Navigating the College Search Jordan Bryant Director of Undergraduate Admissions Trinity International University

Outline Standardized Testing The Application Process Maximizing the Campus Visit Financial Aid

The SAT SAT: Made up of three sections -Math -Critical Reading -Writing Each section worth 800 points “Wrong Answer Penalty”

The ACT Made up of Four Sections – Math – Critical Reading – Natural Science – English Writing (Optional Section) Composite score ranges from 1-36 No “wrong answer penalty”

Application Process Know the Terminology: – Early Admission – Early Action Binding Decision – Rolling Admission Know Deadlines – Fee Waiver – Application Deadline Know Timeline for Decision

College Search Timeline Junior Year: – Take ACT and SAT – Visit at least two schools – Identify “wants” and “needs” – Browse websites – Begin Searching for Outside Scholarships

Senior Year Overview September - November: Apply for admission January: Complete and submit FAFSA March - April: – Receive notification of financial aid from college/universities – Make Final Campus Visit(s) May 1 st : Deposit to School of Choice

Application Process Know the Terminology: – Early Admission – Early Action Binding Decision – Rolling Admission Know Deadlines – Fee Waiver – Application Deadline Know Timeline for Decision

Admissions Committees Want: Well-rounded Students – Quality Academics – Extracurricular Activities A Strong Writing Sample – ACT/SAT Writing Sample – Essay

Trinity Hall, the newest residence hall on TIU’s Deerfield Campus Admissions:  Schedule visit in advance  Be as specific as possible  Meet with Admissions Counselor  Take a campus tour  Observe, observe, observe Financial Aid:  Identify financial aid opportunities and requirements Maximizing the Campus Visit

Academics: Investigate your academic program(s) Attend a class Meet with a faculty member Discuss your chances for success: Admission Graduation Placement Checklist Continued Photo of the Waybright Center at TIU

Know if your visit is personalized or “mass produced” Visit During the School Year Come prepared with questions that matter to you Other Visit Reminders Photo of the Waybright Center at TIU

Financial Aid Steps needed to receive financial aid Student is accepted for Admission Student completes FAFSA and other aid applications Student’s aid package determined Never eliminate a school based on “sticker price”

FAFSA: How it all begins! Tips to Remember: – File after January 1, 2015 using estimates – It is FREE!!! Don’t Pay for a FAFSA EFC - Expected Family Contribution – This number does not necessarily mean how much you will pay for college. The FAFSA is the starting point for almost all financial aid.

Government Aid Grants (“Free Money”) – Federal – State Loans (“Need to pay it back”) – Stafford – Perkins – PLUS

School Contribution Types of Aid – Academic Scholarships – Ability Based (Athletic and Music) – Entitlements (based on parents, state, church, siblings) – Need-based

Family Contribution Four Primary Sources – Outside scholarships Inquire with your high-school guidance counselor, church, service clubs, parents work etc. NEVER pay for a scholarship search!!! – Savings – Monthly payment plan – Loans

Scholarship Search Engines Fastweb.com CollegeBoard.com CollegeNet.com Scholarships.com ScholarshipMonkey.com

In Conclusion Paying for a college education is an “investment” Involve as many people as possible Identify your top “wants” and “needs” Questions, questions, and more questions Know that where the Lord leads, He always provides!

Questions? Reminders: – If you would like your son or daughter to receive communication from Trinity, please fill out the “Request Information” link on tiu.edu/be – My contact information: Jordan Bryant, Director of Undergraduate Admissions Phone:

Trinity College Distinctive Programs 3 Year Degree Option 5 Year Pre-seminary Mdiv Dual Degrees Emerging Kingdom Leaders Program