FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The college selection process is overwhelming and exciting all at the same time. As students and parents begin the process a myriad of questions arise. We have answered some of the most commonly asked questions
1. How soon should I start preparing for college?
Students can start preparing for college as early as their sophomore year of high school.
2. What academic years do schools look at on your transcript?
Schools look at academic grades from 9th - 12th grade.
3. How many schools should I apply to?
You should apply to at least 5 schools. Make sure at least 2 are safety schools.
4. What is a safety school?
Schools were you meet all the requirements.
5. When should I create my (student and parent) FAFSA pin?
http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp You can create your FAFSA pin as early as September of your senior year. Be sure to keep your pin in a safe place.
6. When should I fill out the FAFSA?
www.fafsa.ed.gov You can begin filling out the FAFSA on January 1st of every year.
7. If a parent has a child in college or have filled out the FAFSA for themselves in the past will they need to create a new pin?
No. They can use the pin they already have.
8. Do parents have to wait to fill out the FAFSA after they have filed their
income taxes?
No. They can use an estimate from their prior tax forms.
9. At what point is a college application considered complete by the admissions office?
When you complete an online or paper application with the application fee, official transcript, official SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, an essay and any supporting documents they request.
10. When should I take the SAT/ACT for the first time?
http://www.collegeboard.com/sat-achieve-more/ http://www.actstudent.org/regist/index.html Students should take the SAT/ACT by the end of their junior year. This will give students the opportunity to improve their weaknesses by the first scheduled test in your senior year.
11. When should a student mail out their college applications by?
Students should mail out their applications by Thanksgiving break, but no later than Christmas break.
12. Should students involve parents in their college selection process?
Yes. After all, parents pay for college.
13. How many scholarships should a student apply for?
Students should apply to as many scholarships as possible.
14. Do schools count the writing portion of the SAT exam?
No. They review it, but they only count the math and verbal combined score.
15. What is the average SAT combined math and verbal scores schools are looking for?
The expected scores range from 850-1600.
16. What are the average ACT scores schools are looking for?
The expected scores range from 17- 36.
17. What should students do when asking a teacher and counselor for a recommendation letter?
Students should provide their teacher and counselor with a formal written request, a copy of their resume, a list of schools, and most importantly at least a two week turn around time.
18. Do colleges accept fee waivers?
Some schools welcome fee waivers.
19. What is the Common Application?
http://www.commonapp.org The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that serves students and member institutions by providing an admission application – online and in print – that students may submit to any of their 391 members.
20. What is Early Action?
Early action applications allow a student to apply to schools by November 1st (or other designated date) and receive a decision by mid-December. Early Action is not a binding decision.
21. What is Early Decision?
An early application process carries a binding commitment to enroll, if accepted to the college.
22. Should students attend college fairs?
Students should start attending college fairs as early as their sophomore year in high school.
23. Do colleges review senior year grades?
All colleges request official transcripts that reflect grades from 9th – 12th grade. All colleges request a final transcript from all seniors.
24. What is a SAR report?
A SAR report summarizes the data from your completed FAFSA and indicates your official expected family contribution.
25. What is EDU, Inc?
http://eduinconline.com EDU, Inc. is a Common Black College Application that allows students to apply to thirty five black colleges for a one time application fee of $35.00.
Highlights
HBCU College Tour
"Strength does not come from winning; your struggles develop your strengths,
when you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."
Arnold Schwarzenegger