* Know yourself, your goals, your strengths, and your limitations.
* Do not make assumptions about colleges as a type (i.e. all large universities are impersonal, all small colleges are too confining.)
* Take advice from friends and acquaintances lightly - one very good or very bad experience does not make a college very good or very bad in general.
* Do not keep your interest in a particular college a secret - there is nothing to be gained and much to be lost.
* Keep aware of all deadlines. They are all published well in advance of the actual deadline. Missing an application deadline is a sign to the college of missed deadlines to come!
* Always be yourself. Do not try to be who you think a college wants you to be.
* Initially investigate colleges that you feel are “ideal” for your interests, but don’t rule out any schools that do not completely fit your “ideal.” Remember that your interests will change and evolve in college.
* Never select a college based upon only one factor (i.e. “I want to play for this particular football coach,” “I can study politics with a former senator.”)
* Expect to learn new things about yourself and your family during your college search.
* Start early and don’t let anyone pressure you to make a decision until you are ready.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/DE/collegesearchtips.htm
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
How to Ace a College Interview
There are some fundamental rules to ensure that you make a good impression on a college interview. The interview is not always required for admission, but it is a good way for you to let the college know more about you and for you to learn more about the college. Interviews are usually held at the college with an admission counselor but may also be conducted at your high school in the guidance office. They last about a half hour and if your parents accompany you on the visit they are asked to wait in the reception area while you interview. At the end of the interview your parents will be invited back in and the admission counselor will answer all of your questions. The interview is one of the first steps in choosing your college, so treat it like the important event that it is!
Be Prepared
* Research the institution that you are visiting. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Visit the web site and talk to your guidance counselor about the college. If possible, interview a current student or an alumna/us about the curriculum and different campus organizations.
* Bring your resume with you to the interview to help remind yourself of your accomplishments and also share a copy with the interviewer.
* Be ready with questions you would like to ask and also for questions the interviewer might ask you. Some common questions you might be asked are: Why do you want to attend our college? What has been your most significant achievement? What are your plans after earning your degree? How do you think we can help you achieve your goals? Why do you think you should be admitted to the college? And questions you might ask are: How do you help advise students who are unsure of their major? What are the best departments at your school? Do you have a program to help new students adjust to college life? What type of support services are offered on your campus? Do you help graduates find jobs? What is your job placement rate for my major? What type of technology is available for students and is it the most up to date? Avoid asking questions that are easily answered in the recruitment literature and catalogs. Bring a small notepad and pen so you can jot down answers to your questions. This is your opportunity to find out if the college will meet your particular interests and needs.
* It is useful to practice your responses to potential interview questions. Ask your parents, guidance counselor, teacher or friend to ask you questions and listen to your answers. They can give you constructive feedback and when it is time for your interview you will be more at ease.
Appearance and Presentation
* Be certain to dress appropriately and be aware of your posture. Also, good eye contact is essential. Treat this interview as though you are on a job interview-it can be that important!
* Discuss activities that you have been involved in during your high school career. Colleges are looking for students with good grades, but also students who are interesting. Talk about your work experience and any clubs and organizations that you have been involved in. This is also an opportunity to talk about the community service that you have done, your hobbies, or even about your summer jobs.
* If there are any potential drawback to your application that you are aware of, attempt to explain why they may have occurred. For instance, if you had a bad first marking period of your junior year due to a serious illness in the family let the counselor know. The more the admission counselor can learn about you the better!
* Finally, relax and be who you are. The college you choose will be your home for the next four years so you need to be able to be yourself!
Be Engaged
* If you think that the institution is a good fit for you, make arrangements through the
Admissions Department to attend a class.
* If you are undecided about a major, ask the interviewer about different careers. That shows that you are serious about finding your professional niche and that you want to learn about different options.
* Ask about support services. A lot of people do not want to appear that they need help in the interview, but it actually shows that you are proactive. The first semester of college is a huge adjustment and being realistic about that shows maturity and character.
Last, but not least…..
* When you return home from the interview, send a thank you note to your admission counselor and others who were helpful during the visit. Include additional information about yourself if you think it might be relevant and your forgot to mention it during the visit.
* You should also send thank you notes to your guidance counselors and teachers who helped you with the process.
* Finally, be yourself and remember to enjoy the experience. This is one of the many learning exercises that you will be faced with in the years to come. Make the most out of it!
