AaBbCc College Admissions 101

About Us ASA College Planning Center

Multilingual Advisors What we do Free Services Walk-in only, no appointment necessary! One-on-one Advising Assistance completing applications and forms Resources on education, financial aid and loan counseling Multilingual Advisors English, Spanish, Chinese, French, and Haitian-Creole @ASAPlan4College ASA College Planning Center

The Many Paths to College The College Application Process The College Enrollment Process How to Choose the Right Path for YOU Resources to Assist You Agenda Title

Many Roads… One Destination Divider Page Title

What… The College Overview Presentation Title

Doctorate/Professional Degree Types of Degrees Certificate* Associates Degree Bachelors Degree Masters Degree Doctorate/Professional Degree *Certificates are NOT degrees, although they may be applied toward a degree.

Community College (or Junior College) Types of Colleges Community College (or Junior College) Grants Associate Degrees and Certificates Usually 2 years or less Colleges and Universities Grants Bachelor’s degrees and higher Usually 4-6 years for a Bachelor’s program

Academic Benefits Financial Benefits Community College Open Admissions Chance to Start New Stackable credits/programs Financial Benefits Affordable Mass Transfer (MA residents)

Admissions Requirements Admissions Application Community College Admissions Requirements HS Diploma or HiSet Admissions Application “Phone book” information Intended program of study Accuplacer / Computer Placement Test Required of ALL students “Phone book” information: Basically name, address, phone number…No essays, recommendations, or test scores needed!!!

Applying to a 4-Year College HS Record SAT Scores Application Essay Letters of Rec What do 4-Year colleges look for in an applicant? Grade Point Average (GPA) SAT or ACT scores Rigorous academic course load AP and Honors Personal Character Interview

Applying to a 4-Year College Early Action – Non-Binding Early Decision – Commitment to attend Regular Decision Rolling Admission “Phone book” information: Basically name, address, phone number…No essays, recommendations, or test scores needed!!!

Creating a College List Visit the college and attend classes. Interview if possible. Consider location, size, reputation, retention rate, and graduation rate. Use college’s net price calculator to estimate cost. Look at students’ debt upon graduation. Check availability of internships and study abroad opportunities. “Phone book” information: Basically name, address, phone number…No essays, recommendations, or test scores needed!!!

Bachelor’s Degree The Alternative Path Community College Formal Gap Year Work

When… A Timeline for HS Students Presentation Title

Grades Matter! 12th Grade When to do What Grades 9-10 August 1 College Applications become available Grades 9-10 Visit Colleges/Fairs, Get Good Grades, Join Activities, Take the PSAT, Prepare for AP classes September Secure Letters of Recommendations October 1 Financial Aid Applications become Available Grades Matter! November/ December Early Applications due January Regular Applications due February/March Financial Aid Applications Due Grade 11 Start Building Your College List, Draft an Essay, Take SAT’s/SAT Subjects April Financial Aid Awards sent out May 1 Deposits Due Title

Finding a College That’s Right for THE STUDENT Affordability Location Major Size Part Time/Full Time The Right College ** Affordability is a major factor in the college admissions process, primarily because it is a 4-year journey and you must consider being able to pay for 4 years. It does no good to the student to attend for one year and then withdraw b/c of lack of finances.

Student Debt Remains a Growing, National Problem

Admissions and Affordability Why you must consider affordability in your college selection process Safety, Target and Reach Schools “Financial Safety Schools” Back Up Plans

Admissions and Affordability Net Price Calculator Every College Has One!

Financial Aid forms available October 1st

File financial aid forms by the deadline for each college What do I need to do? Provide income information (W2, Federal Tax Returns, Statement of Non-Income, etc.) File financial aid forms by the deadline for each college Search for Scholarships

Resources ASA College Planning Center Boston Public Library – Copley Square (617) 536-0200 SALT www.saltmoney.org Massachusetts Education Financing Authority (MEFA) www.mefa.org FAFSA Day www.fafsaday.org

Come visit us! ASA College Planning Center Main location: Boston Public Library, Copley Square 700 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02116 (617) 536-0200 or Toll-free: (877) 332-4348 Mon-Thurs. 9AM-7:30PM Friday-Saturday 9AM-5PM Satellite Location: Bunker Hill Community College – Chelsea 70 Everett Ave. Chelsea, MA 02150 Every Monday, 11AM-5PM Satellite Location: Asian American Civic Association 87 Tyler St. Boston, MA 02111 Every Wednesday 9AM-12PM and 1PM-5PM ASA College Planning Center

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