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Thursday, August 12, 2010

100. Going To College: Step-by-Step

To access "Going To College: Step-by-Step" as a PDF (for printing), just click this link: http://www.mrexcel.com/mvcap/GoingToCollege.pdf

It's time for seniors in the Class of 2011 to think about college! Here to assist you is a step-by-step approach--developed over almost 10 years--by the Mahoning Valley College Access Program (MVCAP). Just do and/or consider items that follow during this year and you’ll be off to college after you graduate from high school!

1) Undertake a career exploration to identify matches between a student's strengths/interests and various fields/occupations, emphasizing preparation required and job-opportunities.

For a student to begin a career exploration, identify your many strengths and interests--then seek careers that would make use of those.

When a student does a career exploration, he or she should determine what preparation a certain field requires--and what job opportunities exist! To read a blog-post entitled “10 Hottest Careers in America,” just click this link: http://moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/blog/college-solution/10-hottest-careers-in-america/2154/ For a pdf file of the actual report by the University of California, San Diego, click here: http://extension.ucsd.edu/about/images/careerReport.pdf

Perhaps the best question to ask yourself about careers is this: what job would you still love to do on a cold, dark, rainy Monday morning?

2) Begin a college search by determining which schools may best suit desired areas of study and academic programs as well as family finances. Once you've determined your career interest(s), seek schools that offer your desired area(s) of study.

For information on colleges in Northeast Ohio, click this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/03/41-colleges-in-northeast-ohio.html

You may be interested in reading the Huffington Post article by Steve Leveen, "College: It's not where you get in, but how you come out," at http://bit.ly/aP1M0x

To read the article "When Choosing A College, What Really Matters? click: http://www.unigo.com/articles/when_choosing_a_college,_what_really_matters%5E63/?taxonomyId=760028

To read the article "Price of education is likely debt," click on this link: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-07-23-comcol-debt_N.htm?csp=usat.me

To see some hazards of taking on too much loan-debt for college, click: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/03/43-student-loan-debt-part-ii.html

To see all Ohio colleges and universities, use that link under "OBR" in the left margin of our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

To see "Best Colleges 2010," use that link under "U.S. News & World Report" in the left margin of our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

For "Historically Black Colleges & Universities," look under "U.S. News" in the left margin of our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

For Part 2: "Answers on Historically Black Colleges and Universities," click this link: http://nyti.ms/bIpeWz

To read a summary of the various guides that "rank" colleges, click on the post "Which College Rankings Set Should You Use," by Danielle Wiener-Bronner on The Huffington Post of 9/14/10, at this link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/danielle-wienerbronner/which-college-rankings-se_b_716526.html

To see "National University Rankings," look under "U.S. News & World Report" in the left margin of our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

To see "Liberal Arts Rankings," look under "U.S.News & World Report" in the left margin of our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

To explore "Colleges That Change Lives," hit the link "CTCL Members" in the left margin of our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

To see "Christian Colleges & Universities," try the link "Member Schools" in the left margin of our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

For "National Catholic College Admission Assoc.,"use "Search for a school" in the left margin of our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

To continue your college search, think how close to home you want to stay; how large a school you'd like; & do you prefer public or private?

An important consideration in any college search is whether you can afford--with need-based & merit financial aid--a particular college.

One of the hazards in doing a college search today is neglecting to consider the "mountain of debt" you may be accumulating at some schools.

Maybe the key question to ask yourself about a college search is this one: in which school(s) can I not just survive--but really thrive!

Learn about your schools of interest at a free Virtual College Fair; register at http://www.collegeweeklive.com/

GoodSearch or Google the Common Data Set for schools you're interested in; pay attention to Part C and H. To find out more, click this link:http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/03/42-common-data-set-cds.html

If you are considering Ohio State, you can access its Common Data Set (CDS): http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/03/42-common-data-set-cds.html

If you are considering Miami (OH), you can access its Common Data Set (CDS): http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/03/42-common-data-set-cds.html

If you are considering Ohio U., you can print out its Common Data Set (CDS): http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/03/42-common-data-set-cds.html

3) Seek information about preparation, fee-waivers (if applicable), and registration, either online or mailing by deadlines, for the ACT.