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/NJ/NJinterview.htm
Be Prepared
* Research the institution that you are visiting. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Visit the web site and talk to your guidance counselor about the college. If possible, interview a current student or an alumna/us about the curriculum and different campus organizations.
* Bring your resume with you to the interview to help remind yourself of your accomplishments and also share a copy with the interviewer.
* Be ready with questions you would like to ask and also for questions the interviewer might ask you. Some common questions you might be asked are: Why do you want to attend our college? What has been your most significant achievement? What are your plans after earning your degree? How do you think we can help you achieve your goals? Why do you think you should be admitted to the college? And questions you might ask are: How do you help advise students who are unsure of their major? What are the best departments at your school? Do you have a program to help new students adjust to college life? What type of support services are offered on your campus? Do you help graduates find jobs? What is your job placement rate for my major? What type of technology is available for students and is it the most up to date? Avoid asking questions that are easily answered in the recruitment literature and catalogs. Bring a small notepad and pen so you can jot down answers to your questions. This is your opportunity to find out if the college will meet your particular interests and needs.
* It is useful to practice your responses to potential interview questions. Ask your parents, guidance counselor, teacher or friend to ask you questions and listen to your answers. They can give you constructive feedback and when it is time for your interview you will be more at ease.
Appearance and Presentation
* Be certain to dress appropriately and be aware of your posture. Also, good eye contact is essential. Treat this interview as though you are on a job interview-it can be that important!
* Discuss activities that you have been involved in during your high school career. Colleges are looking for students with good grades, but also students who are interesting. Talk about your work experience and any clubs and organizations that you have been involved in. This is also an opportunity to talk about the community service that you have done, your hobbies, or even about your summer jobs.
* If there are any potential drawback to your application that you are aware of, attempt to explain why they may have occurred. For instance, if you had a bad first marking period of your junior year due to a serious illness in the family let the counselor know. The more the admission counselor can learn about you the better!
* Finally, relax and be who you are. The college you choose will be your home for the next four years so you need to be able to be yourself!
Be Engaged
* If you think that the institution is a good fit for you, make arrangements through the
Admissions Department to attend a class.
* If you are undecided about a major, ask the interviewer about different careers. That shows that you are serious about finding your professional niche and that you want to learn about different options.
* Ask about support services. A lot of people do not want to appear that they need help in the interview, but it actually shows that you are proactive. The first semester of college is a huge adjustment and being realistic about that shows maturity and character.
Last, but not least…..
* When you return home from the interview, send a thank you note to your admission counselor and others who were helpful during the visit. Include additional information about yourself if you think it might be relevant and your forgot to mention it during the visit.
* You should also send thank you notes to your guidance counselors and teachers who helped you with the process.
* Finally, be yourself and remember to enjoy the experience. This is one of the many learning exercises that you will be faced with in the years to come. Make the most out of it!
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/NJ/NJinterview.htm
Distance Learning
Distance learning courses offer convenient alternatives to students who want to earn college credit but are not able to attend traditional classes. Taking courses in a distance learning format is a viable option for students who have scheduling conflicts, work or family commitments, or live too far away from a college campus. Most distance learning courses have the same content as traditional courses and are equivalent to their classroom counterparts.
Distance learning courses differ from traditional classroom courses in three major ways: time and place, delivery, and interaction with faculty and other students.
In traditional classroom courses, students attend class at a set time and place. The instructor delivers the course content primarily in classroom discussions. Students supplement this by reading the textbook and completing assignments. Distance learning courses are “asynchronous” which means that students can do the coursework any time and place they wish, as long as they keep up with homework and testing assignments.
Regular class attendance keeps students on track with their course work in classroom courses. Distance learning courses do not have regular class meetings, so students must be self-disciplined enough to keep up with their studies.
Traditional classroom courses inherently become learning communities in which regularly attending students benefit from peer support and classroom discussions. Students also have ready access to their instructors if they have questions. Online courses have some level of community activity through e-mail and bulletin boards, but the other formats do not. Distance learning instructors are accessible by e-mail or phone, but response time will not be as immediate as in the classroom.
How Distance Learning Works
Distance learning courses are offered in a variety of formats. Popular formats include online, videotape, CD-ROM, and print.
Online courses are the most interactive of the distance learning courses in that the student has the opportunity to interact online with other students and the instructor. Course lectures are given online and much of the student’s work is done online. Textbooks supplement course content.
In videotape courses, content is obtained by watching videotapes. Assigned textbook readings and a study guide supplement the videotapes. This is an ideal medium for students who like to review course lectures.
