The College Process Puzzle

Knowing Yourself

Doing Research

Visiting and Interviewing

Meeting Deadlines and Completing Applications

Courses/Curriculum Grades SAT/ACT Recommendations Essay Activities

Applying for Financial Aid and Scholarships

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Knowing Yourself
It is impossible to begin the college admissions process without first knowing yourself and understanding what you want in a college. So, before you start looking at specific schools you need to first ask yourself some questions. How do you (not your parents) define success? What kind of person do you want to become? Is there anything you secretly want to become? What events or experiences have shaped your growth and way of thinking? What are your goals and values? How do you learn best? How do you respond to pressure, competition or challenge? What is your social style? Are you a party animal? Which areas interest you academically? What major do you envision pursuing? What activities occupy your time outside of the classroom? How do you like to spend your free time? Do you feel more comfortable in a large group where few people know you or a small group where many people know you? Do you get excited by snow or dread its arrival? Do you prefer a rural or city environment? How often do you shop? Do you feel most comfortable around people from your own background?

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Doing Research
Research is an important part of the college admissions process. Sometimes we can get lost before we start with all of the terms and admissions speak. Below are a few terms you might need to know.
Admissions Committee The Admissions Committee refers to the group of admission counselors and some combination of faculty members and administrators who review each candidates application and make decisions regarding admissions. Candidates Reply Date May 1 has been established by the College Board as the earliest date by which a member institution may require an accepted applicant to reply to an offer of admission. In order to secure a students place in an entering class, she is usually asked to confirm enrollment with a non-refundable deposit. The average deposit is $500 and can be reduced or waived for students who receive significant financial aid from the college. Defer A student who applies under an Early Action or Early Decision plan may receive one of three decisions: admit, deny or defer. When a students application is deferred, it means that the application will be reviewed again during the Regular Action or Regular Decision cycle for a final decision. No further action by the student is necessary, but a deferred student should consult with his or her college counselor about how to follow up with the college. Deferred Admission or Enrollment This option, initiated at the students request, allows the student to postpone enrollment at a college where he or she has been admitted for one year. The student may take the year to travel, work or pursue other projects before attending college. Granting the deferral is at the discretion or the dean of admissions at the college. Early Action - Early Action is a non-binding, early notification program. If a college offers an Early Action program, students may apply by the published EA deadline (usually November 1) and will be notified of their admission decisions in mid-December. Admitted students still have the May 1 Candidates Reply Date to respond to the offer of admission and may file additional applications in the interim. Early Decision Early Decision is a binding, early notification program. Under the Early Decision agreement (which is to be signed by the student, her parent and her counselor), a student can apply to one ED program and if admitted under this plan, must enroll at that institution and withdraw all other pending applications. A student who applies Early Decision to a college should apply for financial aid simultaneously. The loophole in the ED contract is if the financial aid package awarded does not meet the familys needs, that student can withdraw from the ED agreement, but he or she is not eligible to reapply. Early Decision, Round II Several of the small private liberal arts colleges have initiated a second round of Early Decision, with deadlines in early winter. The commitment is the same, but students applying under an ED II plan also file Regular Decision applications as well. Educational Testing Service (ETS) ETS is the testing agency of the College Board, which administers the SAT I and SAT II tests, among others. Rolling Admissions - Some schools, usually large, state-supported institutions, use Rolling Admissions, a plan under which a student is notified of her admission decision two to four weeks after the application is received. Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) ROTC programs combine military education with a baccalaureate degree in designated fields. Students can apply for ROTC scholarships that provide significant financial support towards a students education with the obligation that the student commit herself to a career in the armed forces for a predetermined length of time following graduation. Waiting List In addition to accepting and denying applications for admission, colleges sometimes offer a student a position on their waiting list. If spaces in the class are available after the May 1 reply date, colleges may offer admission to limited number of wait listed students.

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Now that you know some terms here are a few things to consider as you do your research and start choosing colleges to which you will apply.

Self/College Matching Characteristics:

Location

Cost Type Athletics Size Social Life Environment Calendar Campus Environment Religious Environment Student Activities Financial Aid/Scholarships Programs Offered Housing Special Programs Caliber of students

Traps to Avoid

Im going to college X because all of my friends are going there. Theres only one right college for me. All colleges are the same, so why bother with all this work. Im going to college X because my father/mother/sister/brother went there. Im not applying there because Ill be rejected!

