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!!
Title

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
Title

4. Many Roads… One Destination
Divider Page
Title

5. What… The College Overview
Presentation Title

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. 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

8. 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

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

10. Example of a Certificate Program

11. Example of a Certificate Program

12. Why a Certificate

13. When… A Timeline for HS Students
Presentation Title

14. Start early

15. 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

16. 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.

17. Student Debt Remains a Growing, National Problem

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

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

20. 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

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

22. Thank you