CD-ROM courses are similar to the online courses because the lecture portion of the course is viewed on the computer using the CD-ROM drive. However, students do not connect with the course, the instructor, or other students online. Students use textbooks and other supplements to complete the course.
Print-based courses are the least complex of all distance learning formats and typically have just a course syllabus, a booklet of study materials and lectures, and a textbook. The student reads the material and does other work outlined on the syllabus.
Can I Do This?
Distance learning can work for students who have the desire to succeed and who are able to work independently. The courses are not “one size fits all”, and not every student is suited to take a distance course. The successful student must be:
* Motivated and able to learn outside the structure of a classroom. While not having to go to class may sound appealing, it has its drawbacks. Distance students do not have the support of classmates or access to classroom discussions, so they need to be self-motivated to keep on task with the coursework.
* Self-disciplined and able to manage time well. Students who are prone to procrastination or need a great deal of routine in their lives will find distance classes a challenge. The only scheduled events in distance learning courses are homework assignments and tests. Distance courses typically take more time than traditional classroom courses. The typical course requires around 12 hours of study time per week.
* A good reader. Nearly all content in distance learning courses is delivered by some form of reading, whether it is online, in a book, or in a syllabus. Students who do not enjoy reading will struggle with the delivery of these courses.
* A good student. Studies have shown that successful distance learning students have at least a 2.0 grade-point average, are enrolled for no more than two distance courses, and have taken other college courses.
* Willing to take initiative. Students should be proactive in assuming responsibility for completing their coursework, contacting instructors, asking questions, and accessing other help as needed. Distance learning courses give students more freedom, but they involve more responsibility.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/BO/BOdistancelearning.htm
Distance learning courses differ from traditional classroom courses in three major ways: time and place, delivery, and interaction with faculty and other students.
In traditional classroom courses, students attend class at a set time and place. The instructor delivers the course content primarily in classroom discussions. Students supplement this by reading the textbook and completing assignments. Distance learning courses are “asynchronous” which means that students can do the coursework any time and place they wish, as long as they keep up with homework and testing assignments.
Regular class attendance keeps students on track with their course work in classroom courses. Distance learning courses do not have regular class meetings, so students must be self-disciplined enough to keep up with their studies.
Traditional classroom courses inherently become learning communities in which regularly attending students benefit from peer support and classroom discussions. Students also have ready access to their instructors if they have questions. Online courses have some level of community activity through e-mail and bulletin boards, but the other formats do not. Distance learning instructors are accessible by e-mail or phone, but response time will not be as immediate as in the classroom.
How Distance Learning Works
Distance learning courses are offered in a variety of formats. Popular formats include online, videotape, CD-ROM, and print.
Online courses are the most interactive of the distance learning courses in that the student has the opportunity to interact online with other students and the instructor. Course lectures are given online and much of the student’s work is done online. Textbooks supplement course content.
In videotape courses, content is obtained by watching videotapes. Assigned textbook readings and a study guide supplement the videotapes. This is an ideal medium for students who like to review course lectures.
CD-ROM courses are similar to the online courses because the lecture portion of the course is viewed on the computer using the CD-ROM drive. However, students do not connect with the course, the instructor, or other students online. Students use textbooks and other supplements to complete the course.
Print-based courses are the least complex of all distance learning formats and typically have just a course syllabus, a booklet of study materials and lectures, and a textbook. The student reads the material and does other work outlined on the syllabus.
Can I Do This?
Distance learning can work for students who have the desire to succeed and who are able to work independently. The courses are not “one size fits all”, and not every student is suited to take a distance course. The successful student must be:
* Motivated and able to learn outside the structure of a classroom. While not having to go to class may sound appealing, it has its drawbacks. Distance students do not have the support of classmates or access to classroom discussions, so they need to be self-motivated to keep on task with the coursework.
* Self-disciplined and able to manage time well. Students who are prone to procrastination or need a great deal of routine in their lives will find distance classes a challenge. The only scheduled events in distance learning courses are homework assignments and tests. Distance courses typically take more time than traditional classroom courses. The typical course requires around 12 hours of study time per week.
* A good reader. Nearly all content in distance learning courses is delivered by some form of reading, whether it is online, in a book, or in a syllabus. Students who do not enjoy reading will struggle with the delivery of these courses.