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College Information Sheet

General Information: College Name: Location: SAT Range: SAT II Requirements and Ranges: Most Popular Majors: Athletic Divisions: Visual and Performing Arts Offerings: Social Life: Residence Life:

Size: ACT Range:

Application Process: Common Application: Yes or No Electronic Applications: Yes or No Common Application Supplement: Yes or No Applying Options: ED I EDII EA Rolling Regular What are they looking for?

Financial Aid Process: What forms to they require? FAFSA CSS Profile Institutional Form st th What are the financial aid deadlines? Feb 1 Feb 15 March 1st Is the college need-blind? Yes or No Do they meet 100% of designated need? Yes or No What percentage do they meet? What is their tuition? What are the room and board costs? Scholarship Process: Is there a general scholarship deadline? How do you apply for scholarships? Automatically with application or Scholarships:

Separate Form

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Visiting and Interviewing

Visiting can be a great way to get to know a college and get a glimpse of what it has to offer. Below are some things you might do on campus to make the best of your visit. Try to visit before you apply. This will help you decide if the college should stay on your list and will potentially boost your chances if the school is sensitive to your level of interest in it. Plan your visit and set up appointments as far in advance as you can. Read up on the school before you go and/or visit its website. Having parents included in the process can be helpful to share notes and impressions; however the admissions officer should remember the student, not the parents. Take a tour remember the tour guide is only one member of the community. Have an interview if offered and PREPARE FOR IT. Eat a meal to learn about the culture of the community. Meet with faculty and coaches, if appropriate. Call in advance to arrange. Attend an admissions information session, if offered. Stay overnight in a dormitory, if possible. Attend a few classes. Read the college newspaper. Check out the bulletin boards on campus. Take notes and, if possible, bring a video camera.

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Preparing For the Interview

Plan Ahead Find out what interviewing policies the schools on your list offer. The opportunity to meet with an admissions representative will range from one-on-one evaluative interview to group question and answer session. If oncampus interviews are offered, find out if they are required. If so, plan far enough in advance to be able to arrange for the meeting, keeping in mind that Mondays and Fridays during summers and holidays are the most often requested interview slots. If interviews are available, but not required, think about whether or not you would like to have one. If you are uncomfortable talking with a stranger about yourself, especially an adult in a decisionmaking position, then it is probably in your best interest to avoid interviewing when you dont have to. If, however, you feel like the admissions office needs to know you as more than just a paper version of yourself, take advantage of the opportunity to interview, either on campus or locally with an alumni representative. Call Ahead If there are general tours and information sessions available, try to schedule your interview for after those programs as they are likely to generate questions to go over with the admissions officer during the interview. Make sure to get directions to the office you will be visiting. If it is your first visit to the college, be sure to leave an extra half hour for getting lost and finding a parking spot. Do Your Homework Each interview is different, but every single interview will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions about the college and its admission process. When the admissions officer asks you, Do you have any questions?, the only wrong answer is No. This is your opportunity to speak with someone who serves on the admissions committee, so here is your chance to address whatever concerns you have. Was there a drop in your grades sophomore year when you got mono? Now is the time to explain it. Are you concerned that your SAT scores are significantly lower than those of the typical admitted student? Now is the time to ask about the role of testing in the admissions process. You can also use your interview as a way to learn more about the opportunities at the school. I am really involved in the Key Club at my high schools and I feel a strong commitment to service. In your view book, it says that over half of the students are involved in service here. Can you tell me a little bit more about how easy it is to get involved in service and what kinds of opportunities exist? I run on the Varsity Cross Country team at my high school and while I am captain next year, I was elected more for my enthusiasm than for my talent. I know I wont be able to run on the varsity team here I read that you won your conference last year but I cant imagine not having running as a part of my life. Are there opportunities for non-athletes to get involved in sports here? You want to ask questions that reveal something personal about yourself (as they will serve as an offshoot for further conversation) and the research you have done on the school before you got there (as it will serve to impress upon the admissions officer how interested you are in the school). Never visit a school without trying to read as much as you can before you get there. Check out the resources at your college counselors office, the schools website or at least read the introductory brochure in the lobby before the interview. Dont Forget to Smile! Dress nicely, but comfortably. Offer your interviewer a firm handshake and a ready smile. Introduce your parents or other traveling companions. Maintain eye contact and interest throughout the interview. Ask questions. Come prepared with what YOU want to talk about. Presented by Tevera Stith Director of KIPP Through College for KIPP DC Page 7

