Over the next few months, you'll likely receive a tidal wave of brochures, postcards, emails, and letters from universities, lenders, and companies that sell college-related products and services. Some materials are worth keeping until you follow up with the organization. But if you know you're not interested, put the paper to good use by adding it to the recycle bin.
You'll want to hold on to important papers related to college admission, like SAT scores, school transcripts, and copies of college applications. You may need to reference them more than once and replacing them, if even possible, can cost you time and frustration. Keep these papers in a safe place and organize them logically.
Saving whatever electronic files you have on your computer lets you consolidate your records and cut and paste information as needed. Don't forget to back up your data to a CD!
Keep a financials file. If you worked during the year, plan on completing a tax return. Keep copies of your Form W-2 and your tax returns—you'll need much of that information for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). And since federal aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, you'll want all your documents ready so you can send in the FAFSA as soon as possible.
Store permanent records—such as a birth certificate, citizenship papers, high school transcripts and diploma, insurance policies, student loan promissory notes, passport, and Social Security card—in a filing cabinet, fireproof safe, or bank safe deposit box. Temporary or short-term records—such as financial aid award letters, bank statements, and store receipts—can be stored in a file or portfolio that you won't lose or accidentally throw away.
Freshman paperwork can be confusing: You have materials from the registrar, financial aid office, orientation, professors, and so on. The more organized you get today, the more efficient you'll be by May, bringing a little bit of order to the whirlwind at the end of high school. To help minimize the amount of paper you accumulate, check out these online student loan applications, calculators, and budget worksheets, and learn brilliant ways to prepare and pay for college.