Financial Aid Time

The last BIG HURDLE for college bound seniors is upon us.....Financial Aid!!!!  

FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid 

Now that January is almost gone, I'm hoping that all college bound students have filed for their PIN (personal identification number) on the FAFSA website:

 http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

Remember, you must get a PIN ** and ** your parents need their own PIN.  Those PINs will be used throughout your entire time at college, so don't forget to record it somewhere.  If your parents have not finished their tax returns  (and most haven't), fill out the FAFSA with an estimated income (most families use last years numbers and then adjust them).  If you have applied to a private college/university you will also need to fill out the CSS Profile. 

I know, I've heard all the groaning and moaning from families about how complicated this process is.  Once you've done it, it becomes easier each time.  The key is to take your time and answer the questions.  I tell my students not to leave a space blank.  Write 0 if you need to...But do not leave a blank space.  Remember that your PIN is actually your signature. So do not forget to sign it before sending it in.  Colleges can ask for copies of your tax return for verification so be truthful on these forms....there are no shortcuts.  Once you have sent your FAFSA and Profile forms in, you will then get a response that shows an EFC (estimated family contribution).  This is a number that  the family is expected to contribute toward the students education.  This number helps the university give out financial aid to students in need.  Financial aid is determined by the cost of education minus what the family can contribute = need. 

Many high schools hold a Financial Aid Night.  I always recommend that families attend.  Schools usually have a financial aid officer from a local college at the event.  They can answer any questions you have and will update you on any changes.   Remember to keep copies of all forms sent in. 

As you jump over this last hurdle, remember that high school is winding down and you will soon be hearing from many colleges and universities.  Enjoy your last semester at high school and most of all....get your best grades ever!

College Bound Athletes

I've been meeting lots of student athletes and their parents who "know" that they are going to get an athletic scholarship to college.  I always tell my students that it is easier to get a scholarship/grant for your brains than for your brawn.  There, simply, are more scholarship opportunities for the academically talented sudent.  Now, if you are academically and athletically gifted....the sky's the limit.  But, remember most high school athletes do not play at College Division I levels.  There is happiness playing college sports at a Division II or Division III program. 

Many high school athletes are so involved in their sport that they forget to do their "due diligence" and properly research what getting an "athletic scholarship" requires.  If you hope to play a sport in college you MUST register at www.ncaa.org during your junior year in high school.  This enables the NCAA to track all aspects of your academics, testing and recruiting.  All student athletes should read NCAA information and know it well.  Times have changed, and if a student athlete is listening to what their parents or friend's parent did to play at a college you will be getting outdated advice.  NCAA academic and testing requirements have been strengthened through the years.  Currently, to be eligible to play Division I sports a student must complete the following academic coursework:
                      - 4 years English,
                      - 3 years Math (Algebra or higher),
                      - 2 years natural/physical science (1 year Lab),
                      - 1 year additional English, Math or Science,
                      - 2 years Social Science,
                      - 4 years of Additonal coursework from English, Math, Science, Social
                          Science or Foreign Language, Philosophy or Comparative religions.

Additionally, when taking the SAT/ACT, students must send their official scores to NCAA by using Code 9999, and request final amatuerism certification from NCAA beginning April of senior year.

For the high school athlete who is considering playing in Division II or III, I always recommend getting your best grades.  Then you can earn an academic scholarship and play sports as well.  This could be the best of both worlds.

Campus Visits - A Tool to Explore Universities

I'm amazed how many seniors I have encountered who are getting ready to fill out a bunch of applications but have never visited college campuses.  It is really important to start your college visits early in your high school career.  Middle schools students should be encouraged to start the tour process as well.  The more campuses you have researched the better handle you'll have on making a good decision about which university to attend. 

Tours are normally conducted by volunteer students.  Sometimes the admission directors will introduce themselves to the visitor group and hold a brief introductory session then hand off to the student tour guides to walk the campus with you.  At some schools the admissions officers may hold a more in-depth session in a lecture hall setting after the tour has ended - they are all slightly different.

Some hints to help you get the most out of your tour experience:

1.  Check online to see when official tours are being given and make an appointment.

2. If visiting multiple schools in one day; don't try to do more than two each day.  Allow extra time, as tours and informational sessions frequently run late.  Plot driving routes and book hotels in advance.

3.  Wear good walking shoes.

4.  The student should register at the admissions office.  Schools do keep track of all contacts with applicants.  In a recent survey, 46% of schools said campus visits have a POSITIVE influence on the admissions office.

5.  For parents: let your student ask questions of the tour guide.

6.  Eat lunch in the school cafeteria.  Do you like the food selection?

7.  Pick up a student newspaper.

8.  Sit in on a class.  This must be arranged in advance through the admissions office.  Sometimes it must be arranged through a department head, but schools really do encourage "student for a day" programs.

9.  If possible, students should arrange to meet an admissions officer.

10.  If you meet an admissions officer, send a thank you note immediately upon returning home.

11. Prior to the visit, make a list of questions you want to find answers to.  Don't ask questions of the admissions officer that you can easily get answers to on the school's website.

12.  If possible, parents and students should try to take different tours of the same school, if 2 separate tours are leaving around the same time.  You'll get two different perspectives which you can talk about later over dinner.


Have fun on the tour, imagine yourself studying there and being a part of that campus. Jot down your thoughts and impressions about each school while everything is fresh in your mind; keep all your notes in one place so you can review them when you are getting ready to make your final "apply list".

Here are some quick links of tour and info pages for various schools.