* A good student. Studies have shown that successful distance learning students have at least a 2.0 grade-point average, are enrolled for no more than two distance courses, and have taken other college courses.
* Willing to take initiative. Students should be proactive in assuming responsibility for completing their coursework, contacting instructors, asking questions, and accessing other help as needed. Distance learning courses give students more freedom, but they involve more responsibility.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/BO/BOdistancelearning.htm
A Timeline for Effective College Searching
Spring and Summer before Senior Year
* Develop a long list (15-20) of colleges.
* Take the ACT or SAT.
* Read everything you can about each college and call the admissions offices to request information and ask questions.
Fall of Senior Year
* Using the information you have collected, narrow down to a visit list (6-8.)
* Call at least one week ahead of your planned visit and make any special requests you may have (meeting with a professor, watching a rehearsal, attending a practice, etc.)
* Visit each school either individually or on a group visit day.
* Complete financial aid estimators for each of your college choices that offer that particular service.
* After visiting, decide at which colleges you will make application.
* Develop a chart for each college including application deadlines, scholarship deadlines, procedures, special application items needed (essays, portfolios, resumes, special recommendations, etc.)
* Ask teachers and counselors for recommendations at least one month before they are due and provide addressed and stamped envelopes.
* Apply to each college.
Spring of Senior Year
* Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1, if you wish to apply for need-based aid.
* Re-visit your top three colleges.
* Make your college choice by May 1.
Summer after Graduation
* Plan, prepare, pack, and play a little, too!
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/DE/collegesearch.htm
* Develop a long list (15-20) of colleges.
* Take the ACT or SAT.
* Read everything you can about each college and call the admissions offices to request information and ask questions.
Fall of Senior Year
* Using the information you have collected, narrow down to a visit list (6-8.)
* Call at least one week ahead of your planned visit and make any special requests you may have (meeting with a professor, watching a rehearsal, attending a practice, etc.)
* Visit each school either individually or on a group visit day.
* Complete financial aid estimators for each of your college choices that offer that particular service.
* After visiting, decide at which colleges you will make application.
* Develop a chart for each college including application deadlines, scholarship deadlines, procedures, special application items needed (essays, portfolios, resumes, special recommendations, etc.)
* Ask teachers and counselors for recommendations at least one month before they are due and provide addressed and stamped envelopes.
* Apply to each college.
Spring of Senior Year
* Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1, if you wish to apply for need-based aid.
* Re-visit your top three colleges.
* Make your college choice by May 1.
Summer after Graduation
* Plan, prepare, pack, and play a little, too!
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/DE/collegesearch.htm
Applying to College 101
Colleges and universities take the application process very seriously, which means you should too! The process should be exciting but can be stressful. Here are a few tips for you to consider before you seal the envelope (or click “Submit”).
The Application
Make it count! — You have to be confident and highlight your strengths, activities, diversity of experiences, honors, leadership, etc. This is your one shot to tell us who you are…make it count!
Write neatly or type — Many colleges evaluate applications on a very individual basis, so it is critical to put forth a great first impression by submitting a clean, neat application.
Complete your application — Take time to thoroughly complete your application. Incomplete applications demonstrate laziness…not a characteristic admission officers are seeking!
Timing — Submit an application for admission in a timely manner in order to put yourself in the best possible position for acceptance. Colleges and universities vary in regards to application processing - some have deadlines, others have a rolling-admission policy (accepting a qualified student on a first-come, first-served basis).
A note about on-line applications — Most colleges have on-line applications available. Make sure you treat the on-line version with the same level of care that you would a paper application. On-line applicants often submit incomplete applications with numerous typos and grammatical errors.
Essays
Be Yourself — Most colleges hope to find students who are a good fit. Be honest and avoid textbook answers. Use the essay to give a college a glimpse of who you are.
Answer the question — You wouldn’t believe how many students don’t answer the question posed in the application! Make sure you thoroughly understand what is being asked of you…then simply answer the question.
Be organized — This may be a bit basic, but one of the biggest frustrations of colleges and university admission officers is a poorly organized essay. Write down the three to five points you want to communicate, create an outline of those points, add sub-points, then write the essay.
Discuss the past, present, and future — Don’t spend too much ink talking about your past. Make sure you discuss what you are currently involved with and how you see yourself contributing to the college of your choice.
Don’t forget to follow-up on your application. Make sure that your transcripts have been sent by your high school and that your letters of recommendation have been submitted in a timely manner.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/USapplying.htm
The Application
Make it count! — You have to be confident and highlight your strengths, activities, diversity of experiences, honors, leadership, etc. This is your one shot to tell us who you are…make it count!
