College Access
Name two local colleges, including 1 private and 1 public college or university.
What is:
Some examples include:
Northeastern University: Private
Harvard: Private
UMass Boston: Public
Bunker Hill Community College: Public
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.
What is a brag sheet?
A Brag sheet is a document with a list of questions allowing students to "brag" about themselves in order to allow teachers and counselors the opportunity to get to know students better and write a strong letter of recommendation.
What is the FAFSA? Bonus (50 points) Define the acronym FAFSA.
The form used to collect information about family income and assets, and to determine how much federal and state financial support an individual is eligible to receive. FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
True/False: At the O'Bryant, students must complete 4 fours of English, Math and Science in order to graduate.
TRUE!
What is the Common Application?
Online application platform used by most colleges. The common application is your "actual" college application used by over 900 colleges and universities in the United States
Name 3 out of the 5 major items colleges consider when reviewing your college application
1) GPA/transcript
2) College Essay/Personal Statement
3) Extracurricular Activities, Resume
4) Letters of Recommendation (Teacher and Counselor)
5) The rigor of your schedule/courses
5)
How soon before college deadlines should students ask teachers/counselors for a letter of recommendation?
At least 3 weeks before your admissions deadline.
What is a scholarship or grant?
Involves money that does NOT have to be repaid, and generally based on merit. (grades, athletics, etc...)
What, exactly, are the 2 sections of the SAT called?
1) Evidence Based Reading and Writing (EBRW)
2) Math
What is a "Likely School"?
A school that has a Friendly acceptance rate (65% & up) + YOUR GPA/SAT scores are at or above the school’s average.
True or False: If a college is SAT optional, it will hurt you if you do NOT submit your SAT scores.
FALSE
What is the difference between public and private colleges and universities?
Public schools: Schools that are funded by their respective state (i.e University of Massachusetts) Private schools: Schools that are founded by private citizens and generally do not receive funding from the state or government (i.e Northeastern University)
True or False: All colleges require the FAFSA in order to be considered for any type of financial aid.
TRUE!
What is the highest score students can earn on the new SAT?
1600 points 800 in Math section. 800 in Evidence Based Reading section.
What is a "Target School"?
A school that has a somewhat friendly acceptance rate (30-65% & up) + YOUR GPA/SAT scores are similar to the school’s average.
Name the 4 (four) UMASS schools:
1) UMASS Boston
2) UMASS Amherst
3) UMASS Dartmouth
4) UMASS Lowell
Why is it important to "Match" your naviance account to your Common App account?
Matching naviance and common app allows teachers and counselors to submit letters of recommendation via naviance. Although students use common app to apply to college, O'B staff use Naviance to see your list of schools and to submit your letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc..
What is "federal work-study"?
It is need-based, but must be earned through a job. Typically, students will work at the college library, cafeteria, gym, etc... The money they earn is theirs to keep and use as they wish.
What is a "Dream" school?
A school that has a Low acceptance rate (under 30%) + YOUR GPA/SAT scores are pretty far from the school’s average
On the Common Application essay prompt, what is the maximum number of words you can use?
650 words.
What does FERPA stand for and what does it mean?
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, which grants students access to their educational records, including letters of recommendation (AFTER) they enroll in college.
Other than the FAFSA, what is the other financial aid application that SOME private colleges require?
The CSS profile (College Scholarship Service).
If a college is not listed on the common application, how can students apply?
Using the college's individual website.