College Admissions

 The college admissions process can seem a bit overwhelming at first. In fact, many students are so intimidated by the process when they first begin that they put off working on their applications. This can be a very dangerous habit, as it can cause students to fall so far behind that they miss important application deadlines.

The college and university application process does not have to be an unpleasant one. With proper planning and some diligence, it can be an exciting and productive time. To get the most out the experience, try to turn the process into an excuse to do some real thinking about your future. Not only will you find the right college or university for you, but you'll also be able to formulate a long-term plan and set goals for the years ahead.

here to Apply for Financial Aid

Financial aid for higher education expenses is available from many sources. The first place a student should turn is the annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a single form that will determine a student's eligibility for multiple scholarships, grants, work study, and federal loan programs. Federally funded financial aid that can be obtained by filling out the FAFSA includes:

Pell Grant

Federal Work Study

Stafford Loans

Perkins Loans

Graduate PLUS Loans

Parent PLUS Loans

In addition to the federal programs, states offer their own grant and scholarships programs for resident students who will be attending an in-state college or university. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for these state programs as well.

The information entered into the FAFSA will be supplied to any college or university that a student requests using the corresponding Federal School Code. A student may request for the information to be sent to multiple schools, which means that a final decision about which school to attend does not have to made before filing the FAFSA.

students may apply for financial aid from private businesses, community organizations, religious institutions, and other sources. Some of the largest scholarships awarded each year come from private corporations. A high school guidance counselor can usually supply students with information about private financial aid programs. Students may also search the internet for potential scholarships and grants, or they can contact local businesses and organizations directly to inquire about possible financial aid programs.

A student who is interested in pursuing financial aid from a private source will need to obtain an application directly from the business or organization providing the funds. The FAFSA is not used to determine eligibility for this type of financial aid. These scholarships and grants will have deadlines that may be much earlier than the FAFSA deadline. Some financial aid programs require students to apply during their sophomore or junior years of high school. It's a good idea to begin thinking about and researching financial aid well before the senior year.

The most important thing you can do to streamline the application process is to start early. The earlier you begin researching potential college and university programs, the easier it will be for you to complete your applications on time. In the Spring before you apply, you should answer some basic questions about your preferences so that you can start to narrow down your search. Do you want to be a part of a small, medium or large student body? Are you going to be living on campus or commuting from home? Would you prefer an urban or more rural setting? What would you like to study, and which schools have the strongest programs? How much can you afford to pay in tuition, and will you need financial aid? Once you can answer these questions and other that you can think of, you can start to narrow down the colleges and universities that fit your ideal profile. Use college guidebooks from your local library or bookstore, and check out each school's website online.

In the Summer before you apply, you should try and visit as many of the schools on your list as possible. Take tours of the campuses, meet with current students, and sit in on classes if you can. The Summer is also a great time to schedule on campus interviews with admissions officers. By the Fall, your goal should be to have a final list of the schools you want to apply to, and to have obtained an application for each college and university on the list. Organize the applications by the date they are due, and then set realistic goals for completing them.

The task is much less onerous if you schedule it so that you only have to work on one small section of an application every day. If you plan far enough in advance, doing this little piece every day will still allow you to have your applications completed in advance of the deadline.