Financial Aid

Additional College Considerations

Learning Differences in Higher Education

Generally, learning challenges that do not require accommodations in high school do not need to be disclosed to colleges. In fact, it is illegal for a high school to disclose a learning challenge to a college in a letter of recommendation or any other way unless the student or their parent(s)/ guardian(s) grants permission. While disclosing learning differences – especially those that need accommodations – is not (and should not be) a part of the application process, you should be proactive in researching the availability of services at schools where you plan to apply. Usually, the Director of Learning Services (or a similar position at whichever college you are considering) will determine whether the college can accommodate, using your most recent (no more than three years old) psychological/educational evaluation. https://www.collegechoice.net/50-best-disability-friendly-colleges-and-universities/ –Learning differences-friendly colleges http://www.college-scholarships.com/colleges-by-state/colleges-with-programs-for-studentswith- learning-disabilities/ – A comprehensive listing of colleges with programs for students with learning differences

College Preparation for Artists

Visual Arts

 Save your artwork as early as possible in high school to assemble a portfolio.  Each college will have specific portfolio requirements and portfolio review dates.  Resources: o www.portfolioday.net – National Portfolio Day information o www.slideroom.com – Slide Room, a service that colleges use to download and review portfolios as a part of the college admissions process

Performing Arts

 Auditions are usually required for acceptance into a performing arts program.  See your instrumental or vocal teachers at for assistance.  See theatre teachers and ask for audition help if you plan to pursue theatre.  College web sites have specific audition requirements and audition dates.  Your theater teacher may be available to help rehearse and prepare for auditions.

College Athletic Information

There are two national athletic associations for intercollegiate varsity sports: the NCAA and the NAIA.

NCAA – National Collegiate Athletic Association

 NCAA has three divisions, based on level of competition: Division I, Division II, and Division III.  Colleges in Division I and Division II can give athletic scholarships. Colleges in Division III cannot give athletic scholarships.  For NCAA Eligibility, there are minimum GPA's and minimum SAT or ACT scores as well. (For the 2022-2023 academic year, students are not required to take a standardized test to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. Check NCAA eligibility center for updates). See your college counselor if you are concerned to ensure that you are eligible to compete. NCAA

Division I and Division II eligibility worksheets are available in the Appendix.  By the end of the junior year, Division I and Division II candidates must register with the

NCAA Eligibility Center: www.eligibilitycenter.org  To determine a student's projected or potential level of competition, students should speak with their coaches.

NAIA – National Athletic Intercollegiate Association

 NAIA has one division in 12 sports and two divisions in basketball.  For NAIA Eligibility, there are minimum GPA, standardized testing, and class rank requirements.  See your college counselor if you are concerned to ensure that you are eligible to compete.  By the end of the junior year, candidates must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center: www.playnaia.org  To determine a student's projected or potential level of competition, students should speak with their coaches.

Club Sports

Club sports in college are generally well organized can be quite competitive and usually allow students to play other colleges.

Intramural Sports

Intramural sports are the least formal of the three categories of college sports and enable informal teams to play each other, usually within the same college and are often co-ed.

Financial Aid

(credit to College Board and NACAC for content)

With financial aid, many students who can’t afford the full cost of college are able to earn their degrees. In fact, most full-time college students receive some type of financial aid.

Financial Aid Defined

Financial aid is money that the government and other organizations give you or lend you so you can pay for college. To qualify for financial aid, you have to apply.

Sources of Financial Aid

2021

Financial aid comes from these sources:

 The federal government (the largest source)  State governments  Colleges and universities  Private organizations, such as companies, clubs and religious organizations  Banks and lending companies

Types of Financial Aid

There are four main types of financial aid:

 Grants: Grants are called gift aid because they do not have to be paid back. Grants come from federal and state governments and from colleges. Most grants are need based, which means they are usually given based on your or your family’s financial circumstances.  Scholarships: Scholarships are also gift aid. Scholarships come from governments, colleges and private organizations. They may be awarded for academic or athletic ability, interest in a certain subject, or volunteer work, for example. Some scholarships are given based on membership in an ethnic or religious group. Companies may also give scholarships to children of employees.  Loans: Borrowing money from a bank, government or lending company is called taking out a loan. A loan must be paid back with an extra charge called interest. The federal government offers low-interest loans to students with financial need. Other lenders charge more interest.  Work-Study Programs: The Federal Work-Study Program offers paid part-time jobs to help

students pay for part of their college cost.

Net Price

Net price is the real price that a student pays to go to a college. It’s the published price of the college minus the gift aid that the student receives. The net price of a college is often much lower than its published price.

Most colleges now offer a tool on their websites called a net price calculator. This online tool gives you an estimate of the actual price you would pay to go to a certain college, based on information you enter about your finances. Your net price will be different for every college, so it’s a good idea to use each college’s net price calculator.

Keep in mind that a college that charges a lot for tuition might offer you generous financial aid. It might even be more affordable than colleges that charge lower tuition. So think about net price, not published price — and don’t be afraid to apply to colleges you think you can’t afford.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial aid from the federal government, state governments and many colleges. You can also apply for financial aid directly from the colleges you’re applying to and from private organizations. Some of these may require you to submit the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE or other forms. Both the FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE open on October 1 each year.

Remember that meeting deadlines is your responsibility. You have to submit your applications on time to qualify for financial aid.

When to Apply for Financial Aid

October 1 of the year before you plan to go to college is the first day you can file the FAFSA. College, state and private financial aid deadlines vary. Aim to file the FAFSA as close to October 1 as possible; remember that financial aid dollars are limited, and in many cases are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seven Steps for a Successful Financial Aid Process

1. Set your expectations high

Paying for college can be daunting and often deters students and families from fully exploring their financial aid options. If the cost of college overwhelms you—breathe:

 Most parents and students overestimate the net cost of college.  While personal growth and higher learning are reasons enough to go to college, there are more practical things to consider.  College graduates can choose from more jobs and have been shown to earn $1 million more than those with only a high school education over a lifetime.

The key to affording college is knowledge—know how to pay for it, and more importantly, where to look to find resources to help you afford a college education.

2. Consider Types of College Aid

Aid for college comes in all shapes and sizes: need-based and non-need-based aid; federal and state aid; aid from colleges; and other scholarships. A combination of the following may be available to you:

 The Federal Pell Grant  The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)  The Federal Perkins Loan  Federal Direct Loans  Federal Work-Study employment (FWS)  Merit and other scholarships  State aid programs

3. Learn More

Explore the US Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website: http://studentaid.ed.gov

4. Fill Out the FAFSA

Most financial aid is given to students who demonstrate need. A student’s need is calculated as the difference between the cost of attending the school – the cost of attendance (COA) – and the amount the student and their family is expected to pay – Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

The EFC is made up of the amount the student’s parents can pay from their income and assets

Calculating Need COA- EFC= NEED