College 101

The Star Press presents

COLLEGE 101 A step-by-step guide on what to do and when to do it 2011-2012

Thinking of going to college?

Find out everything you need to know about the process — from choosing the right school for you, to financial aid made easy — it’s all inside.

W

The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101 • 3

Areyou

INSIDE

?

READY for

college

You’ve decided to go to college. But you’re quickly finding out that making that dream come true involves quite a few steps.

There are tests to take, colleges to visit, finances to figure out, scholarship applications to complete, admissions forms to fill out and essays to write. It can be overwhelming and it’s going to require your complete attention.

But, we’re here to help. On these pages you’ll find a plethora of information that will help make your college application and admission easier. You’ll find tips on what to do during high school, where you can find financial help and scholarship opportunities, how to choose a college, how to write a winning essay and how to save money. We’ve compiled information from experts and college students throughout Indiana to help you through the college application process.

You’re on your way to a bright future already!

Getting started: A timeline for high school students. 4 Non-traditional students: It’s not too late. 5 Good advice from those who have gone before you. 5 The SAT and ACT: What are they and when are they? 6 Some Indiana college application deadlines. 7 What to look for in a college. 8 How will you pay for it? College financing options. 10 Financial aid glossary. 11 Money saving tips & tricks. 13 Your diploma type matters: Important changes this year. 14 Getting admitted: The college admissions process. 16 Conquering the essay: What you need to know for applications and scholarships. 18 Making the most of college visits. 20 Where to learn more. 21 Frequently asked questions. 22 Indiana college costs. 23

345 S. HIGH STREET, MUNCIE, IN 47305 WWW.THESTARPRESS.COM • (765) 213-5700

STORIES WRITTEN OR COMPILED BY STACEY SHANNON FOR THE STAR PRESS.

4 • The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101

Getting started

No matter what grade you’re in, it’s never too early to start planning for college. Whether you’re a freshman who is still adjusting to high school or a senior who is looking graduation in the face, there are steps you can take now to prepare for your collegiate future.

Freshmen

• Set academic goals early to achieve. Strongly consider working toward the Core 40 Academic Honors diploma. “The foundation provided by the Core 40 with academic honors diploma will really give a student incredibly options,” said Mary Ellen Anderson, director of admissions at Indiana University Bloomington.

• If you’re considering a specific college, look at its admissions requirements to plan accordingly for the next four years. For instance, Ball State University and Indiana University have different math standards.

• Start a list of your activities and awards, which will come in handy for scholarship and even college admissions applications. “You may think that it looks better to have a mile-long list of extracurricular [activities],” said Curt Merlau, admissions counselor at Taylor University. “However, that is not necessarily the case. We like to see consistency, commitment and achievement.”

Sophomores • Continue with the tasks outlined for the freshmen year.

• Take the PSAT or PLAN test to help prepare you for the SAT and ACT tests later on.

• Have letters of recommendation in the back of your mind. “Make good contacts with mentors, teachers, sponsors and other adults that could be used when you need a letter of recommendation,” Merlau said.

Seniors

Juniors

• Continue meeting academic goals, getting involved with and tracking extracurricular activities as well as making good contacts. “We want students who have been active in their school/ community and even been leaders, whether it’s on the playing field, in the music room, in the classroom, on stage or on the job,” said Jo Ann Brown, senior associate director of admissions for Purdue University.

• Plan to take the SAT, ACT or both by spring semester. (See more on the tests on page 6).

• Go on some college visits. Muncie Community Schools allow high school students up to two days for college visits, according to Jo Robertson, chair of the guidance department at Muncie Southside High School. Connie Stinson, counselor at Delta High School, said juniors get one excused day per year while seniors get two. Burris Laboratory School allows juniors and seniors three college visit excused absences per year, according to Julie Maugherman, director of guidance and counseling.

More on college visits on page 20.

• Get a copy of the senior award’s night program to see what scholarships were awarded to students at your school. This will give you an idea of what scholarships you might want to look into your senior year.

• Look at admissions applications for the schools you are interested in. They don’t usually change much from year to year, according to Dave Murray, president of the National Center for College Costs.

“If you wait until the fall of your senior year, it can be like an extra course in the senior year,” he said.

“And that just adds to the load and the stress.”

• Start thinking about and even practicing writing essays. Consider attending an essay writing workshop if one is available. “Use your summertime,” Murray said. “Look at who might require essays and get ahead of the curve.”

• Maintain your academics and extracurricular activities.

• Plan to retake the SAT and/or ACT if you’d like or need to raise your scores.

• Buckle down and decide which colleges you want to apply to and get them submitted

by Thanksgiving. “Apply to the top three to five schools,” said Jill Cooper, assistant director of marketing and communications for Anderson University. Remember, some colleges have deadlines as early as Nov. 1 for early admission and the best scholarships.

• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1. If you don’t have all your tax information finalized by then, still complete the form. You can make edits to it if needed by May 15, according to Thomas Ratliff, associate vice president for financial aid at Indiana Wesleyan University.

• Go on overnight college visits if they are available.

• Check online, with your guidance counselor, with your parents’ employers, with local organizations and with universities for scholarships available for you.

The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101 • 5

Non-traditional

students Maybe you’re a parent deciding to go back to school 20 years after graduating high school. Maybe you’re a recent high school graduate who is getting married before starting school. Maybe you’ve decided to take a couple of years off in between high school and college. Whatever the case, you don’t fit the typical college student mold and that can bring some of its own challenges. Most colleges will have programs and associations in place to help you adjust to life as a student again. But, just as with today’s graduating high school seniors, you have a number of resources and options available to you.

Financial help is available. You can find good resources in these pages for ways to pay for school. Don’t assume no scholarships are available. Some are specifically for older students, so check into scholarship options. Take advantage of financial aid offices at the schools you’re considering. They are on hand to help.

Good advice Take this advice from local students and parents who’ve navigated the college admission process: • Don’t wait until your senior year to take the SAT or ACT! Many colleges begin accepting in November (especially if you’re hoping to get the best scholarship package).

• Take your sophomore PSAT seriously! We know, yet another test, but this one’s important. Colleges are looking at your scores and it’s from this test that your most highprofile colleges use to determine the students they want to target for admission.

