College Knowledge
What’s the difference between Early Action and Early Decision?
Early Action = non-binding; Early Decision = binding.
What date does FAFSA open for the 2025–2026 school year?
October 1st 2025
What does “CAC” stand for?
College Advising Corps.
Who headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2024?
Usher
When is the FAFSA application priority deadline in Georgia?
Best rule: file by March 1 to be safe.
What is the minimum GPA required to graduate high school in Georgia?
Georgia has no statewide minimum GPA to graduate; it’s credit-based (typically 24 units).
What’s the maximum Federal Pell Grant award in 2025?
Max Federal Pell Grant for 2025–26 = $7,395.
How many recommendation letters are usually required for college apps?
1 counselor + 1–2 teacher letters (varies by college)
What year did TikTok launch?
TikTok launched 2016 (as Douyin in China) / 2017 internationally
By what month should you submit all college applications to avoid late fees?
Most Regular Decision deadlines for colleges fall between January 1 and 15, but to avoid late fees, technical glitches, or missed priority scholarship deadlines, seniors should aim to finish and submit all applications by December.
What’s one advantage of applying test-optional?
Applying test-optional can benefit students who:
have a strong GPA and activities but lower test scores,
want admissions officers to focus on coursework, essays, and recommendations instead of SAT/ACT.
What type of aid never has to be repaid?
Aid you never repay: grants & scholarships
Name one responsibility your CAC adviser has besides advising.
Beyond 1:1 advising, CAC advisers run workshops (FAFSA nights, apps, scholarships), help complete forms, interpret award letters.
Who won the 2024 NBA Finals?
Boston Celtics won the 2024 NBA Finals (4–1 over the Mavericks).
When do most colleges require your final transcript?
Final transcript is typically due soon after graduation; many schools want it by late June/early July (GA electronic final transcript push happens by June 30).
Application platforms do most colleges use?
Common App
What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans?
Subsidized loans are need-based and the government pays interest while in school; unsubsidized loans are not need-based and interest starts right away.
What’s the average number of students a CAC adviser supports nationwide?
100
Finish the lyric —
"You used to call me on my cell phone, late night when you need my love…"
"...And I know when that hotline bling, that can only mean one thing." (from “Hotline Bling” by Drake)
What month do you have to commit to your college choice (National Decision Day)?
National College Decision Day is May 1.
What is a “priority deadline” and why does it matter?
A priority deadline is an earlier due date set by colleges for applications or financial aid.
Submitting by this date gives you full consideration for scholarships, aid, and housing.
Missing it may mean less funding or reduced chances for special programs.
Name one scholarship that requires a separate application besides FAFSA.
Examples of scholarships needing separate apps: Gates Scholarship, Coca-Cola Scholars, Jack Kent Cooke, Dell Scholars, Posse
True or False — Your CAC adviser can see your FAFSA application.
False — your CAC adviser cannot see your FAFSA unless you share it;
What movie won Best Picture at the 2024 Oscars?
2024 Oscars Best Picture: Oppenheimer.
When is the last day to take the SAT or ACT for most regular decision deadlines?
Most colleges accept the December SAT or ACT date as the last chance for seniors applying under Regular Decision.