GPA & Academics
A perfect GPA is required to get into a good college.(True or False) Give your reasoning
False! Colleges consider the whole application.
True or False: The more extracurriculars you join, the better your college application.
Answer: False! Quality over quantity—commitment matters
True or False: Only Ivy League schools provide a great education.
False! Many schools have strong programs.
What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) used for?
Determines eligibility for federal financial aid.
What does the acronym “SMART” stand for in goal setting?
Answer: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
What is one way students can strengthen their college applications outside of GPA?
Answer: Extracurriculars, leadership, strong essays, etc.
What do colleges look for in extracurricular activities?
Answer: Leadership, impact, long-term commitment.
What does “test-optional” mean?
SAT/ACT scores are not required but will be considered.
True or False: Only students with perfect grades qualify for scholarships.
False! Scholarships exist for sports, leadership, and more.
True or False: Summer is only for relaxing and has no impact on college applications.
Answer: False! Summer is a great time for internships, volunteering, and learning new skills.
True or False: Colleges care more about your junior year grades than other years.
False! They review all four years.
True or False: Playing a sport is the best extracurricular for college applications.
False! Any activity with leadership and dedication is valuable.
True or False: You must declare a major before applying to college.
Answer: False! Many students start as undecided.
Name two sources of financial aid other than loans.
Grants, scholarships, work-study, FAFSA-based aid.
What is one way students can prepare for college over the summer?
Job shadowing, taking a course, volunteer work, starting a project.
What type of high school classes can earn students college credit?
Answer: AP, IB, Dual Enrollment.
What is a good way to demonstrate leadership in extracurriculars?
Becoming a club officer, starting a project, mentoring others.
Other than GPA, name two things colleges consider in applications.
Answer: Essays, extracurriculars, leadership, recommendations, etc.
What is a work-study program?
A college program where students work part-time to help pay for school.
What is an academic portfolio, and why is it useful?
A collection of achievements, projects, and work samples that highlight skills and growth.
True or False: Class rank is the most important factor in college admissions.
Answer: False! Many schools no longer consider rank.
A part-time job counts as an extracurricular activity.
True! It shows responsibility and time management.
True or False: Community college is a bad option for students planning to get a four-year degree.
False! Many students transfer from community college to top universities.
True or False: Most scholarships are only available for high school seniors.
False! Many scholarships are open to younger students.
True or False: Setting small, short-term goals is just as important as long-term college planning.
True! Small goals help build habits that lead to bigger achievements.