Write neatly or type — Many colleges evaluate applications on a very individual basis, so it is critical to put forth a great first impression by submitting a clean, neat application.
Complete your application — Take time to thoroughly complete your application. Incomplete applications demonstrate laziness…not a characteristic admission officers are seeking!
Timing — Submit an application for admission in a timely manner in order to put yourself in the best possible position for acceptance. Colleges and universities vary in regards to application processing - some have deadlines, others have a rolling-admission policy (accepting a qualified student on a first-come, first-served basis).
A note about on-line applications — Most colleges have on-line applications available. Make sure you treat the on-line version with the same level of care that you would a paper application. On-line applicants often submit incomplete applications with numerous typos and grammatical errors.
Essays
Be Yourself — Most colleges hope to find students who are a good fit. Be honest and avoid textbook answers. Use the essay to give a college a glimpse of who you are.
Answer the question — You wouldn’t believe how many students don’t answer the question posed in the application! Make sure you thoroughly understand what is being asked of you…then simply answer the question.
Be organized — This may be a bit basic, but one of the biggest frustrations of colleges and university admission officers is a poorly organized essay. Write down the three to five points you want to communicate, create an outline of those points, add sub-points, then write the essay.
Discuss the past, present, and future — Don’t spend too much ink talking about your past. Make sure you discuss what you are currently involved with and how you see yourself contributing to the college of your choice.
Don’t forget to follow-up on your application. Make sure that your transcripts have been sent by your high school and that your letters of recommendation have been submitted in a timely manner.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/USapplying.htm
College Financing Tips
“How am I going to afford this?” This is a question commonly asked by those looking to further their education. The price tag for higher education is steep and the financial aid process can be overwhelming.
The first thing you need to do when applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid—or FAFSA. You may fill out a FAFSA online (www.fafsa.edu.gov). Here are some important tips to remember when completing your FAFSA:
* Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible after 1/1/2006 if you plan to enter school in the Fall of 2006.
* File electronically if possible. Paper copies of the form take 4-6 weeks to get processed while electronic forms only take 7-10 days. The electronic form also helps ensure that the information is filled out correctly, since it must be completed before you can advance to the next page.
* Make sure to check school AND state specific deadlines. They are usually earlier than deadlines for Federal Aid. Deadlines are the dates forms should be received. Make sure to allow enough travel time for the form to reach its destination before the actual due date.
* Respond promptly to any verification requests. Delays could jeopardize your financial aid award.
* Some schools require additional forms to be filled out along with the FAFSA. Check with the school that you are attending to be sure that you completed all of the necessary forms.
* It is extremely important to make or print copies of EVERYTHING before you send it! Keep a folder of all your financial aid information including forms, tax returns, W-2’s, etc. Having a folder will also make the verification process (if you are selected) more efficient since all the necessary information is in one place.
After you have completed and submitted the FAFSA, a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be generated. A copy of your SAR is automatically sent to the financial aid offices at the schools that you highlighted on the FAFSA as prospects. The SAR shows your family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which assists Financial Aid Offices in determining your financial aid award.
Next, your prospective school’s Financial Aid Offices will send you an Award Letter listing the amount of financial aid for which you are eligible, enabling you to determine the remaining costs. The Award Letter also lists aid programs for which you are eligible including the following:
Federal or State Grants & Scholarships
Grants and scholarships are excellent options—usually based on need and/or achievement—because they do not have to be repaid.
Work-Study
Work-study allows you to have a job while you are going to school. You receive a paycheck that can be put towards expenses such as tuition and books.
Low-Cost Federal Loans
including Federal Stafford Loans
The Federal Stafford Loan allows students to share in the borrowing responsibility and develop a credit history. Most students qualify for federal loans and there is no credit check or co-signer requirement. You must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and choose a lender when applying for a Federal Stafford Loan. The borrowing limits increase each year you are enrolled.
In deciphering your award letter, make sure to compare the costs at each school (tuition, fees, room and board etc.) with the financial aid package from each school to determine the true cost. Also look at how much aid in each package is “free money” that doesn’t need to be paid back (grants and scholarships) and how much you will need to repay (loans). To get a better picture of 4 years of tuition financing, ask the school if financial aid stays relatively the same from year to year. Inquire about increases in tuition, fees, and room and board. If you received a grant or a scholarship be sure to find out if it is a one-time deal or if it applies to the duration of your enrollment. Are there additional scholarships that may be available in later years? All of these factors play in important role in determining the best value.
