1. UNDERSTANDING THE COLLEGE SEARCH & APPLICATION PROCESS

2. YOU HAVE 4,000+ COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE OPTIONS IN THE U.S. ALONE

3. Choosing the Right College for You
There’s no magic formula for choosing a college, but there are factors to consider on your journey to finding the right college fit for YOU.

4. Some Questions to Consider
Major? Level of degree?
Costs?
Distance from home? Location?
Size of school?
Extracurriculars and other activities?
Learning environment?

5. Building and Narrowing Your List
Go to college fairs
Attend college visits at your high school
Get advice from high school counselors/post-grad coordinators
Explore online
Naviance Family Connection
College Confidential
College websites
College Board
Visit campuses
Keep an open mind when building your list!

6. Upcoming College Fairs
Denver Fall College Fair: September 24, Denver Mart
Greater Denver College Fair: September 30, Mountain Vista High School
CVHS College Fair: September 28, 9:00-10:00
Adventist Colleges and Universities: September various locations and times

7. FAQs When should I start applying?
How many colleges should I apply to?
What is the Common App? Coalition App?
Should I apply to colleges if my grades and test scores are below a school’s preferred ranges?
Should I apply to colleges that may appear out of my family’s price range?

8. Anatomy of a College Application
Application Forms
Application Fees
High School Transcript
ACT or SAT Test Scores
Letters of Recommendation
Essays
Auditions and Portfolios
Interviews

9. Tips for Preparing Your College Application
Get organized
Start early
Be consistent
Be careful...proofread and check for accuracy
Keep counselors in the loop
Confirm the people who will write your letters of recommendation

10. Paying for College

11. More than 6 out of 10 college students receive financial aid.
Did You Know?
More than $185 billion in financial assistance is available to help students afford college.
The average student received a little over $13,200 last year to help pay for college.
More than 6 out of 10 college students receive financial aid.
Source: The College Board

12. Scholarships & Financial Aid 101
Source: The College Board

13. Focus on Net Price
Source: The College Board

14. Estimating Your College Costs
Five main categories of expenses
Tuition and Fees
Room and Board
Books and Supplies
Personal Expenses
Transportation
Early estimate: Net Price Calculator

15. Types of Financial Assistance
Four main types of financial assistance
Scholarships
Grants
Loans
Work-Study Programs
Scholarships and Financial Aid - separate departments
Each college has its own financial aid and scholarship policies and deadlines

16. Scholarships & Financial Aid 101
Maximize
Loans
Minimize

17. Types of Scholarships Internal External
Scholarships offered by the university, individual colleges and departments, National Alumni Association
External
Awarded by organizations other than the university
Businesses or corporations
Military
Civic and social clubs
Churches or other religious organizations
Individuals

18. Sources of Scholarships
Think outside the box!

19. Scholarship Resources
University guides or websites
Scholarship search sites
Scholarships.com, Collegeboard.com, Unigo.com, Raise.me, Finaid.org, Scholarships for Students with Health Conditions, DoSomething.org plus many more!
Scholarship databases
Naviance, High school counselors and Post-grad coordinators
Community Organizations/Employers/Churches
Military Service

20. Financial Aid
Amount awarded is generally determined by level of financial need
Financial need = Cost of Attendance (COA) minus Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Awarded in the form of loans, grants and/or work-study

21. FAFSA PROCESS
Step 1: Find deadlines and application requirements at fafsa.ed.gov
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1.
Step 3: Wait! Most financial aid offers will not be mailed until spring.
Step 4: Compare financial aid offers and determine out-of-pocket costs.
Step 5: Accept the aid you want. You do not have to accept the full amount offered.

22. Financial Aid Resources
Collegeboard.com
University website/Financial Aid office

23. Other Considerations
Alternative and Private (non-federal) Education Loans
Not tied to FAFSA
Option for students who are ineligible for federal loans or need more funds than federal programs can provide
Interest-based loans
Loan terms and eligibility vary widely
Student Jobs
AP/IB Credits

24. Applying for Financial Assistance
Know the deadlines – NOT FLEXIBLE!
Scholarship deadlines
FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The FAFSA goes online October 1st and will use PPY tax info
Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to update your FAFSA with IRS tax return information
Start your research early
Read eligibility requirements carefully
Stay organized
Keep copies of everything
Watch out for SCAMS!

25. What Should I Be Doing Now?
Continue to take the ACT and/or SAT
Discuss senior year class schedule with counselor
Attend college fairs and high school visits
Visit your top college picks
Keep updating your resume
Confirm who will write your letters of recommendation
Senior year attendance, grades and leadership still count!
Research scholarships
Start preparing information for your FAFSA

26. And Finally…. You are not in this alone!
College admission representatives, post-grad coordinators, high school counselors, administration and teachers are available to help.
Just ask….we’re here to help you navigate the college selection and application process and provide you with the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

27. Q&A Session