Just a reminder - it is not generally wise to wait until senior year to start thinking about college. Many colleges open admissions to new students early in the calendar year, although some very selective programs begin reviewing applications earlier than that. Certainly it is possible to get admitted to many colleges later in the year, but not all. Generally the most competitive programs admit a limited number of new students for the coming academic year.
Most colleges also require test scores from the ACT and/or SAT to consider a student for admission. So that testing should be done in a timely manner in order to have scores available. High school counselors should have information about college preparatory/admissions tests, so even if information is not offered, students should ask for it. Both programs have preparatory or practice tests that can be taken prior to taking the actual test.
Additionally, students applying for financial aid should do so as soon after the beginning of the calendar year as possible. Generally, the student applying for financial aid needs to include information about their and their parents' income taxes from the previous calendar year. So, if you are applying for aid for this coming autumn, the tax returns filed recently would be needed and for the 2009-2010 academic year (not the coming school year), you will need information from the 2008 income tax returns. In addition to federal and/or state aid that may be available, the student may want to check for other sources of financial assistance. There are a number of organizations and groups that offer scholarships, grants, etc. to students who meet their criteria. In general, you have to reapply for most forms of financial aid every year.
All of that requires some advance planning and preparation. One last word of caution - if you need to take out a student loan, I encourage you not to borrow more than is actually needed to cover tuition, etc. You can reduce some of the stress associated with a college education by planning ahead and taking some action on a timely basis.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
It is surprising how many high schoolers wait to apply. When they do, the only openings are the public colleges with lower admission standards in some of their departments. Could a 2-year college be a better entry choice for the late starters?
ReplyDeleteHello Tom,
ReplyDeleteYes, certainly a 2-year college is a good starting place for many students - not just those who start the application process late. That is a good point.
I just encourage students to determine their goals to make sure the program or courses they take wherever they start will move them toward that goal.