When grants, scholarships, work-study and Federal Stafford Loans do not cover the full cost of attendance, it is time to turn to financing alternatives that can help ease the costs. Below are some different options that help fill the unmet need between Federal Aid and the total cost of an education:
Monthly Payment Plans — Some colleges offer tuition payment plans that allow you to spread an academic years’ tuition over several monthly payments. Ask your financial aid office if this option exists.
Parental Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) — The PLUS loan is a federally guaranteed loan based on credit-worthiness, with no debt-to-income ratio guidelines or employment verification requirements. Similar to the Federal Stafford Loan application process, parents and students must complete a Federal PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note and designate a lender. If the loan is approved, funds are made payable to the school and the parent.
Alternative Loan Options — Alternative student loans are private loan programs available to families after all other financing options have been considered. Most loan programs require an established good credit history, therefore a co-signer is often recommended for traditional, undergraduate students. Typically the student can borrow up to the cost of education less any other financial aid. International students can also apply for these loans with a US citizen or permanent resident co-signer. Many lenders offer borrower benefits such as a co-signer release option, no pre-payment penalty and interest rate reductions for payments automatically deducted from your bank account.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/financing_tips.htm
The first thing you need to do when applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid—or FAFSA. You may fill out a FAFSA online (www.fafsa.edu.gov). Here are some important tips to remember when completing your FAFSA:
* Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible after 1/1/2006 if you plan to enter school in the Fall of 2006.
* File electronically if possible. Paper copies of the form take 4-6 weeks to get processed while electronic forms only take 7-10 days. The electronic form also helps ensure that the information is filled out correctly, since it must be completed before you can advance to the next page.
* Make sure to check school AND state specific deadlines. They are usually earlier than deadlines for Federal Aid. Deadlines are the dates forms should be received. Make sure to allow enough travel time for the form to reach its destination before the actual due date.
* Respond promptly to any verification requests. Delays could jeopardize your financial aid award.
* Some schools require additional forms to be filled out along with the FAFSA. Check with the school that you are attending to be sure that you completed all of the necessary forms.
* It is extremely important to make or print copies of EVERYTHING before you send it! Keep a folder of all your financial aid information including forms, tax returns, W-2’s, etc. Having a folder will also make the verification process (if you are selected) more efficient since all the necessary information is in one place.
After you have completed and submitted the FAFSA, a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be generated. A copy of your SAR is automatically sent to the financial aid offices at the schools that you highlighted on the FAFSA as prospects. The SAR shows your family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which assists Financial Aid Offices in determining your financial aid award.
Next, your prospective school’s Financial Aid Offices will send you an Award Letter listing the amount of financial aid for which you are eligible, enabling you to determine the remaining costs. The Award Letter also lists aid programs for which you are eligible including the following:
Federal or State Grants & Scholarships
Grants and scholarships are excellent options—usually based on need and/or achievement—because they do not have to be repaid.
Work-Study
Work-study allows you to have a job while you are going to school. You receive a paycheck that can be put towards expenses such as tuition and books.
Low-Cost Federal Loans
including Federal Stafford Loans
The Federal Stafford Loan allows students to share in the borrowing responsibility and develop a credit history. Most students qualify for federal loans and there is no credit check or co-signer requirement. You must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and choose a lender when applying for a Federal Stafford Loan. The borrowing limits increase each year you are enrolled.
In deciphering your award letter, make sure to compare the costs at each school (tuition, fees, room and board etc.) with the financial aid package from each school to determine the true cost. Also look at how much aid in each package is “free money” that doesn’t need to be paid back (grants and scholarships) and how much you will need to repay (loans). To get a better picture of 4 years of tuition financing, ask the school if financial aid stays relatively the same from year to year. Inquire about increases in tuition, fees, and room and board. If you received a grant or a scholarship be sure to find out if it is a one-time deal or if it applies to the duration of your enrollment. Are there additional scholarships that may be available in later years? All of these factors play in important role in determining the best value.
When grants, scholarships, work-study and Federal Stafford Loans do not cover the full cost of attendance, it is time to turn to financing alternatives that can help ease the costs. Below are some different options that help fill the unmet need between Federal Aid and the total cost of an education:
Monthly Payment Plans — Some colleges offer tuition payment plans that allow you to spread an academic years’ tuition over several monthly payments. Ask your financial aid office if this option exists.