Possible Interview Questions

What are you plans for the summer? Are you in the midst of visiting a number of colleges? What criteria are you using to establish your list of colleges? What helps you imagine spending four years at the school you are visiting versus knowing you dont want to spend five more minutes there? What are you looking forward to the most about your senior year? Are there classes you are particularly excited to be taking? Are there leadership roles you will be stepping into next year? If you were going to college next year rather than back to high school, how would you construct your schedule? What classes would you want to take? What kinds of activities would you want to get involved in? What have been your most important activities in high school? What have you gained from your involvement with that group? If the principle of your school called on you to serve in his or her absence, what would you do while you were in charge? What would you change about your high school if you could? What would you never want to see changed at the institution? Do you enjoy reading? Are there any books you have read for a class or for pleasure which you found spoke to you directly? With which character you have met in literature can you identify the most? Why? If I have you a $300 shopping spree to Barnes & Nobles, what sorts of books would you choose? Do you have a favorite teacher, a mentor, a hero or a role model? What do you admire most about that person? If you had an opportunity to meet with President Obama for one hour, what would you want to discuss? Who is your favorite person in the world? Who do you think knows you best? How would that person describe you? Have you ever failed at anything you tried? Is there a question or expected I would havent that you answer now? you wished ask that I would like to

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Meeting Deadlines
Meeting deadlines is a very important part of this process, so make sure you make good list of what needs to be done when, where it needs to be sent, and how you will get it completed on time. The following work sheet may keep you on track. College Name
Gettysburg College

Application Info ED EA Roll

Reg

Essay Questions
Common Application Long Why Gettysburg 250 words

Deadlines 2/1

ED ED ED ED ED ED ED ED ED ED ED

EA EA EA EA EA EA EA EA EA EA EA

Roll Roll Roll Roll Roll Roll Roll Roll Roll Roll Roll

Reg Reg Reg Reg Reg Reg Reg Reg Reg Reg Reg

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Completing Application
The actual college application has many parts and pieces and one can be just as important as the next, although the first two are probably the most important. Below are a few questions that might help you understand each part. Part One Courses, Curriculum, and Grades What kinds of courses are colleges looking for? The best possible courses you can take at your school What kinds of grades do you to have to get into college? Different colleges are looking for a variety of different GPAs What is your GPA? Take a look at your school profile. Part Two Standardized Test What is the SAT? The Scholastic Assessment Test (formerly the Scholastic Achievement Test) is a three-hour test that measures verbal and quantitative reasoning skills. Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with 2400 being the highest possible combined score. Colleges will use the students higher verbal, math and writing scores, even if they are from different test administrations. SAT IIs SAT II Subject Tests measure knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge in specific subject areas. Colleges use subject tests results for admission and course placement. It is recommended that students take SAT IIs after a student has completed corresponding high school courses. What is the ACT? ACT Short for American College Test, the ACT is a standardized test designed to assess high schools general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. A students ACT Composite Score (which ranges from a low of 1 to a high of 36) is the average of his or her scores in each of these areas. How many times can you take the test? You should try to take the test at least three times
What is the difference between the tests? CONTENT ACT: English 25%, Mathematics 25%, Reading 25%, Science Reasoning 25% SAT: Verbal 33%, Mathematics 33%, Writing 33% SCORING ACT: scores based on number of correct answers; no penalty for guessing SAT: scores adjusted for guessing; penalty for most incorrect responses SCORE SCALES ACT: 1-36 for each of four sections; Composite: 1-36 (average of four) SAT: 200-800 on each of three areas; Total: 600-2400 (sum of three)

What is your rank?

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Part Three Recommendation Letters How can a recommendation letter help? Recommendations allow for other people to speak to your strengths and what you might bring to a college community. But dont get more than three or four you dont want them to think you are hiding something. What teachers should write recommendation letters? You should have teachers from at least two core academic subjects write for you. Part Four Essays Why do colleges have you write essays? They first want to get to sense of your writing ability and then they want to get to know your personality and learn something about your life experiences. What is a good essay topic? The best topics are ones that allow you to share something you are passionate about or a life changing experiences. But be careful not to over share and stay aware from topics that may be seen as controversial. How long should my essay be? Your essay should be at least a page or the number of words and characters the college specifies. Many of the electronic applications will not let you write more or try to show and not tell and be concise. 10 Helpful Hints for a Great College Essay
Be Authentic! Essays are sometimes the only place in the application to share your voice. Be Creative! But not too creative - sometimes your wonderful idea will not read as well to a stranger. This is not Show and Tell. Always remember to show me rather than tell me give examples and also be descriptive. Be Careful! While it is good to show you have an opinion you dont know the reader. So if you are going to tackle a tough topic like abortion, the death penalty, or politics be careful. Stay in the lines! Some of us have the gift of gab, but your essay should be concisely written. If it says 150 words try not to exceed the limit and if you must only by a few words. If it is broke sometimes it cannot be fixed! If you have been laboring over an essay topic for some time and it is just not working then perhaps you need to move on. Tell the truth! While wonderful tales of woe can move a readers heart you should not embellish a story for an essay. Most colleges have honor code statements at the end of their applications. Not everyone is a comedian! If you are not funny your college essay is no place to start. Leave the jokes to the professionals. Type-it-out! While I am sure you hand writing is lovely it is better to just take the time to type your essay out to make sure the reader can read it. Remember many colleges are scanning applications so your handwriting may be harder to read on a computer screen Proofread. Then have someone else proofread. Then you proofread what they proofread. Not every teacher or friend is the best proofreader so be picky in your choosing.