• Open up every envelope! You’ll be receiving tons of letters in the mail and they all begin to look the same. They’re not — some actually contain important

Ask the right questions. You’re going to have some different questions about the colleges you’re looking at and that’s OK. If you’re in the workforce, especially full-time, be sure to ask about online or blended classes. Both Harrison College and Ivy Tech Community College offer courses that meet both in person and online. “I feel like it’s a win-win for those who are a little unsure of doing an online opportunity,” said Johnna Barnard, director of enrollment for Harrison College in Muncie.

Seek resources at your school. Bigger universities like Ball State and Purdue offer what they call “Adult Student Services.” They can help you make the adjustment to student life again or student life outside of typical parameters. Other institutions, like Ivy Tech, offer free workshops to make the adjustment easier. Corey Sharp, director of enrollment management at Ivy Tech in Muncie, said his school hosts technology, math and English workshops to help students prepare for college classes and for the entrance exam. More workshops are available to help with the transition once they’re enrolled in classes.

Know that you don’t have to go to school for four years to get ahead. In fact, Sharp said Ivy Tech offers programs that last as little as eight months and leave students with skills and knowledge for mid-level manufacturing positions.

This might be a good fit if you’re interested in welding, machine tool or heating, ventilation and air conditioning. “It can be a little daunting,” he said. “We offer a lot of programs that are at a certificate level — things that students can do in a year or less.”

information. One local mom reports her son didn’t open a letter from the school to which he had been admitted and he missed out on an automatic $9,000 scholarship!

• Ask for additional copies of your official high school transcript and letters of recommendations from teachers and community members. Oftentimes, that same letter can be used again and again - just remember to get it in a sealed, signed envelope to ensure authenticity. Your guidance counselor will be bombarded with requests as deadlines get closer and you don’t want to miss a scholarship because you waited until the last minute.

• Don’t wait — for anything. Scholarship and application deadlines come up remarkably early, some before you actually begin your senior year. Snooze and you will lose.

6 • The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101

SAT/ACT

Traditional college admittance tests SAT

ACT

The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math — subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities use the SAT to make admission decisions.* Register for the SAT: http://sat.collegeboard.org/home

The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. The ACT Plus Writing includes the four subject area tests plus a 30-minute Writing Test. ACT results are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including a short break (or just over four hours if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing). Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 30 minutes if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing).* Register for the ACT: www.actstudent.org/

Date Nov. 5, 2011 Dec. 3, 2011 Jan. 28 , 2012 March 10, 2012 May 5, 2012 June 2, 2012

Register-By Date Oct. 7 Nov. 8 Dec. 30 Feb. 10 April 6 May 8

Late Registration Oct. 21 Nov. 20 Jan. 13 Feb. 24 April 20 May 22

• Cost: $49 • Late Registration cost: $75 *It is recommended that students take the SAT for the first time during their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year.

Date

Register-By Date

Late Registration

Dec. 10, 2011

Nov. 4, 2011

Nov. 18, 2011

Feb. 11, 2012

Jan. 13, 2012

Jan. 20, 2012

April 14, 2012

March 9, 2012

March 23, 2012

June 9, 2012

May 4, 2012

May 18, 2012

• Cost for basic registration: $34 • Cost for ACT plus Writing: $49.50 * The basic registration fee includes score reports for up to four college choices, if you list valid codes when you register.

The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101 • 7

Application

DEADLINES A sampling from Indiana colleges

Anderson University Rolling admissions

ITT Technical Institute Rolling admissions

Ball State University Rolling admissions; applications accepted until the August of the start of the school year; decisions are made within four to six weeks

Indiana University Nov. 1 deadline for students to apply to be considered for automatic scholarships

Butler University Nov. 1 for early action, Feb. 1 for regular decision and rolling admissions after Feb. 1 DePauw University Nov. 1 for early decision, Dec. 1 for early action; Feb. 1 for regular decision Earlham College Dec. 1 for early decision, Jan. 1 for early action and March 1 for regular decision

Purdue University • Oct. 15 to be guaranteed a decision at the first decision release date of Dec. 9 • Nov. 15 for some academic programs • March 1 is the priority deadline, but some programs can close before then Taylor University • Nov. 1, Dec. 1, April 1, March 1 University of Indianapolis Rolling admissions

Harrison College Rolling admissions; classes are quarterly

University of Notre Dame Nov. 1 for early action and Dec. 31 for regular action

Ivy Tech Community College Rolling admissions

University of Saint Francis Rolling admissions

Indiana Tech Rolling admissions

Vincennes University Rolling admissions

Indiana Wesleyan University Rolling admissions

Valparaiso University Rolling admissions

What is “rolling admissions”?

Rolling admission refers to the admission practice of reviewing applications as they come in and making decisions as soon as reasonably possible. This is in contrast to colleges that have fixed application deadlines by which all applications must be received in order to be considered for an upcoming academic term.

8 • The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101

What to

look for in a

COLLEGE

Deciding which college or university is right for you is perhaps one of the biggest decisions you’ll make up to this point in your life. How’s that for pressure? But, there are a few key things to look at and think about when making the decision that will help guide you in the best direction. You can find much of this information through campus visits, online, by talking with admissions counselors and talking with current students.

Finances Of course, this is a big topic. In fact, you’ll find numerous other financial resources in this guide alone because it is such a big part of secondary education. And cost does have to play a role in your decision of what school is right for you. The cost of tuition, room and board and books can add up. Sometimes, you can get creative in order to save some money and meet your goals for a bright future.

Some students opt to start with a community college, like Ivy Tech Community College, for your general studies courses. According to Corey Sharp, director of enrollment management for Ivy Tech in Muncie, his school offers such classes at a third of the cost of a larger university. Then you can transfer those credits to the school of your dreams to finish your major.

Or maybe you have a very specific career goal that allows you to complete an associate’s degree at Ivy Tech or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at Harrison College, both of which cost less than a traditional university.

“We’re so flexible, in fact, that we offer different types of opportunities for our students,” said Corey Sharp, director of Enrollment Management at Ivy Tech Muncie. He mentioned that oneyear certificate programs are available and even shorter programs are available for some vocations as well, such as welding.

