Taking It
Step by Step

Getting ready to attend college may seem like a confusing process. But, if you take it one step at a time, you'll be well on your way. Look at the steps below and then complete your own checklist.

Step One: Apply to College

  • Meet enrollment deadlines.
  • Explore grants/scholarships.
  • Be eligible for college (high school diploma or GED).

Step Two: Complete the FAFSA Form

  • Submit application (preferably online) as soon as possible after January 1.
  • Get answers to confusing form questions.
  • Keep a copy of the form.
  • Keep paperwork used to complete the form.

Step Three: Review the Student Aid Report

  • Ensure the report is accurate.
  • Make certain it lists all the colleges to which you have applied.
  • Get help from the individual college's financial aid office, if needed.

Step Four: Apply for Tribal Assistance

  • Locate Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood.
  • Have important papers ready (tribal enrollment, high school transcripts, GED score, college acceptance letter, financial needs analysis).

Step Five: Select a College

  • Review Financial Aid Award Letter from each college.
  • Review pros/cons of each college.
  • Choose the college that is the best option for you.

My Checklist and Plan

Getting ready to attend college may seem like a confusing process. But, if you take it one step at a time, you'll be well on your way. Look at the steps below and then complete your own checklist.

Education Requirements:

Have Taken SAT or Accuplacer Tests? Yes No
If not, when?
High School Diploma or GED? Yes No
If not, when?
Registered with Selective Service? Yes No Not Applicable
College Applications Submitted? Yes No
College(s) deadlines for receiving my financial aid requests are:
College A:
College B:
College C:
Submitted FAFSA Form? Yes No
If not, when?
Received and Reviewed Student Aid Report? Yes No
Submitted Tribal Assistance Form? Yes No
If not, when?
Received College Financial Award Letter(s)? Yes No
Selected College and Notified School of Intent to Enroll? Yes No
If not, when?
Notified Other Schools That I Won't Be Attending? Yes No