Parental Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) — The PLUS loan is a federally guaranteed loan based on credit-worthiness, with no debt-to-income ratio guidelines or employment verification requirements. Similar to the Federal Stafford Loan application process, parents and students must complete a Federal PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note and designate a lender. If the loan is approved, funds are made payable to the school and the parent.
Alternative Loan Options — Alternative student loans are private loan programs available to families after all other financing options have been considered. Most loan programs require an established good credit history, therefore a co-signer is often recommended for traditional, undergraduate students. Typically the student can borrow up to the cost of education less any other financial aid. International students can also apply for these loans with a US citizen or permanent resident co-signer. Many lenders offer borrower benefits such as a co-signer release option, no pre-payment penalty and interest rate reductions for payments automatically deducted from your bank account.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/financing_tips.htm
Tips for Choosing a College
So, you’re in high school, which is no doubt a difficult period in your life. You are finally becoming an adult and gaining new responsibilities. On top of these new experiences, you are beginning the college search process, which can certainly add to the anxiety. Well, relax. The process doesn’t have to be that complicated.
First, your main goal right now should be to focus on graduating high school. You cannot go to college without a high school degree, right? So, pay attention in class, do your homework, and make sure you are getting good grades. Additionally, you may want to play a sport or participate in an extra-curricular activity.
Now, here comes the hard part: making sure that college is right for you. Don’t go to college because all your friends are doing it or your parents are making you. Go to college because you want to learn more. College gives you more than just useless facts and student loans. It can prepare you to be a great problem solver, to think better on your feet, and to communicate well. But, like high school, college can be complicated. Make sure that you are prepared for late night study sessions, forty page papers, and living in residence halls. If you are, your college degree can be rewarding. You may have better job opportunities and have the potential to make more money than those people without bachelor’s degrees.
At this point, you may be wondering how you choose the right school for you. Choosing a college is like using the process of elimination skills you learn when you are taking a multiple-choice test. You eliminate the obviously wrong choices first then you pick the answer that seems correct.
What characteristics can you use to eliminate the wrong colleges? Size is a great characteristic that can help you eliminate schools. Do you want a large university or a small college? The choice is yours, but if you want more personal attention, make sure that you choose a school with a small student to faculty ratio. A word of caution, size of the student body has nothing to do with the personal attention that you would receive. Sometimes it is all about making the right connection with a faculty or staff mentor.
Location is another key characteristic of the college search. You may hate the city and want to go to school in the suburbs, or you may want to stay close to home. By narrowing down the kind of environment you want, you can eliminate more of the wrong choices.
Two other key factors to consider are major and extra-curricular interests. If you want to major in biology and be on the swim team, you should go to a school that offers those programs. Other things to consider are religious affiliation, diversity, and graduation and retention rates. Graduation rates are generally the percentage of students that graduate in four years and retention rates is the percentage of freshmen who stay at a school to become a sophomore. Of course, you need to factor in financial assistance. Schools offer financial aid, but you need to make sure you can afford your school of choice.
As you fine-tune your interests, you can begin searching. How do you do this? The internet is a great resource. Go to your favorite search engine and type in “college search” or something more specific like “nursing schools.” The results that generally pop up are specific college search engines. You can ask for colleges in certain states with certain majors, and in some cases ask for a certain religious affiliation.
Another great search tool is your guidance counselor in high school. They are there to help you in this process; take advantage of them. Ask them questions. Also, don’t forget your friends and family; they are great resources too. They may know of a great college that may not even be on your list.
Additionally, go to college fairs to meet with the representatives of the college. These people can answer your questions and help you with this process. Plus, sometimes the representatives of the colleges aren’t employees; they are alumni or faculty representatives. These people are highly invested in a school that you are looking at.
You may even meet representatives during high school visits. These are times when a representative will come to your school. Usually these last a period or throughout the lunch periods.
At this point, you will have plenty of college brochures. These can be helpful because they contain plenty of information about the college. But don’t decide to apply to a school because of their brochure. It may have pretty pictures, but the best way to see if a college is right for you is to visit it. If you feel comfortable when you visit a college and like the people you meet when you are on the campus tour, chances are you are going to like going to school there. And if you don’t feel like you belong, you probably won’t as a student, so you may want to knock that school off your list.