Now is the time to register for the next ACT; you can do this online (http://www.act.org/)--if you have a valid credit card.

If you qualify for free- or reduced-price lunch at your school, you might get a fee-waiver to register for the ACT free; ask your counselor!

ACT score (0-36) is important--not just for admission to college but also to be awarded merit financial aid: the higher a score, the better!

The ACT is challenging because it's a power test--that is, one with time-limits for each section: students who don't finish may lose points.

Know the deadline to register for the ACT; you can do this online (http://www.act.org/)--if you have a valid credit card.

At 5 weeks before the ACT: To do well, prepare--by knowing the test format (i.e., "test-wiseness") as well as the four content areas.

According to ACT, answer the easy questions first, skipping harder ones; then, return to the more difficult questions--if you have time.

Per the ACT, "your score on the test will be based only on the number of questions you answer correctly"--therefore, answer every question.

ACT strategy: familiarize yourself with content of the 4 tests; refresh your knowledge and skills in each area; and know what you haven't had.

A key to doing well on the ACT is practice: do the 4 practice tests in the free booklet Preparing for the ACT--and use a timer on each one!

At 4 weeks before the ACT: begin your practice by taking the Reading test (p. 34 of Preparing for the ACT); use a timer/watch.

On the ACT Reading test, there are 40 questions to finish in 35 minutes, which means you have less than 60 seconds per answer--so work fast!

The ACT Reading test asks what is explicitly stated in several texts as well as implicit meanings; hence, refer back to the passages often.

The ACT Reading test is based on four types of reading selections: social studies, natural sciences, prose fiction, and the humanities.

There will be four passages in the ACT Reading test; scan the questions for each selection before reading so you'll know what's being asked.

At 3 weeks before the ACT: continue your practice by taking the English test (p. 14 of Preparing for the ACT); use a timer/watch.

On the ACT English test, there are 75 questions to finish in 45 minutes--which means, on average, 36 seconds per answer, so read/work fast!

The ACT English tests on punctuation, grammar/usage, sentence structure, strategy, organization, & style--but not on spelling & vocabulary.

The ACT English has five essays to read, followed by multiple choice questions--about an underlined portion, section, or the entire passage.

On ACT English, before you answer a question on an underlined portion, read what is underlined; if it is the best answer, mark "NO CHANGE."

At 2 weeks before the ACT: continue your practice by taking the Math test (p. 26 of Preparing for the ACT); use a timer/watch.

On the ACT Math test, there are 60 questions to finish in 60 minutes--which means, on average, 1 minute per answer, so read and work fast!

ACT Math tests on pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry--so review!

All the ACT Math problems can be solved without using a calculator--in fact, some are best done without one; hence, choose when to use it!

On ACT Math, solve the problem, locate your solution among the answer choices, make sure your answer is reasonable--then, check your work!

At 5 days until the ACT: continue practicing by taking the Science test (p. 42 of Preparing for the ACT); use a timer/watch.

4 days until the ACT: the Science test is 40 questions in 35 minutes--which means less than 1 minute per answer: work fast!

3 days until the ACT: the ACT Science tests on biology, chemistry, physics, and the Earth/space sciences--so get set!

2 days until the ACT: the ACT Science test emphasizes scientific reasoning skills over recall of scientific content.

1 day until the ACT: remember to bring your admission ticket, acceptable ID, #2 pencils w/ erasers, watch, and basic calculator.

If you took the ACT, exhale; if you didn't, make certain you register by the next regular deadline.

4) Use an online estimator, like that on the website of the ACT (http://webapps01.act.org/fane/docs/) to determine your financial need by calculating the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for the first year of college.

5) Compare EFC to costs of any colleges of interest, via a website like the link on the ACT site at http://webapps01.act.org/fane/docs/

6) Search local resources, college viewbooks, and Internet sites to identify scholarships, tuition-discounts, and gift-aid.

Try using a free scholarship search & e-mail notification site, like Fastweb at the link http://www.fastweb.com/

7) Consider the advantage of Early-Decision and Early-Action options vs. regular admissions.

