Class of 2020 College and Financial Aid Information

11th Grade College Planning Make a college list and visit website Organize a testing plan ACT/SAT/SAT Subject Tests Make sure you are meeting special requirements (ex. NCAA)

Preparing for Senior Year Prepare a challenging schedule for senior year! Start a scholarship search and look into Financial Aid Options Contact your recommendation writers Apply for a summer job, internship, or educational program Visit college campuses and set up appointments with your top college choices Start working on your college application essays!! Make Early Decision preparations

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTS SAT ACT Writing Math Critical Thinking Subject Tests (if college requires it) (fee waiver: free and reduced lunch) FIVE SUBJECT TESTS Math English Reading Science Writing SAT ACT

College Options Public Colleges and Universities Private Colleges and Universities Begin looking at how finance your college education

Early Decision vs Early Action Applications completed by early November Acceptance higher for Early Decision than regular admission If not accepted early, still considered for general application. Early decision is BINDING May apply to only ONE college Must decide to attend before receiving financial aid package. Applications completed by early November. Acceptance rates higher for Early Action than regular admission. Students can apply to several colleges at one time. Students do not need to make a final decision until May 1st. Some colleges have “single-choice early action”. Students cannot apply to other colleges early. *Financial Affordability, QuestBridge Must be 100% SURE!! Early Action is not BINDING

Common Application Advantages: Approximately 500 colleges participate One application to complete Disadvantages: Technical issues Lengthy Essays can seem impersonal

Coalition for Access & affordability Seeks to close the gap for under-served students Low income, High Achieving Students “Virtual Locker” to store evident of student achievements Non-traditional method of reviewing student applications Increasing number of colleges participating More information at: info@coalitionapp.org

TWO “SAFE” SCHOOLS TWO “REACH” SCHOOLS TWO “GOOD” SCHOOLS COLLEGE APPLICATIONS TWO “SAFE” SCHOOLS TWO “REACH” SCHOOLS TWO “GOOD” SCHOOLS

ESSAYS Do’s and Don’ts FIND YOUR PASSION! College Essays College Applications Scholarships Do’s and Don’ts PROOFREAD PROOFREAD PROOFREAD

What colleges look for…… GPA Standardized Test Scores Rigor of Curriculum Extra-Curricular Activities

WHAT DO Colleges Want? Sustained Community Service /Volunteering Unique Students Strong Interests Well-rounded

DATE TO REMEMBER November 1, 2019

How will you fund your education? FINANCIAL AID COLLEGE IS EXPENSIVE How will you fund your education?

Paying for college FAFSA Unsubsidized vs. Subsidized Terms to know PLUS Loan Stafford Loan Grants = Gift Scholarships Private Department Need Academic Work/Study Terms to know Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan rates are approximately 5% with an addition 1% annual fee. Unsubsidized loans begin acquiring interest as soon as the loan is dispersed and the student is expected to begin paying interest on the loan right away. Unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need, so anyone can apply for them, however the school you attend will determine how much you can borrow. Subsidized loans are financial need based, they can not exceed the amount needed to attend the university. The interest is paid for by the federal government while you are attending school at least part time and for the first s6 months after graduation. PLUS Loans cover the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid is received. Interest begins to accrue after the loan is disbursed and the interest rate is 7.6% and is fixed and there is a loan fee of 4%. Stafford Loans have a 6 month grace period after graduation. They are secured by the federal government. Stafford loans can be subsidized or unsubsidized and are financial need based loans. The current interest rate on a Stafford loan is 5% Types of Grants include the Pell Grant, FSEOG, and TEACH. Work Study is part time work offered byt eh university and/or for-profit businesses that work with the university. Scholarships vary by need and are issued by private institutions. You do not need to pay a scholarship back. Look for scholarships at: careeronestop.org Work Study is available to all students (full, part time, undergraduates and graduates with financial need. Your university must participate in the federal work study program. Work study emphasizes employment in civic education or work related to your course of study. Your school will pay you directly unless you indicate otherwise and you will earn an hourly wage. More detailed information can be found on the studentaid.ed.gov website.

Start FAFSA October 1, 2019 Basis of Financial Aid from ALL sources. Why the FAFSA? Start FAFSA October 1, 2019 Basis of Financial Aid from ALL sources. Apply Early. Due: March 1, 2020

SCHOLARSHIPS ACADEMIC COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER NEED GRADES TEST SCORES SERVICE/COMMUNITY EXTRA-CURRICULAR COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER NEED FINANCIALLY BASED

Tips for Applying for Scholarships Scholarships take time and effort; the more you invest, the greater the potential returns. The sooner you start the process, the better. Be very aware of deadlines, don’t wait until the last minute. Save all work and reuse for other applications when possible. Be sure to tailor your application to the scholarship instructions. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE!!!

Legitimate Scholarship Opportunities Check before you write a check! Scholarship Scams Legitimate Scholarship Opportunities No out of pocket expenses No fee to match student with scholarship Will not contact invite you to informational meeting. Will have a good rating with BBB Check before you write a check!

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