Or maybe you want to pick a university close to home where you can save money living at home and commuting, rather than paying for room and board.

Your major Statistically speaking, the average college student changes his major three to five times throughout his college career. Unless you are

100 percent sure beyond a doubt that you know what you want to major in, consider a school that offers a wide range of programs and majors in which switching later on wouldn’t be an issue.

“I wish I would have started to consider what I want to do in my professional career at an earlier stage,” said Eric Richard, a 23-yearold Ball State University student who graduated from Muncie Central High School in 2007. “I was undecided on a major my freshman year, declared pre-business my sophomore year and finally changed majors after my sophomore year to my current one (urban planning and development). This all prevented me from graduating on time; I’m a fifth-year senior this year.”

Richard isn’t alone. Finding a school that can be flexible even when you change your mind is possible. Finding a school that is great at what you know you want to do is also possible.

“Look at what schools you feel meets your needs the most,” said Chris Munchel, director of admissions and orientation for Ball State University. “What majors are available? Even if you know (or think you know), it is more than likely you will change your major at least once.”

“Look at what schools you feel meets your needs the most. What majors are available? Even if you know (or think you know), it is more than likely you will change your major at least once.”

— Chris Munchel, director of admissions and orientation for Ball State University.

The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101 • 9

Location Beyond just thinking of going somewhere warm and sunny, like Hawaii, you need to consider all your options and expenses.

“Students think of college as a four-year live-away-from-home place,” said Julie Maugherman, director of guidance and counseling at Burris Laboratory School. ”It’s helpful for students to be more open-minded than that.”

For example, if you chose a college or university close to home, you can save on living expenses by living at home. Or if you chose a school where a relative lives, you might be able to stay with them and save on money. You also have to consider travel costs and how that will affect your budget should you choose a school far away from home.

Another consideration for location is whether the college is in a bustling city or a smaller town. Where are you more comfortable and what are you looking for? These are considerations as well. If you’re going to a traditional college or university, it will be your home for at least the next four years. You want to be happy in the overall environment.

Size College and universities are like people — they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Maybe you have gone to a small high school and are looking forward to a large campus with some big lecture hall classes.

Maybe you have gone to an average-sized high school and are looking for more one-on-one instruction and smaller classes.

Larger colleges can be less personal, but offer a wider variety of

classes, experiences and services. Smaller colleges can be more personal and offer less services and options.

“We do know the students by name,” said Johnna Barnard, director of enrollment for Harrison College in Muncie, which offers five schools of study: business, health sciences, information technology, criminal justice and veterinary technology. “They are smaller class sizes, and we all have a stake in [students] graduating.”

Social life

“You want to get to know the community and learn what ‘mark’ that particular school will leave on you years after you graduate.”

— Curt Merlau, admissions counselor at Taylor University.

A college education goes beyond the classroom. Social life is a part of college, including extracurricular activities, clubs and cultural activities.

You’ll want to consider where your interests lie and what is available to you through your school.

You’ll also want to consider if you’re looking for social involvement in school. If not, then a commuter college might be a better fit.

“College is much more than brick and mortar,” said Curt Merlau, admissions counselor at Taylor University. “You want to get to know the community and learn what ‘mark’ that particular school will leave on you years after you graduate.”

10 • The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101

How

will you

PAY for it?

How are you going to pay for college? It’s perhaps the biggest question you have when it comes to going to college. Sorting through financial aid options, scholarship applications, tuition costs and miscellaneous expenses is enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. But, not only are there multiple ways to pay for schooling, there are also a lot of folks out there just waiting to help you navigate the financial arena.

You have a few common ways to pay for college: out of pocket, loans, scholarships, grants and work study. Paying out of pocket means you or your parents pay for college out of your own pocket from your own resources. It is a great option in an ideal world, but most families don’t have the resources to fund an entire college career. That’s where the other options come into play.

The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101 • 11

Financial aid glossary

Loans Numerous types of loans are available to students and their parents. Almost all of them begin with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA. This form, which can be completed online, is due each March 1 in the state of Indiana.

It asks for basic data such as your contact information, when you’ll graduate high school, how much money you made during the previous year and how much money your parents made during the previous year.

The government then takes that information and determines the amount of money you and your family can contribute to your education, which it calls the Expected Family Contribution, and how much money in loans you are eligible to receive. Whether you are looking for loans or not, completing the FAFSA is a good idea because some colleges use it to award certain scholarships.

Thomas Ratliff, associate vice president for financial aid at Indiana Wesleyan University, said not all families have their tax information finalized by the March 1 deadline, but you should still complete the form. You have until May 15 to make any corrections to the form.

Both deadlines are set in stone and non-negotiable, so they are incredibly important to pay attention to.

When you complete the FAFSA, you will get a report telling you how much money is available to you in student loans both from the federal and state government. You can then pick and choose what you need or want to use.

According to Dick Daniel of Project Leadership, FAFSA days will be held at each area high school this coming spring when his staff, along with staff from the National Center for College Costs, will help students complete the form and interpret their results.

You can also request that your FAFSA information be sent to colleges you have applied to. After you are accepted to a school, then each school will send you a letter explaining how much money is available to you from the school.

Student loans are generally deferred loans, meaning that you don’t repay them until after you are out of school. Depending on the type of loan you qualify for, interest on the loans may or may not be deferred until you complete school. Again, you’ll be notified of your options and the consequences of each loan in your award letter.

If you get your FAFSA information back and realize that even with the loans available, you still can’t afford your school of choice, you have a few options. First, talk to the financial aid office at the school.

Most are happy to work with students. They can provide you with various options and sound advice. Another consideration is asking your parents to take out a loan.

Ratliff said Parent Plus Loans are available from any college or university that offers federal aid and student loans. If your parents get turned down for this loan, then you can apply for another loan to borrow money in your own name without having to go through a credit check.

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

Cost of Attendance (COA): The sum figured by each institution for one year of attendance. Each college calculates this differently, but they are required to include tuition and fees payable to the institution; books and supplies; room and board; and personal expenses, transportation.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC): Total amount of money a student/family is supposedly able to contribute toward college costs in a given academic year according to federal methodology.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Federal form a student must file in order to qualify for federal funds, state grants and college needbased financial aid.

