College Knowledge
What is a “safety school”
A college where a student is very likely to be admitted based on their academic record.
What does FAFSA stand for?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
What’s one way to build trust with a student during your first meeting?
Be a good listener, ask open-ended questions, and respect their experiences
What’s the best method for getting a student to show up to an advising appointment?
Meet them where they are: use texts, visits during lunch, or teacher referrals
What’s CFNC and why is it important in NC?
College Foundation of North Carolina; helps students apply to colleges, FAFSA, RDS, and plan careers
What does “test optional” mean?
Students are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores to apply
What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans?
Subsidized loans don’t accrue interest while the student is in school at least half-time; the government pays the interest.
A parent is upset about missed deadlines. What’s the first thing you should do?
Stay calm, validate their concern, and explain your role
Why is it important to host a FAFSA night?
Increases family engagement and improves FAFSA completion rates
What is RDS?
Residency Determination Service—determines in-state tuition eligibility
What does “rolling admission” mean?
Applications are reviewed as they come in, and students are notified continuously.
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI) used for?
To determine how much financial aid a student is eligible for
What would you do if a student reveals they are undocumented?
Provide support, maintain confidentiality, and guide them to appropriate college and scholarship options
What’s one way to engage seniors who seem disengaged?
Connect their goals to postsecondary options, use career assessments, or build relationships
Where can advisers find up-to-date FAFSA help and training?
StudentAid.gov, NCAN, or state training platforms like CFNC webinars
What is the difference between need-blind and need-aware admissions?
Need-blind means the school does not consider a student’s financial situation when making admissions decisions.
Need-aware means the school does consider financial need, especially for borderline applicants.
If a student’s parents are divorced or separated, whose financial information should be reported on the FAFSA?
Only the parent who provides the most financial support to the student—not necessarily the one they live with most.
A student only wants to go to one dream school with a low chance of admission. What’s your role?
Encourage a balanced college list with reach, match, and safety schools
Name two creative ways to spread college info school-wide.
Bulletin boards, Instagram takeovers, newsletter blurbs, themed weeks
Name 3 data points you are expected to track during the year.
FAFSA completions, college applications, SAT/ACT registrations, or scholarships awarded
What is a “holistic review” in college admissions?
It means the college considers the whole student—including GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, background, and personal experiences—not just academic metrics.
What happens if a parent doesn’t have a Social Security Number?
Verify if it is an ITIN or SS #, help student individually. Do not assume and ask if comfortable.
You’re in a staff meeting and someone dismisses your role. How do you respond?
Professionally clarify your role and seek to build a collaborative relationship
What should you include in a monthly newsletter for families?
Deadlines, event dates, scholarship info, FAFSA tips, and student success stories
What does RCN stand for?
Residency Certification Number (RCN)