Your Next Steps After the Session
Bookmark this page. Sarah's built it so you have a clear, actionable roadmap from the moment your session ends — no wondering what to do next.
You visited this page on March 31, 2026
A Note From Sarah
“Every session ends with a written action plan — but I know life gets busy and things can slip through the cracks, especially when you're navigating a process no one in your family has done before. This page is here so you always have a place to come back to. The steps are in order. Work through them one at a time. You've got this.”
— Sarah Jiménez, MRS COLLEGE COUNSELOR
Immediately After Your Session
Within the first 24 hours, do these three things:
Check your email for Sarah's written action plan
Sarah sends a follow-up email within 24 hours of your session with a written summary of everything discussed and the specific next steps for your student.
Create your college planning folder
Whether physical or digital (Google Drive works great), create a folder titled "College Planning [Student Name]." This is where everything lives: action plan, university list, test scores, essays, financial aid docs.
Add key deadlines to your calendar
Application deadlines, FAFSA opening date, SAT/ACT test dates, Early Action deadlines — put them all in your family calendar with reminders 2 weeks and 1 month ahead.
Within the First Week
Review your college list — does it feel right? Write down any new schools you want to add.
Research the specific requirements for each school on your list (test scores, GPA, essay prompts).
If your student needs to take the SAT/ACT, look up the next available test dates and register.
If financial aid is a concern, create a FSA ID at studentaid.gov (both student AND parent need one).
Share Sarah's action plan with your student — they should own it, not just the parents.
Within the First Month
Complete the first draft of the Common App essay (12th graders) or start researching essay topics (11th graders).
Research Bright Futures eligibility if you're a Florida student — the requirements are specific and time-sensitive.
Schedule a campus tour or virtual session at your top 2–3 target schools.
Ask for letters of recommendation early — give teachers and counselors at least 4–6 weeks notice.
Complete the FAFSA if it's October or later — do not wait.
Your Grade-Specific Priorities
Start a college savings conversation with your family
Explore extracurricular activities that match genuine interests
Focus on building strong study habits now
Keep GPA strong — it compounds over time
Visit Sarah's Summer Planning Guide if it's summer
Resources to Bookmark Right Now
Free College Planning Checklist
Free DownloadA printable, grade-by-grade checklist of everything your student needs to do.
Summer Planning Guide
NewDetailed transition checklists for every grade change — especially if you're in the between-grades window.
Financial Aid Decoded
Free GuideUnderstanding the FAFSA, EFC, scholarships, and how to evaluate award letters.
Scholarship Directory for Hispanic Students
ScholarshipsCurated scholarships specifically for Hispanic, Latino, and first-gen students.
First-Gen Resource Hub
First-GenEvery resource Sarah recommends for first-generation families, in one place.
Florida Universities Comparison
FloridaFL state vs. private universities — Bright Futures, Florida Prepaid, in-state vs. out-of-state costs.
Questions That Come Up Later?
This is completely normal. After a session, new questions surface once you start working on the actual steps.
Check the FAQ
Browse the most common questions families ask after their first session.
Visit FAQ →First-Gen Resource Hub
If you're navigating this without a family roadmap, start here.
Go to Hub →Book a Follow-Up Session
Ready for the next phase? Sessions are available for every grade level.
Book a Session →Ready for Your Next Session?
College planning is a multi-year process. Each session builds on the last. When you're ready for the next phase, Sarah's ready.
Book Your Next Session