College Already? A NO FEAR Guide to the college application process

First things first : grades/grad requirements GPA (cumulative vs. current) Grades speak the loudest to colleges If you’re not graduating, you’re not going to college in the fall Colleges ask for final transcript in June; have right to decline accepted seniors if grades slip HSPA/AHSA…passing is a must for graduation Attendance & behavior

What should you do to pick a school? What’s important to you? Go to a school’s website ◦ PROSEPCTIVE STUDENT/FUTURE STUDENT ◦ UNDERGRADUATE ◦ FRESHMEN Go on a visit! Ask your counselor Talk to others who went to the school

What should you watch out for: College deadlines: regular vs. early action/early decision Tuition and costs Requirements: SAT, GPA? Pieces they require: transcript? Test scores? Letters of rec? fee? Essay?

SAT/ACT Most colleges use SAT/ACT scores as another piece in the decision process SAT/ACT accepted equally Free/Reduced lunch students gave 2 waivers for both tests If you apply to a school, most likely they will not make a decision until they have score On college board, you can choose up to 4 schools receive your scores

Transcripts Papers that tell your final grades and how much credits you have Transcripts need Ms. Gray’s signature and official school seal Ms. Mooney is responsible for sending transcripts…please communicate!!! Transcripts, LOR, test scores, fee waivers can all be sent after you send you application

Letter of Recommendations/Fees Some schools require it; others prefer you don’t send any Rule of thumb: up to 3 (teacher, counselor, coach, pastor, boss, principal, etc.) Fill out a BRAG SHEET!!! Letter of rec are time consuming for your already busy people Most colleges have an application fee (24- 70$) Can use 4 fee waivers (f/r lunch only); online waive

Common Application All college applications ask the same things!!! to create account 85% of colleges participate Only fill it out once!! Online or paper accepted School may have supplemental form

Quick Facts: Paying for College In state will be cheaper than out of state Ways to pay: family ; scholarships, grants (both free money…don’t have to pay back), EOF program Student Loans: you must pay back; lower interest rate; must be approved Public college will be cheaper than private ◦ Rowan: 12,000 Seton Hall: 30,000+fees/books

How do I start Financial Aid process? FAFSA: start filling out application now! Gentlemen: must register for selective service at in order to receive state financial aid!!! Need parent/guardian tax forms (W2/W4) Put NJ schools first on FASFA Need social security number Deadline in June but do not wait: deadlines differ for colleges!!!!

How can I get scholarships and other free money? Search online for local NJ, Mercer, or Trenton scholarships (easier to get) Register at or ; monthly scholarship packetswww.scholarships.com Individual specialized scholarships (sports, career interests/majors, race, religion, etc.) Merit scholarship (based off strong grades, leadership, community service Once accepted, colleges can offer money based on grades and/or financial need

Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF) Designed for first generation college students; also those who demonstrate financial need Colleges have separate applications to apply for this program Not automatic enrollment; application meet requirements, interview Summer course requirement Must maintain solid average in college Pays for most of your college education

Bottom Lines You need to graduate. You need to go to college/military/career field The difference a degree makes… When applying, you must look good on paper Use your resources ◦ Friends/family ◦ School counselor ◦ Programs ◦ Admissions counselor

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