8) Select 3-6 colleges to apply to, based on the following student data:
a. strengths and interests;
b. desired career fields and corresponding academic programs;
c. high school curriculum completed;
d. grade-point average;
e. ACT/SAT scores; and
f. opportunity for financial aid, related to need (EFC) and merit (GPA, ACT/SAT score.)

Read blogs of 6 students on their college admission decisions at this link: http://bit.ly/xGU2J

Parents, Read This if Your Child Is Applying to College - Professors' Guide (usnews.com) http://bit.ly/5qwBPI

College Applications: 7 Things to Do Now - CBS MoneyWatch.com http://bit.ly/4uF9EB

College interview advice from an admissions director http://bit.ly/8lxtl5

AdmissionsAdvice.com: Seven Rules For College Admissions Success http://bit.ly/C1TEw

5 simple tips for writing your college application essay: http://bit.ly/5iCVm

How to get the best letters of reference - CharlotteObserver.com http://bit.ly/2nkg7V

Straightforward college admissions advice from Vanderbilt's dean http://bit.ly/3RFXEb

To see all Ohio colleges and universities, use that link under "OBR" in the left margin of our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

9) Schedule a campus visit with your parent(s) or other supportive adult(s); evaluate your visit to consider “goodness of fit.”

10) Complete and submit online or paper applications for admission by deadlines.

You can use the link "Online Applications" in the left margin of our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

To apply to several colleges, use the link "The Common Application" in the left margin of our MVCAP blog at http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

11) Both student and parent undertake the online PIN application process, complete and submit, by priority deadlines for financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/).

To be considered for financial aid, including federal and state grants, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To start your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), student and parent apply for a PIN at http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp

To see a Draft FAFSA for 2010-2011, click that link under FAFSA in the left margin of our MVCAP blog at http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

To see which documents students and parents will need to file the FAFSA, they can check out this link: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before003.htm

If your goal is to file a FAFSA by 2/1/10 for priority consideration for financial aid, prepare your IRS Form 1040, 1040 EZ, or 1040 A now!

To view "The Five Minute FAFSA Video" for an introduction to completing that form, check out a link: http://www.finaid.org/fafsa/video.phtml

To search for a Federal School Code before filing your FAFSA online, check out this link: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/FSLookupServlet

Start completing a 2010-2011 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet from your guidance office--or download one at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before012.htm

To learn more about financial aid, click this link to our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/11/1-confused-about-college-financial-aid.html

To begin understanding the concept of "financial need," click this link to our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/11/2-financial-need.html

To get an overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), click this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/11/3-fafsa.html

To learn about the Student Aid Report (SAR) you'll receive after filing the FAFSA, click here: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/11/4-sar.html

To learn about the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) you'll get from filing a FAFSA, click: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/11/5-efc.html

To learn about a Financial-Aid Package a college will award you, click here: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/11/6-financial-aid-package.html

To learn about Gift-Aid a college may put in your financial-aid package, click this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/11/7-gift-aid.html

To learn about Self-Help colleges may put in your financial-aid package, click this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/11/8-self-help.html

See how students with an EFC of $0 can go to college locally: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/11/21-efc-of-0-go-to-college-in-valley-for.html

To see an outline of common criteria for merit aid, click this link to our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/11/14-merit-aid.html

To read an explanation of need-based aid, click this link to our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/11/15-need-based-aid.html

To calculate how much a college may cost you, check out this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/11/16-how-much-will-college-cost-me.html

To read an update from Money on college costs, click this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/12/22-college-more-expensive-than-ever.html

To see a survey on how U.S. families pay for college, click: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/12/23-survey-finds-that-many-families-dont.html

To learn about saving for college with a 529 plan, click this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/12/24-529-savings-plan-for-college.html

To compare the tuition of 168 colleges in Ohio, click:
http://www.collegeview.com/SearchSchools.do?state=48&location=1500&referLocation=4860

To see tax credits for college in the stimulus bill, click: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/12/25-stimulus-bill-offers-tax-credit-for.html

Watch an ABC 20/20 video and decide "Is College Worth It?" here: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/12/26-john-stossel-is-college-worth-it.html

To read about students choosing colleges in this recession, click: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/12/28-college-applicants-forego-dream.html

See factors--including finances--that stress college dropouts: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/12/31-college-dropouts-cite-low-money-and.html

