mefa's guide to college admissions
TRANSCRIPT
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MEFA’s Guide toCollege Admissions
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• Current trends• Your college list• Campus visits• The application process• Financial aid• Free resources
Topics
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• Students are beginning 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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• Do your research
• 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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Develop final list with 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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FREE college and career 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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Informal visits– Touring the 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 VisitsLook beyond the brochures and websites
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• Check out the 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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Whichever option you choose, don’t leave things to the last minute!
• Regular Decision• Early Action• Early Decision• Rolling Admission• Open AdmissionDeadlines are important! Make sure to keep track.
College Application Options
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• 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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Your transcript is more 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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• PSAT for practice 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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• Includes extracurricular talents 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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Your application essay says 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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Adults who know you 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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A face-to-face conversation lets colleges seethe 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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• Increasing in popularity• 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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Research costs and financial 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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Staying on Track Through Senior YearSpring/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 YourPlanForTheFutureto stay organized.
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• Net Price Calculators 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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(800) 449-MEFA (6332)
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