FAQ


 

Each year high school students and parents worry about admission to college.  They are faced with a mountain of questions about the entire application process.  On this page you will find the most frequently asked questions along with their answers.

 

 

 

Q: Why should I go to college in the first place?

A: Students should go to college because it will open up a world of opportunity. Unlike in the past, high paying jobs cannot be found without a college degree. Going to college allows students to hear top of the line professors lecturing about what they are interested in. Finally, a good college education provides for a good promotion opportunity.

 

Q: What options are there for low-income families? 

A: Some colleges have a "need blind" policy which means they do not consider financial circumstances. Other colleges are "need conscious", meaning they may consider wages and financial difficulties.  Almost every college offers some kind of financial aid. To receive financial aid, the corresponding forms must be filled out.  Besides financial aid, students should apply for as many scholarships as possible.  Hundreds of scholarships are available to students, and there is nothing to loose by applying for a scholarship.  Click here for more information on scholarships and here for information on financial aid.

 

Q: Are senior year grades important and relevent to admission?

A: Yes, absolutely. Most colleges will ask for at least the first semester grades of the senior year. Many of these colleges will also ask for grades from the entire year.

 

Q. What is required for college admission?

A: The majority of colleges require a high school transcript, a diploma, SAT and/or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a college essay. Many colleges have list of classes that are either required or recommended.

 

Q: What's the difference between early decision and early action programs?

A: Early decision and early action involve applying to a college long before the deadline so the application will be reviewed before everyone else's. However, early decision programs (ED) are usually binding, meaning that applicants promise from the start that they will attend the school if their application is accepted.  This is not to be taken lightly: most colleges honor one another's binding decisions. Another disadvantage for applicants is negotiating financial aid become more difficult.  Single choice early action (SCEA) programs do not allow students not to make EA applications to other schools, although they are free to apply elsewhere under the regular admissions round. In recent years, several of the country's most prestigious universities (including Yale and Stanford) have adopted non-binding early admissions programs.

 

Early admissions programs are generally known as Early Action (EA) programs. EA programs do not ask applicants to commit to attending if they are accepted. These programs give applicants the benefit of early notification without the obligations of early decision. Even if they are accepted, students are free to apply to other schools and compare financial aid offers.  In our view, this is the best deal for most applicants. 

 

Q: Do I have a better chance if I apply early?

A: Yes, applying early shows the university you are committed to going there. If you are not accepted with early decision, you can still apply during regular admissions to that school.

 

Q: What does it mean to be deferred?

A: Being deferred means the college has not fully reviewed your file and they have postponed their decision to a later time.  They have neither accepted or denied you.

 

Q: What does it mean to be wait listed?

A: To be 'wait-listed' means the college has fully reviewed your file but they have put you onto a waiting list.  This means you are neither accepted or denied.  The college wants more time to review the file again before making their final decision.

 

Q: How much time should I give my teachers write letters of recommendation?

A: You should ask teachers at least a month in advance for their letters of recommendation.  However, many teachers prefer having the summer to write the letters. Do not ask one week before the letter is needed!

 

Q: Does my SAT score carry more or less weight than GPA when it comes to college admission?

A: SAT scores are only one factor of college admission. It all depends on the college and what they are looking for in a student. Both GPA and SAT scores are important.

 

Q: Do colleges favor the SAT over the ACT?

A: This completely depends on the college. To find out which test each college prefers go to that college's website or collegeboard.com. Many colleges accept both, however it is a good idea to make sure.

 

Q: What are some ways to prepare for college financially?

A: Students can save money in many ways. This could include getting a part time job and saving money. Parents are most likely saving money as well. Additionally, applying for scholarships and financial aid is a great way to reduce the cost of college.

View http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/faq002.htm to learn more about receiving Federal student aid, or visit the section on Scholarships.

 

Q: What is the common application?          

A: The common application is an application that is not specific to one college. It can be filled out once to avoid having to fill out many different applications.  However, not every college accepts the common application. Also, many schools have additional applications to fill out that are specific to them.

 

Q: What should I bring with me to college?

A: You should bring everything you are going to need for the school year. This includes an alarm clock, a surge protector, basic school supplies including a backpack, a first aid kit, bedding, dishes and whatever electronics you need. When packing clothes, make sure to think about all seasons. Many students overlook the fact that they will be on campus in the winter when it gets colder outside.

 

Q: Why does college cost so much?

A: The professors who are working at the colleges will typically get 1/2 to 2/3 of the total cost of tuition. The remaining money goes to sports, maintenance and other expenses that the college must pay. It costs a lot of money to keep a college going.

Prices are on the rise. This is because there is a constant "arms race" between the top schools to have the best resources available to students. Also, there are more people under the age of 25 who are eligible to go to college. As a result, the colleges charge more.

 

Q: Why do community colleges cost so much less than four-year colleges?

A: The instructors at community colleges are usually not tenured and they are often not full time. The colleges do not engage in research, which is a huge money factor for four-year schools. Community colleges are less likely to have dorms and large athletic facilities.

 

Q: What are any advantages or disadvantages of enrolling in an online college?

A: One of the main advantages in an online college is that it gives you time flexibility. Students are able to choose when they are at a computer, and can schedule their lives around a class. This is perfect for students who have to work long hours, or students who cannot get up for early classes.

     Another advantage is that you do not have to be at a certain location to take a class. If you do not want to live your hometown to go to college, you have the option to use your own computer to get a college education. Often, the lectures for each class are written out, so students do not have to take notes. Students are able to learn from the comfort of their own home. There are a vast number of courses online that are not available at every college. Students are able to pick and choose which classes they take, and there are an unlimited number of spots in online classes. 

     Some disadvantages of online classes are that students have to be responsible and stick to their own schedules. Students do not interact directly with an instructor, and they are isolated from other students. Credits may be difficult to transfer to four-year colleges. Students have to have knowledge of technology, and a decent computer system.

 

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