MEFA's Guide to College Admissions

MEFA's Guide to College Admissions

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  © MEFA -All Rights Reserved© MEFA - All Rights Reserved© MEFA - All Rights Reserved© MEFA - All Rights Reserved© MEFA - All Rights Reserved© MEFA - All Rights Reserved© MEFA - All Rights Reserved © MEFA - All Rights Reserved© MEFA - All Rights Reserved 2012 MEFA’s Guide to College Admissions
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  2 • Current trends •Your college list • Campus visits • The application process • Financial aid • Free resources Topics
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  3 • Students arebeginning to search for colleges earlier • Students are applying to a greater number of schools • Colleges are monitoring students’ demonstrated interest • More parents are involved and/or driving the process • Increased use of social media by students and colleges • Globalization: more international students in the U.S. Trends in College Admissions
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  4 • Do yourresearch • Think about “fit” and match your needs • Factors to consider: − Academics − Affordability − Size/Setting − Admissibility Developing Your College List Try the Interactive College Interview at YourPlanForTheFuture.org
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  5 Develop final listwith colleges of each type: • Probable: Chances for admission are strong (Make sure at least one is affordable) • Target: Chances for admission are 50/50 • Reach: Chances for admission are less than 50% Assess Your Prospects for Admission
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  6 FREE college andcareer planning tool Resources include: – Skills and interests assessments – Career exploration – College search – SAT® and ACT ® test prep tutorials – Financial aid and scholarship information Available in English and Spanish YourPlanForTheFuture.org
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  7 Informal visits – Touringthe college on your own – Pay attention to size, setting, culture – Pick up a college newspaper or read posted flyers Formal visits – Signing up with admissions for a campus tour – May be able to view a class, room, or dining hall – Ask questions of your tour guide Informal & Formal Campus Visits Look beyond the brochures and websites
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  8 • Check outthe college list beforehand • Have a plan of action before you arrive • Head to the information booth first • Take advantage of information sessions • Fall schedule: neacac.org/cf_fall.cfm National & Regional College Fairs
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  9 Whichever option youchoose, don’t leave things to the last minute! • Regular Decision • Early Action • Early Decision • Rolling Admission • Open Admission Deadlines are important! Make sure to keep track. College Application Options
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  10 • Common App •Universal College App • College website online app • Paper College Application Types & Components Application requirements may vary at each college •Application form •High school transcript •Standardized test scores •Recommendations •Activity list or resume •Personal essay •Interview Your application may include: College application types:
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  11 Your transcript ismore than just a list of grades • Rigor of classes is the most important factor evaluated • Showing improvement over time is a plus • Exceeding minimum requirements is often expected • Relevance to college plans is helpful • Review the standards for MA public colleges/universities Academic Readiness
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  12 • PSAT forpractice and assessment • SAT and ACT measure college readiness – Check with your school counselor for registration deadlines and test dates • SAT Subject Tests & AP Tests show subject knowledge • Accuplacer & Compass determine placement in college courses • There are over 800 test-optional schools in the U.S. (Check FairTest.org) Standardized Tests Find free test prep tools at YourPlanForTheFuture.org
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  13 • Includes extracurriculartalents and interests • Showcases what you do and the depth of the activity/job • Always include family responsibilities and employment • Highlight the impact on your community Activity List/Resume
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  14 Your application essaysays a lot about you • Share something meaningful and personal • Start writing early • Try different topics and approaches • Include life-shaping/challenging experiences • Leave time for careful proof-reading Essays
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  15 Adults who knowyou well can offer a helpful perspective on your abilities and strengths • Know your school guidelines • Ask teachers in classes where you have performed well • Ask early to give your teachers plenty of time • Write a thank you note Letters of Recommendation
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  16 A face-to-face conversationlets colleges see the person behind the numbers •Be prepared to answer open-ended questions •Know your reasons for applying to the college •Ask thoughtful questions •Cover the basics •Relax and be yourself Interviews
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  17 • Increasing inpopularity • Some schools have a very long list • Must submit enrollment deposit at an accepted school – This is usually non-refundable • Accepted off the waitlist = minimal financial aid • Steps to take when on the waitlist: – Write a short note to the admissions counselor – Update the school with recent grades and awards A Word About the Wait List
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  18 Research costs andfinancial aid now •Use Net Price Calculators to get a financial aid estimate •Find out financial aid requirements and deadlines •Research merit scholarship opportunities •Apply for private scholarships Understanding College Affordability Financial aid deadlines are so important!
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  19 Staying on TrackThrough Senior Year Spring/Summer Junior Year • Attend college fairs • Visit campuses • Identify teachers for letters of recommendation • Brainstorm essay topics • Take the SAT/ACT • Research private scholarships Fall Senior Year • Finalize the college list • Re-take the SAT/ACT • Secure letters of recommendation • Attend MEFA’s College Financing Seminar • Apply for private scholarships Winter Senior Year • Submit financial aid applications • Send in mid-year grade reports Spring Senior Year • Receive admission and financial aid offers • Attend MEFA’s Paying the College Bill seminar or webinar • Choose your college by May 1 Use YourPlanForTheFuture to stay organized.
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  20 • Net PriceCalculators on college websites – Provides a personal net price at each college • College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education) – College search with admissions, academic, & cost info – CollegeNavigator.gov • College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education) – College search with average net price, loan default rates, and median loan debt – CollegeScorecard.ed.gov Free College Planning Resources
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  21 mefa.org [email protected] (800) 449-MEFA (6332) StayConnected with MEFA