If you're currently a senior in high school or you just want to get a head start on your college career, you've come to the right place. There is plenty that you can do to prepare yourself well in advance. Check out the tips that you should be following each month leading up to your first semester at Delta College.

August

• Ask your high school counselor about getting a head start on college by taking Dual Enrollment classes at Delta.
• Delta has many programs to choose from. One's that are perfect for you to reach your career goals, whatever they are. Explore our programs and transfer pathways.
• Start exploring colleges. A pro tip is to set up a separate email account for all college related emails because the more you explore, the more emails you'll receive!

September

• Delta College Admissions reps visit most local high schools throughout the year. Be on the look out for their visit schedule in your high school counseling office. 
• Not sure what to study in college? Take a free career assessment to figure out the best pathway for you. Use your official delta.edu account and the access code: delta to sign up.
• Find out about clubs, sports, and how to get involved when you become a Delta student. 
• Want a full-ride to Delta? High school seniors should research the President's Honors Scholarship and apply when it opens at the end of September. 

October

• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It opens October 1 and it's required in order to receive financial aid. Check out helpful instructions on how to fill out your FAFSA.
• Want to get an on campus job next year? When filling out the FAFSA make sure you mark that you are interested in being considered for work study. This will open you up to student worker positions all across campus.
• Once you submit your FAFSA, you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR). Review carefully for accuracy.
• Apply to Delta and complete your Guided Self-Placement surveys in English and math.
• Once admitted to Delta, activate your Delta student account. This will be used to log into your Delta email, register for classes, check on financial aid, access online courses, and so much more.

November

• Think about how you're going to pay for college. You can save a ton of money by coming to Delta. It costs less than half what you'd pay at a public university but you get the same quality education.
• Continue your scholarship search. Most scholarships open around mid-December.
• Talk to your high school counselor about taking Dual Enrollment classes at Delta in the winter.
• Attend a College 101 Student Success Workshop to prepare yourself for the transition to college.

December

• Take a tour of campus.
• Apply for scholarships. Delta scholarships open in mid-December and there's only one application to fill out. Don't forget to check with your local community foundation for more scholarship options.
• Meet with your high school counselor to review your scholarship application materials prior to submitting.
• Enjoy your break!

January

• If you haven't already, apply for scholarships. Deadline for Delta scholarships is the beginning of February!
• Complete online orientation. By mid-January you'll receive an email from your Admissions rep with a link once you're admitted.
• Avoid senioritis by starting out your last high school semester strong.
• Attend a College 101 Student Success Workshop to prepare yourself for the transition to college.

February

• Delta College starts to award financial aid for the next year. Check your Delta email and Financial Aid Self-Service checklist for updates.
• If you haven't completed orientation, do that! You can't register for classes in mid-March until that's finished and your assigned Student Success Advisor has provided course recommendations.
• You’ll need to use your Delta College username and password to check your email and complete orientation. If you can’t remember your password, reach out to the IT Help Desk at help@delta.edu or 989-686-9575 for assistance.

March

• Seriously, finish orientation now!
• When you log into Student Planning in Student Self-Service, you'll notice a red flag in the top right corner asking you to accept your Financial Agreement. You won't be able to register for classes without doing this step.
• Register for classes. Registration opens mid-March for Fall, Winter, and Spring of next year.
• If you haven't already, log into Financial Aid Self-Service and accept your financial aid package.

April

• Registration is open for all students. Register early to avoid classes filling up.
• Attend a Financial Literacy event to ensure you're prepared to pay for college and manage your finances next year.
• Get into the Pioneer spirit by cheering on one of our sports teams! 
• Attend a College 101 Student Success Workshop to prepare yourself for the transition to college.

May

• Bring your course schedule (must be registered in at least one Delta class) to the Admissions office by May 1 (decision day) and get a free Delta t-shirt!
• If you haven’t registered for classes, now is the time!
• Get a head start by taking a summer class – contact your Admissions rep to find out how. 

June

• Enjoy your high school graduation! You've earned it.
• Bills are available in Student Billing Student Self-Service for the fall semester.
• Understand what you might owe and make sure you have a plan for payment before the payment deadline (hint: it’s at the end of July).
• Attend a College 101 Student Success Workshop to prepare yourself for the transition to college.
• Submit your final high school transcript or copy of your diploma to the Financial Aid office. 

July

• Pay for classes (make sure you pay off any balances).
• There’s still time to register for classes even after the payment deadline for those who haven't done it yet.
• Drop into the Welcome Center and get your student ID card. 
• Download the Outlook app so you won't miss important emails.

August

• Come to a Welcome to Delta event.
• Go on a self-guided tour to find out where your classes are located.
• Buy your books (books become available a couple of weeks before the semester starts).
• Activate your account with the Career Development office and find an on-campus job. 

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