✅ Master Actionable Checklist: Self-Advocacy + Solicitation for College Assistance

This checklist walks students through every step—from preparation to follow-up—to confidently request financial support, aligned with the guidance on your Solicitation page.

🔍 Step 1: Prepare with Purpose

✓ Do Your Research
▢ Compare schools using the 🔗UTC School Comparison or 🔗Career ROI Tool
▢ Bookmark top schools by clicking the ⭐ icon
▢ Use the 🔗Career Simulator to explore future earnings

✓ Know What You Need
▢ Use the Budget Calculator to estimate your cost of attendance
▢ Identify gaps not covered by FAFSA, grants, or scholarships
▢ Clarify why you are requesting support (personal, academic, or financial)

Resource Tip:
Use the 3-Step Self-Advocacy Workbook to define your goals and needs.

🧠 Step 2: Build Advocacy Skills

✓ Develop Self-Advocacy Confidence
▢ Read the 🔗Self-Advocacy Kit to learn structured problem-solving
▢ Practice with the 🔗Speak Up! Self Advocacy Guide

✓ Practice Communication
▢ Rehearse “asking” with templates and mock conversations
▢ Review 🔗The ABCs of Speaking Up for phrasing and tone
▢ Learn to balance assertiveness with respect

On-Site Support:
Explore Higher Edu Pro's videos on Self Solicitation (English & Spanish).

✍️ Step 3: Craft & Customize Your Message

✓ Generate Template Letters
▢ Select your ✅ schools and choose 🔗“Solicitation” to start
▢ Pick a Commitment Letter (if still applying) or Financial Assistance Letter (if accepted)
▢ Edit the message to reflect your voice and financial situation

✓ Use Advocacy Tools
▢ Refer to the 🔗How to Advoate for Yourself at Work as a Young Professional to fine-tune tone and content

📤 Step 4: Send with Impact

✓ Send Solicitation Email or Letter
▢ Choose best-matching template and personalize
▢ Attach supporting documents (Financial Aid Offer Letter (from school), budget, transcripts, etc.)
▢ Use Higher Edu Pro’s integrated send feature or email directly

✓ Track Outreach
▢ Note submission dates and contacts in your Higher Edu Pro Calendar
▢ Use the “Notes” feature to follow up and prepare for replies

📞 Step 5: Follow Through & Stay Involved

✓ Check Back and Follow Up
▢ Send thank-you notes or follow-up emails within 7–10 days
▢ Be open to scheduling a phone call or meeting
▢ Update your financial records or needs if they change

✓ Stay Connected
▢ Sign up for SMS deadline reminders → 🔗Sign Up Here
▢ Revisit templates for future needs (books, housing, internships)

🎯 Bonus Advocacy Boosters (Optional but Powerful!)


▢ Use Higher Edu Pro Budgeting tools to stay organized