Emory University, Atlanta,   click here

University of California, UC system click here

University of Michigan, click here

A link to my own campus tour videos,  click here

A Great Online Resource

Everyone should be looking at the website http://www.collegeboard.com/ when they are preparing for college.  Make sure you bookmark this amazingly rich site so you can view it daily.  What I most like about the site is the daily SAT questions.  You can answer the question and find out immediately if you are right or wrong.  Additionally, there is a low price ($69.50) online SAT course. 

Daily SAT practice questions: http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-practice-questions

A lot of my students are looking for certain majors and are sometimes confused how to quickly find a list of schools that offer their chosen major.  This http://www.collegeboard.com/ site has a great college search section.  It lists the majors most requested by students. 

Remember that the college board site is not just for registering for the SAT.  Click on the upper tabs for comprehensive information on:

• Advanced Placement tests,  including sample questions. 
• College Planning
• College Search
• Professional Development (for educators)
• Store - selling publications for students and educators.
• Under the tab "More" find AP Central,   K-12 Services, Higher Ed, College Guidance and a section En Español.

Become familiar with all these terms - in the beginning it's like learning a new language, but it will serve you well as you prepare to apply for College or University.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm! Start Your Research and Planning in Middle School

It's NEVER TOO EARLY to start the college preparation and search process. I've been working with middle school students and their parents recently. There is a thirst for knowledge out there that is not always being met by middle schools. Middle school parents and students come to my meetings anxious and inquisitive about the college preparation process. Learning about the college search and admission process is like learning a new language. You cannot do it overnight. It takes time for the brain to process all the new terms and acronyms; never mind doing a search for a college that suits you.

Plan early - reduce the stress !

With all the news and reality about more and more students applying to university, and tuition rising at disproportionate rates, anxiety on the parts of students and parents is at an all-time high. Getting an early start alleviates the stress for most families. I know that many middle school students are just stressing about choosing a high school that suits them. But, in reality, that choice could affect their college choices too.

A well thought-out 6 year plan in Middle School will effectively guide you all the way through high school.

It is important for all 7th graders to create a written 6 year academic plan. Understand what universities are looking for and make sure you create an academic plan that exceeds admission guidelines. If you do this, no matter what high school you choose and no matter how much college information you get or do not get in high school; you will be prepared.

Transfer Students

I have been working with a few students who are looking to transfer to a different college/university.  When you have made the decision to transfer from your current university it is very important to take time to really research where you want to complete your college education.  Requirements for transfer students are different than for freshman admission.  Take Seattle University....which admits students on a rolling basis (meaning they assess and admit you as soon as they receive all your documentation).  If you are looking to transfer to Seattle University with fewer than 45 college credits, you will need to send in your high school transcript.  And, while you do not need a college instructor evaluation, you can send in letters of recommendation that the admissions committee with take into consideration.  And, they do not require a SAT/ACT if you have over 45 credits.  Also, if you have taken a break from college it is important to include a statement on what activities you have done while on your break.  Seattle University requires a minimum of a 2.75 for transfer students but last year their average transfers' GPA was 3.34.  I really like the way Seattle University has an easy on-line way to check on which of your courses will transfer to Seattle U.  It is always a big concern that you have a lot of credits but most colleges will not take all of them.  And, for heaven's sake, contact the admissions officer.  They are your best friends. Let them know you want to transfer to their university. 

Another important facet of transferring is to really look at your choice of a major.  You have had at least one year of college under your belt, SO the big question is, "What do you want to major in?" What kind of career do you want to have?"  While most freshman don't need to know, definitively, their major, as an upper classman you will be concentrating on your major.  A lot of my clients talk about wanting to major in business.  Well, if that is the case, you really need to look at your chosen college's majors.  For example, Seattle University doesn't have a business degree.  What they have are degrees in:  Accounting, International Business, Economics, Business Economics, International Economic Development, Management, Marketing, Finance and E-commerce/information systems.  So you can see why asking for a "business major" really is not specific enough.  To help you make your decision, scan the university course selection.  See what courses are required in each major.  Do any of them "ring a bell" for you?  Do any of them intrique you?  Have you worked in any jobs that included marketing, management, information systems?  Did you like that job?  Did you thrive in that job?  Spend some time asking family, neighbors and friends why they like their career. 

So, you have made your decision to transfer, you know your major and really researched your schools.  Don't waste time!  Send that application in.

Test Optional Schools

I have had many questions regarding "test optional" schools.  YES! They do exist.  Each year, there is an increase in the  number of schools that go "test optional".  Test optional means that you can send your SAT/ACT scores, or you do not have to send the scores.  It is important that students and their families really look at each college/university before deciding not to take the SAT/ACT.  In some instances, the college is listed as test optional BUT with a caveat.  An example is Arizona State University.  It is test optional only if the applicant meets the minimum GPA and class rank required for admissions. 

 

 

Remember, those statistics change yearly, and for out of state students, those GPA and class rank admission requirements are different.  Also, remember to give yourself as many options as you can.  If you take the SAT/ACT you can still apply to schools that require them and schools that do not. 

Here are a few schools that are test optional (in no particular order): 

Pitzer (California)
Arizona State

Concordia (Oregon)

Connecticut College

Providence College (Rhode Island)

Bates (Maine)
Bowdoin (Maine)

Cal Maritime (California)

Wake Forest (North Carolina)

DePaul (Minnesota)

Mt. Holyoke  (Massachusetts)
Hampshire College (Massachusetts) 

Bennington (Vermont)

George Mason (Virginia)

Lewis & Clark (Oregon)

These are just a few examples, but you might want to check them out.