College Admissions 101

Topics Covered Today College Admissions Process Scholarships & Financial Aid Decision and Next Steps Topics Covered Today

The College Admissions Process

Step 1: The College Search Research Majors and Career interests Consider your strengths and what you enjoy Bigfuture.college board.org Research Schools Visit school websites, social media, college fairs and presentations, visiting colleges Consider: Location Public vs. Private Financial Aid vs. Cost Average class size Resources in reaching your career Step 1: The College Search

Step 2: Applying to College Application Requirements Application – Common App, university website, Apply Texas, The Coalition App Application fee (Fee waivers) SAT or ACT scores Official transcripts (HS, dual credit) Letters of recommendation (if required) Essay (if required) Resume Some majors may require additional steps (i.e. auditions, portfolios) Types of Application Deadlines Early Decision Early Action Priority Deadline Rolling Admission Step 2: Applying to College

Step 3: Admission What is considered? What is the timeframe? Assured or Automatic Admission Holistic Review What is the timeframe? When should you expect to hear back? Rolling admission or Review? Step 3: Admission

Financial Aid Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

Step 4: Applying for Aid Scholarships University Scholarships Community and Local Scholarships Outside resources: Fastweb.com, scholarships.com, collegegreenlight.com, chegg.com, Scholly App, Communities of Texas Foundation Step 4: Applying for Aid

Step 4: Applying for Aid Need Based Financial Aid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) FAFSA.gov Opens October 1 Priority deadlines vary by university Grants, Work Study, Loans FAFSA is used to determine eligibility Expected Family Contribution (EFC) & Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) are the biggest factors CSS Profile Not required by all institutions Provided by the CollegeBoard Step 4: Applying for Aid

Your Decision & Next Steps

Step 5: Make Your College Decision Review and Compare Financial Aid Packages Ask questions. Call the school/admission counselors directly Make your decision Make sure you are aware of decision deadlines Don’t forget to celebrate! Inform institution of decision to attend Inform other institutions of decision to attend elsewhere Next Steps New Student program, housing, accept financial aid package Step 5: Make Your College Decision

Remember- College is What You Make of It! Life and college is a journey, not a race!