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Getting Started
Getting Started
Where do I begin?
Where do I begin?
There are so many choices when it comes to college. Start by thinking about what is important to you and your own, personal values. This free Corsava website can help you with this process. Once you have an idea of what your core values are when it comes to college, start looking using the resources available to you like College Board's Big Future "Find your Future" search tool. Some topics you might want to evaluate to help define your values include:
Do you want to stay in-state or go out of state? Do you have a specific location in mind?
Would you prefer to study at a smaller college or be at a larger school?
Do you have a preference between attending a public school or a private school?
How selective would you like your school to be? (GPA, Class Rank, Testing Requirements)
Is there something specific you would like to study?
Are there specific clubs or activities you'd like to participate in? (Sports, Student Government, Theater, Music, etc.)
Narrowing it Down
Narrowing it Down
How do I know if a college is right for me?
How do I know if a college is right for me?
Once you've defined your values and found a school or schools that fit what you're looking for, it's time to decide if the school is a good fit for you. The best way to figure out if a school is a good fit is to visit the campus. Colleges and universities offer a lot of opportunities for visits! Check out the school's website for more information. If you can't afford to travel and the school is out of state, they may offer fly-in programs for you to visit for free. Most schools also offer a virtual tour if you're unable to make it to their campus. We have a lot of great schools here in New Mexico as well! Here are some ways to see the school and evaluate if it's a good fit:
Once you've defined your values and found a school or schools that fit what you're looking for, it's time to decide if the school is a good fit for you. The best way to figure out if a school is a good fit is to visit the campus. Colleges and universities offer a lot of opportunities for visits! Check out the school's website for more information. If you can't afford to travel and the school is out of state, they may offer fly-in programs for you to visit for free. Most schools also offer a virtual tour if you're unable to make it to their campus. We have a lot of great schools here in New Mexico as well! Here are some ways to see the school and evaluate if it's a good fit:
- Preview days geared toward graduating seniors to highlight student life at that school
- Campus tours that are hosted by a current student or employee
- Self-guided tours are often available online for you to utilize if you're just passing through or if no scheduled tours are offered at the time of your visit
- Summer programs are often offered on college campuses for students before their senior year. Check with the school you're interested in to see if they have any summer programs that you can enroll in!
We also host college representatives throughout the year who come to tell you about their school. If you can't make it to them, we can help have them come to you!
We also host college representatives throughout the year who come to tell you about their school. If you can't make it to them, we can help have them come to you!
Considering the Cost
Considering the Cost
How important is the cost when first considering a school?
How important is the cost when first considering a school?
It is not important yet! You will not know what the finances look like until you're a senior, apply to the school, complete your FAFSA and receive a financial aid award letter from that institution. You should avoid what we call "sticker shock," which happens when you look at the cost of attendance, fees, room & board. This number does not take into account any financial aid you may be eligible for. You can, however, research costs using a net price calculator.
It is not important yet! You will not know what the finances look like until you're a senior, apply to the school, complete your FAFSA and receive a financial aid award letter from that institution. You should avoid what we call "sticker shock," which happens when you look at the cost of attendance, fees, room & board. This number does not take into account any financial aid you may be eligible for. You can, however, research costs using a net price calculator.
Something important to consider when comparing two schools: School A might have a lower tuition cost, but School B might have more financial aid to offer. Again, this is not something you would know for sure until after you complete the FAFSA and other financial aid steps when you're applying to schools as a senior.
Something important to consider when comparing two schools: School A might have a lower tuition cost, but School B might have more financial aid to offer. Again, this is not something you would know for sure until after you complete the FAFSA and other financial aid steps when you're applying to schools as a senior.
Questions??
Questions??
This process can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! If you have any questions or want to explore your options with someone, please reach out to Ms. Boivin for support. She can meet with you one-on-one and provide some guidance in the college process.
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