College Knowledge by USC Enrollment Services

THE COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE A guide to higher ed written BY students FOR students

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1 Page 2 Page 4

A LETTER FROM THE WRITERS WHO WE ARE: GET TO KNOW AUTHORS THE GRADE GUIDE

Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 Page 9 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15

TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION U.S. EDUCATION SYSTEM AT A GLANCE TIP #1 ASPECTS OF COLLEGES ARMED FORCES SCHOOLS RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS (ROTC) TIP #2 HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Page 16 Page 17 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26

ACADEMICS IN COLLEGE MAJORS A PERSONAL STORY: EXPLORING INTERESTS MINORS TIP #3 GENERAL EDUCATION PRE-PROFESSIONAL TRACKS GRADUATE DEGREES TIP #4

Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30

CAMPUS LIFE AT COLLEGE KEY PEOPLE IN COLLEGE A PERSONAL STORY: GOING FAR FROM HOME CULTURAL RESOURCES ON CAMPUS

FURMAN UNIVERSITY, SC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 31 Page 32 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36

A PERSONAL STORY: A FIRST-GENERATION EXPERIENCE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES ON CAMPUS TIP #5 HOUSING DINING

Page 37 Page 38 Page 40 Page 41 Page 43 Page 45

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS AP, IB, AND DUAL ENROLLMENT TIP #6 STANDARDIZED TESTING THE PSAT/NMSQT LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Page 46 Page 47 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 G

APPLYING TO COLLEGE HOW TO MAKE A LIST OF SCHOOLS TIP #7 THE COMMON APPLICATION APPLYING EARLY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS INTERVIEWING TIP #8 APPLICATION CHECKLIST ORGANIZATION TIPS FOR THE APPLICATION PROCESS TRANSFERRING TIP #9 PAYING FOR COLLEGE: FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS GLOSSARY/INDEX

FURMAN UNIVERSITY, SC

A LETTER FROM THE WRITERS

Hello friends! Congratulations on taking a big step toward higher education by reading this document! We, the writers, decided to write The College Knowledge to ease the stress, anxiety, and confusion of students thinking about applying to any type of higher education for the first time. While there are numerous blogs talking about the college admission process, hundreds of college websites advertising their own schools, and endless Google search results for anything with "college" in the search bar, we have yet to see a comprehensive, easy-to-read, approachable, relatable document covering the college process. As student ambassadors that work in the USC Office of Admission, we are all too familiar with the college process and sharing about our own experiences. We wanted to create something useful, written BY students FOR students. We don't want you to just read what you need to do to get into college or what the "best" college is (spoiler: there is no one best college). We want you to know about all the aspects of college to help you make the best decision for YOU. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in this incredible process of self-exploration, growth, and achievement. We hope to break down all the terms that perplex you, compare and contrast different important aspects of higher education across the system, share personal stories, and make you feel ready to conquer your dreams. Thank you for taking this journey with us!

WHO WE ARE: GET TO KNOW THE AUTHORS SHREYA D. (she/her/hers)

CIELO C. (she/her/hers)

AIME Y. A. (she/her/hers)

EMILY B. (she/her/hers)

SARAH D. (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Chicago, IL Year: Junior (3rd year) Majors/minors: Health and Human Sciences Major, Occupational Science Minor Background: Pre-med, out of state, merit scholarship recipient Involvements: USC Tour Guide/Student Ambassador, Research assistant, Volunteer with nonprofits working with kids (Troy Camp, Kicks for Kids, Science Outreach)

Hometown: San Diego, CA Year: Senior (4th year) Majors/minors: Urban Studies and Planning Major, Dance Minor Background: First-Generation, Latinx/e Involvements: USC Tour Guide/Student Ambassador, Chaotic 3 Hip Hop (competitive hip hop team), Research assistant, Recumbent Vehicle Design Team

Hometown: Porterville, CA Year: Junior (3rd year) Majors/minors: Psychology and Spanish Majors, Education and Society Minor Background: First-Generation, Latina Involvements: USC Tour Guide/Student Ambassador, USC Swim Club, Greek life, First-Generation Peer Ment Education Consultant with AcceptED, Research Assistant Hometown: Boston, MA Year: Junior (3rd year) Majors/minors: Communications and French Majors Background: Student from the East Coast who moved across the country for college Involvements: USC Tour Guide/Student Ambassador, French Club, Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Research Assistant, marketer for mental health application, Greek Life

Hometown: Laguna Hills, CA Year: Sophomore (2nd year) Majors/minors: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Major, Natural Sciences and Spanish Minors Background: Pre-health Involvements: USC Tour Guide/Student Ambassador, Pre-dental professional fraternity, Mentor to high school students throughout college application process (SLS), Volunteer delivering music theory lessons and science labs to kids (MusIC and SCout)

BRIGITTE R. (she/her/hers)

ANA LUCIA R. (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Year: Sophomore (2nd year) Majors/minors: Contemporary Latino & Latin American Studies and Political Science Majors Background: First-Generation, Latinx/e, Pre-Law Involvements: USC Tour Guide/Student Ambassador, Policy Debate Team, Undergraduate Student Government, Social Media Fellow with Hispanas Organized for Political Equality

Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras Year: Senior (4th year) Majors/minors: International Relations Major, Dance and Disruptive Innovation Minors Background: International student, merit scholarship recipient Involvements: USC Tour Guide/Student Ambassador, Delta Phi Epsilon Foreign Service Professional Fraternity, Volunteer Teacher (Teaching International Relations Program)

YALE UNIVERSITY, CT

THE GRADE GUIDE

This guide is meant to be comprehensive but not overwhelming! There is a TON of information, but this document should be explored progressively. Some topics are awesome to read about early on to get a sense of the years ahead, and other topics are best if read in your later high school years. Of course, read as much or as little interests you, but here are some suggestions to get started. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY, CA

FRESHMEN

U.S. Education System at a Glance Aspects of Colleges AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment

SOPHOMORES

Standardized Testing The PSAT/NMSQT Letters of Recommendation

JUNIORS

Armed Forces Schools Reserve Officers' Training Corps Historically Black Colleges and Universities Majors Minors General Education Pre-professional Tracks Graduate Degrees How to Make a List of Schools The Common Application International Students Organization Tips Financial Aid and Scholarships

SENIORS

ALL sections!

TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

BERRY COLLEGE, GA

U.S. EDUCATION SYSTEM AT A GLANCE BY VALERIA AND SHREYA

ELON UNIVERSITY, NC To introduce the United States education system, it is broken up as follows. Students spend 5-6 years in elementary school and then 6-7 years in secondary school (2-3 years in middle school/junior high plus 4 years in high school). Once students graduate high school there are many routes that a student can choose depending on their aspirations. THERE IS NO ONE "RIGHT" PATH AFTER COLLEGE. SOME WORK, SOME GO TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SOME RAISE CHILDREN. FIND THE PATH THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU. If a student chooses to pursue higher education, there are so many different types of schools a student can choose between.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE/JUNIOR COLLEGE Community or junior colleges are primarily 2-year colleges with the main purpose of providing academic, vocational, and professional education. Many offer remedial courses, GEDs, high school diplomas, Associate Degrees, and

classes for which credit could be transferred to a 4year university bachelor degree program. Many students choose to attend a community college for the first 1 or 2 years after high school before transferring to a university. This often prepares them for the class rigor, helps them find their academic passion, and saves them money.

4-YEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

4-year colleges and universities are the most traditional types of schools. They award bachelor's degrees in a wide range of subjects to students upon graduation. These schools can further be broken up into two large categories: liberal arts colleges and research universities.

LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

Liberal arts colleges focus on providing students with critical thinking skills and a well-rounded education, rather than teaching professionspecific skills. These

schools are also typically smaller, with 1,0002,000 students. Some schools have a focus; for example, the Claremont Colleges in California make up a collection of 7 neighboring liberal arts colleges - Harvey Mudd specializes in STEM education, Claremont McKenna in political science and economics, etc. Liberal arts colleges are great for students who want more personal relationships with professors, a smaller and more tight-knit community, and a more general education.

RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES

Research universities are 4-year institutions with multiple colleges within them. A college is a specific school within a school that focuses

RICE UNIVERSITY, TX

on a certain subject. Within a large research university, you can have a liberal arts college, an engineering college, a business college, and more. These colleges can offer undergraduate or graduate programs. A big difference between liberal arts colleges and research universities is that research universities have graduate programs like master's degrees or PhD degrees or even medical and law schools. Lastly, as the name dictates, research universities are places where professors (and students!) are doing lots of groundbreaking research. These universities are typically larger and able to provide funding and resources for research. However, I say this point last because it does not mean that you cannot do research at a liberal arts college and it definitely is not the only defining factor about these universities!

WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY, NC

BY SHREYA

TIP #1

BE AUTHENTIC IN YOUR COLLEGE APPS It’s SO important to be authentic in your application! Yes it’s cheesy and yes everyone says this, but it’s true! Especially after working in a college admissions office and meeting the people that read applications, I can promise you that they are looking for unique, interesting, passionate humans that are 100% true to themselves! They aren’t these scary robots that we build them up to be in our heads. They’re people who want to learn about you. The best thing you can do for yourself is abandon whatever narrative you have in your head about that “perfect college applicant”. Don’t try to fit any mold of what you think the college counselors want to hear. Chances are, everyone else is doing that too, and you’ll just blend in with the crowd as one of thousands of apps by writing about something generic. So have fun with it! Show your passions, show your background, and show YOURSELF!

ASPECTS OF COLLEGES BY VALERIA AND SHREYA

DARTMOUTH UNIVERSITY, NH

There are many different aspects of a college or university to consider. Private or public, the size of the school, the surrounding environment, and the location in the country are just a few to consider. There is no one best school size or best location. These factors are some of the most personal ones when it comes to the college process. Every single applicant has different preferences and priorities that they consider when picking their school. The most important thing to remember is fit. Fit can be described as a college that checks off all, or many, of your preferences. You should try to find the school with the best fit for you, not just what your parents or friends think is right for you. Try to consider all of the aspects of a college, thing about what appeals to you, and maybe think about what aspects you value the most.

