Choosing a College
Entrance Exams
Admissions Essays
Financial Aid
WILD CARD
100
What is the difference between a public school and a private school?
Public schools are governed by the State. Private schools are governed by private organizations.
100

TRUE OR FALSE: There is a penalty for guessing incorrectly on the ACT.

FALSE. Extra Info, but there IS for guessing on the SAT


100
What is an admission essay?
A paper about yourself/your experiences colleges ask you to write as part of the application.
100
What are two types of financial aid?
Some examples: Student loans, work-study, grants, scholarships
100

Name three colleges and universities in Texas.

Answers can vary. University of Texas, Texas A&M 

200
TRUE OR FALSE: Private school is always more expensive than public school.
False. Depending on scholarships and financial aid, private school may be less expensive. And a public out of state school will have a similar ticket price to a private school.
200

To attend a 2-year school (like Blinn or ACC), you do not need to take the ACT. What is the name of the exam that you do need to take?

The TSI. 

200
Name two tips for writing a good essay.
Answers can vary. Some examples: Ask for help, answer the question fully, have others proof the essay, take a break if you have a writing block
200
What type of financial aid do you have to pay back?
Loans. You do not have to pay back grants.
200
TRUE OR FALSE: It is acceptable to write about a controversial topic in your admissions essay if you are able to defend it well.
False. Steer clear from controversial issues and instead focus on YOU.
300
What is a 4-year degree typically called? What is a 2-year degree typically called?
4-year degree: A bachelor (of arts/science) degree. 2-year degree: An associate (of arts/science) degree.
300
What are the four required sections of the ACT?
English, math, reading, and science. (Writing is optional).
300
True or false. If you do not have the best grades and/or you did not do well on the ACT exam, the admission essay is a good place to describe the reasons why you did not excel.
True. If you write about these things, it gives the college or university an opportunity to understand where you are coming from and how you have grown from this experience.
300
What is the difference between subsidized loans and unsubsidized loans?
Government pays the interest for subsidized student loans, but not for unsubsidized student loans. Interest is the amount of money you have to pay back IN ADDITION to the amount of your loan. A higher interest rate = more money you have to pay back.
300
What is the maximum score on the ACT?
36
400
What are 4 GOOD reasons to choose a college?
Answers can vary. Examples include: location, major offerings, faculty, atmosphere, etc.
400
When is it recommended to take the ACT exam for the first time?
The spring of your junior year of high school.
400
True or false. All colleges require an admissions essay.
False. Some colleges do not require an admissions essay.
400
What is the difference between need-based and merit-based financial aid?
Need-based aid is determined by a student's finances, and merit-based aid is determined by a student's grades and achievements.
400
What is one way to prepare for college in 9th or 10 grade?
Answers can vary. Study and get the best grades you can. Start visiting colleges. Take career interest surveys.
500

Name 2 reasons to go to a 2-year school (like BLINN) first, and then transfer on to a 4-year school.

Answers can vary, but include: To save money, to improve your grades, etc.

500
True or false: You should not study for the ACT exam.
FALSE. Even though studying is not required, it is a good idea to prepare to take this test, as it can determine what schools you get admitted to and what scholarships you qualify for.
500
True or false. If a college asked you to write an admission essay, you can skip this portion of the application.
False. This part of the application is very important. Extra info: Typical essay question topics include: 1) The "You" Question; 2) The "Why Us?" Question; 3) The "Creative" Question
500
Which type of student loans should you avoid as much as possible?
Private student loans. They tend to have higher interest rates, and they are most difficult to pay off.
500
What is the name of the FREE financial aid application all students should submit before going to college to qualify for loans and grants?
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
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