FIT & SMART goals + college list
What is a top 5 list?
- A list of colleges
- Colleges students are interested in
- Related to Match & Fit
What is Early Decision?
It is when you can submit the entire app early in the school year and hear back from the college by December.
If accepted, it's a binding decision!
Must attend the school unless you do not receive an adequate financial aid package
T/F: Feedback is important in writing your essay.
True
What are scholarships?
It's free money that help you pay for college. Can be awarded by colleges (institutional scholarships) and by private organizations.
T/F: Scholarships are competitive
True!
A lot of students are interested in free money and typically there is only so much that can be awarded
But you can still win if you turn in a strong application!
What is a "reach" school on the match scale?
A challenge you might face when applying to this school. As you might fall below their average GPA, test scores, and other indicators
What is FAFSA?
- Free
- Application for
- Federal
- Student
- Aid
It's a form that both students and parents fill out to receive federal, state, and often institutional financial aid
What are the 4 major parts of working on your essay?
- prewriting
- writing
- revising
-editing
Scholarships are awarded based on...
Merit and/or awarded to students who meet the eligibility criteria
- GPA and test scores
- Excelling in arts or athleticism
- Identifying with a certain race or ethnicity
- Or having attended a certain high school
T/F: It is better to start early on your scholarship search
True!
Some scholarship deadlines are in the earlier months of your senior year, so it is better to be prepared!
What is a graduation rate?
It is just one number that reflects students outcomes, especially when it comes to making a financial investment and when it comes earning a degree
What is a CSS profile?
College Scholarship Service Profile
- It is a detailed financial aid form that some colleges have, private institutions require them
- They use additional information from this form to help determine the amount of need-based aid a student qualifies for (AKA awarded non-federal institutional aid).
What are the 3 most common essay types in the application process?
- the describe yourself
- explain why you want to attend our college
- discuss an issue
What do most CP scholars apply to and are encouraged to apply to?
Private scholarships
What are a few ways you can explore college scholarship? (those that your colleges offer)
- merit-based (are often offered by colleges and universities as a way to attract high-performing students. They can be awarded for multiple semesters or years, and are often renewable as long as the student meets certain requirements, such as maintaining a minimum GPA)
- need-based aid ( is a type of financial aid that is awarded to students based on their financial need)
- and departmental scholarships for specific majors
What are the 4 fit factors?
- Financial Fit
- Academic Fit
- Social Fit
- X-factor
What are a few ways you can keep organized?
- Calendars (pen/paper and digitally)
- Spreadsheets, Checklists, and Folders
- To-do lists
What happens in the editing process?
This is where you turn your essay over to another trusted individual for review feedback
Sometimes a different set of eyes can catch errors or see opportunities that you can’t
After you make these edits, this step can be repeated until you are satisfied with the final product
Scams! What are 3 things that you should be wary about?
1. Never pay a fee
2. Never provide a credit card or banking information
3. Be way of scholarships that only require contact info
What are the things you should pay attention to before you apply to any scholarships?
The requirements:
- GPA
- residency restrictions
- field of study
- essay needed
- and other specific criteria
What does SMART stand for?
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound
When does FAFSA open?
December 1st!
What is the ARRR aproach?
T/F: Coaches and counselors are not great resources to go to when to comes to scholarship updates
False
What are few ways you can keep track of all the scholarships that you're applying for?
- Deadlines
- Requirements
- and any additional materials needed