PRIVATE VS. PUBLIC

Schools can be private or public. The main difference is how these schools get funds. Public schools rely on funding from their state government. Private schools rely on their own endowment (defined as a structured fund that non-profits like colleges and universities use to hold charitable donations before investing or allocating them to different areas) and funds that they collect from students in the form of tuition. Private schools can also receive federal funding. “State schools” fall under the category of public schools. These are schools that often give an advantage to students applying who are residents from that state, making it easier to get in. Many also give significant reductions in tuition if you are one of these in-state students. Private schools tend to have higher tuition costs overall because they do not offer in-state discounts, but many public schools have out-of-state tuition that is higher than that of private schools. And of course, at either of these types, there are plenty of opportunities to receive financial aid.

UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA, MT

SCHOOL SIZE

SMALL (<5,000 STUDENTS)

Typically, small colleges are usually private, although there are smaller public colleges (including Delaware State University, 4,768).

FEATURES

Develop close relationships with students on a close-knit campus Classes are typically smaller with more individualized attention Smaller colleges tend to be private schools, which can be expensive Can be very isolating, especially if the college is in a rural area

MID-SIZED (5,000 - 15,000 STUDENTS)

Medium colleges can offer the best of both worlds. They have many of the same features of both small and large colleges. See above and below for examples to consider!

LARGE (>15,000 STUDENTS)

Large colleges cater to students who relish being a part of a bustling community. They provide more anonymity and opportunity to explore a lot. These schools may also have more academic opportunities and financial aid to offer their students. Most state schools are large in size.

FEATURES

A lot of opportunities for social interaction and stepping out of your comfort zone Large selection of academic programs Usually more of a spirited sports scene, especially at large state schools At times, there might be more competition amongst students Students may have to be more proactive in seeking out specialized attention and resources Class sizes might be more lecture-based and larger

RURAL

SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT

A rural campus is often located near farms and wilderness. These are often relatively close to small cities, although the college itself is generally self-contained, meaning that students often live directly on campus. For students considering agriculture or environmental science degrees, sometimes rural campuses can provide access to outdoor learning opportunities. Many people can often feel very connected to the college community at a rural college as it is very tight-knit considering that there is not much else in the surrounding area. Some examples are Berry College, Middlebury College, and Kenyon College.

SUBURBAN/COLLEGE TOWN

Schools in suburban areas are generally in smaller cities, large towns or residential areas near cities. They combine the pros and cons of both urban and rural campuses. You can be close to a metropolitan area with bustling energy and professional opportunities but also have a quainter immediate environment and possibly more access to nature. Some suburban schools have access to public transportation systems, including any transportation options offered by the school itself. Some examples include University of Michigan, Indiana University, and Northwestern University.

URBAN

Urban campus are often located directly in cities both large and small. This means that students find themselves both on and off campus, as the school expands through the city. Some urban schools have more of a sectioned off college campus, at least for a couple city blocks, like Columbia and UPenn, while others have buildings sprinkled right into the city, like NYU and DePaul in Chicago.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY, MA

ARMED FORCES SCHOOLS

These schools are highly competitive and fully immerse students into cadet life. They provide a more specialized and unique college experience, but they still provide incredible academics along with military training and education. They also have incredibly strong and meaningful traditions unique to each school but also have sports teams and traditions similar to other general colleges and universities. Each and every student is making a commitment to serve post-graduation and is BY SARAH also receiving a fully financed education. There There are 5 military academies, one for each branch: are also 6 senior military colleges that offer both United States Military Academy in West Point, civilian and cadet education. Those who choose to New York become cadets will live, study, and train together United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, similar to a military academy. Again, students Maryland have an opportunity to win a generous United States Air Force Academy in Colorado scholarship. Lastly, there are ROTC programs at Springs, Colorado over 1,700 American colleges that serve in more United States Coast Guard Academy in New of an extracurricular role. ROTC programs are also London, Connecticut extremely rigorous and physically demanding, but United States Merchant Marine Academy in students will have more of a traditional college King’s Point, New York experience. NAVAL ACADEMY, MD

RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS (ROTC) BY SARAH AND SHREYA

WEST POINT ACADEMY, NY

AIRFORCE ACADEMY, CO

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a program featured by all military branches except the Coast Guard. Students can be in ROTC at traditional colleges, like state schools or private universities. They can have the best of both worlds in terms of having a military experience but still attending a college with a more traditional college experience and other students who are not involved with the military. Participants, also referred to as cadets, go through physical training and take military classes alongside their traditional schoolwork. For many students, ROTC provides a great opportunity to afford college. Some students apply for and win the ROTC scholarship in high school, having the military pay for their tuition and either additional fees and books or room and board. Other students decide in college that they want to join, and then compete for the scholarship to cover their remaining cost of attendance. ROTC cadets also receive a living stipend between $300 to $500 a month. In return for receiving the scholarship, students commit to serving in active duty (or in some cases the reserve). One’s service commitment depends on the type of scholarship and branch of military, but someone can expect a minimum of 4 years of active duty with some years being in the reserve. All in all, it’s a great opportunity to build leadership skills, have a guaranteed job post graduation, serve your country, and have most of college paid for.

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, IL

BY SHREYA

TIP #2

FIND SOMETHING EXCITING ABOUT EVERY SCHOOL YOU APPLY TO Find things that genuinely interest you about the schools you’re applying to that can get you excited! Of course it’s okay to have some schools that are higher on your list than others, but really try hard to have a genuine investment in every school that you apply to. It will make it so much more exciting when you get into any of those schools! You don’t have to be excited about what everyone else is excited about for that school either. Maybe most people apply to a given school because they love the town it’s in or a specific academic program that they have. But maybe you love it because you find a niche club they have that you would want to join or because they have a really cool tradition in their community. Do your research and find the little things that make you excited! Find the things that make you excited about going to college! Trust me, it will make the experience SO much more fun. I realized that I really enjoyed the college application process while most of my friends didn’t, and I think this was one of the reasons why.

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES BY SHREYA In the amended Higher Education Act of 1965, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, are defined as: “…any historically Black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association... to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.” While these schools are historically Black, you do NOT have to identify as Black to attend one of these schools. Around 15-20% of students that attend HBCUs do not identify as black students. With that being said, the majority of enrolled students identify as Black.

Many Black students find the community built at HBCUs to be incredibly strong and beneficial to identity formation as a Black person as well as academic growth and development as a college student. Additionally, a big problem in the higher education system is that there is an overall lack of diversity in the staff and faculty. Many students are unable to have professors that look like them, and this can be really discouraging and difficult to deal with in the college environment. At HBCUs, Black students have more access to black professors, mentors, and role models. While HBCUs can provide a sense of community for Black students that is extremely unique, many predominantly white institutions, or PWIs, still have many resources to support Black students. Every student needs to think about what they are looking for in a college, specifically with the college environment and mission of the school.

IS THERE AN EQUIVALENT FOR THE LATINX OR HISPANIC COMMUNITIES?

While there is not a direct equivalent to HBCUs for the Latinx and Hispanic communities, Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) are something to note. HSIs are accredited higher education institutions at which 25% or more of the full-time undergraduate student population is Hispanic. An institution must apply for a program called Title V and receive approval from the U.S. Department of Education. The Department also offers three grants to help support eligible institutions, through their Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) Program. These discretionary grants help provide academic opportunities for Hispanic students, while also allowing HSIs to offer more educational programs and strengthen their quality as an institution. HSIs are not as established as HBCUs in terms of history, tradition, and community, but HSI status is still definitely worth considering! 15 HOWARD UNIVERSITY, DC

ACADEMICS IN COLLEGE

INDIANA UNIVERSITY, IN

LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE, OR

MAJORS

BY AIME AND SHREYA Even as current college students, choosing a major can be overwhelming! However, your choice of major does not mean that you are tied down to a specific career interest for the rest of your life; it means that you will spend a lot of time in the specific subject you choose. Before deciding what to commit to, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

Your major in college is your specialized area of study. Aside from completing General Education requirements, you will spend the majority of your time taking courses in a subject of your choosing. Some majors are more intensive than others, meaning that you will spend more of your time taking classes that are in that major. This is commonly related to the degree type of your major.

subject and it is up to you to choose, while others will only offer the BA or the BS. Typically, the BS is a larger degree that requires more units. It might require more upper division science courses while the BA stays smaller and more general. MOST COMMON DEGREES: BA, BS, BFA Another common degree is the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). This is akin to the Bachelor of Science in DEGREE TYPES that it is typically for fine arts subjects and is a larger, more The most common degree type that you receive from a college is a intensive major. You will spend the majority of your time taking Bachelor of Arts (BA). Don’t be classes in your craft with a BFA. If fooled, this isn’t just for visual arts! This can be for any subject at you did a BA in a given art, you might have more room to add a all, it’s just called a Bachelor of minor or explore other subjects. Arts! When it says arts, it’s more Neither one is better than the referring to liberal arts. This other! It is just important to think degree is very standard and is what most people graduate with. about how you want to spend your time in college and how There is also a Bachelor of Science specialized you want to be in a degree (BS). Now for this one, it is certain area. Just like the BFA for things like acting and visual arts, for the sciences mostly. Every school will do it differently, but there is a Bachelor of Music, or many science majors like chemistry BM, for music. Again, this is very or physics will be BS degrees. Some similar to the BFA in distinction will offer a BA or a BS in each from a BA. OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY, OK

WHAT IF I'M UNDECIDED?

When applying to college, some colleges require you to apply to a specific major. If you are accepted into that major and choose to go to school there, you are not able to change into a different major. However, other colleges ask you to list your potential major, and if you don’t have one in mind yet, you can apply as “undecided” and declare an official major later on. This takes some stress off if you are not sure what you want to major in yet! While there can be some flexibility, if you are thinking about a major that requires a lot of classes or is limited to a certain number of students, it is best to declare early since you don’t want to fall behind or extend your time in college beyond 4 years. Not all schools allow prospective students to apply as “undecided” as their first major choice. Make sure you do your research ahead of time and pay attention to the application for each school regarding how they let you indicate a major of interest in case the colleges you are considering require you to list a first choice major. If you are undecided, this might also be a factor in choosing which school is the right choice for you. Some schools allow you to switch majors and make it very easy to do so. For others, the process can be a little more challenging. Also, do not be afraid of changing majors once you get to campus if that is an option! Many students end up changing their major 23 times, and it is definitely difficult to know exactly what you want to do at the time you are filling out the application. The general education or core curriculum systems, which are discussed in another section, help students explore different majors by taking classes in other academic departments to find the area of study that they are truly interested in.

WHAT ARE IMPACTED MAJORS?