Once you have found the schools that fit your needs and eliminated the schools that don’t, ask yourself the final question: “Can I see myself here for four years?” You may answer yes to more than one school. If you do, talk it out with your family and friends. They know you pretty well and could offer some insight.
In the end, you may choose a school that isn’t the perfect fit. If this is the case, you may need to start this process all over again. This happens frequently and you are not alone, so don’t get discouraged.
One final piece of advice; make this process fun. The college search process shouldn’t be like going to the dentist. If it becomes a chore or stressful, take a break and evaluate if this is really what you want to do with your life. If you want to go to college, you’ll survive.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/tips_choosing_college.htm
First, your main goal right now should be to focus on graduating high school. You cannot go to college without a high school degree, right? So, pay attention in class, do your homework, and make sure you are getting good grades. Additionally, you may want to play a sport or participate in an extra-curricular activity.
Now, here comes the hard part: making sure that college is right for you. Don’t go to college because all your friends are doing it or your parents are making you. Go to college because you want to learn more. College gives you more than just useless facts and student loans. It can prepare you to be a great problem solver, to think better on your feet, and to communicate well. But, like high school, college can be complicated. Make sure that you are prepared for late night study sessions, forty page papers, and living in residence halls. If you are, your college degree can be rewarding. You may have better job opportunities and have the potential to make more money than those people without bachelor’s degrees.
At this point, you may be wondering how you choose the right school for you. Choosing a college is like using the process of elimination skills you learn when you are taking a multiple-choice test. You eliminate the obviously wrong choices first then you pick the answer that seems correct.
What characteristics can you use to eliminate the wrong colleges? Size is a great characteristic that can help you eliminate schools. Do you want a large university or a small college? The choice is yours, but if you want more personal attention, make sure that you choose a school with a small student to faculty ratio. A word of caution, size of the student body has nothing to do with the personal attention that you would receive. Sometimes it is all about making the right connection with a faculty or staff mentor.
Location is another key characteristic of the college search. You may hate the city and want to go to school in the suburbs, or you may want to stay close to home. By narrowing down the kind of environment you want, you can eliminate more of the wrong choices.
Two other key factors to consider are major and extra-curricular interests. If you want to major in biology and be on the swim team, you should go to a school that offers those programs. Other things to consider are religious affiliation, diversity, and graduation and retention rates. Graduation rates are generally the percentage of students that graduate in four years and retention rates is the percentage of freshmen who stay at a school to become a sophomore. Of course, you need to factor in financial assistance. Schools offer financial aid, but you need to make sure you can afford your school of choice.
As you fine-tune your interests, you can begin searching. How do you do this? The internet is a great resource. Go to your favorite search engine and type in “college search” or something more specific like “nursing schools.” The results that generally pop up are specific college search engines. You can ask for colleges in certain states with certain majors, and in some cases ask for a certain religious affiliation.
Another great search tool is your guidance counselor in high school. They are there to help you in this process; take advantage of them. Ask them questions. Also, don’t forget your friends and family; they are great resources too. They may know of a great college that may not even be on your list.
Additionally, go to college fairs to meet with the representatives of the college. These people can answer your questions and help you with this process. Plus, sometimes the representatives of the colleges aren’t employees; they are alumni or faculty representatives. These people are highly invested in a school that you are looking at.
You may even meet representatives during high school visits. These are times when a representative will come to your school. Usually these last a period or throughout the lunch periods.
At this point, you will have plenty of college brochures. These can be helpful because they contain plenty of information about the college. But don’t decide to apply to a school because of their brochure. It may have pretty pictures, but the best way to see if a college is right for you is to visit it. If you feel comfortable when you visit a college and like the people you meet when you are on the campus tour, chances are you are going to like going to school there. And if you don’t feel like you belong, you probably won’t as a student, so you may want to knock that school off your list.
Once you have found the schools that fit your needs and eliminated the schools that don’t, ask yourself the final question: “Can I see myself here for four years?” You may answer yes to more than one school. If you do, talk it out with your family and friends. They know you pretty well and could offer some insight.
In the end, you may choose a school that isn’t the perfect fit. If this is the case, you may need to start this process all over again. This happens frequently and you are not alone, so don’t get discouraged.
One final piece of advice; make this process fun. The college search process shouldn’t be like going to the dentist. If it becomes a chore or stressful, take a break and evaluate if this is really what you want to do with your life. If you want to go to college, you’ll survive.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/tips_choosing_college.htm
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