Merit-Based Financial Aid: Financial aid based on a student’s talents, performance, academic merit and/or other select characteristics. Depending on the college, merit-based scholarships may be awarded for academics, athletics, extracurricular involvement, art, theatre, music, journalism and more. Residency, future job plans, alumni ties and other factors also can be criteria for awarding some merit-based financial aid. Merit-based financial aid also is available from private sources such as community foundations, service organizations and others.

Need-Based Financial Aid: Financial aid based on student/family financial circumstances. Residency, future job plans, alumni ties and other factors also can be criteria for awarding some need-based grants and scholarships.

Student Aid Report (SAR): A special report that is processed and sent to a student after the FAFSA is filed, showing the student’s EFC and the data elements provided on the FAFSA that were used to calculate the EFC. Copies of the report also are sent to the student’s state grant agency and the colleges the student lists on the FAFSA. Source: www.indianacollegecosts.com

12 • The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101

Good advice • Don’t dismiss a school based solely on its list price for tuition. Many schools, especially private ones, offer a significant amount of student aid and can end up being cheaper than a public, seemingly less expensive school.

• Visit www.indianacollegecosts.org to see a list of costs per Indiana colleges and universities as well as use an estimator tool to determine about how much your college education will cost.

• Don’t be overwhelmed. Lots of resources are available to help you navigate paying for college including financial aid counselors at college, various Web sites such as www. collegecosts.org and free organizations like ISM Education Loans. “This framework is out there of volunteers who are able to help the families who have questions,” said William Wozniak, director of marketing for ISM Education Loans.

• Fill out the FAFSA no matter what. Even if you think you don’t qualify, you might be surprised at what is available to you through loans and grants. The FAFSA is also required to receive certain scholarships or aid from some universities. You have nothing to lose except for the time it takes to complete the form.

Scholarships Scholarships are perhaps the most ideal way to pay for college.

Money is awarded to you to pay for your educational expenses and you don’t have to repay it. Scholarships can be merit-based in that you are awarded it for excelling at something or they can be need-based in that they are awarded because you have a financial need. Either way, scholarships offer free money.

While not everyone can be awarded full scholarships that pay for room, board and tuition, many students don’t realize how many different scholarships are available to them. Even smaller scholarships around $250 or $500 can add up and help you with tuition or books.

You can find scholarships in various places. There are national database Web sites that include scholarship listings throughout the country - free of cost. William Wozniak, director of marketing for ISM Education Loans, said he’d caution students to be wary of Web sites that make you pay for scholarship searches or scholarship applications.

“There is no shortage of websites that are reputable and legitimate and do not charge a fee,” he said. “Please don’t pay a fee.”

That said, Wozniak also pointed out that you might expect to get some e-mail from these free sites. Creating a separate, free e-mail account just to give to these sites could help reduce spam if that’s a concern. He also mentioned that sites make their income from banner and other ads, most of which are for paid scholarship services and can

easily be distracting.

“Free money is always best,” he said. “Focus on the free money.”

More free money can be found at the local level and is often your best option. There is less competition for these scholarships and they’re often from members in the community who want to see younger generations succeed.

Suzanne Kadinger, program officer for The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, said the foundation oversees numerous scholarship funds. The foundation’s Web site (www.cfmdin.org) has a listing of all the scholarships available along with downloadable applications.

However, Kadinger mentioned that some scholarships are high school specific and those applications can be found only through your high school guidance counselor. Guidance counselors are another great source for scholarship information in general. Your guidance office may put out a newsletter with scholarship information, but you’ll have to be more proactive with others as some simply have lists of scholarships available for those who request it. Your counselor should have any additional information you’re interested in.

A final place to find scholarships that many students and parents overlook is through parents’ employers. Connie Stinson, counselor at Delta High School, said that parents’ employees often offer scholarships or education stipends to their children. Checking with your church, clubs, other organizations and even the military through a parent or grandparent can provide additional scholarship funds.

And, in case you need another incentive to apply for scholarships aside from the free money aspect, Thomas Ratliff, associate vice president for financial aid at Indiana Wesleyan University, pointed out that having received a scholarship makes you more marketable to future employers. “[Scholarships] are also a way to help start to build a résumé for a student,” he said. “It makes a statement that somebody thought they were worth paying for.”

Grants Grants are another form of free money. They are typically need-based and come from state and federal government. They are awarded through the FAFSA application. Unlike a loan, grants do not have to be repaid.

Work study Along with these options, work study can also help you fund your college career. Some colleges and universities have specific programs.

Most traditional campuses also offer on-campus jobs for students. Ratliff said students do need to be aware that how much income they earn can affect their FAFSA status.

“When calculating a student’s eligibility for federal financial aid, the government protects the first $5,250 a student earns from working,” he said. “This is done to encourage students to work some, allowing them to save money and help pay for their educational expenses. It is often good for students to work part-time during the school year or to take on summer jobs. Earning up to, but not over, this $5,250 threshold will not count against them on their aid eligibility the following year.”

The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101 • 13

Money

saving tips & tricks • Check book prices off campus. Samantha Lame, a 21-year-old Purdue University student, said sometimes she can find textbooks on Amazon. com for less than she would pay at the local college bookstore.

• Don’t eat out more than you have to. Lame said taking advantage of your meal plan saves you money.

• Check out free stuff on campus. Many student organizations often offer free food, shirts or coupons at their initial meetings. Free is a good thing.

• Don’t splurge. Buy only the necessities like food, class supplies and clothes. If you earn extra money, don’t splurge on something extravagant.

“Any earned money or financial aid should go toward tuition or living expenses,” said 23-year-old Ball State University senior, Eric Richard.

“Otherwise, you are only increasing your own loan debt and this eventually all has to be paid back. That’s a hard concept for many students to grasp.”

• Take advantage of what the school offers. Use the free bus system instead of your car. Go to the free student health clinic when you’re sick. Watch out for free entertainment on campus. Take advantage of free tutoring service instead of paying for a tutor. “Use the resources that the university has right there,” said Kyle Roach, a 21-year-old senior at Indiana University.