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, VA

Impacted majors are majors considered to be highly competitive since they only accommodate a few students. Certain schools express that all their majors are competitive/impacted, while others would say that only some programs, such as Engineering, Music, Film, Art & Design, Dance, and Theatre, are impacted due to the style and curriculum of the program. If you're considering a talent-based program or a popular major, be ready to display your passion and determination in your application! It is also important to note though that many people believe myths about impacted majors. Many people assume that a major in something they perceive as more difficult subject matter, like Neuroscience or Molecular Biology, would be harder to get into than a more general program like Biology or Life Sciences. However, many college admissions offices say this is not the case. You are most likely to get into whatever major you display the most passion and fit for, so you should be genuine in your choices. Additionally, you may see that there are less people in a certain major. This may not be because it’s more competitive but just because it is less popular. While the absolute numbers may be different, acceptance percentages could still be very similar.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI, MS

A PERSONAL STORY: EXPLORING INTERESTS BY PJ, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

Coming into college not knowing exactly what you want to do is completely okay. There will be many people who pester you about why you're going to school, how you're going to make money, and what you plan on achieving in order to live a good life someday. These questions are rooted in compassion and are necessary to ask, yet they can at times feel accusatory. Does my ability to provide for myself and live a good life depend directly on how early I decide what to major in? From my experience, no, it does not. Choosing a college with a diverse set of majors was important to me in high school. I told my parents and advisors it was because I valued the 'interdisciplinary aspects of the education', but in reality, I was simply scared I would choose the wrong field and be stuck. I did end up choosing the wrong field at first, but I was not stuck! Changing majors/minors/emphases/schools is completely acceptable, and you should never feel stuck in something if you no longer feel it to be what you want to do. You will be happy, successful, and content only to the extent that you allow yourself to be. Choose to study something that makes you curious, and don't be alarmed if it doesn't show up right away. Even if your subject of choice is wild, your natural passion will fuel you into becoming better, and you will find your own success. Let yourself explore a bit, and you won't regret what you'll find.

MINORS

BY AIME AND SHREYA

EXPLORE MANY INTERESTS

If you have multiple interests and find that one field of study is not enough, you might want to consider adding a minor. A minor is similar to a major, except a minor doesn’t require you to take as many classes. Minors are a great way to take classes in a subject that you LOVE but didn’t choose as your major. People take different approaches to choosing a minor. Some people choose something that complements their major and will help them in their future career. For instance, someone might major in Psychology and minor in Health Care Studies if they want to be a psychiatrist. Or they might major in Business and minor in Graphic Design if they want to start their own business with a website. However, your minor can be something TOTALLY random and just for fun! I have friends majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Dance or majoring in Journalism and minoring in Comedy! It is up to you to decide the purpose you want your minor to serve!

PERSONALIZE YOUR DEGREE

There are so many different combinations of majors and minors that you can pursue! It varies based on the school, depending on the academic culture and how easy it is to have multiple majors or minors based on program and school requirements. It is totally okay to just have one major! But, many people choose to do a major and a minor. Others choose to not have a minor but to double major. I even know people with 2-3 minors in addition to their major! It's also extremely common for people to decide this while they are in college, even later in their college experience.

FLEXIBILITY ALONG THE WAY

There may be times when you might feel that your current major/minor no longer suits your career interests, so don’t be afraid to change your mind. The average college student changes their interests 3-4 times, so don’t be afraid when you find that your college has introduced you to new subjects and passions.

You usually do not have to declare a minor while going through the application process. Minors are usually declared when speaking with the academic advisor of the college/university you choose to attend. However, if you have a minor already in mind while going through the application process, I would recommend mentioning it in the college-specific essays that are required by most institutions. Showing that you are interested in taking advantage of one of the minors an institution has to offer helps admission PEPPERDINE counselors envision you as a student at that college/university! 20 UNIVERSITY, CA

Do not do things in high school for the sole reasoning that it would “look good on a college application.” For instance, you do not have to be a part of a million clubs and organizations in order to stand out in the application process. It is probably much better to only be a part of two or three clubs that you are not only genuinely interested in, but that you also show leadership or a vested interest in. Yes, you should challenge yourself academically and take advantage of honors or AP/IB classes, but also be honest with yourself and your own education. If taking 5 AP classes on top of your already busy schedule will cause too much stress, prioritize your own current mental health and well-being over the future college admissions process. If you are really interested in reading and writing but are not as interested in math, prioritize the AP Literature class you really want to take. And really most importantly, try as hard as you can to cherish where you are at and enjoy high school without only stressing about getting into college. If you live your life always planning the next step, you may never really be satisfied where you are!

TIP #3

DON'T LIVE HIGH SCHOOL JUST TRYING TO GET INTO COLLEGE BY CIELO

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, CO

GENERAL EDUCATION BY AIME AND SHREYA

Once you get to college, you might find out that you have to take a bunch of seemingly random classes outside of your major. Don’t be alarmed these random courses belong to a system called General Education or Core Curriculum or something along those lines! Almost all colleges have some sort of system that requires all students to take specific classes or classes from designated categories. The name of the system and the exact requirements at every school differs, but the idea is generally the same.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, PA

Depending on the college or university you attend, the amount of GE credits that will go into your degrees will differ. There can be several categories that make up your GE requirements. Some of the categories that you will find that overlap are: English, Math, Natural Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Diversity. Each institution might have different categories, so make sure to keep that in mind and to do your research! If you are a student currently taking Advanced Placement courses or International Baccalaureate courses, it might be helpful to know that many institutions will allow you to waive the requirement of taking some GENERAL EDUCATION MAKES YOU A WELLROUNDED, WELL-INFORMED CITIZEN AND TEACHES of these GE requirements. Depending on the YOU HOW TO THINK IN DIFFERENT WAYS. specific college you are looking at, the score you’d need to have from AP or IB exams might be General Education (GE) is an essential part of your different. college experience since it is a required curriculum that creates a foundation for your Also, keep in mind that if you don’t take any AP/IB undergraduate degree and education. You may ask courses or if you don’t do so well on the exams, do yourself, “Why is this important?” The simplest not worry! Even if you don’t come in with some answer to that question is your respective credits towards waiving some of the GE university/college wants to make sure that you requirements, you will still be able to complete graduate being a well-rounded and well-educated your respective degree on time! person.

GAINING PERSPECTIVE ON GENERAL EDUCATION

Some people aren’t fans of the GE system because they want to spend all their time taking classes in their favorite subject, like their major. But, a lot of people feel totally different and LOVE the GE system (like me!!!). A lot of people also start with doubts but then come around. Here are some things to note.

1. THE SYSTEM IS OFTEN FLEXIBLE AND CUSTOMIZABLE. The first thing to note about GE’s is that even though there are requirements in certain areas, you can customize the program to suit your interests. Usually in each category, the university gives you dozens of options for classes that you can take that will fulfill that category. For instance, within the sciences, you can take a class on the science of sport if you’ve always been an athlete and want to learn about your body. You could also take an ST. OLAF COLLEGE, MN

astronomy class if you want to learn about the constellations because you’ve always been obsessed with astrology and are fascinated by stars. Or you could take a forensics class if you love all of the crime shows on TV and want to learn the chemistry behind it. Clearly, there are tons of options to take classes that really fit your interests.

2. THE SYSTEM CAN PUSH YOU OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE IN THE MOST POSITIVE WAYS. While it can be great to suit your interests, the GE system is also great because it can push you out of your comfort zone. I know friends that have taken classes in Greek literature or art history completely unexpectedly, just to fulfill a requirement, and they absolutely loved them! GE’s are a great way to expose yourself to new ways of thinking that will make you a better person and student overall, but also because you could find a new interest! Lastly, they’re a great way to become an educated citizen. This semester, I’m taking a class on immigration. With immigrant grandparents and all of the current events surrounding immigration today, I have always wanted to know more about the subject. The GE system gave me the opportunity to branch out of my normal STEM classes and to take a class on a really important issue that I should learn about, without feeling like it’s going to put me off track at all in my degree progress. A lot of people even save their GEs until their senior year because they like them so much! NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, IL

VANDERBILT

PRE-PROFESSIONAL TRACKS

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES, CA

BY EMILY AND SHREYA

Many universities will offer pre-professional tracks to put you on the path towards a specific graduate program. These tracks include prelaw, pre-grad, pre-teaching, and pre-health, which includes pre-med, pre-occupational therapy, pre-dentistry, and more. These tracks serve as a guiding force and prepare you for applying to medical school, law school, etc. Some tracks, like pre-med, may have certain requirements, like taking specific introductory science courses that are mandatory prerequisites for medical school. Others, like prelaw or pre-grad, might focus more on taking classes that will serve as a good general foundation, exploring extracurriculars related to your career interests, and preparing for the test required for law school, grad school, etc. While some schools offer specific majors or degrees for "pre-med" or other professional tracks, it is important to keep in mind that these tracks are often additions to your degree but not majors themselves, nor do they necessarily have to do with your major/minor. In this case, since it is something you can add on later if you decide that path is right for you, don't feel pressure to know that you’re interested in these tracks when you apply to college. It often takes time in college to figure out what you’re interested in! If you choose to pursue one of these tracks, you will often have access to advisors that can specifically guide you and make you progress in your track and ensure proper completion of required or recommended components.

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY, TX

GRADUATE DEGREES BY EMILY AND SHREYA

We've been talking about bachelor's degrees, which are the degrees you obtain in college as an undergraduate. However, you can get more degrees beyond these! Graduate degrees include master’s degrees, doctorates, and PhDs. They can either be professional or academic and can include research, as well. These advanced degrees show employers that you are committed to lifelong learning and passion for a certain field. You do have to attend graduate school after college in order to obtain these degrees, but many people don’t mind extra studying if it’s for something they really love! Graduate degrees are not necessary and are not even recommended for certain fields. However, there are many fields where getting a graduate degree of some sort is really helpful. Just make sure to talk to advisors in college to see if your desired career path would benefit from additional graduate education. Also consider if it is something

you want to spend time on and can afford at your point in life! A PhD, or a Doctor of Philosophy, is offered for a variety of different fields and is often considered the highest university degree that one can obtain. PhD students will often submit research, a thesis, or a dissertation on a subject of their interest in order to successfully earn the degree. It usually takes around 5 or 6 years, and sometimes longer, to complete them, but they are very impressive and it’s a great way for people to explore their favorite topics and interests in a more rigorous and substantial way! Master’s degree programs are similar to PhD programs in that they are very popular and can be obtained in a variety of subjects. Master’s degrees are very appealing because they are only 1-2 years usually. Lastly, there are specific graduate programs to get degrees like an MD or a JD to become a medical doctor or lawyer. These professional programs are 3-4 years depending on the degree.