Read an article on the average loan-debt of college seniors: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2009/12/32-average-debt-for-graduating-college.html

To access the information on financial aid of FinAid! just click this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/02/38-financial-aid-websites.html

To find information on financial aid from the College Board, click here: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/02/38-financial-aid-websites.html

To find information on financial aid from Peterson's, access this site: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/02/38-financial-aid-websites.html

To see information on financial aid from the U.S. Dept. of Ed., click here: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/02/38-financial-aid-websites.html

For student accounts of loan-debt from college, hit this from HuffPost College: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/02/39-student-loan-debt.html

Lindsay Carroll, 21, Pitt, has $15,000 loan-debt; see why at HuffPost College: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/02/39-student-loan-debt.html

To seek scholarship opportunities that may fit you, investigate fastweb at http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/02/40-search-for-scholarships.html

12) Interpret the Student Aid Report (SAR), received after submitting the FAFSA, to determine EFC and financial need.

13) Interpret and compare Financial-Aid Award Offer letters from colleges to figure the “bottom line” (i.e., out-of-pocket expenses), monthly payments, and loan-debt.

With parents or other supportive adults, consider loans as well as grants, scholarships, & work-study programs.

With parents or other adults, learn more about tax credits, deductions, & other options to help pay for college.

14) If necessary, request “reconsiderations” of financial-aid packages.

15) Decide a college to attend and which financial-aid package component(s) to accept.

16) If eligible, complete and submit an MVCAP Last-Dollar Scholarship Application by June 1.

For a funny, informative, first-hand student view of college, access the new KnowHow2GOOhio blog at http://knowhow2goohio.wordpress.com/

There are lots of myths--that is, mistaken beliefs--about college; want the facts? Get some myth-busting information at KnowHow2GOOhio.org

Myth #1—It’s better to get good grades in easy courses than to get lower grades in hard ones. Tough courses prepare you well for college.

Myth #2—You need to decide on a career before you can choose a school. College is a time to explore; keep your options open. You have time.

Myth #3—You can’t get into college if you did poorly in ninth or tenth grade. Improvement indicates a student can and will do the work.

Become a follower of our new MVCAP blog--which contains information about college admissions & financial aid--at http://mvcap.blogspot.com/

Myth #4—If you haven’t heard of a school, it can’t be very good. Research colleges in your counselor’s office, online, or in the library.

Myth #5—Many extracurricular activities will make up for poor grades.Colleges assess academic performance first--so do your schoolwork well!

Myth #6—The time to visit colleges is after you're accepted. You may find none of your firstchoice schools “feel” right when you visit.

Myth #7—Only the very best students receive financial aid from colleges. Some grants--like the Federal Pell--are based on financial need.

Ways Adults Can Help--Recruit parents or other supportive adults to help you continue your education after high school. Together you can!

Ways Adults Can Help--Recruit your parents or other adults so you can make high school count by preparing academically for higher education.

Ways Adults Can Help—With your parents or other adults, discuss your skills, interests, & career options as well as colleges to consider.

Ways Adults Can Help--With your parents or other adults, meet w/ your guidance counselor to discuss which schools match your abilities.

Ways Adults Can Help—With your parents or other adults, get info about schools you’re interested in, including facts on financial aid.

Ways Adults Can Help—With your parents or other supportive adults, save money as early as possible to help pay for your college education.

You've taken the ACT, applied & been accepted, filed your FAFSA, you're getting your financial-aid award offer letters: now, what's next?

After you've applied & been accepted, filed your FAFSA, & gotten your financial-aid award offer letters, you must next decipher those letters.

