February

• Remind your parents to complete Federal tax returns in early February.

• See your doctor about required immunizations for college. Numerous colleges and universities require incoming freshman to receive Hepatitis B immunization. The Hepatitis B vaccination is given in 3 doses over a 5- to 6-month period.

• Make any needed corrections to the FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE® based on your parents' Federal tax returns.

• Deferred / Wait-listed? Write a brief letter to the college admissions officer handling your file highlighting all achievements and activities since your original application was submitted.

• Continue watching for announcements of local and regional scholarships. Apply to all those in which you are eligible.

• Mail all supplemental financial aid documents requested by your colleges. Any delay in mailing these materials will delay your receipt of financial aid awards.

• Consider sending a letter of special circumstance to the financial aid office at each of your colleges. Financial aid officers have the ability to increase financial aid based on "unusual" family situations.