A FASTER PATH TO A GRADUATE DEGREE

Many schools offer some form of accelerated degree program which allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in 5 years as opposed to the usual 6 or 7 years. The curriculum would allow you to start taking master’s courses during your senior year, so that by the end of your four years you will have completed all of your bachelor’s degree requirements and some of your master’s degree requirements as well. Since this takes up some space in your four-year curriculum, it is definitely something worth talking about with your college academic advisor as early as possible.

Most college applications will have a supplementary essay or short answer question that will ask why you want to attend their university/college. Some may have an added layer of asking why you want to study what you are planning to study at that university/college. This question is so important! Make sure you are as specific as possible, not with generic examples that you find on the website but with things that genuinely excite you and that you can see yourself taking advantage of. A good rule of thumb is that if you can substitute in the name of another college in your answer and it still makes sense, the answer is too generic. College applications are not just about showing why you would be a good fit for the school, but why the school is a good fit for you and your growth as well. If you do research and realize you cannot see yourself taking advantage of the resources provided at a particular school, that might give you a better idea about where you want to go.

TIP #4

TAKE THE "WHY THIS COLLEGE?" APP QUESTION SERIOUSLY

BY CIELO

COLGATE UNIVERSITY, NY

CAMPUS LIFE AT COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL, NC

KEY PEOPLE IN COLLEGE BY AIME

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, NY You might have heard people mention resident assistants, or RAs, and teaching assistants, or TAs. So who are these assistants anyways? These people will be very prominent in your college experience and will offer you a lot of guidance and support throughout your time! Based on the college you attend or region you live in, there may be different names to refer to these people, but these are the most common. Regardless of what they're called, here's who they are!

TEACHING ASSISTANT (TA)

Besides your professor, another person you might encounter on a weekly basis is a teaching assistant (TA). A TA handles many of the same tasks as professors do. TAs may teach classes, lead discussion sections, work with students in labs, grade papers/exams, and work directly with a professor. TAs are often graduate students in the field of the class, but some schools also have undergraduate TAs that previously took the class and excelled. Upperclassmen TAs are often in charge of basic tasks like proctoring and grading exams, while graduate school TAs teach classes or lead discussion sections and meet with students during office hours.

RESIDENT ASSISTANT (RA)

When transitioning into college, it may be overwhelming and a little scary at times. You are expected to adapt to an entirely new environment and make your home away from home. Regardless if you are the type of person who makes friends on the spot or the type of person who needs a little more help adapting, your residential assistant is there to provide clarity and guidance. A residential assistant (RA) fits into the role of an older brother/sister since they are responsible for facilitating social, academic, and personal adjustment for the students of your residential hall and college. Your RA will aim to develop a sense of community among the members of your floor, they’ll encourage you to immerse yourself in campus life, and they will have an active role in your college experience (at least for the academic year that they are responsible for you, of course)! Many RAs have bulletin boards posted in the halls of your dorm alerting students to research opportunities, clubs/organizations, sporting events, or other campus events. They also will host different events throughout the year. For instance, my RA took our group on a hike of Griffith Park Observatory, which was a great way for me to be able to get to know the people I was living next to and get to explore the greater Los Angeles area at the same time.

CORNELL UNIVERSITY, NY

A PERSONAL STORY: GOING FAR FROM HOME BY EMILY

I moved from Boston to Los Angeles for college, and I barely had any family or friends on the West Coast, which was really scary at first. I made the big move because I knew deep down that I wanted to experience a city and a culture a lot different than that which I had grown up with for 18 years of my life. However, it was definitely a big adjustment, and some days were better than others. I tried my best to make friends with people with whom I was living, such as my roommate, floormate, and Resident Assistant (see our section above on resident assistants!). My Resident Assistant (RA) was also from the East Coast and served as a great resource and friend for me if I ever needed a distraction or someone to hang out with. Distractions were my best friend, whether they were through spending time with new people, joining new clubs, or exploring the new city that I was in. If you are an international student, there will certainly be groups and organizations where you will be able to meet other international folks, which could help, too. I also made sure to reach out to the two family members that I did have near me, despite that we had never been close before — and we have now become close, since we can see each other more often! It is also helpful to call your family and friends from back home when you can, as it will give you a slice of home and help you maintain these relationships. Whenever I had a 15-minute lunch break, I would call my grandmother and even this small amount of time talking to her would greatly boost my mood.

CULTURAL RESOURCES ON CAMPUS BY AIME

FISK UNIVERSITY, TN Even before I began my college journey, I was scared that I wouldn’t find a community that I related to on campus. Many college students struggle with identifying with a community that represents their values, beliefs, and culture. Colleges and universities have listened to their students and have responded by implementing cultural resource centers. Not only do these centers make a powerful difference in student learning, but they create an environment that promotes growth, leadership development, a sense of community, cultural identity, and most of all community engagement. Some examples of the types of cultural centers you might see on a college campus are a Native American Cultural

Center, African American Cultural Center, Asian Pacific American Cultural Center, Latinx Cultural Center, LGBTQ+ Cultural Center and more! These centers might be culture-specific, multicultural, or intercultural. Regardless, their purpose is to welcome anyone and everyone who stops by, which allows them to know that there is a safe space on campus that they can turn to. Some of the resources that students can find in these centers include professional development events, guest speaker series, perhaps events with free food or free printing (what college student doesn’t like something free), mentorship programs, or even a space to unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle of school.

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY, TX

A PERSONAL STORY: A FIRST-GENERATION EXPERIENCE BY AIME

Being the eldest daughter of a single-parent household, there was a lot of pressure to succeed in school and pursue higher education. My mother, a Mexican immigrant, has always emphasized the importance of getting an education in order to achieve your dreams in this country, for an education opens opportunities. For me, being accepted into a private institution that many could only dream of attending is just one small step towards paying my mother back for her sacrifices. However, I wasn’t aware of how tough and challenging it was going to be to separate myself from home. I was alone in a big city and in a school where I felt out of place. It was difficult to identify with my peers since their family members had already attended college, whereas I struggled to teach myself everything related to college. I spent many late nights teaching myself how to work my way around the FAFSA, attaining college waivers, applying to college, and figuring out how to manage everything that came after being accepted. One thing I wasn’t aware of entering college is that there are programs that are aimed towards helping first-generation students work their way around college and get the best experience available. After joining one of these programs, I have been able to make friends who understand the struggle and I now get to work toward providing resourceful events and workshops for other students who are going through a rough transition as well. Although I went through some rough patches, I am grateful for the experience because I can now pay it forward to my younger sister and other students who identify as first-generation.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES ON CAMPUS BY AIME UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI, OH

Being a college student can be a really overwhelming experience for many students. Whether it be something related to academics, work, or family, many students carry the weight of their accumulated stress on their shoulders. However, students do not need to go through these difficult times alone. Colleges support their students by providing them with mental health services such as counseling, mindfulness programs, or intervention services among others.

Mental health is so important to take care of. It is also crucial to remember that you don't need to be in a state of crisis or experiencing some sort of trauma to seek out help! It can be really helpful to regularly talk to a therapist just to process the transition to college or any worries you have in your life. There are many mental health resources that you can seek out through your insurance, but depending on what coverage you have and whether or not you have access to transportation to take you to practices off campus, it may be easiest to take advantage of resources on your campus!

SWARTHMORE COLLEGE, PA

Some colleges have casual support groups that students can join on a scheduled basis, or students can make appointments to speak to a mental health professional as well. Students and the general public alike have benefited from mindfulness programs that offer scheduled activities (i.e., yoga, painting) or offer free apps that provide audio meditation tracks. Aside from all this, if you see another student struggling and are concerned about their well-being, there are systems in place for you to help that student. Depending on the person and their preferences, you can do the following: 1. Try to engage in an appropriate conversation with the individual.

You can offer to provide the information about the mental health services on your campus to the student, but know that some individuals may or may not want your help. Whatever the student decides to do is their choice, which should be respected. However, if they are at risk, you should address your concerns with someone who could connect you with another resource.

2. Address your concerns with your Residential Advisor (RA) Your RA is trained to assess situations such as these, and they could try to speak to the student with you and try to offer some resources again. Another possibility is that they can put you in contact with an anonymous resource on campus that will contact that student for you. 3. If your campus has an anonymous intervention service, reach out to them as well. You may not be comfortable offering services to another student. I know I’m the type of person who really wants to help as much as I can but I don’t want to come off as intruding, nosey, or rude. If you feel like this might be you, know that there is still a way to help out someone who is struggling and would benefit from receiving a little help. An anonymous intervention service would allow you to address your concerns with a mental health professional or counselor, and they will then get in contact with the student. Your name will be left out of the conversation, and professionals will take over the situation. Depending on the college you attend, you are able to seek out these services whenever you need them or you can continue your ongoing care. As a disclaimer, some services may be for free and some may come at a fee (usually these are covered as a Student Health Fee or they may be covered by some form of insurance). Any information you disclose with the professionals you speak to is kept confidential, but keep in mind that exceptions can be made if a student becomes a threat to themselves or others.

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON, SC

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, MI

BY CIELO

TIP #5

SHARE OPENLY ABOUT THE THINGS THAT TAKE UP YOUR TIME

When listing outside clubs/organizations and commitments, do not be afraid to paint a picture of your life outside of school. The application is one of the only ways admission counselors are able to figure out who you are as a person, what you are interested in, and how you spend your time. If it takes you two hours to travel to school and another two hours to go back home, that is something that should be mentioned on the application because that is four hours that cannot be spent on a club, doing homework, studying, etc. If you have a parttime job, even if it is not an academic research or internship opportunity, that is definitely worth putting down as well. If you take care of an older relative or younger siblings, that is also something you can put in this section. The most important thing to remember is that you want to paint an accurate portrayal of you. You do not have to mention every little detail; however, things that take up a significant amount of time, that have shaped you as a person, that you are extremely passionate about, that show the weight of responsibilities you have as a high school student, these are the components that make up a full list of extracurriculars.

