Guidance department trinity high school
Early Decision and Early Action
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- Early Decision vs. Early Action
- Should I Apply Under One of These Plans
- Which Colleges Offer Early Plans
Early Decision and Early ActionSource: www.collegeboard.org If you find a college that you're sure is right for you, consider applying early. Early decision and early action plans allow you to apply early (usually in November) and get an admission decision from the college well before the usual spring notification date. You know by December or January whether you've been accepted at your first-choice college. Sometimes, students who apply under these plans have a better chance of acceptance than they would through the regular admission process. These plans are also good for colleges because they get students who really want to go to the college to commit early in the process. Early Decision vs. Early ActionYou should understand the differences between early decision and early action before sending in your applications. Keep in mind that the rules may vary somewhat by college. Check with your counselor to make sure you understand your rights and obligations. Below are some important facts about the types of early-application plan. Early decision plans are binding. You agree to attend the college if it accepts you and offers an adequate financial aid package. Although you can apply to only one college for early decision, you may apply to other colleges through the regular admission process. If you're accepted by your first-choice college early, you must withdraw all other applications. Early action plans are similar to early decision plans, but are not binding. If you’ve been accepted, you can choose to commit to the college immediately, or wait until the spring. Under these plans, you may also apply early action to other colleges. Usually, you have until the late spring to let the college know your decision. Single-choice early action is a new option offered by a few colleges. This plan works the same way as other early action plans, but candidates may not apply early (either early action or early decision) to any other college. You can still apply to other colleges under regular decision plans and are not required to give your final answer to the early-application college until the regular decision deadline.
Should I Apply Under One of These Plans?You should apply under an early decision or early action plan only if you are very sure of the college you want to attend. Do not apply under an early decision or early action plan if you plan to weigh offers and financial aid packages from several colleges later in the spring. Also, you shouldn't apply early if it would be beneficial to have more of your senior year work to show a college. Which Colleges Offer Early Plans?More than 400 colleges offer an early decision plan, an early action plan, or both. Use the College Search tool on www.collegeboard.org to look up each college you're interested in and see if it offers these options. A Last Word of AdviceIn the fall, it may seem appealing to get the college decision over with, but you may want to keep your options open during senior year as you learn more about colleges and your own preferences. On the other hand, you may be confident that you’ll thrive at a certain college. If so, you're the type of student early decision was created for. Standardized Testing – COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS Most colleges and universities require applicants to submit scores from either the SAT or ACT. It is important to note that standardized testing is only part of the information considered when admission decisions are made. PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) This test is a practice version of the SAT. All sophomores and juniors take the PSAT in October during school. There is no fee; the school pays for the test. The Guidance Office completes the registration process. ACT Questions on the ACT directly relate to what students have learned in high school courses including English, math, reading, and science. An optional writing part has been added and is required by many colleges. Students may consider registering for this test beginning in the second semester of junior year. Test dates offered at Trinity include Sept., Oct., Dec., and April. The Feb. and June tests may be taken at other nearby schools. The fee for the ACT is $36.50 (without writing) and $52.50 (with writing). (Fee waivers are available for those who qualify) Register for the ACT at www.act.org ACT TEST DATES 2015-2016
SAT Reasoning Test This test measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning, language usage and writing. The SAT is offered several times a year. Most students take the SAT for the first time during the spring of their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year. The SAT is offered at Trinity in March, May and June. The Oct., Nov., Dec., and Jan. and tests may be taken at other nearby schools. The fee for the SAT Reasoning Test is $51.00. Students may register for the SAT Reasoning Test at www.collegeboard.org SAT Subject Tests These are one-hour tests measuring knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge in specific subject areas. Students may register for up to three tests on one date. Some highly selective four-year colleges will require or recommend 1-3 SAT Subject Tests for admission. The SAT Subject Tests are usually offered on the same days as the SAT Reasoning Test but there are exceptions. Check the test calendar carefully prior to registration. It is best to take the specific Subject Test as soon after completing the related course as possible. The basic fee for the SAT Subject test is $22.00 with $11.00 for each additional subject test and $22.00 for an additional Language Test with Listening. (Fee waivers are available) Students may register for the SAT Subject Tests at www.collegeboard.org SAT TEST DATES 2015-2016
Test Preparation Test Prep is a means of helping a student with test familiarity and awareness. The Guidance Department leaves the decision to the student and family regarding the individual’s level of participation and investment with test preparation. The college selection process focuses on several factors of a student’s academic accomplishments, curriculum and achievement patterns in high school. The four year student record is the single most important variable in predicting college success. However, since most colleges also require the ACT or SAT as part of the admission process, we appreciate that students are understandably concerned about doing their best. The recommendation is for every student to gain test awareness but the specific method of so doing is left to the individual consumer (student and parents). Sources of Financial Aid Financial aid comes from four basic sources. Most financial aid packages usually offer a combination of:
community organizations and private foundations.
available to both students and parents.