• Check into earning college credit for free in high school. Delta High School, for example, offers dual credit courses with both Ball State and Ivy Tech, according to guidance counselor Connie Stinson. Getting some general studies classes under your belt ahead of time not only reduces your expenses in college but can also help you spend less time as a student in the long run.

• Look for free times for admission. During College Go Week each fall, many colleges and universities waive their application fees. Check the list at www.collegegoweekindiana.org to find out which schools have no fees that week. The list also tells you what the typical fee is if there is one.

Need help? Check out this website:

www.indianacollegecosts.org

14 • The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101

Your

diploma

MATTERS IMPORTANT CHANGES TO FINANCIAL AID

Beginning fall 2011, two very important changes have occurred:

1. You can’t be admitted to any four-year Indiana public university unless you have at least the Core 40 Diploma. Indiana University Bloomington and Purdue University West Lafayette have admissions requirements above Core 40. Anyone can attend Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University regardless of their high school diploma type.

2. The type of diploma you receive has an even bigger impact on potential financial aid eligibility from the state of Indiana than in the past. What does this mean in terms of financial aid?

• If you are eligible for a need-based grant from the state of Indiana, the Core 40 Diploma and General Diploma will bring you 80 percent of your state grant eligibility through the Frank O’Bannon Grant Program.

• If you have the Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma or the Core 40 with Technical Honors Diploma, you will receive 100 percent of your state grant eligibility through the Frank O’Bannon Grant Program.

Depending on the college you attend and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the difference in diplomas could be thousands of dollars of state grant money for a 2-to-4 year program.

The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101 • 15

Frank O’Bannon Grant Program TYPES OF DIPLOMAS Core 40 (Minimum 40 credits)

Core 40 is the basic diploma type required for all Indiana students and is the minimum for college admittance at Indiana four-year institutions.

Core 40 with Academic Honors (Minimum 47 credits) Core 40 with Academic Honors is a more rigorous program than Core 40, which is very appealing to colleges. Students are required to complete all the requirements for Core 40 in addition to taking fine arts credits, world language credits, and additional Core 40 math credits while maintaining a grade point average of a “B” or better.

Core 40 with Technical Honors (Minimum 47 credits) Core 40 with Technical Honors is also a more rigorous program than Core 40 and has a career-technical requirement (8 or more related credits). Family & Consumer Sciences, Cooperative Education, Internship, Business, Agriculture and Technology Education courses at the high school and any CTE course or program at the local career center may count toward the 8 credit requirement. Students must also maintain a grade point average of a “B” or better. Students are also encouraged to earn two additional credits in mathematics and 4-8 additional credits in World Languages.

General (Minimum 40 credits) To graduate with less than Core 40, the following formal opt-out process must be completed: • The student, the student’s parent/guardian, and the student’s counselor (or another staff member who assists students in course selection) meet to discuss the student’s progress.

• The student’s career and course plan is reviewed.

• The student’s parent/guardian determines whether the student will achieve greater educational benefits by completing the general curriculum or the Core 40 curriculum.

• If the decision is made to opt-out of Core 40, the student is required to complete the course and credit requirements for a general diploma and the career/academic sequence the student will pursue is determined.

Source: www.indianacollegecosts.org

FAFSA is the application for the Frank O’Bannon Grant.

Frank O’Bannon Grant (formerly the Indiana Higher Education Grant) Program, designed to provide access for Hoosier students to attend eligible postsecondary institutions, receives its funding through appropriations made by the Indiana General Assembly. The grants, targeted to tuition and regularly assessed fees, are “need-based” and do not require repayment. Due to variations in appropriations, the number of filers and the “need” of the filer base, the dollar value of state grants will vary from year to year.

Frank O’Bannon Grant (formerly the Indiana Higher Education Grant) includes both the Higher Education Award and the Freedom of Choice Award.

To qualify for state grant consideration the applicant must: • be an Indiana resident by Dec. 31st the year prior to applying (Dec. 31, 2010 for the 2011-2012 school year) • be a U.S. Citizen or eligible noncitizen • be a high school graduate or hold a GED • attend, or plan to attend, an eligible college or university • be enrolled, or plan to enroll, in a course of study leading to an associates or first bachelors degree; • be a full-time student, or plan to enroll as a fulltime student. (The state grant defines full-time as at least 12 credit hours per term); and • file an application (FAFSA) - received by March 10 of the academic year preceding the academic year the applicant plans to enroll.

NOTE: Questions about this program should be directed to the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana, Grant Division, W462 Indiana Government Center South, 402 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, 317/2322350. Or you can e-mail grants@ssaci.in.gov Source: www.in.gov

16 • The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101

Getting

admitted

The college admissions process Successfully navigating the college admissions process starts early in your high school career and continues through submitting the admissions application and all that entails. A few tips can make the process go even smoother.

1. Take the right courses in high school. In Indiana, this means graduating at least with a Core 40 diploma, if not a Core 40 with Academic Honors diploma.

“We like seeing advance placement, international baccalaureate, honors type courses,” said Chris Munchel, director of admissions and orientation at Ball State University. “However, a student needs to do well in them. We do not want to see students in higher level courses if they are not doing well in them.”

“Paint yourself in the best picture you can. Show that you’re involved. Get involved in high school. ” — Kyle Roach, IU senior

2. Set yourself up for success for admissions tests.

Take advantage of the PSAT and PLAN tests your sophomore and junior year so that you are better prepared for the SAT and ACT when it really matters at the beginning of your senior year. “It’s not an impossible test,” said Kyle Roach, a 21-year-old senior at Indiana University and New Castle native. “It’s just an entrance exam. The better you prepare, the better off you will be.”

3. Submit your applications early, even if the school doesn’t require it. Though some schools, like Ball State University, have rolling deadlines (you can apply at any time during the year), the earlier you apply the better. Jo Robertson, chair of the guidance department at Muncie Southside High School said she advises her students to submit college applications by Thanksgiving. (Warning: Indiana University, for example, has a Nov. deadline to be considered for automatic scholarships. Purdue and Taylor also have earlier admissions.) Not only does applying early get admissions applications out of the way so you can focus on scholarship applications, but it also can increase your chance for admittance and financial aid/scholarships from the school.