HOUSING BY EMILY

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY, UT

Most universities offer on- and off-campus residential options for their students, where they can choose to live alone, with their friends, or even with random roommates to make new friends! It can be scary to live away from home for the first time, but reaching out to my roommate(s) and RAs was always something that made my adjustment easier. A lot of schools will have a residence hall-style option, where students have smaller rooms with usually one or two roommates. Although these rooms do not have a kitchen nor their own bathroom, there is typically a communal bathroom in the hallway, as well as a mini fridge and microwave in the room. Most students living in this style of housing do not cook their own food and rely on their meal plans in the dining halls. I loved living in a residence hall during my freshman year, as it was a very social environment and students often left their doors open so that their neighbors could say hello!

style is similar to a suite; however, it will more often than not contain a kitchen with a full fridge and stove/oven, as well as a common area with couches and room for a TV. Residential communities are a great way for students to make their first few groups of friends in college, so I highly recommend getting involved and attending any fun housing events!

Speaking of residential communities, many residential halls offer special-interest housing, which helps like-minded students find each other and bond through events dedicated to their common interests. These communities may be seen in the form of certain floors being dedicated to specific interests and topics, or just groups of students living in the same building. Interests could be academic, or they could also include hobbies, such as leadership, music, language, Students can also choose to have a suite-style personal identity/heritage (e.g., LGBTQ+, Latinx) arrangement if they are seeking a more private and or environmental sustainability. These intimate experience. A suite is like a mini apartment of opportunities are not mandatory; however, they around 4-8 and will usually contain a bathroom shared can serve as a great way for students to make among the suitemates, smaller rooms of 2 or 3, and a friends who are similar to them! When students common living area. Most universities also offer an are applying for housing, they can indicate their additional style of housing, which is an apartment. This preferences for a special-interest community through the application. 35

swipes, which means that they can swipe into their dining halls with their student IDs whenever they’re hungry. The dining halls have different hours at different universities, but they typically open at around 7 or 8 a.m. and close at 10 or 11 p.m. — sometimes later! Students who have kitchens, such as upperclassmen, may opt for a dining plan with fewer to no dining hall swipes, as they rely on their kitchens for groceries and cooking. Dining hall plans may also include guest swipes, where you can swipe in a guest (maybe a guardian, relative, or friend) and have them enjoy a meal with you!

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CA

DINING BY EMILY

At some point in college, you will most likely frequent your school’s dining halls. Dining halls are similar to cafeterias, but they’re buffetstyle and feature different types of food every day! Some colleges only have one dining hall, while others may have 3 or 4! It depends on the size of your school. If your school has more than one dining hall, the dining halls will often feature different cuisines, so that students can have more options to suit their individual needs and tastes. First-year students will typically live without a full kitchen, so they cannot cook and tend to rely heavily on the dining halls for food. These students usually have unlimited dining hall

Many schools also offer a currency specific to their schools that serves as discretionary money for students to spend at any oncampus eateries, some of which may be well-known restaurants, such as Starbucks! These may be called dining dollars, or a fun name that relates to your university. Dining halls are also a great way to make friends, as they are often packed with students eating and interacting! It is also a super fun way to hang out with your friends or with new people, as you can invite them to eat lunch with you at a dining hall in between classes!

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME, IN

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AUSTIN, TX

AP, IB, AND DUAL ENROLLMENT BY ANA LU AND SHREYA

AP AND IB CLASSES

If your high school offers AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) classes, these can be a great way to challenge yourself academically, raise your GPA, and provide an opportunity to gain college/university credit at institutions that accept them. High schools can vary widely between offering 30 AP classes, only a handful, or not offering any. Others offer IB classes or have a specific track you can apply into where you take mostly, if not all, IB classes. If AP or IB classes are not an option for you, do not stress that you are behind the curve or that your application will not stand out compared to students who do have access. The people reading your college applications will know what your school offers and will not hold it against you if something wasn't offered. Additionally, even if they are offered, there is more to high school and a college application than just taking the hardest class offered, especially if you have no interest in it or want to prioritize other classes, extracurricular involvements, or work commitments. However, if your school does offer AP or IB classes, I would highly recommend taking advantage. This does not mean that you need to overload your class schedule with only these courses, but if there are certain subjects that you are interested in or want to learn more about at a more advanced level, then AP

BELMONT UNIVERSITY, TN

UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO, CA

or IB classes are a great option. For example, if you are thinking about studying Applied Mathematics in a higher education setting, it might be in your best interest to take AP Calculus if it is offered at your high school. The class itself is structured similar to any other course, you are generally just learning at a faster pace or working with more difficult material. However, if you are enrolled in an AP or IB class, you are eligible to take a test that corresponds to that class, which usually occurs at the beginning of May. Based on how well you do on this test, essentially showing mastery of the subject, you can earn college credit or place out of certain introductory courses at many colleges.

DUAL ENROLLMENT

Academic rigor can come in different forms, not just AP or IB classes. Another way to receive college credits and demonstrate the ability and desire to be challenged academically before attending college is to take classes in community colleges. Dual enrollment refers to students being able to enroll in two institutions at the same time. Often this means that high school students who are looking to take that further step and take college-level courses may enroll in a dual enrollment program or in a community college. This can be beneficial for students to understand what college level classes are like, but it can also show strong academic interests and challenges. Dual enrollment can also be beneficial for financial reasons, since higher education can be very expensive, enrolling in these programs in high school can help bring down the costs of going to college, depending on where you choose to go. Many universities have websites that show what courses they accept to transfer in credits from other institutions like community colleges, whether that be as a student who did dual enrollment or as a transfer student. Overall, dual enrollment, AP, and IB classes are all great things to take advantage of if possible in order to get a glimpse into college rigor, boost your college application, and save money in the future, MISSOURI UNIVERSITY, MO

BY EMILY

MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE, MA

TIP #6

YOU CAN WRITE ABOUT THINGS UNRELATED TO YOUR MAJOR

What you write about in your college essay, and even what you include on your activity list, does not always have to be related to your declared major. Your involvements and interests can be completely different from your major, and that is okay! Admission counselors like to see that students are well-rounded and have different interests, so you are totally welcome to write your essay on an interest that is outside of your academic field of study. I was applying for a business major, but I wrote my essay on my interest in astronomy! However, if you write about something else, such as a personal experience or something that is related to your major, that is great, too! This was just my personal experience, so feel free to go a different route, as well, but do note that it is an option to express a different interest of yours!

STANDARDIZED TESTING

BY SHREYA AND EMILY

Standardized testing is one component of your college application. Before we get into specifics about the different standardized tests, it is so important to note that standardized testing is just one part of your application. It does not determine your worth. That being said, it is important to understand these tests so that you can conquer them with the most confidence and preparation possible, so that is what this section is for.

TESTING IS JUST ONE PART OF YOUR APPLICATION. IT DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR WORTH. The ACT and SAT are two standardized tests that are widely accepted and required by most colleges for admissions. Most colleges will require that students submit scores from one of these tests. No college will require both, and as these tests are quite different, this leaves students with the choice of which to take. There are a couple factors that people consider in deciding.

FLAGLER COLLEGE, FL

SAT VS. ACT

There are a couple factors that people consider in deciding. First, some high schools administer one of these tests to all of their students. Students are required to sit and take this test even if they are taking tests outside of school as well. For instance, my school made the entire junior class take the SAT in our school gym one day in April. Because of this, many students just chose to take the SAT because it didn’t require any outside planning. Some people, though, choose which test they take based on differences in the test itself. The tests have many similarities, but also a few key differences. First off, the ACT has 4 sections with subscores while the SAT only has two. The ACT has English, reading, math, and science. The SAT has math, evidence-based reading, and an optional essay writing portion. The first main thing you might notice is that the ACT has science while the SAT does not. This is somewhat misleading because the science 41

on the ACT is far more like reading comprehension and interpretation of data and graphs rather than regurgitating how volcanoes work or the anatomy of the human body. Next, you notice that the SAT has fewer sections. This can be something to think about when it comes to superscoring. Superscoring refers to taking your highest subscores from different tests you take and combining them into one score that shows your best official performances in each subject. Since the ACT has more sections that could vary more from test to test, most schools don’t accept a superscore. Some will look at all your scores, some will look at only your highest overall score, and others will look at all but place the most weight on your highest composite score. For the SAT, many schools will look at your superscore more heavily since it is only a superscore of two sections. This is designed to make it fair based on how the test is scored, so don’t just assume it is better to take the SAT because it is often superscored.

EVALUATE BOTH TESTS AND MAKE THE DECISION RIGHT FOR YOU. NEITHER ONE IS BETTER THAN THE OTHER! Now in my opinion, there are a few other notable differences between the tests. I took practice exams in both, and I found the ACT to have much more of a time pressure while I felt that I had plenty of time on the SAT. Additionally, from other people’s experiences, the ACT requires you to learn more how to take the test and develop test taking strategies while the SAT is more about innate knowledge and is a little bit harder to learn. Keep in mind that these are just personal observations from a few people, and you should evaluate both tests and make the decision right for you. Choose the best fit, neither one is better than the other!

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY, WA

THE PSAT/ NMSQT BY SHREYA

WHAT IS IT? The PSAT/NMSQT, or the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is a standardized test that high school juniors take. This test is designed to mimic the SAT test that many juniors and seniors take to apply to college. The topics, form, and feel of the PSAT are very similar to the SAT. This test is offered to students and administered through schools to both sophomores and juniors. For sophomores, the test is nothing more than an introduction to future standardized tests. However, when you take this test as a junior, it means a lot more!!

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE? Your score on the test in your junior year can qualify you to win scholarships through the National Merit Corporation. Before we go into more detail, I want to make very clear that this test is not the end all be all. It should not be seen as something that determines your future. It should not bring you unnecessary stress when you have so many other things to think about! If you don’t typically score very high on standardized tests, don’t stress too much about this test. Just do your best when your school offers it and leave it in the past. However, if you tend to score very well on standardized tests naturally, you might want to pay more attention.

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, WA

Typically, the top 1% of scorers will qualify as National Merit Semifinalists. From there, semifinalists fill out additional application materials and about 15,000 of the 16,000 will advance to finalist status. After that, you can receive a variety of scholarships, including small scholarships given out directly from the National Merit Corporation, corporate scholarships, and school scholarships in partnership with National Merit. 43

WHAT CAN I WIN?

NOTRE DAME

At the University of Southern California, any student that gets accepted and is also a national merit finalist with USC as their first choice school in the National Merit portal automatically receives a half-tuition scholarship. At the University of Alabama, finalists receive full tuition, housing, and stipends to attend. Schools have varying awards, but the bottom line is that scoring well on this test could have a big payoff! We don’t want this to stress you out or put pressure on you. That being said, many students have no idea that this scholarship program exists and say that they wish they knew earlier. Even if it just means they take the test a little bit more seriously or they may even decide to study for it.