To decipher your financial-aid award offer letters, read Part I of Lynn O'Shaughnessy's article at this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/03/44-understanding-financial-aid-award.html

To analyze your financial-aid award offer letters, read Part II: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/03/44-understanding-financial-aid-award.html

Now, calculate the "net price" of the college(s) you'd like to attend: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/03/45-calculating-net-price-of-college.html

Next, figure the up-front, out-of-pocket cost of your college(s): http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/03/45-calculating-net-price-of-college.html

An important question to ask, according to Penelope Wang in her article from the April 2010 Money magazine, is "Can we afford this college?" If you can't afford to attend the college of your choice, you can ask your financial-aid officer to "reconsider" your financial-aid award; click: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/50-ask-for-reconsideration.html

Still trying to decide which college to attend? Make a(nother) visit! Read #1: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/51-college-visits.html

If you're planning a visit to decide which college to attend, read #2 on our blog at this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/51-college-visits.html

You can access data on "for-profit" schools from the U.S. Dept of Ed at this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/53-proprietary-educational-institutions.html

If you were put on a college's or university's "wait-list," click this link to our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/56-wait-list.html

Still seeking money for college? Read Lynn O'Shaughnessy's "4 Ways to Win A Scholarship": http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/54-college-scholarships.html

Still need money for college? See Lynn O'Shaughnessy's "The Best Places to Find College Cash": http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/54-college-scholarships.html

Got money for college? See Lynn O'Shaughnessy's "The Myth About College Scholarships": http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/54-college-scholarships.html

Advised by MVCAP, have an EFC <$4,000, & unmet need >$1,000? Apply: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/03/46-mvcap-last-dollar-scholarship.html

Private colleges or universities can discount tuition for students; click this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/62-discounts-for-college-tuition.html

If you're still seeking money for college, see some unusual scholarships: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/63-unusual-scholarships.html

Do Many Students Take Out College Loans? Link to our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/61-do-many-students-take-out-college.html

Shop around for college loans; check out the article on our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/58-shopping-for-student-loans.html

How much should you take out in college loans? Read our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/59-how-much-should-student-borrow-for.html

How much should parents take out in college loans? See this link: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/60-how-much-should-parents-borrow-for.html

For a compilation of links about college loans, refer to this posting on our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/57-college-loans.html

To review the statistics on student borrowing for college, click this posting on our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/64-who-borrows-most.html

To read Lynn O'Shaughnessy's "12 Facts About Student Loan Borrowers," click this link to our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/64-who-borrows-most.html

May 1 is the deadline to let a college or university know if you plan to enroll there; be sure to meet that deadline: act today, if you haven't already!

You go to college to graduate; for graduation rates of Ohio colleges & universities, click: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/65-graduation-rates-in-ohio.html

Who graduates in 4 years? See a study of MVCAP advisees on our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/04/68-who-graduates-in-four-years.html

Need to borrow money to pay for college? Learn the differences between federal and private loans at http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/05/69-government-or-private-loans.html

Still looking for a college? See U.S. schools with space available for fall: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/05/70-space-availability-survey-2010.html

Still short of money to pay for college? See this link on our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/05/71-still-need-money-for-college.html

Before focusing on college, finish senior year well: work hard through the last day of classes, turn in your assignments, & pass all tests and exams.

Before focusing on college, finish your senior year well: turn in all textbooks, pay any fines owed, & thank your teachers & administrators.

Your college will want a final transcript from your high school; therefore, make certain you have met all obligations--academic & financial.

If your 1st-choice college plan doesn't work out, have a Plan B; hit this link to our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/05/73-plan-b.html

If you question whether you should go to college, others also wonder; click this article on our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/05/75-is-college-degree-essential.html

You may have to take remedial coursework in college; for info, click our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/05/74-remedial-coursework.html

Is college necessary? For some info, click this link to our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/05/77-do-you-need-to-go-to-college.html

If you must consider a private loan for college, shop around! Hit: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/05/78-interest-rates-vary-for-private.html

If you wonder what % of various groups goes to college & earns a degree, click this link to our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/05/76-higher-education-data.html

See a "to-do" list before starting college at this link on our blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/05/72-to-do-list-before-leaving-for.html

If you need more financial aid for college, link to our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/05/80-how-to-get-more-financial-aid.html

Once you know your financial-aid package, inquire what your first bill will be & when it's due; then, make sure you'll have money to pay it!

See what to take to college as a freshman at this link to our MVCAP blog: http://mvcap.blogspot.com/2010/05/82-what-to-take-to-college.html

You may be able to save money on many items you'll need for your college dorm room by picking them up this summer at yard & garage sales!

Remember: the point of college isn't just going--it's to graduate. You can go to college--and graduate! Best of luck to you now & always.