Truths and Myths

1. About Getting into College Truths and Myths

2. Step 1: Fill Out the Application Truth or Myth? College applications are expensive. It’s a Myth: It’s true that some college applications can be expensive, especially if you apply to a lot of schools. But it’s more myth than truth. Private colleges and universities often waive application fees based on financial need. Some state and private colleges/universities have a “common application,” which means you can fill out one application for admission at a group of colleges. Community colleges often have a free application.

3. Step 1: Fill Out the Application • It’s a Myth (mostly): • It’s true that some college applications can be expensive if you apply to a lot of schools. • Private colleges and universities often waive application fees based on financial need. • Some state and private colleges/universities have a “common application,” which means you can fill out one application for admission at a group of colleges. • Community colleges often have a free application.

4. Step 1: Fill Out the Application Truth or Myth? You can apply to a college 1-2 weeks before classes start.

5. Step 1: Fill Out the Application • It’s a Myth: • Most 4-year colleges and university applications are due in winter or early spring – months before you will attend. • Community colleges also request applications early – generally you want to meet with an advisor to plan your schedule by mid to late May. • Classes fill up quickly!

6. Step 2: Complete Financial Aid Truth or Myth? Applying for Financial Aid is FREE.

7. Step 2: Complete Financial Aid • It’s True: • The first F in FAFSA stands for FREE! • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the form you fill out in order to determine eligibility for Financial Aid. • Never pay for Financial Aid services! They are always free at the college you plan to attend.

8. Step 2: Complete Financial Aid Truth or Myth? It takes 4-6 weeks to complete the FAFSA process.

9. Step 2: Complete Financial Aid • It’s True: • Processing time is key. Because it can take awhile, you want to file EARLY!

10. Step 3: and Apply for Scholarships Truth or Myth? You have to have excellent grades to be eligible for scholarships.

11. Step 3: and Apply for Scholarships • It’s a Myth: • There are all different types of scholarships! • Search for them with your school guidance counselor, with you advisor at your college or on your college’s website. • Tons of free scholarships are at www.fastweb.com

12. Step 4: Send Your High School Transcripts Truth or Myth? Your college GPA will be affected by your high school grades.

13. Step 4: Send Your High School Transcripts • It’s a Myth (mostly): • In college, your GPA starts over at O.OO! • Your high school classes have no impact. • That is, unless you took dual-enrolled courses (for both high school and college credit). • Any course you took in high school that is a college class will be calculated into your college GPA.

14. Step 5: Assess for Success Truth or Myth? You always have to have a certain ACT, SAT or COMPASS score to go to college.

15. Step 5: Assess for Success • It’s a Myth: • Make sure to check with requirements if you plan to attend a 4-year, selective admissions college or university. • Some colleges require you to take the ACT, SAT, or some will ask for another type of assessment (a portfolio, essay, or project) instead of test scores. • Most colleges look at the overall student – not just your test scores. • Community Colleges will take ACT/COMPASS scores for placement, but are open admissions and do not require a certain score for admission.

16. Step 6: College Orientation Truth or Myth? Parents or family members should not attend orientation with you.

17. Step 6: College Orientation • It’s a Myth: • It’s always good to have a second set of ears with you, since you’ll get a lot of information! • If your parent isn’t available, ask a trusted mentor or teacher to attend with you. • Some colleges even have separate sessions just for families.

18. Step 7: Student Living Options Truth or Myth? Student housing can cost as much or more than tuition.

19. Step 7: Student Living Options • It’s True (mostly): • At many 4-year colleges or universities, housing costs can be a thousand or a few thousand dollars more than tuition. • Some colleges include housing in the total cost. • Make sure to inquire about housing costs and if it’s possible for you to live at home.

20. Step8: Paying for College Truth or Myth? You can be dropped from your classes if you don’t pay for them.

21. Step8: Paying for College • It’s True: • Though you probably won’t be asked to pay the entire cost up front, most colleges will require you to either set up a payment plan or show that you have filed for Financial Aid before classes begin.

22. Step 9: Textbooks and Other Class Materials Truth or Myth? You have to purchase your own textbooks in college.

23. Step 9: Textbooks and Other Class Materials • It’s True: • Students sometimes spend more than $500 on textbooks for a semester of classes. • That said, there are options at many bookstores to rent text books. • If you are tech savvy, you might purchase a cheaper eText for your course. • Be careful buying textbooks online or from friends: you want to make sure you have the right edition.

24. Step 10: What next? Truth or Myth? Now is the time to apply to college.

25. Step 10: What next? • It’s True: • Before you leave today, ask for a college application and talk with a college representative!