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, MO

SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY, RI

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I personally studied before the PSAT because I knew that all of my studying for it would help me on the SAT, too. I started studying in August, took the PSAT in October, studied some more, and then took my SAT in December. This is a plan that worked for me, and I ended up getting a National Merit scholarship and felt great that I had taken my SAT early! There is no one right path to when you should take tests, but it is worth it to evaluate whether the PSAT test is something you should consider when making a testing schedule that is right for you.

VIRGINIA TECH UNIVERSITY, VA

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, NJ

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION BY SARAH

Letters of recommendation serve as a way for application readers to develop a fuller image of who you are by hearing from teachers, troop leaders, coaches, etc. They can speak to how you shine in various environments and provide more personal insight on what you can contribute to a certain college or university or why you are qualified to attend, Each school has their own requirements for the number of letters and who each letter can be by. Most schools will ask for 2, perhaps 1 being from a teacher and one being from an “other” recommender like a piano teacher or a sports coach. Additionally, some majors or special programs will have a unique letter requirement, for instance an accelerated pre-med program requiring at least one letter from a science teacher. Be sure to check each school’s website before you submit your application! When asking for a letter, choose people who you’re very involved with and you are able to show your strengths in front of. While many people ask teachers from classes where they excelled, it could also be really smart to ask a teacher of a class where you struggled but exemplified strong character traits like perseverance, hard work, and the awareness to ask for help. In other words, pick a teacher or person who can tell your story and speak to your character in addition to just your abilities and intellect that will be shown in your transcripts and other application components. Make sure to ask people months in advance so they have time to write a thoughtful letter. It is also a good idea to ask them if they think they'd be able to write a strong letter on your behalf. You'd rather get an honest response that they don't feel able to write a strong letter on your behalf and be able to ask someone else rather than end up with a mediocre letter. Lastly, if the person agrees to write a letter of recommendation for you, it is best to prepare a brief resume or activities list with any significant leadership roles. You can also offer to have a meeting with them to talk things over so that they can write the best possible letter for you. 45

APPLYING TO COLLEGE

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, OR

OBERLIN COLLEGE, OH

HOW TO MAKE A LIST OF SCHOOLS BY SARAH AND SHREYA

1. DECIDE WHAT YOU'RE INTERESTED IN

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY, WA

First off, think about what environment you would be happiest and grow the most in. Is this a big city with lots of museums and food trucks? The countryside with lots of hiking trails and open space? Cold or warm weather? Snow? Close to home or as far away as possible? (Check out our section “Far from home” to hear stories from students who went far from home for college.) Then consider whether you’re looking for more of a large bustling campus or a smaller tight-knit college. Finally, think about what you want to study and if there are certain regions that might be optimal for that subject - for example, studying politics in Washington D.C., being a journalist in New York City, or studying marine biology on the coast. With all of this in mind, start looking for colleges that meet this criteria through Google searches or family and friends.

2. MAKE A LIST OF POSSIBLE SCHOOLS Research schools that fit your interests. Basic Google searches work fine! Now is your time to explore what is out there. You may have certain aspects that are must-haves or dealbreakers while others are just preferred. At this point, consider all of your preferences and start taking note of schools that might be a good fit.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, GA

THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE, CA

3. LOOK AT ACCEPTANCE STATISTICS, BUT DON'T GET DISCOURAGED!

Once you have a list of schools that interest you, start looking at the statistics of their average admitted student (GPA, SAT/ACT score, etc.). This will help you generally gauge your chances of admission, but most schools care about far more than just numbers - club involvement, leadership, volunteer work, jobs, caring for a family member, overcoming hardships, and more. If you don’t think your GPA and test scores are close to their average, don’t be discouraged - highlight your other strengths on your application.

4. NARROW DOWN YOUR LIST Now it's up to you to decide how many schools you want to apply to (most people choose 7-10). It is important that you apply to schools with varying levels of competitiveness so that you give yourself the best chance at attending one of your top colleges. Apply to as many schools as your desire, time, and finances allow, but be sure that you believe that each school could make you happy. Of course it's okay to have certain schools that excite you more than others, but you should make sure that every school on your list has something unique or exciting about it and that you could see yourself going there if that ends up happening. Talking with a current student and going to admissions events are great ways to gauge your compatibility with a school).

DUKE UNIVERSITY, NC

COMPILING A LIST OF SCHOOLS IS PERSONAL! YES, IT MAY BENEFIT YOU TO LISTEN TO ADVICE FROM PEOPLE AROUND YOU ABOUT WHERE THEY THINK YOU'D FIT BEST. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT'S YOUR PROCESS AND YOUR LIST.

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, MA

BY AIME

TIP #7

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF Something I wish I could tell my high-school self would be to believe in my accomplishments and have faith in the college appplication process. I was skeptical to think that any private institution or popular university would accept me. Like many of you reading this, I too was extremely involved in my community, I was an athlete and a straight-A student. However, I hesitated to apply to schools and missed out on the opportunity to receive a merit scholarship because I didn’t apply before certain deadlines. Also, I let others' opinions of me convince me that my essays weren’t worth reading. After some time, I’ve come to realize that my voice deserves to be heard. Admission counselors don’t have the opportunity to meet you in person, so you have to make sure that you are representing your truest self in your essays and application. If your story is either dramatic or exciting, tell it. Of course, have a few people revise your writing for grammatical errors and for advice, but remember to tell YOUR story and not just write what you think schools want to hear. Be specific in your writing and be genuine in your reasons for wanting to attend the college of your choice.

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA, OK

THE COMMON APPLICATION BY SARAH AND SHREYA

The Common App is a platform used by roughly 900 schools to make applying to college easier. You fill out all of your information (demographics, extracurriculars, grades, special circumstances, etc.) and write 1 personal statement essay of roughly 600 words. This general information and your personal statement are compiled into 1 application and sent to all of the schools that you apply to that are on the Common App. This saves you a ton of time because you don't have to re-enter the same information for each school you apply to!

In addition to this basic information submitted in the Common App, most schools require additional supplemental essay questions or information from you to complete your application. These additional requests should appear on your Common App page under each college that you’ve selected to apply to, so it's still all in the same portal and easy to access! Once you finish those additional questions, through the Common App you pay the application fee and they will send it to your schools of interest! Application fees can add up quickly and place a financial burden on many families. If this is your situation, there is a fee waiver for the Common App that you can request through your portal to get all of your application fees waived. Your counselor will have to fill out a form affirming your financial need. If you are not approved for this comprehensive waiver, try reaching out to the admissions counselors at the individual colleges and asking for a fee waiver. You can also talk to your high school counselor and ask if there are any scholarships to cover these fees!

Note that the Common App does not send your transcripts, you will have to contact each high school or junior college you’ve attended and have them send these. Also, refer back to the Common App regularly While most schools are on the Common App, there are a few that are to see if schools have sent you not. A few notable examples are the University of California schools messages regarding an interview and the University of Texas schools that each have their own request or asking for more application portal. However, if you apply to multiple UC or UT information. schools, it is similar to the Common App in that you only have to fill out certain information once. 50

BROWN UNIVERSITY, RI

APPLYING EARLY BY ANA LU AND SHREYA

Early decision (ED) and early action (EA) are opportunities for students to apply early (in November usually) and receive admission decisions slightly earlier than applying on the regular deadline. However, there are important considerations to take when deciding whether these choices are good for you. Early decision is usually beneficial if you are very sure of what college you would like to attend, since the decision is binding. A binding decision means that if you receive acceptance to this school, you have to withdraw your other applications and agree to attend the one you were accepted to for early decision. You can also only apply to one institution for early decision, because of the binding nature of the agreement. Although it is not very common, if for some reason the financial aid package awarded when accepted to ED is not enough for your family to make the cost affordable, you can ask to be released from the agreement.

EARLY DECISION

Early decision can be beneficial if you have done extensive research on colleges and universities and you are sure that the school you applied ED to is one you really want to attend. However, do not be misled that if you do not apply ED your chances of getting accepted are significantly higher because that is not true. Most universities will have a holistic review of your application whether it is early or in the regular time period. They will accept a smaller number of students in the early window to save the majority of spots for the large influx of applications that come by the regular deadline. With that being said, early decision is a great option if you are really excited about one school and want the opportunity to find out in December that you are into that school. It requires you to complete fewer applications if you get in ED, shows colleges that their school is your first choice, and maybe most importantly shortens the waiting period that often brings stress to students.

EARLY ACTION

On the other hand, early action is very similar to ED in that you also have to apply and have all of the requirements that the school is asking for ready by an earlier date. However, it is not binding. This means that you will receive information on your acceptance earlier too, but you do not have to necessarily attend the schools you applied to as EA. Applying EA can be beneficial if you already have everything sorted, know which schools you want to apply to and want to relieve some of the pressure and stress that comes with a later application deadline. However, if you want to take a couple extra months to get your applications in order, don’t feel pressure to apply by the early deadline if a given school has two deadlines. You will still be fairly evaluated at the regular decision time!

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA, AL

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS BY ANA LU

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON, ENGLAND UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

International students have different things to pay attention to. In general, it is important to first ask the school what they consider as an “international student". Often, people will be evaluated in relation to where they did their high school education. For example, a U.S. citizen with a military family who did all of high school in Santiago, Chile, will be evaluated in relation to what their specific school had to offer, not against other U.S. citizens. Many schools do not offer need-based financial aid to international students, but sometimes they will still offer different merit based scholarships (like USC, you cannot apply for financial aid but you can apply before Dec. 1 for a merit scholarship) In the same vein, many schools, even if they are need-blind for most of the applying student population, are not need-blind for international students. Therefore, the U.S. government requires all schools to ask international applicants to present Documentation of Financial Support which states that they have the funds to cover the first year of education. Although most requirements are the same— the Common Application, essay questions, resume, etc.—international students will often be asked to present other requirements such as a proof of English proficiency like the TOEFL, SAT/ACT, and IELTS exams.

UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, NEW ZEALAND

The experience of an international student can be very enriching. Fully immersing oneself in a completely different environment, culture and language can most definitely be a challenge but at the same time very rewarding.