Also be aware that some institutions, like Harrison College and Ivy Tech Community College, may have their own exams you can take instead of the SAT and ACT.

4. Don’t forget your high school guidance counselor’s role. Your high school guidance counselor can help you complete forms if you have questions or need help. They can help you

Universities have specific requirements (such as foreign language or additional math), so keep this in mind when registering for classes as early as your freshman year.

The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101 • 17

coordinate letters of recommendation if needed. Most importantly, they are in charge of your high school transcript.

“Students need to notify us when they submit applications so we can submit the transcript to the college,” said Connie Stinson, a guidance counselor at Delta High School. “The application will not be considered complete without this.”

5. Follow directions for essays. Some colleges require an essay for admissions. Along with making sure to stay on topic with what the essay prompt asks for, also make sure you are following directions when it comes to word count and any other requirements the school asks for. Read the directions, read them again and then a third time to make sure you’ve done everything correctly.

6. Don’t be afraid to explain yourself if you need to. If you have a situation that you feel the admissions officers need to know about that isn’t covered on the application form, then include it with your admissions application.

“If more information is needed to support a student’s application than the college requests, admissions representatives typically prefer personal statements over recommendation letters,” said Julie Maugherman, director of guidance and counseling at Burris Laboratory School. “I’ve been told by more than one college admissions rep that they are aware that everyone can find someone to write nice things about them, so they don’t necessarily carry that much weight in an admissions decision. More helpful to students would be a personal statement in which they introduce and describe themselves to the college or explain an aberration on a transcript (one bad grade, one poor semester, an illness or a personal situation that temporarily affected academics, etc.) or share why they would be a good addition to the college, its student body and its community.”

7. Be your best salesperson. Overall, whether you are filling out your admissions form, writing an admissions essay or even going on an admissions interview, don’t be afraid to toot your own horn, so to speak.

“Paint yourself in the best picture you can,” said Roach.

“Show that you’re involved.

Get involved in high school.” Never fabricate information, but certainly don’t be afraid to point out your good qualities and your achievements.

ADMISSIONS: TERMS TO KNOW Rolling Admission: This means that a college accepts admission applications at any time throughout the year.

Regular Admission: This means the college has a hard deadline, usually in January or February, and the admissions application must be submitted by then for entrance into the school in the following school year.

Early Admission: Some schools offer early admissions to students with a deadline usually in November and notification of acceptance usually early in January.

Student Reply Date: Most schools adhere to a May 1 deadline for students to either accept or decline their offer of admission. Otherwise, your admissions acceptance letter will inform you of the date by which you need to respond. Since an enrollment fee is usually charged with acceptance, you should make a decision and only accept admission to one school.

Source: www.indianacollegecosts.org

READY TO APPLY?

It’s one-stop-shopping for many private schools with the Common Application. This is an application that 456 colleges and universities worldwide accept. “It’s really a great time saver,” said Julie Maugherman, director of guidance and counseling at Burris Laboratory School.

“Most schools that accept the Common Application are private and selective to highly selective in their admits.”

The following Indiana colleges and universities accept the Common Application, according to its website: Butler University, DePauw University, Earlham College, Goshen College, Hanover College, Saint Mary’s College, University of Evansville, University of Notre Dame, Valparaiso University and Wabash College.

Check out this site to apply: www.commonapp.org

18 • The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101

Conquer the

ESSAY

Not all college admissions applications require essays from students, but you’d be pretty hard pressed to find a scholarship application that doesn’t.

And since free money is a good thing, honing your essay writing skills for these applications is a good idea.

Know your audience. The purpose of writing something is to communicate a message. In order to effectively communicate a message, you need to know who is receiving that message. For example, you talk differently to your 5-year-old cousin than you do to your mom. “Some universities want to see creativity,” said Barbara Miller, an English teacher at Cowan Junior/Senior High School. “Some universities are very conservative.” Evaluate the school or organization asking for the essay, and stay true to their perspective.

Plan ahead of time. One of the biggest challenges in writing an essay is knowing what to write about. You don’t want to write something that could be true for every other student applying to the college or scholarship. You want to write something that is unique. Stephen Merkle, English/Language Arts Department chair and teacher at Muncie Central High School, said making a top

five list about your life ahead of time can help you narrow down topics. Consider including the places you have visited, influential peers, memorable school moments, favorite books and so on.

And remember, many of your peers will write about their time in athletics, church, band and volunteering. If you want to stand out, experts say, look for something original. “In the end you want to create a large pool of ideas that reveal the various sides of your personality and life,” said Merkle.

Practice ahead of time. Along with planning and thinking about topics you could write about, you also need to practice your writing to develop and hone your writing skills. “The more you read, the better you write,” Miller said. “The more you write, the better you’re going to write. Write every day.” Another bonus to writing every day in a journal is you can go back to it later and garner ideas from it for essays.

The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101 • 19

Do some pre-writing. Once you have the essay prompt in front of you, consider doing some pre-writing. You might want to start brainstorming and jotting down ideas. You might draw pictures.

Or you might even just start writing without really having a plan to get an idea of what direction you want to take. “Sometimes just beginning to write takes the pressure off,” said Miller. “Maybe students need to do a little bit of pre-writing, fun writing, exploratory writing to begin with.”

Focus on the topic at hand. When you are ready to write the actual essay, make sure you stay focused on the topic at hand.

It can be easy to wander off topic, but you usually only have a set amount of words in which you can make your point. Stay on topic.

Miller suggested that to make writing about yourself easier and less boastful, to consider writing about what you have learned or a challenge you have overcome that fits into the topic well.

Write in your own voice. The point of admissions and scholarship essays is for the person reading it to come away feeling like they know more about you. Write in a way that feels organic and natural to you. “Your voice should shine through in the words chosen and the style of your sentences,” said Merkle.

Apply what you know about essays. Don’t forget the

mechanics of essay writing that you have learned in English classes.

“Varied sentence structure, proper transitions and a strong thesis are important,” said Merkle. Miller also suggested students pay particular attention to the essay’s opening. That first paragraph should draw the reader in and make him want to read more.