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Part Five Activities How do activities help your application? Colleges want to make sure you are staying busy and that you will bring more than just your academic talents to the school. What is the difference between quantity and quality? So many students think they have to do a lot, but schools are more impressed with the activities you have stuck with and now perhaps even hold a leadership position. How can a resume help? Resumes give you an opportunity to share your best qualities and space to provide explanations as some applications dont give the proper space for you to share all of your interest and talents.

Some things you might want to include on your resume Birth date: High School: Graduation Date: Class Rank: Grade Point Average: Test Information: SAT I: SAT II: ACT: AP: Senior Year Curriculum: Honors and Awards: Leadership: High School Activities: Athletics: Arts: Employment: Other Activities: Community Service: Hobbies:

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Things you should know or have before you start your application!

Information Needed

Brief Explanation

Formal Name:

Permanent Address:

Mailing Address:

Citizenship: Birth Place:

Race:

First Language: OR Primary Language Spoken at Home: Social Security Number:

E-mail Address:

Term Entering:

Decision Plan:

So many students use nicknames make sure the name you use at school is the same one you use to register for the SAT I or ACT Test and on each of you applications. This is the address that schools will use to base your residency. Even if you use a PO Box for mail, you will need list a permanent address. This is the address where colleges will send any mail correspondence. If you think you will move during the process, you may want to select a mailing address that will not change If you are not a US Citizen you will need to have official citizenship information for your applications. This question is typically only used for informational purposes and to measure how international the college community may be. This question is always optional and it never hurts a student, but rather provides demographics information for the college. This question is used to better understand other portions of the application. Could the language you speak at home explain your SAT or ACT Scores? This question also provides demographic information. Any student who is applying for financial aid will have to submit a social security number. For safetys sake some schools have also given students a specific college ID number. If you get one of these as you complete your application dont lose it! Colleges communicate all the time via e-mail Please make sure that you give an address that you will check often. Also, dont be too creative with the title as you dont want to send a bad message just with your e-mail address. This is usually Fall, Summer, or Spring. Please note for some state universities the term you are applying may make admission more or less competitive. This is the plan you want your application reviewed under. The options are usually: Early Decision I and II Early Action I and II Regular Decision Priority Decision Page 13

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Family Information: (Includes Legal Guardians) Parents Names: Parents Addresses: Parents Occupations: Parents Phone Numbers (Work and Cell): Parents Academic Experiences: Parents Graduation Year: Siblings Information: High School Code: High School Address Information: High School Counselor:

Restricted Early Action Rolling Admission Please note for some schools the decision plan for which you are applying may make admission more or less competitive. Also some of the decision plans are binding. Before you start your application there is data you should collect form your parents. Colleges use this information to understand something about your current life experiences and sometimes to contact your parents. One of the most important questions in this section is your parents educational experiences. This allows colleges to know if you are first generation student and if you may count for some legacy consideration. For some of the same reasons colleges also ask about sibling information. This may be especially important for financial reasons in determining number of people in household. This is the six digit number that the SAT, ACT, and all colleges use to identify you with your high school. You will need to know this number for every school you have attended only since 9th grade. It is important that you have the correct spelling and contact information for your specific counselor. If colleges have questions about your transcript or academic performance, this is the person they will call first. You will need to have the date you tested and your scores for each test. Please note most colleges require you send your scores directly from the testing SAT or ACT. Please list all honors and awards. It is better to list more than to leave something out. Remember colleges are looking for information from your high school career only. You may want to think about what you do inside and outside of school. Most colleges want to measure how you will contribute to their school outside of the classroom. You should think about how many hours a week you are part of these activities. This includes clubs, community service, athletics, and the arts. Again these are activities from high school only. Colleges are also interested in how you may help your family financially or ways outside of school that you show responsibility. Please list any and all work experience you have had from babysitting to mowing lawns. Please realize when you sign your application you are pledging your honor. For many colleges that signature is your first real commitment to that school. So, make sure you are never shading the truth, and that you are representing yourself honestly.

