1. College Admissions 101

2. Topics Covered Today College Admissions Process
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Decision and Next Steps
Topics Covered Today

3. The College Admissions Process

4. Step 1: The College Search
Research Majors and Career interests
Consider your strengths and what you enjoy
Bigfuture.college board.org
Research Schools
Visit school websites, social media, college fairs and presentations, visiting colleges
Consider:
Location
Public vs. Private
Financial Aid vs. Cost
Average class size
Resources in reaching your career
Step 1: The College Search

5. Step 2: Applying to College
Application Requirements
Application – Common App, university website, Apply Texas, The Coalition App
Application fee (Fee waivers)
SAT or ACT scores
Official transcripts (HS, dual credit)
Letters of recommendation (if required)
Essay (if required)
Resume
Some majors may require additional steps (i.e. auditions, portfolios)
Types of Application Deadlines
Early Decision
Early Action
Priority Deadline
Rolling Admission
Step 2: Applying to College

6. Step 3: Admission What is considered? What is the timeframe?
Assured or Automatic Admission
Holistic Review
What is the timeframe?
When should you expect to hear back?
Rolling admission or Review?
Step 3: Admission

7. Financial Aid
Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

8. Step 4: Applying for Aid Scholarships University Scholarships
Community and Local Scholarships
Outside resources:
Fastweb.com, scholarships.com, collegegreenlight.com, chegg.com, Scholly App, Communities of Texas Foundation
Step 4: Applying for Aid

9. Step 4: Applying for Aid Need Based Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
FAFSA.gov
Opens October 1
Priority deadlines vary by university
Grants, Work Study, Loans
FAFSA is used to determine eligibility
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) & Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) are the biggest factors
CSS Profile
Not required by all institutions
Provided by the CollegeBoard
Step 4: Applying for Aid

10. Your Decision & Next Steps

11. Step 5: Make Your College Decision
Review and Compare Financial Aid Packages
Ask questions. Call the school/admission counselors directly
Make your decision
Make sure you are aware of decision deadlines
Don’t forget to celebrate!
Inform institution of decision to attend
Inform other institutions of decision to attend elsewhere
Next Steps
New Student program, housing, accept financial aid package
Step 5: Make Your College Decision

12. Remember- College is What You Make of It!
Life and college is a journey, not a race!