Edit, edit, edit. Once you’ve finished the actual task of writing, you’re only about halfway done. Editing is a big component of the writing process. Each time you re-read your essay, read it for a different focus. “Look back at different elements,” Miller recommended. “Read it with a different lens each time.” Check for organization, focus and mechanics (like transitions). Read it aloud to gauge the flow. Then take a break. “I think it’s helpful to walk away from a piece for a few days if you have time to do that,” Miller said.

She also advocated reading it through backward in order to catch grammar mistakes that you might miss otherwise. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation and spelling. Spell check doesn’t catch typos.

Find good critics. Ask your high school guidance counselor, your English teacher, your parents and anyone else who will give you serious feedback to read the essay for you. Don’t ask them what they think about the essay, but rather ask what they think is the main point of the essay. “If the reader comes back with the same message that the writer intended, then the writer can feel confident that he is on track,” said Miller.

Don’t regurgitate the same essay. Some applications are similar. You might be able to use versions of the same essay for them, but edit according to the needs and directions of the application.

And definitely make sure to change the names of the school or scholarship to the correct one. In a situation where you need to submit two essays, like one for general college admissions and one for Honors College admissions, make sure the essays are different. “[Students should] choose a different genre or a traditional classroom assignment where they took a unique or very creative approach or outlook,” said Miller. “Having two different pieces of writing gives the admissions people a different insight on the potential student’s interests, abilities and way of thinking - ultimately, a more rounded view of the student.”

Follow the directions. Stay within the word count. Format it correctly if specifications are given. If not, format your essay like you traditionally do for an English class. Make sure you don’t miss the deadline. And certainly include all the information requested.

Looking for help? Check out this handy site for advice from the experts:

www.college-admission-essay.com

This site includes an essay checklist and other tip sheets to help with writing exceptional essays.

20 • The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101

Making the

of MOST campus visits

Though you can find great information on colleges from your high school guidance counselor and online, the best way to determine whether a college is right for you is to visit. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection to a few schools, start scheduling college visits as early as your junior year. Be prepared to make the very most of your visits so that you can choose wisely.

Talk to your admissions counselor.

You may have contact with this person prior to going on a campus visit, but be sure to look them up while you’re on campus and take advantage of the inside information they can offer.

“Utilize your admissions counselors and ask them what it is you should be looking for in regards to your interests,” said Curt Merlau, admissions counselor at Taylor University.

Take a tour, and talk to your tour guide.

You definitely want to have a chance to see the physical layout of the campus. Is it easy to navigate? What are the transportation options around campus? Where are residence halls in comparison to classrooms?

“Ball States’ campus is one of the best in the Midwest - very compact and easy to navigate around,” said Eric Richard, a 23year-old student, tour guide and Muncie native. “It’s very easy to sell the university to someone once they see the physical campus.”

In conjunction with the tour itself, the tour guide is another great source for information. Kyle Roach, a 21-year-old Indiana University student from New Castle who is also a student tour guide, said he encourages prospective students to speak up, get to know the tour guide and ask lots of questions. Tour guides are usually current students who can give you a good look into what studying at the university or college is really like.

“Talking to that student is the best thing I can tell students to do,” he said.

The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101 • 21

Stay overnight if it’s a residential campus.

WHERE TO LEARN MORE

This is ideal your senior year. If a school you are serious about offers the option to spend the night in the residence halls, take advantage of that opportunity. It will allow you to get an even better feel for the campus, what student life is like and if it’s right for you.

The ultimate college research website: • www.collegeboard.org (recommended by students and parents)

Be prepared with questions for everyone.

Ask, ask, ask. Have questions ready for your admissions counselor, your tour guide, current students and anyone else you come in contact with on your visit. You want to garner as much information as possible, especially above and beyond what you’d be able to find online. This is not the time to be quiet.

Sample questions Many lists can be found online, but here are some sample questions to consider asking when visiting a college, courtesy of Curt Merlau, admissions counselor for Taylor University, and www.indianacollegecosts. org.

• How is student housing assigned?

• Are there jobs available on campus?

• Where do I find the course catalog?

• Who are a few key alumni and employers?

• Who teaches the courses: faculty, graduate assistants or teaching assistants?

• What is the average class size in the major?

• How often do students collaborate with professors on research or other academic projects?

• How big are introductory level classes?

• Does a student need to have a personal computer? Are there any models that are suggested or required? Are there discounts or group rates available?

• Is wireless access available in dorms and academic buildings?

• Do students stay on campus for the weekend?

• What type of gym facilities are available and what type of access do non-athletes have to these facilities?

• Where are the most popular student “hangouts”? (Visit one of these places to see what it’s like!)

• If I apply for financial aid, does that reduce my chance of being admitted to this college?

• Are there opportunities for study abroad or college exchange programs?

Ask, ask, ask. Have questions ready for your admissions counselor, your tour guide, current students and anyone else you come in contact with on your visit. You want to garner as much information as possible …

Tools to determine what job might best fit your interests: www.learnmoreindiana.org/careers/exploring/ InterestInventories/Pages/Home.aspx Couldn’t find it elsewhere? These sites will answer all of your questions!

• http://transferin.net (shows what courses transfer between Indiana colleges and universities as well as gives information for how high school students can earn college credit) According to Corey Sharp, director of enrollment management at Ivy Tech Muncie, approximately 100 courses at Ivy Tech are transferable to private and public institutions.

• http://knowhow2goindiana.org (gives advice for what to do during each academic year of high school as well as advice for students to successfully go to college) • http://learnmoreindiana.org (a vast amount of college resources for students in Indiana; includes financial aid information, college information, advice and more) • http://www.indianacollegecosts.org (includes a plethora of information including how much each college costs, an estimator tool for students to know how much they’ll pay, information on financial aid, tip sheets for success and more) • www.triptocollege.org (includes various calculators and information to help families determine how much money they need for college and what colleges will fit well for them in Indiana) • http://ismloans.org (includes information for paying for college and various contacts; the company doesn’t sell loans of any sort any longer and is made up of folks who are trying to connect students and parents with the information they need to afford college) “It’s a shame that every family that wants help isn’t getting it right now, so let’s make it available,” said William Wozniak, director of marketing for ISM Education Loans. “It’s part of our mission as the entity of who we are. It’s not too good to be true. This stuff helps.”