Standardized Test information:

Honors Information:

Activities:

Work Experience:

Signature:

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Applying for FA and Scholarships

The financial aid process at each college is unique. The forms that may apply to one school may not apply to another. There are two forms that are central to the financial aid process at most colleges and universities. The first is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the FAFSA form. This form is required to receive any federal loans and thus is required by nearly all colleges and universities. The form requires your most recent tax information and so it cannot be filled out until after Jan 1. Copies of the FAFSA are usually available in our office after Thanksgiving. However, we suggest that you complete the form on-line. The on-line version is easier to understand and usually reaches financial aid offices in a matter of days versus weeks. The other financial aid form most schools use is the CSS Profile. This form has two parts; first you must register with CSS profile and then fill out the actual form, which will be sent to colleges. You can register and complete the CSS Profile right now since it requires only estimates of tax information for this year. Many schools will use this form to give tentative financial aid packages to students admitted under an early plan. The best way to complete this form is online, but unlike the FAFSA the CSS Profile does require a processing fee. Here are some other terms that are also important for Financial Aid
Demonstrated Need A familys demonstrated need is the difference between the cost of a total year at the institution (tuition, room & board, and personal expenses) and the expected family contribution. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Colleges will not consider students for institutional aid until they have applied for federal funding using the FAFSA. The FAFSA cannot be filed until after January 1 of a students senior year, but the forms are usually available online in late fall. Fee Waivers If the fees associated with the college admission process application fees, SAT registration fees, etc. pose a financial burden on a students family, she can apply to have these fees waived by the administering institution. Financial Aid Package The Financial Aid Package is the total amount of financial aid (federal and non-federal) a student receives from a college to which she has applied. The package is generally a combination of self-help (loans and work-study) and grant money (which is not repaid). Gapping When a school provides a financial aid package that does not meet a familys full, demonstrated financial need it is known as gapping. Need Aware Admissions - Schools that practice need-aware admissions take a students ability to pay for the total cost of the education into consideration in the admissions process. Need Blind Admissions - Schools that admit students without regard to their financial need and are not repaid. Pell Grant Pell Grants are federal grants awarded to undergraduate students based on financial need and are not repaid. PROFILE The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE form and service used by many private colleges, universities, and private scholarship programs to award their own financial aid funds. Students pay a fee to register for the PROFILE and for each school or program to receive it. PROFILE forms are available online at collegeboard.com. Presented by Tevera Stith Director of KIPP Through College for KIPP DC Page 15

Scholarships Generally speaking, the term scholarship is reserved for a financial award that does not have to be repaid and is awarded based on special achievement in academics, athletics and/or extracurricular activities. Stafford & Perkins Loans Low-interest federally subsidized loans that may be a part of the self-help portion of a students financial aid package. TOEFL Colleges often require that non-native speakers of English submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language in addition to the SAT I or ACT. For official results, students must take a computer-based version of the exam at a local Sylvan Learning Center. Waiting List In addition to accepting and denying applications for admission, colleges sometimes offer a student a position on their waiting list. If spaces in the class are available after the May 1 reply date, colleges may offer admission to limited number of wait listed students. Work Study Program A work study program allows students to earn money to cover part of their college expenses. Student usually work 8-12 hours per week on campus as a part of this subsidized program.

Financial Information Web Sites

Student Aid on the Web www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov Free Help Completing the FAFSA www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/completefafsa William D. Ford Direct Loan Program www.ed.gov.DirectLoan Fastweb Scholarship Service www.fastweb.com Finaid www.finaid.org Think College www.ed.gov/thinkcollege FAFSA on the Web www.fafsa.ed.gov College is Possible www.collegeispossible.org Sallie Mae Education Investment Planner - http://go.salliemae.com/plan/?dtd_cell=SEEIGP Information on Financial Literacy - https://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/financialliteracy.jsp
MyMoney.gov (http://www.mymoney.gov/ ) is the U.S. governments Web site dedicated to teaching you the basics about financial education. You will find valuable information on such topics as - budgeting, credit management, saving and investing, financial planning, paying for education beyond high school and managing loan obligations. The free My Money Tool Kit package covers publications on saving, investing, protecting and getting the most for your money. FDIC Consumer News (www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/) provides articles on how to become a smarter, safer user of financial services that will protect and stretch your earnings.

