College Admissions

Planning for college can be one of the most exciting times in a young person's life. With colleges reviewing over 1,000 applications yearly college acceptance has become more competitive. While the process is often time consuming and complex, students can get a head start by researching colleges that suit their needs. 

Testing

SAT and ACT scores are among many factors considered in the college admission process. While the test is offered several times a year, it is recommended that students take the official SAT and ACT for the first time during their junior year.

Financial Aid

To apply for need-based financial aid, families must complete the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA). Most full-time students receive some form of financial aid.

Suited 4 Success Services

We encourage our students to conduct intensive research in an effort to create their own unique college experience. The resource links below will allow your student the opportunity to begin researching potential colleges and topics related to the application process.

Frequently Visited Sites

College Admissions

When is the best time to begin the college planning process?

Your sophomore or junior year of high school is the best time to begin preparing college lists, action plans, and a schedule.

Should students attend college fairs?

Students should start attending college fairs as early as their freshman year in high school.

Should students involve parents in their college selection process?

Yes it is crucial for parents to support their children in this process.

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.

How many schools should a student apply to?

Students should create a balanced list of 5-7 schools.

When is a college application considered complete by an admissions office?

When you complete an online or paper application, submit an application fee, official transcript, official SAT/ACT scores through www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org, recommendation letters, an essay and supporting supplemental documents.

When should a student mail out their college applications?

Students should mail out their applications by Thanksgiving break, but no later than Christmas break.

Do colleges review senior year grades?

All colleges will request a final transcript from students.

Do colleges accept fee waivers?

Some schools welcome fee waivers.

What is the difference between early decision and early action?

Early Decision is a binding agreement between the student and the accepting college or university. If a student is accepted, he/she must attend that college or university. An agreement binding the student to the school upon acceptance is required prior to submitting the Early Decision application and is signed by the student, parent, and guidance counselor.

Early Action is a non-binding early decision process, typically requiring students to submit an application by November 1st of their senior year of high school. The Early Action Decision is provided to the student by mid-December.

What is EDU, Inc?

EDU, Inc. is a Common Black College Application that allows students to apply to thirty-six Historically Black Colleges for a one-time application fee of $35.00: visit: http://www.eduinconline.com

What is the Common Application?

The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that serves students and member institutions by providing an online admission application—students may submit to any of the 391 plus members visit: https://www.commonapp.org/Login

Testing

When should students take the SAT/ACT for the first time?

Students should take the SAT and ACT their junior year. This will give students the opportunity to improve their weaknesses by the first scheduled test of their senior year.  Register for the SAT test at: http://www.collegeboard.com and for the ACT Test at: http://actstudent.org

What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?

Many educators believe that the SAT evaluates critical thinking and problem solving while the ACT is based on specific content and curriculum. Most colleges accept either test, while some colleges require SAT subject tests. Nearly 850 colleges are test-optional and do not require either the SAT or ACT. 

What is the average SAT score per section?

The average score is 500+ for Math, Reading, and Writing.

What are the average ACT scores schools are looking for?

The average score is 21+ and above.

If a student does not score well on the SAT, will he or she get into a good college, right?

Colleges use a “holistic” approach to evaluate applications for admission. Along with the test scores, they also consider the student’s grade point average, whether or not the student is enrolling in challenging courses, extra-curricular activities, and letters of recommendation and leadership roles the student has undertaken in high school. Some colleges have become “test optional”, which allows students to be admitted based on a high grade point average or additional letters of recommendation. 

When should I fill out the FAFSA?

You can complete the FAFSA on January 1st of every year: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Do parents have to wait to complete the FAFSA after they have filed their income taxes?

No, they can estimate.

Is their a different deadline by State for completing the FAFSA?

Yes, every state has a deadline - please check the state your schools are in to determine their deadline date. The state of Maryland deadline is March 1st of your Senior year.

What is a SAR report?

A SAR report summarizes the data from your completed FAFSA and indicates your official expected family contribution.

When should I create my (student and parent) FAFSA pin?

You can create you FAFSA pin as early as September of your senior year. Be sure to keep your pin in a safe place http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp.

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 their current pin.

How many scholarships should a student apply for?

Students should apply to as many scholarships as possible.