewarding! Tell everyone about your plans. Before you know it, they'll be excited, too.

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