INTERVIEWING BY EMILY

BARD COLLEGE, NY

A college interview is a face-to-face (whether that be in person or on Zoom!) conversation that you will have with an admission counselor, current student, or alumnus from the university. The interview helps both of you determine whether or not you would be a good fit for the college to which you are applying. Make sure you ask questions and not just answer them, as it will show interest and also help you decide whether or not you could see yourself at this university! As much as the interviewer is interviewing you, you are also trying to see whether or not you would fit in there! Treat it as simply a conversation, and be yourself: do not say what you think they want you to say, but say what you truly mean, and if it takes you a second to think about your answer, that is totally fine! You can simply let the interviewer know that you need a moment to reflect on their question, which is so much better than giving an answer off the top of your head that is not very genuine and that you may later regret. Ultimately, this person wants the best for you and will evaluate you based on how well they believe that you are a good match for the school, and not necessarily on how impressive your particular answers may seem. Confidence is key, and make sure you have a list of prepared questions so you don't end up flustered during the interview. Some colleges may have mandatory or strongly suggested interviews, some schools may have optional interviews, and some schools may not have them at all. There could also be a case where some of your general university applications may not have a mandatory interview requirement, but some of their more competitive programs, departments, and scholarships do. Definitely do some research on your schools to learn more, as it is different for every college! And, at the end of the day, the interview is just one aspect of your application, just like your test scores, grades, and essays. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

SAN DIEGO, CA

Don’t refrain from applying to a school that you love just because you feel as if one (or even more) of your materials (test scores, GPA) aren’t up to par with their traditional averages. Many schools want to get the greater picture of who you are as a student but also as a person, so they will look beyond just a couple of your application components. For example, my test scores were way below USC’s average SAT and ACT scores, but I still applied and got in! I supplemented my application with other strong aspects, such as my grades and extracurriculars, and USC realized that those made me a strong candidate, too, and that my lower scores weren’t everything. Nobody is perfect, so still apply anyway because you never know!

TIP #8

DON'T JUST LOOK AT SCORES AND GRADES

BY EMILY

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY, UT

APPLICATION CHECKLIST BY SARAH

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSINMADISON, WI 1. Explore schools online or in person to develop 6. Talk with your counselor about a letter of a list of schools to apply to. recommendation and sending your transcripts to colleges. 2. Take the appropriate tests for college SAT/ACT, SAT subject tests, TOEFL, etc.

7. Ask a parent, friend, or other trusted individual to help you edit your essays.

3. Make note of each school’s application deadline (note: some schools have multiple deadlines. For example, at USC, the normal deadline is January 15th, but to be considered for a merit scholarship, you must apply by December 1st!)

8. Make sure you’ve properly filled out all parts of the application, and send it in before the due date. 9. Write a thank you note for everyone who helped you (especially those who wrote you letters of recommendation)!

4. Look at their letter of recommendation requirements, and ask people to write them for 10. Check your email frequently for updates from colleges. a. This is the holy grail of the college application you. process! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates or if a. Choose people who know you very well in the colleges you are applying to require you to send terms of your academics, volunteer work, additional documents. leadership, etc. I asked my English teacher/ASB advisor and my swim coach since they both had known me for 4 years. 11. If required, send in your senior year fall semester grades (this is usually after your application has been 5. Begin brainstorming and writing rough drafts submitted). for essay prompts. a. I had all of the drafts in one big Google 12. Wait patiently, go through an interview if a school asks Doc since I wanted to triple check that all my for it, and eventually accept a school before the national work was being saved as I was writing! decision deadline of May 1st!

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, GA UT GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY,

ORGANIZATION TIPS FOR THE APPLICATION PROCESS

BY SHREYA Make sure you are keeping track of the deadlines to submit your college, scholarship, and financial aid applications. You can choose to keep track using a planner, a detailed Google Doc, a spreadsheet, or any other method that will help you stay on track. Many people make spreadsheets to track the schools they’re applying to or thinking about applying to. They might give each school a row in a spreadsheet. The columns might include details and fast facts about the school that are important to you like location, size, average test scores and grades, the date the application is due, whether or not you’re planning to interview for the school, and more. You can put whatever information helps you stay organized and have a quick place to reference all of your key information. You can also color code the schools by ones that you’re for sure applying to, ones that you’re unsure about, ones that you’re applying to early, etc. A lot of people like to make Google Documents where they can work on all of their essays for schools. Your personal statement will go to all the schools you apply to, but you will also have different supplemental questions for many schools that are unique to that school. I found it helpful to have one document with designations for each school rather than 13 or 14 different Google Docs. While you should not copy and paste from one essay to another since they should really be school specific, I liked being able to easily reference what I said in other essays, especially when it was more general about my passions or hobbies. I also liked limiting the number of tabs I had to have open, being able to quickly switch from answering one question to another when inspiration hit and being able to see all my progress grow in one document! This was just a personal preference, and you should do whatever makes you feel 57 the most organized and least stressed!

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, NY

Try to have an open mind and see if you come to love your school after some time. That being said, it is always good to be thoughtful and reflective, and if you decide that the concerns you have are specific to your school or the type of school you chose, transferring may still be the right choice for you. Many students may also choose to begin their college career at a community college, and then transfer into a fouryear university/college. The transfer process looks different across institutions, similar to the first-year application process. However, on top of sending your high school transcripts you will also be required to send in your grades from the courses you took at the college you attended before transferring.

These courses are also important in terms of how they will transfer over as credits that apply to the institution you are hoping to transfer into. Different colleges/universities may have a BY CIELO It is important to remember that the college/university you accept maximum number of units or credits you can transfer from your previous admission to for your freshman year does not mean you are institution. They may also have locked into that institution for the rest of your undergraduate experience. People might be unable to go and visit colleges, might restrictions on which courses can be not be familiar with certain programs or opportunities available at considered for credit transfer. For instance, if a student has already taken a other institutions, or they just realize that the school that they chose initially is not right for them for whatever reason, and that writing course but is hoping to transfer is totally fine. If you feel that another institution is a better fit for into USC, they will still be required to you, look into other institutions that have the kinds of programs, take both our WRIT 150 and WRIT 340 classes as general education opportunities, and feel that you are looking for and try again through the transfer process. While it is always okay to transfer, requirements for the university. In order it’s a good idea to not make up your mind right when you first get to do more research on which courses on campus. All students have an adjustment period to college life will be able to transfer from your particular institution, you can look up in general, and that can often be confused with feeling like you articulation agreements and articulation don’t like your specific school. Be patient with yourself and the histories for the institutions that you are process. Try to have an open mind and see if you come to love hoping to transfer into. your school after some time.

TRANSFERRING

The essays are an important and valuable part of adding character to your application. It's important to have other people read over and edit them to look for grammatical errors, content suggestions, and general feedback about what they felt after reading them. However, it is important to not blindly accept every one of their suggestions. The paper should still be in your voice and present yourself in what you feel is your best light. Listen to their feedback and make changes, but know that there is no right or wrong answer for essay writing so write what you are proud of, and the admissions readers will recognize that.

TIP #9

GET FEEDBACK ON ESSAYS

BY SARAH

SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY, CA

MOUNT SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY, CA

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS BY BRIGITTE AND AIME

INTRODUCING FINANCIAL AID

Sometimes college looks like it has a huge price tag, but don’t let that discourage you! Financial aid is a common way of paying your way through school for lots of university and college students. At its most basic level, financial aid is any money you receive to help you pay for your education - this might look like scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study (don’t worry, we’ll explain some more about all of these later)! Some forms of financial aid take into account your family’s financial situation, including how much your family income is and the amount of students your parents have in college. Others are awarded based on how well you did in high school, your affiliation to a certain group or club, or even the academic subject you want to study! Financial aid will vary across schools and organizations, and you might have to fill out more applications and documents at some than others - read on for more information on the different types of aid you might be eligible for.

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID

UNIVERSITY, FEDERAL, AND STATE GRANTS

The federal government provides grants for students attending a college or a career school, and unlike loans, think of grants being sources of “free money” that you do not have to pay back at the end of your college career. Grants can come from the federal government, your state government, your specific college or career school, or a private/non-profit organization. Just keep in mind to apply for the grants you are eligible for by the school’s application deadline.

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA, NE

Here are some grants you may be eligible for: the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, and more. To be eligible for a grant, you must exhibit financial need and have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After you’ve submitted the FAFSA, your school will let you know how much aid you’ll receive. If you are interested in continuing to receive aid, remember to keep submitting the FAFSA (and other applications like the CA Dream Act Application or others specifically required by your college like the CSS Profile) every year you’re in school.

Disclaimer: If you don’t plan to finish your college education and you’ve received one of these grants, you may be required to pay back a portion of your grant.

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY, CO

WORK-STUDY

Aside from qualifying for grants after submitting the FAFSA, you may also be eligible for Work-Study aid. Federal Work-Study means that you can work a parttime job as an undergraduate /graduate student to help you pay for books, supplies, or anything else related to your education.

work-study job being a Research Assistant, Campus Tour Guide, Library Assistant, Tutor, etc. Depending on your own financial situation and course schedule, you could even consider having more than one work-study job; keep in mind that you are now responsible for creating your own routine and schedule in college.

Now, let’s talk about how you’ll be getting paid. Your total work-study package depends on when you submit your FAFSA application, your 1) exhibit financial need, level of financial need, and your school’s 2) be either a full-time or part-time student, and financial budget. You’ll earn at least federal 3) attend a school that participates in the Federal minimum wage, but you may earn more Work-Study Program (this would be the right time to depending on the job you have. An tell you to check in with your school’s financial aid undergraduate student gets paid by the hour, office to double-check if your school participates in and you may get paid at least once a month, the program). biweekly, or whatever works best for your employer. In order to pay you, your school may Some of the jobs are either offered on or off campus, and pay you directly unless you request them to they can either be relevant to your course of study or send your check directly to your bank account emphasize civic engagement. For example, you can get a or to use your check for your tuition and other expenses. To qualify for Work-Study, you must:

LOANS

Another form of aid that you can receive is self-help aid, which can come in the form of loans. Now, loans must be repaid by the person taking them out since it is borrowed money, and if you (the student) is taking out the loan, then the repayment process usually begins after you graduate from college.

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, WA

There is a difference between the types of loans one can receive. For example, if you demonstrate financial need, you can be awarded what is called a Subsidized Loan. If you receive these loans while you are in school, the government will pay interest as it accrues and you won’t have to pay interest until 6 months after you graduate. The other type of loan you can take out is called an Unsubsidized Loan, and students are not required to demonstrate financial need for one. Unlike subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans require students to pay interest as it accrues from the time the loan is disbursed, meaning you have to pay the interest while you are in school. There are also Direct PLUS Loans that are made for graduate/professional students and the parents of undergraduate students who seek help to cover what is not paid by financial aid. In order to qualify for this type of loan, applicants are not required to show financial need, but they must provide a credit check.

