1. College 101: What Students and Families Need to Know

2. 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!!
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3. The Traditional Path to College The Alternative Path $$$
How to Help Your Child Choose the Right Path for THEM
Resources to Assist You
Agenda
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4. Many Roads… One Destination
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5. What… The College Overview
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6. 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.

7. Example of a Certificate Program

8. Why a Certificate

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. When… A Timeline for HS Students
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13. Start early

14. 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
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15. 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.

16. Student Debt Remains a Growing, National Problem

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

18. Admissions and Affordability
Net Price Calculator
Every College Has One!

19. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Required by all colleges for federal and state aid
Available October 1, 2016: FAFSA.gov
Log in with an FSA ID: FSAID.ed.gov
IRS Data Retrieval Tool – available Immediately!
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20. Academic Year in College Tax Information (Year)
Early FAFSA
Students will report tax information from two years ago.
Academic Year in College
FAFSA Form (Year)
Tax Information (Year)
FAFSA Available…
September 2015-May 2016
FAFSA
2014
January 1, 2015
September 2016-May 2017
FAFSA
2015
January 1, 2016
September 2017-May 2018
FAFSA
October 1, 2016
September 2018-May 2019
FAFSA
2016
October 1, 2017
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21. CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE®
CSS Profile
CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE®
Required by some colleges
$25 for 1st school, $16 for each additional
Online application: student.collegeboard.org/profile
Noncustodial Parent PROFILE often required

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

23. Resources
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24. ASA College Planning Center Boston Public Library – Copley Square
Resources
ASA College Planning Center
Boston Public Library – Copley Square
(617)
SALT
Massachusetts Education Financing Authority (MEFA)
UAspire

25. Thank you