A recent Newsday article shared that a survey conducted of the nation's college freshmen found the percentage of students attending their first-choice college is at the lowest level in four decades. Students and their families are becoming more mindful of college costs and are shying away from taking out exorbitant loans. The survey conducted by UCLA found that while more than three-quarters of those who started college were accepted to their first choice school, only about half of those decided to attend. Cost is increasingly become a predominant factor in college decisions.
Prospective college students need to carefully compare college costs, including room and board, books, travel expenses, and spending money. The first tuition bill that arrives shortly after making a deposit can be a rude awakening for many. Look carefully at your college list to make sure it includes "financial safeties". Although the prospect of researching colleges can be exciting, do not get swept away by the process and disregard college costs as part of the picture. It is important to have a candid discussion within the family early in the process about this. Don't forget to look for "no loan" colleges — ones who have made a commitment to reduce student loan debt. In addition, consider premier public universities in and out of state. You can also compare merit aid rates at colleges and see if you qualify for scholarship money.
Below is a useful government site that helps you compare college statistics such as merit aid percentage and estimated cost of attendance based on income: http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
What is the role of the parent in the college application process? Our approach is to have the student become as independent as they can be throughout this process. This will help to prepare them for the level of independence they will need to be successful on the college campus. The majority of meetings and contact time will take place with the student and the college consultant. We understand that this process involves a number of family decisions and we are always available to address any questions or concerns from parents via telephone sessions, email correspondence, Skype and in person. It is important for our consultants to have parent input as selecting a college involves a lot of choices including distance from home and college costs. Read through our informational article on how the parent can best help their child through this process:
www.yourjourneytocollege.com/uploads/YJTC_The_Parent_s_Role_In_The_College_Application_Process_web.pdf
If you are a student athlete and plan on playing a Division 1 or 2 Level sport at college, now is the time to reach out to coaches at the colleges you are interested in. Send an email or place a phone call to introduce yourself and forward a copy of your transcript, testing scores, and athletic resume. High school students should become familiar with NCAA regulations and procedures for clearing as an athlete beginning in grade nine. Make sure you are aware of the approved courses listed for your particular high school and take a look at the chart that shows you how you can clear by NCAA standards. Check out the resources at www.eligibilitycenter.org for more information.
There are many scholarships sources available as you plan to meet the expenses of college costs. There are a vast amount of private scholarships available and the criteria is based on factors such as academic achievement, talent, community service, essay writing and nationality. Colleges offer merit based scholarships and this information can be found on each website or at www.meritaid.com. Don't overlook sources such as parent's employers, banks, unions and organizations you belong to. While applying for these scholarships takes time and dedication, it can pay off! Read through our free informational article found on our Products page. Below you will find helpful online resources for scholarship searches:
For students with disabilities, it is crucial to research programs on college campuses to ensure a good match. Services and programs vary considerably in size and support offered. A visit to the Office of Disability Services to discuss the assistance necessary to ensure a smooth transition is suggested. Read our informational article with tips and suggestions:
http://www.yourjourneytocollege.com/uploads/YJTC_Applying_to_College_for_Students_with_Disabilities.pdf
Approximately one quarter of freshman do not return to the same college for sophomore year. It is important that prospective college students complete focused research as well as give serious thought to factors in a college that are important to them. Look through our free informational articles on our Products page such as: Finding the Right Fit, The Top 5 Statistics to Know About Colleges and Factors To Consider.
http://www.yourjourneytocollege.com/Products.html
Choosing a college major often produces confusion and anxiety for high school students. It is important to note that many students are undecided about a major. Seniors in high school are still getting to know themselves and the careers that exist. It is perfectly fine not to declare a major when applying to college. Admissions officers share that it is very common for applicants to choose "undeclared" as a major on college applications. They also say that over seventy percent of students that do choose a major upon admission change their mind at some point, often more than once.
Many college majors contain general education courses that you can take for a year or two while you explore some areas as long as you declare a major by the end of your second year. Majors such as nursing, engineering, architecture, and pharmacy are more structured and if choose that major later on in the process, it may require some extra time for you to finish your degree.
It is important to give thought to what you like as far as coursework in high school and what you might enjoy in regard to a work environment. The perfect combination combines your talents and interests. Try out new classes, join a few clubs, volunteer in an organization or two, and do some career-based research and exploration. Register for job-shadowing opportunities and internships. Try this free career exploration website and see what you discover: www.careerzone.ny.gov
