Choosing a College
Entrance Exams
Admissions Essays
Financial Aid
WILD CARD
100
What is the difference between a community college and a 4-year university?
4-year colleges or universities offer bachelor's degrees and sometimes higher (master's and doctorates); while community colleges only offer an associate's degree or an opportunity to transfer to a 4-year.
100
TRUE OR FALSE: There is a penalty for guessing incorrectly on the SAT or ACT.
False
100
TRUE OR FALSE: It is not necessary or recommended to have others proofread your essay.
False. The more opportunities that others have to read your essay, the better it will be!
100
What are two types of financial aid?
Some examples: Student loans, work-study, grants, scholarships
100
How many years of high school English are required to gain admission to a four-year college or university?
4
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
What is the average score on the SAT?
1000
200
Name two tips for writing a good essay.
Some examples: Ask for help, answer the question fully, have others proofread the essay, take a break if you have a writing block, write a good outline, know the point of your essay,
200
TRUE OR FALSE: Perkins Loans are the best type of student loans.
True. Perkins Loans have the lowest interest rate at 5%, which is subsidized by the government for as long as you are in school.
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
Besides Cal State Northridge, what are four other Cal State campuses?
Maritime, Cal Poly Pomona, SLO, Bakersfield, Channel Islands, Chico, Dominguez Hills, East Bay, Fresno, Fullerton, Long Beach, LA, Monterey Bay, Sacramento, San Bernadino, San Marcos, Stanislaus, Humboldt, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sonoma
300
What are the four sections of the ACT?
English, math, reading, and science. The SAT does not have a science section.
300
TRUE OR FALSE: If you have a high GPA but a low SAT/ACT score (or vice versa), the essay may be a good time to explain why.
True. 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.
300
Can you name at least three SAT Subject II tests?
Math I & II, English Literature, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, US History, World History, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Latin, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
400
What are at least three private universities in Southern California?
Some examples: USC, Occidental, Pomona College, Pepperdine, Woodbury, Cal Lutheran, Whittier College, Cal Tech, Loyola Marymount, Mt. St. Mary's, Pitzer, Harvey Mudd, San Diego, LaVerne, etc.
400
Name two things that the SAT and the ACT have in common.
Some examples: They are both timed, all multiple choice questions are worth the same amount, they both have waivers available, both have a math section, both have a writing section, they are both accepted everywhere
400
How many of the eight UC Personal Insight questions do you have to answer?
4
400
What is the difference between need-based and merit-based financial aid?
Need-based aid is determined by a student's financial situation, and merit-based aid is determined by a student's grades and achievements.
400
When do you have to start paying back most subsidized student loans?
Usually, 6 months after graduation.
500
What are at least four things you might consider in choosing the college to attend?
Party Scene, Size, Graduation Rates, Offers Your Major, Affordability, Big Sports Programs, Strong Reputation, Professor:Student Ratio, Off-campus Setting, Amenities, Clubs, Earning Potential After Graduation, Weather / Location, Diverse Student Body, Student Resources, etc.
500
What, exactly, are the 2 required parts of the SAT called?
1) Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 2) Mathematics
500
On the Common Application essay prompt, what is the maximum number of words you can use?
650
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 are at least two different financial aid applications?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile), Cal Grant, Board of Governor's (BOG) Fee Waiver, etc.
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