TIPS FOR NAVIGATING FINANCIAL AID

Once you’ve applied for financial aid, you’ll receive a financial aid package where you will be able to review how much money your school is offering you. Remember, this is only an offer; nothing is yet set in stone and you are not obligated to accept any portion of your financial aid package. After reviewing your offer and realizing that it might not be enough money for your particular situation, you can always appeal your package to a financial aid officer. Appealing your package might not always work, since schools might give you the best offer they have, but appealing your package the minute you get your offer might give you the opportunity to receive more funds. To appeal, you must get in contact with one of the financial aid officers at your school and then you will state the reason(s) why you are requesting an appeal. The financial aid office will then carefully review your entire financial aid application once more to verify any difficult circumstances they might have missed the first time through. They will be on the lookout for a loss of income, increase/decrease in household size, any medical hardships not explicitly stated, and any other information that might convince them to review your case again. Of course, the idea of receiving more money to pay for college sounds amazing, but keep in mind that if you don’t have a valid reason for appealing or if you appeal too late, the chances of your appeal going through are very slim. Financial aid officers need to see that there is a valid reason to increase your financial aid, especially when keeping in mind the remaining funds they might have. During these situations, it’s best to reach out as soon as possible to the appropriate personnel and address your concerns once they arise.

BREAKING DOWN SCHOLARSHIPS

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS VS. NEEDBASED SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships can be given to students for many different reasons, just some of which include merit and financial need. Certain scholarship programs only consider your merit when determining your acceptance - this can include consideration of your academic rigor, your leadership, and other factors of your academic preparedness. Need-based consideration means an organization takes into account how much money your family makes, and prioritizes applicants with high financial need whose families often do not make enough to make college affordable.

CORPORATE SCHOLARSHIPS Corporate scholarships are one type of scholarship usually offered by the philanthropic foundations associated with big businesses like Coca-Cola or Bank of America. These are usually merit-based and anyone can apply, regardless of income level!

EXAMPLES OF CORPORATE SCHOLARSHIPS

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievementbased scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA BARBARA, CA

The Milken Scholars Program is a scholarship available to students in Los Angeles, New York, and D.C. Recipients receive $2,000 a year for their undergraduate education, and an additional graduate fund for post-grad studies. Selection criteria prioritizes students who have demonstrated service, leadership, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Students must be nominated by their school counselor to apply for the program.

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

There are many scholarship programs that will give highachieving low-income students money to attend college. This is money you do not have to pay back, So take advantage of these opportunities while you’re eligible! Scholarships range from a couple thousand dollars to full-tuition at the school of your choice. Many of these scholarships will still be awarded based off of merit, but to be able to apply, you must fit certain criteria related to your financial need.

EXAMPLES OF NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, MA The Questbridge Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship for academically outstanding students who have overcome significant obstacles (usually from low-income families who earn less than $65,000 annually). The scholarship is given to high school seniors who apply and are selected to be matched with a school on a list of college partners the applicant has chosen. Questbridge also offers a summer program called College Prep Scholars for high school juniors to access resources that will prepare them for applying to top colleges. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is open to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. Scholars who are accepted to the program receive up to $40,000 a year towards their undergraduate education, personal advising for students who aren’t sure where they want to attend, and college advising on how to best transition to a new college environment. The foundation also provides a scholarship program for transfer students from community colleges who want to continue their education at a four-year school. This scholarship provides all the same benefits as the College Scholarship Program!

SCHOOL-SPECIFIC VS. GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS

All of the scholarships listed above are generally open to anyone, regardless of what university or college they choose. These are general scholarships. However, sometimes specific institutions offer school-specific scholarships. School-specific scholarships are available to students at that university or college. Scholarships that are offered as part of your financial aid package during the admission process apply only to that school. Look for these on the school’s admissions website, by using terms such as “Financial Aid & Scholarships,” or by asking your admissions counselor or university representatives about the types of aid they offer. Some school-specific scholarships are only for incoming freshmen. For more information on these opportunities, try looking under the “prospective student” tab of a university or college’s financial aid website. If you’re at a university like those in the UC/CSU system or USC, your individual college within the university may offer school-specific scholarships. To find out more about these, try visiting your individual college’s website and looking up “scholarships”. Some of these are only available to continuing students, meaning people who already attend the university, but they can be good resources to supplement your financial aid package later on.

BERRY COLLEGE

GLOSSARY UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER, NY

ACADEMIC ADVISOR, 20, 25 This individual is assigned to you and acts as your counselor in college. They’ll help you organize your course plan, help you find resources on campus, and be there for you throughout your academic career.

ACT, 4, 41, 42, 48, 53, 55, 56 A standardized test that many U.S. college and universities will use as part of their undergraduate admissions process

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE, 6 A two-year degree that equates to the first two years of a bachelor's degree. They are often awarded at community colleges and online schools.

B BACHELOR’S DEGREE, 6, 25 A four-year undergraduate degree

ADMISSION COUNSELOR, 20, 34, 40, 47, 49, 50, 54, 65, Someone who is involved in the admissions process at a college or university, answers prospective students' questions, and reviews applications for admissions

BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA), 17 A type of degree awarded for a four-year undergraduate program in the arts, including liberal arts

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CLASSES, 4, 21, 22, 38, 39 An advanced high school course with a test at the end of the year. The test is scored from 1-5 based on mastery. You can earn college credit or place out of classes with high scores at certain colleges.

A type of degree awarded for a four-year undergraduate program in the sciences

G-1

ALUMNI, 54 People that graduated from a college or university (singular: alumnus/alumna)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS), 17

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS (BFA, 17 A type of degree awarded for a four-year undergraduate program in the fine arts, typically more intensive and concentrated than a Bachelor of Arts

C COMMON APP, 50, 53 A popular platform for sending out your college application that is widely accepted by over 800 colleges

DINING HALL, 35, 36 A college/university version of a school cafeteria — where students go to get food and eat their meals, many times they’ll bring friends along with them! DIRECT PLUS LOAN, 63 This loan is made for graduate / professional students and the parents of undergraduate students who seek help to cover what is not paid by financial aid. DOCTORATE, 25 An advanced graduate degree focused on problem-solving and professional skills

GENERAL EDUCATION, 7, 17, 18, 22, 58 Depending on the institution you attend, this is a required curriculum that creates a foundation for your undergraduate degree and education. There are several categories that make up this program, ranging from the arts to the natural sciences. GRADUATE DEGREE, 25 An additional degree that you can obtain by going to graduate school after college. These degrees include master’s, doctorates, and PhDs, and they are usually more specific and specialized than an undergraduate degree.

GRANTS, 60, 61, 62 These are sources of “free money” that you do not have to pay back once you graduate. However, if you don’t plan to graduate and you’ve received one of these grants, you may be required to pay back a portion of your grant.

FAFSA, 31, 61, 62

IMPACTED MAJORS, 18

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an application that you must submit each academic year in order to be considered for financial aid.

These are majors considered to be highly competitive since they only accommodate a few students per year.

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY, 62 After submitting your FAFSA application, you may be eligible for Work-Study aid, which means that you can work a part-time job as an undergraduate / graduate student to help you pay for books, supplies, or anything else you need.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB), 21, 22, 38, 39 A program in select schools that prepares students for a globally-recognized rigorous academic course load (great if you want to go to college abroad!). Students take standard level (SL) or higher level (HL) courses, then take a test in May to get college credit.

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L LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE, 6, 7 A college focused on delivering critical thinking skills, a general education, and a smaller, closer community

MAJOR, 2, 3, 17, 18, 19, 20, 40 This undergraduate program is your specialized area of study. You will spend the majority of your time in college taking courses in this subject. MASTER'S DEGREE, 7, 25 The most common graduate degree offered by colleges and universities to pursue additional education in a specific area of study

MEAL PLAN, 35 A pre-paid meal option where students swipe their student IDs in order to get food from a dining hall or other on-campus eatery for a meal

MINOR, 2, 3, 17, 19, 20, 24 This is similar to a major, except a minor doesn’t require you to take as many classes.

N NEED-AWARE ADMISSIONS POLICY This policy means that an institution will make their decision on admitting you based on how well you will be able to cover the cost of attendance.

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NEED-BLIND ADMISSIONS PROCESS, 53 This policy means that an institution will not consider you (and your family’s) financial situation when deciding whether or not to admit you into that particular school. They will review your application using a holistic approach.

P PHD (DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY), 7, 25 Highest university degree where candidates submit research or a dissertation in a topic of their choice PRE-GRADUATE, 24 A pre-professional track that you can pursue during your undergraduate degree to help you plan for attending graduate school PRE-LAW, 3, 24 A pre-professional track that you can pursue during your undergraduate degree to help you plan for law school (if you want to be a lawyer, attorney, etc.) PRE-MEDICINE, 2, 24, 25 A pre-professional track that you can pursue during your undergraduate degree to help you plan for med school (if you want to be a surgeon, pediatrician, psychiatrist, etc.)

RESIDENT ASSISTANT (RA), 28, 29 An upperclassmen student who is responsible for facilitating social, academic, and personal adjustment to the students in their residential hall

S SCHOLARSHIPS, 2, 43, 50, 53, 54, 60, 64, 65 If you are awarded one of these, it means that you have earned free money to put towards your college education and personal expenses. SAT, 4, 41, 42, 43, 44, 48, 53, 55, 56 A standardized test created by the College Board that many U.S. college and universities will use as part of their undergraduate admissions process

SPECIAL INTEREST HOUSING, 35 A residential option that many colleges and universities offer to allow students to live in a community with students who have common interests/identities

SUBSIDIZED LOAN, 63 If you demonstrate financial need and receive one of these while you’re in school, the government will pay interest as it accrues and you won’t have to pay interest until 6 months after you graduate.

TEACHER’S ASSISTANT (TA), 28 A teacher’s assistant is often an upperclassmen / graduate student who is responsible for leading discussion sections, proctoring and grading work, and working directly with the professor

UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN, 63 STUDENT HEALTH FEE, 33 This is the operational funding for all campus health programs, both clinical operations and programs related to public health

Students are not required to demonstrate financial need for this loan. Students are required to pay interest as it accrues from the time the loan is disbursed, meaning that you have to pay interest while you are still in school.

BOSTON UNIVERSITY, MA

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