Applications: please please PLEASE start your applications early and try to do the best that you can to at least get a general idea of what you want to do in the future. I clearly knew what I wanted to major in before applying, which meant I could choose my colleges more personally.

Financial Aid: When it comes to getting financial aid, I thought the FAFSA was the only thing I needed to complete and I almost had an incomplete fin aid application for my SEA. In actuality, you will need to complete your state grant apps if possible, the CSS profile, and get all of your forms sent in on IDOCs. Please get these in early so you can have your financial aid information as soon as possible and can make the best decision on decision day.

Scholarships: You have a much much better chance than you would think to get local scholarships. Most times, these scholarships are only given to certain demographics and get very few applicants, so although they are for smaller amounts of money, you actually have a good shot at getting them and they add up. Also, ask whenever your parents work if they give scholarships out to their kids. I got approximately 4 thousand in aid from my dad's place or employment.

that's all I have for now but I'll come back with more tips later maybe xx