Why go to college?
What does it mean to be a first-generation college student?
A first-generation college student is the first person in their family to attend college. Famous first-generation college students include Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Albert Einstein, and Michelle Obama.
What is the main difference between a loan and a scholarship?
You are required to repay a loan. A scholarship is "free" money that does not have to be repaid.
What are the names of the two college admissions tests?
The SAT and the ACT. Both are viewed equally by all schools and you must take at least one in order to attend a 4-year college.
What is the name of the person in the counseling office who is a resource for you as you start to think about college?
Mr. Buell (College Adviser)
You can meet with Mr. Buell at any point in your high school career! Just stop by the counseling office to schedule an appointment.
What is Old Dominion University's mascot?
Monarchs
What kind of degree do you receive from a community college?
Associate's degree. With an Associate's degree you can get a job as an ultrasound technician, a paralegal, a veterinary assistant, and more!
What is the name of the form you must fill out to be eligible for financial aid?
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Students have to complete the FAFSA in order to receive financial aid from 4-year and 2-year colleges.
What is the most important component of your college application?
(Hint: It has to do with your grades...)
Your transcript. Your grades and GPA matter!
When do colleges start looking at your grades?
9th grade. Some colleges might even look at grades in high school-level classes that you took in 8th grade. If you are a freshman or sophomore, work hard now to give yourself as many options as possible!
What college in Virginia was voted as having the "Best College Food in America" in 2019?
Virginia Tech has 47 dining options in 11 locations across campus!
What is a trade/technical school?
These are schools that provide employment-preparation skills for specific jobs. Examples include culinary school, ITT-Tech, apprenticeship programs, auto-mechanic certification programs, and cosmetology schools.
What percentage of college students receive some sort of financial aid?
72%. It is possible to make college affordable!
Who should you ask to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf?
A teacher who knows you well. Always ask in advance and write a thank you note!
What is the best way to learn about a college?
Visit! The only way to know for sure if a college is the right fit for you is to visit. You can start visiting colleges at any point in high school. Winter break, spring break, and summer are all great times!
What college in Virginia has the largest hot tub on the East Coast?
UVA's Aquatic and Fitness Center has the largest hot tub on the East Coast.
A typical college graduate makes how much more money than a typical high school graduate over their lifetime?
Approximately $1 million! College is an investment in your future earnings.
How much money in scholarships and grants is awarded by the federal government and individual colleges and universities each year?
Nearly $46 billion in "free" money is awarded each year.
Where in your application should you discuss your personal experiences and motivation to attend college?
Your personal statement/essay. The personal statement allows you to showcase your writing ability while also adding new information that isn't anywhere else in the application.
What kinds of extracurricular activities should I be involved in?
Trick question: the type of activity matters less than how involved you are! Colleges prefer if you are heavily involved in a couple things, rather than spend only a little time doing many different activities.
What school in Virginia was ranked as the #1 public university art school in the United States?
Virginia Commonwealth University. VCU was also named the #1 public school in America for sculpture and graphic design.
What is the average number of times people change careers in their lifetime?
Seven. A college degree increases the number of opportunities you will have. With greater opportunity, you will have more flexibility in the career paths you choose.
What is work-study?
The federal work-study program allows you to work an on-campus job and use your earnings to reduce your tuition. This is an excellent option to make college more affordable.
Which U.S. college has the lowest acceptance rate?
Stanford University. Stanford admitted just 4% of its applicants in Fall 2018.
What kinds of classes should I be taking?
You should be looking to challenge yourself with honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses. Colleges like to see that you're taking advanced classes, but don't take more than you can handle! Ask your counselor what's best for you.
Name two of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) in Virginia.
Hampton University, Virginia State University, Norfolk State University, Virginia Union University, Virginia University of Lynchburg.