College 101: What Students and Families Need to Know

ASA College Planning Center FREE assistance with planning for college Admissions and financial aid applications Understanding student loans and debt management College and career programs Everybody Welcome!! Title

The Traditional Path to College The Alternative Path $$$ How to Help Your Child Choose the Right Path for THEM 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

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

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

Example of a Certificate Program

Example of a Certificate Program

Why a Certificate

When… A Timeline for HS Students Presentation Title

Start early

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 Grades 9-10 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!

File a FAFSA – October 1, Senior Year Search for Scholarships What do I need to do? Provide income information (W2, Federal Tax Returns, Statement of Non-Income, etc.) File a FAFSA – October 1, Senior Year 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

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