22 • The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101

Frequently

asked

QUESTIONS

Are most colleges looking at grades only, or activities, clubs, etc.?

College admission committees have the goal of trying to get the best possible picture of the applicant. While grades and other academic criteria will be of paramount importance, they also want to assess whether the student, as defined by his/her other interests, leadership qualities, etc. is a good “match” for their institutions. Ultimately, every college wants to find students who will excel on their campus and who will want to be there and stay there.

What if I have unusual financial circumstances?

If the financial aid director believes there are sufficient grounds, she/he will make a “professional judgment” and change your Parent Contribution, thus increasing your financial aid eligibility.

How many colleges should I apply to?

There is no “minimum” number of colleges to which a student should apply. Obviously, students should not waste time and money applying to colleges that they have no interest in attending. That said, beyond applying to the colleges a student is most interested in, even those that may be a bit of a “reach,” a student needs to be sure there are at least one or two on the final application list where admission is likely AND where the financial aid likely will make attendance feasible.

What’s the most important part of the actual application?

Every college sets up its own admission review/evaluation process, and they can vary over time. Different colleges weigh the various admission criteria differently. Colleges should be able to tell you the criteria they give greater weight. Generally, however, the academic profile, especially course selections and grades, will be the single most important factor for most colleges.

Is it good to do the Common Application or go to the individual colleges and do their individual applications?

A few hundred colleges use the national Common Application. It can be a real time-saving step if you are applying to multiple colleges that accept this form, and using the Common Application has no impact on likelihood of admission. Keep in mind, however, that many schools which accept the Common Application also have their own additional

forms. Be sure you complete any additional paperwork that may be required by each school’s application deadline. In Indiana, there are currently 8 schools that accept the Common Application: Butler University, DePauw University, Earlham College, Hanover College, Saint Mary’s College, University of Notre Dame, Valparaiso University, and Wabash College.

What is Early Decision? Early Action?

Early Decision is a “binding” agreement: The student only applies to one university Early Decision, and if admitted is morally obligated to attend that institution and must withdraw any other pending admissions applications (although students can back out if the financial aid package ultimately awarded is not sufficient to make attendance possible). Early Action is similar but is non-binding, and students can apply to several colleges on this basis. It gives the student the option of applying for admission and finding out early.

Why is a particular institution making me fill out something called the CSS/Profile?

Most colleges only require the student to file a FAFSA for need-based financial aid, but a few colleges also require the student to file a CSS/ Profile or their own secondary institutional financial aid form. Check with the colleges to see what additional forms they may require, if any.

The CSS/Profile asks questions not included on the FAFSA, possibly including information from a non-custodial parent. The CSS/Profile can be filed as early as Oct. 1 the year prior to attending college and should be filed no later than two weeks before the earliest priority filing date specified by the college. There is a fee for filing the CSS/Profile, but they provide a certain amount of need-based fee waivers based upon financial information provided in the form.

You can file the CSS Profile online by going to www.collegeboard. com. Within the “Student Section” select “CSS/Profile” under “Pay for College.”

How often do I have to fill out the FAFSA? Every year you are in college.

Source: www.indianacollegecosts.org

The Star Press 2011-2012 College 101 • 23

Indiana College Costs (Academic Year 2011-2012)* Institution

Tuition

Room & Board

Total

Ancilla College Anderson University Ball State University Bethel College Butler University Calumet College of St. Joseph DePauw University Earlham College Franklin College Goshen College Grace College Hanover College Holy Cross College Huntington University Indiana State University Indiana Tech Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University East Indiana University Kokomo Indiana University Northwest Indiana University South Bend Indiana University Southeast Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Indiana Wesleyan University IPFW Ivy Tech Community College Manchester College Marian University Martin University Oakland City University Purdue University Purdue University Calumet Purdue University North Central Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Saint Joseph’s College Saint Mary’s College Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Taylor University Trine University University of Evansville University of Indianapolis University of Notre Dame University of Saint Francis University of Southern Indiana Valparaiso University Vincennes University Wabash College

$13,880 $24,610 $8,558 $23,630 $31,948 $14,880 $36,970 $38,284 $25,865 $25,700 $22,546 $28,850 $22,700 $23,210 $7,982 $23,050 $9,524 $5,116 $5,162 $5,229 $5,309 $5,201 $8,083 $8,083 $21,956 $7,454 $3,294 $25,970 $26,000 $13,520 $16,590 $9,478 $6,654 $6,987 $37,947 $26,140 $32,000 $27,622 $27,438 $26,600 $29,416 $22,790 $41,420 $23,950 $5,823 $31,040 $4,534 $32,450

No Room & Board $8,560 $8,472 $6,770 $10,330 No Room & Board $9,730 $7,570 $7,650 $8,700 $7,214 $8,650 $8,400 $7,680 $7,990 $8,790 $8,520 No Room & Board No Room & Board No Room & Board $7,796 $9,270 No Room & Board $7,944 $7,148 $9,998 No Room & Board $9,100 $8,084 No Room & Board $7,700 $9,510 $6,924 No Room & Board $10,455 $7,980 $9,800 $9,334 $7,532 $8,500 $9,530 $8,730 $11,390 $7,900 $7,200 $8,756 $7,682 $8,100

$13,880 $33,170 $17,030 $30,400 $42,278 $14,880 $46,700 $45,854 $33,515 $34,400 $29,760 $37,500 $31,100 $30,890 $15,972 $31,840 $18,044 $5,116 $5,162 $5,229 $13,105 $14,471 $8,083 $16,027 $29,104 $17,452 $3,294 $35,070 $34,084 $13,520 $24,290 $18,988 $13,578 $6,987 $48,402 $34,120 $41,800 $36,956 $34,970 $35,100 $38,946 $31,520 $52,810 $31,850 $13,023 $39,796 $12,216 $40,550

* NOTE: All totals are based on full-time residential student status (typically about 30 credit hours per year). Tuition costs include mandatory student fees/charges.

Room and board is based on double occupancy and the largest meal plan available.

Source: Websites and representatives from the colleges listed.