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Sample Award Package (from -studentaid2.ed.gov/getmoney/pay_for_college/award.html)

If your application for admission has been accepted, and you have taken all the steps to apply for financial aid, and your family demonstrates financial need, you are likely to receive a financial aid award. Now what? Below is a sample of an award package that students may receive once their admission application is accepted. Interpreting the award letter can take time, and this sample may help you and your families interpret your aid award letter once you receive it. Be sure to ask all questions you have and get the answers before the acceptance deadline.
Sample Financial Aid Award Package Total Cost of Attendance Expected Family Contribution Outside Scholarship Financial Need Federal Pell Grant State Scholarship Grant Institutional Grant Federal Perkins Loan Federal Direct Loan Federal Work-Study Total Award $20,000 $5,000 $1,000 $14,000 $0 $1,500 $7,500 $1,500 $1,500 $2,000 $14,000

In this award, the college is covering more than half of the demonstrated financial need with a grant. That certainly helps! But it would be important to ask the financial aid staff whether this level of grant can be expected in future years. (Unfortunately, some colleges do make large initial grants to encourage students to enroll, and may reduce or remove grants after the first year.) You'll also want to ask about the continued availability of the state grant. If the grants look to be stable over the time you'd be enrolled, you can estimate the total student loan indebtedness you would have after four years in this case, around $12,000 if college costs remain the same. That's about the average level of indebtedness for students graduating nationwide. You'll also want to look at the Federal Work-Study figure. Are you willing to work on campus to earn these funds? If not, you will be expected to come up with the $2,000 in some other way (either extra work beyond the summer earnings expectation, a gift from a relative, a loan, etc.).

Maximum Loan Allowances

The Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008 increases Federal Stafford Loans awarded.
Maximum Annual Loan Limits for Stafford Loans Disbursed On or After July 1, 2008 Year Dependent Undergraduate $5,500 (maximum $3,500 in subsidized Stafford Loans) $6,500 (maximum $4,500 in subsidized Stafford Loans) $7,500 (maximum $5,500 in subsidized Stafford Loans) Independent Undergraduate** $9,500 (maximum $3,500 in subsidized Stafford Loans) $10,500 (maximum $4,500 in subsidized Stafford Loans) $12,500 (maximum $5,500 in subsidized Stafford Loans) $20,500 (maximum $8,500 in subsidized Stafford Loans) Graduate Student

First Year

Second Year

You can receive both subsidized and unsubsidized loans, as long as the amount you borrow does not exceed the annual loan limits.

ThirdFifth Year

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**If youre a dependent student whose parents but were not approved for, a Federal PLUS Loan (parent loan), you can borrow at the independent undergraduate level.

Cost Calculator - Tuition Comparison Worksheet

Lets first assume. Outside Scholarship of 1,000 State Grant 850 (at Instate School Only) Student is not eligible for Pell Grant Money University A State College (Meets 70% of need) Tuition 8,005 Room 5,402 Board 3,707 Fees incidental 4,049 Total Cost 21,163 University A State College (Meets 70% of need) EFC 8,000 ESC 1,500 Stafford Loan 3,500 Outside Scholarship 1,000 Institution Grant 5,714 IG - Outside Scholarship 4,714 State Grant 850 Work Study 1,000 Total Award 20,564 University B Private College (Meets 100%of need) Tuition 35,900 Room 7,055 Board 4,037 Fees incidental 1,000 Total Cost 47,992 University B Private College (Meets 100%of need) EFC 10,000 ESC 4,000 Stafford Loan 3,500 2,500 Outside Scholarship 1,000 Institution Grant 30,492 IG - Outside Scholarship 34,992 State Grant Not applicable Work Study 1,000 Total Award 47,992

University A State College (Meets 70% of need) University B Private College (Meets 100%of need) Total Cost 21,163 Total Cost 47,992 Total Award 20,564 Total Award 48,992 Gap (if any) - 599 Gap (if any) +1,000 Some questions we might ask from looking at this work sheet Why are fees so much more at University A? Why is Board so much more at University B? Why are both the EFC and ESC at University B more? How do both schools treat outside grant money? How or where will I work to earn the work study funds? What other cost might I expect?
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Which package is really better?

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