Application countdown — this is it! Check on recommendations (PDF), evaluate and finalize essays (PDF), and carefully proofread all documents. Be certain your application is correct before you hit “Submit."

Send your best test scores (including SAT subject tests, if needed, in addition to the the SAT or ACT) to schools or programs that require them. Follow up to verify that the scores are received.

Seek out scholarships. There may be December deadlines for merit or other scholarships. E-mail publications@vsac.org for the VSAC scholarships booklet.

Early action and early decision notifications may arrive this month. Early action means you can compare offers (Excel) with regular admissions. Early decision is binding — you must go if admitted.

Put your parents to work. In December, obtain federal PINs (student and parent) for the FAFSA and gather tax documents for financial aid forms. Check if the CSS Profile is required, and update your financial aid checklist (PDF).

Considering a gap year? Apply now to training programs or colleges. Once you get in, you can decide whether or not you want to defer for a year. Completing applications while you’re still in high school is a lot easier than tackling the process once you’re out.

Watch out for degree fraud or college funding scams. Never pay to search for scholarships or college programs. Avoid offers that guarantee aid or promise a degree for a fee (the “no tests” ploy). Real programs = real work!

Ace those exams! Show what you can do in the future, now. Is a previous grade less than stellar? Let admissions counselors know why. Explain any challenges, and how you overcame them. To stay on track, sign up for e-mail reminders from VSAC.

Winter forecast: forms ahead. The focus (while you wait to hear about admissions decisions) turns to financial aid applications: the FAFSA, the Vermont grant, scholarships, and the CSS Profile (if needed). VSAC can help you avoid a paperwork blizzard.

Early decision students must withdraw applications to other schools. If you are admitted early action, you may compare offers (Excel) with other schools and make your selection decision later on. Follow up promptly to any admissions requests.

Need financial aid directions? View the Paying for College presentation. Attend free workshops on filling out the forms at locations throughout Vermont during January and February. Remember, aid can be used for non-college educational programs, too.

Fill out the FAFSA. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon as possible. Use estimated income figures if needed — you can make corrections later. The key is to send it in by your programs’ deadlines! FAFSA tips.

Next step: the Vermont grant, which can be used to attend schools in Vermont or elsewhere. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, so submit yours early. Check your application status at myVSAC.

Detour: the CSS Profile. Some schools use the Profile and/or other institutional forms for financial aid consideration. Check each college’s requirements and deadlines.

Apply for VSAC-assisted scholarships. Pick up the VSAC scholarships booklet or e-mail publications@vsac.org.

Check out additional scholarships. Investigate college or university awards and search locally first. Then look nationally. Pursue all options, but beware of scams — you should never have to pay to seek funding.

Continue the conversation. Where possible, set up interviews (PDF) with college alumni (in person or by phone). Wait-listed for early action or early decision? Find out if you can send in additional essays or recommendations to strengthen your application.

Keep your grades up — they still matter! Colleges have the right to revoke your acceptance if your grades fall senior year. As you prepare ahead for that high school diploma, check in with your school counselor to make sure you’ve completed all requirements.

Scheduled maintenance due. Make sure materials are in for financial aid. Check your admission status, apply for scholarships and the Vermont grant, and keep copies of all correspondence. For better mileage, keep winter idling to a minimum.

Turn in all documents to meet the early-bird deadline for VSAC-assisted scholarships. Continue to apply for other scholarships. Check locally, then look for state and national awards. Tip: reuse those application essays, tweaking them to fit questions.

The Vermont grant can help you attend schools in Vermont or elsewhere. Log in to myVSAC to see if additional information is required, and follow up with any requests.

Review your Student Aid Report (SAR), which you’ll receive after you submit the FAFSA. Make corrections if needed. Expect to receive financial aid notifications from schools or programs in March and April. Questions? Here’s help.

Submit the CSS Profile, if required. Send signed copies of tax returns and additional forms by each college’s deadline.

Take another test drive. Still unsure about where to go? Visit campuses during winter break. Stay overnight in the dorm, talk to students, and get the information you need to make an informed decision.