College Planning
Considerations for FVL’s Incoming 9th Graders
WHY COLLEGE?
In today’s specialized society, college seems to be the first best step in pursuing a successful and fulfilling career, and more importantly, to prepare for life-long service to Christ.. College is not only where you explore different career options but also where you learn essential job skills.
“But college is so far off,” you may be thinking. “It’s too early to start preparing now.” Think again! Planning for college takes time. There are lots of things you need to know and do. Now is exactly when you need to think about what you want to do after high school. The choices you make today will determine your life tomorrow.
The Four Steps to College
1. Be a Pain – Get help with plans for college (e.g., parents, teachers, counselors, friends, etc.)
2. Push Yourself – Find out what classes are needed to take in high school to meet college entrance requirements. Colleges accept students who’ve taken the necessary challenging courses.
a. Study hard, turn in all assignments on time, and do your best to earn good grades.
b. Read, read, read!
c. Participate in service and cocurricular activities to acquire a well-rounded education.
3.
Find the Right Fit – There are more
than 6,500 two and four-year colleges, universities and trade schools in the
a. Explore different occupations, and talk with friends and family about possible career and college choices.
b. Review your academic strengths and weaknesses.
c. Make a list of preferred colleges, and visit the campuses to help you get a feel for college and keep you excited about going.
4. Get Your Hands on Some Cash – There is money available to help you pay for college or technical school. Each year, Federal Student Aid gives eligible students over $80 billion through grants, work-study programs, and loans. There is also over $50 billion in state, institutional and private funds! Fill our the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal financial aid as well as scholarships and grants from many sate, regional and private aid programs. Also:
a. Stay informed which scholarship opportunities that exist through the FVL Guidance dept. A complete listing is regularly-posted in the Guidance web site found at www.fvlhs.org.
b. With your parent or guardian, attend programs about financial planning or affording college at your school, church, or in the community.
c. If you’re a senior in high school, fill out the FAFSA. You can submit it as early as January 1. Consider submitting year-old data and revising once you have the previous tax year’s data. This procedure is advantageous because it gets you “in line” for financial aid earlier.
d. Not yet a senior? Not a problem! Go to www.FAFSA4caster.ed.gov to get an estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid.
KNOW THE FACTS, BUST
THE MYTHS
Myth #1 – It’s better to get good grades in easy courses than to get average grades in more difficult courses.
Fact – It’s true that higher grades look better on a college application. However, the more you challenge yourself now, the better prepared you’ll be for success in college-level coursework. A college prep course load with as many Advanced or Honors-level courses for which you are eligible will prepare you much more for college success. Course “rigor” is what college admissions representatives look for even more than GPA’s.
Myth #2 – You need to
decide on a career before you can choose a college.
Fact – For many, college is a time to explore. Many students discover their ideal field while taking a course they didn’t expect to like. If you aren’t ready to decide on a major or a career, choose a college that allows you to keep your options open. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to adjust plans.
Myth #3 – You can’t get
into college if you did poorly in 9th or 10th grade.
Fact – While a strong start in high school is certainly helpful to establish a higher GPA and solid work habits, colleges look for improvement in performance as a sign that a student can and will succeed. In fact, a vast improvement as a junior and senior indicates to a college admissions panel that the applicant has grown as a student. Such a student is sometimes referred to as a “late bloomer.”
Myth #4 – The best time
to visit colleges is after you have been accepted.
Fact – Many students fall for this myth, only to find that none of their first-choice colleges “feel” right when they actually visit them. Try to visit colleges before you apply, and again, if possible, after you are accepted. Make the visit with your family or a mentor. Use college visit checklists and guidelines provided by FVL’s Guidance dept. or found online.
Myth #5 – Only the very
best students receive financial aid from colleges.
Fact – Although high-ability students or students with special talents may receive merit-based scholarships, many scholarships are based on financial need or service performed. Colleges generally want students they’ve admitted to be able to attend and will help them find the resources to do so.
TEN WAYS ADULTS CAN
HELP
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1. Make high school count by preparing academically for higher education. |
6. Visit college campuses, and ask lots of questions. |
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2. Discuss your child’s skills, interests and career options as a well as the schools to consider attending. |
7. Apply for admission to college as early as possible. Do NOT wait for deadlines. |
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3. Meet with your student’s high school Guidance counselor or a college advisor to determine which schools match interests and abilities. |
8. Apply for financial aid. Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. |
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4. Gather information about such schools, including information on financial aid. |
9. Consider loan programs in addition to scholarships, grants and work-study programs. Complete any necessary applications or forms, and submit them well before the deadlines. |
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5. Save money as early as possible to help pay for your college education. |
10. Learn more about tax credits, deductions and other options for managing education expenses. |