either on or near campus. Application process for Financial Aid: In order to qualify for financial aid, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA: www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be wary of similar websites that charge a fee for completing the FAFSA. Once this form is filed, it is the responsibility of the student to check with the financial aid office of each college to see if a supplemental form is necessary and, if so, which one. The family may have to fill out one of the following:
Additional sources of college financing information: Local Area Chamber of Commerce Churches, Club Memberships, Civic Organizations, Ethnic Groups College Sponsored Aid Programs Computer Resources through Counselor Local Banks, National Lending Organizations National Merit Scholarship Programs Parent/Student Employers Veteran Organizations, Insurance Companies
Ultimately, all financial aid decisions are made by the individual college; therefore, it is necessary for you to work with the financial aid officer at each college to which you are applying. Plan Ahead Become familiar with procedures and deadlines. Start by reading the publications of the colleges in which you are interested. Ask Questions Call or visit the staff at the college financial aid office when there is something you don't understand. Keep the name and telephone number of the financial aid officer who knows you and your situation. Investigate Find out what sources of aid you may be eligible to receive. Fill out all forms carefully and keep good records. Be sure to read the instructions on the forms before filling them out. Include all information asked of you. Keep copies of all forms you file.
The best time for filing the financial aid forms is January and February of your graduation year. This necessitates that Federal Income Tax Forms be completed early. (However, one does not need to file with the United States Government early.) Check deadlines carefully on all other applications such as scholarships. Reply on Time If you don't reply to your college award letter on time, you may lose your financial aid offer. Reapply Every Year Your financial aid is not automatically renewed. You must submit the financial aid forms every January. Check the renewal requirements of all other awards. Telephone Numbers: Federal Student Aid Information Center - To answer a question about Federal Title IV student aid programs, federal methodology calculation, or federal program eligibility requirements, call 1-800-4 FED AID (1-800-433-3243). FAFSA - To answer a question about a FAFSA filed or to request a duplicate SAR, call 1-319-337-5665 or 1-800-433-3243. You will need your name, social security number, and date of birth. CSS - College Scholarship Service - Supplemental Form is the profile. 1-305-829-9793 (for forms in process) 8 a.m. - Midnight Eastern time. Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) - 1-800-899-ISAC (4722) The commission also has a list of institutions that have Stafford/FFELP loans. Hours 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. This site also provides a college cost calculator.
provides information on not only the types and amounts of aid offered, but also specific program information, students' responsibilities and the conditions which govern the award. Generally, the award letter provides students with the opportunity to accept or decline the aid offered. The letter will also include a deadline date by which to respond.
senior year and each year in college. The results of this application will determine if the student is eligible for any federal or state sponsored funds. CSS PROFILE - The PROFILE is offered by the College Scholarship Service. The PROFILE Service is used by some colleges, universities, and scholarship programs to award their own private funds. You can register for the PROFILE as early as September, but no later than January 11th. Independent or Emancipated Student - Students who are not dependent on their parents for financial support. Under the federal definition, an independent student is one who meets one of the following criteria: …is 23 years of age; or is married; or is a graduate or professional student; or is currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces; or is an orphan or a ward of the court; or has legal dependents other than a spouse; or are you, or were you an emancipated minor as determined by a court; or are you, or were you in legal guardianship as determined by a court; or did an authorized person determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless; or did an authorized person determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was self supporting and at risk of being homeless Pell Grant - The largest of the federal grant programs, eligibility is determined after the student files the FAFSA. The Pell Grant is a need-based grant that does not have to be repaid. Awards range up to approximately $4,731. Students are notified of eligibility by the Student Aid Report (SAR). Student Aid Report (SAR) - The "output document" from the federal processing system. The SAR contains the financial and other information reported by the student on the financial aid application, as entered into the processing system. The student's eligibility for aid is indicated by the EFC printed on the front of the SAR, and additional instructions. The SAR should be sent to the college the student plans to attend for the following year. Verification - A procedure whereby the college financial aid office checks the information the student reported on the financial aid application, usually requesting a copy of the tax returns filed by the student and, if applicable, the student's spouse and parent(s). Many schools conduct their own form of verification. Scholarships A scholarship is a type of “gift aid” that rewards a student for grades, athletics, a unique skill, a special talent, financial needs or even a specific career interest. Scholarships do not typically need to be paid back, though some scholarships have program requirements and/or obligations. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before you accept any money. The money you receive may help you pay for tuition, books and/or room and board. Scholarship money can come from many different sources, such as the college you want to attend, the government, or different public or private organizations (such as a workplace, church or not-for-profit group). Scholarship Internet Resources www.finaid.org www.whatsnextillinois.org www.scholarshipexperts.com www.scholarships.com www.petersons.com/finaid Check college websites after acceptance www.fastweb.com www.fastaid.com for additional scholarship opportunities Illinois Scholarship Programs – visit www.collegeillinois.org for more information
Scholarship Telemarketing Fraud Scheme! Source: www.ed.gov Citizens should be aware that The Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Education has identified potential fraud scheme involving persons claiming to represent the U.S. DOE who are calling students and offering them scholarships or grants. These callers request a bank or credit card account number saying the information will be used to charge a processing fee. The DOE does not charge a processing fee to obtain federal education grants. If you receive one of these calls, please contact the Federal Trade Commission immediately (step 4). If you have provided bank or credit card information to the callers, you should take the following steps:
Need Money for College? Doesn't everybody? Unfortunately, in their efforts to pay the bills, many students and their families are falling prey to scholarship scams. Source: www.ftc.gov The Federal Trade Commission cautions students to look for tell tale lines:
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