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AUGUST 2021 STLTODAY.COM/COLLEGECONNECTION

Getting back to the basics:

PLANNING YOUR COLLEGE CAREER STARTS TODAY

BY SARAH GERREIN, BRAND AVE. STUDIOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

his fall is starting off much differently than the last as St. Louis-area schools open to capacity for in-person instruction. This means that many services and opportunities that weren’t available to high school juniors and seniors last year should resume this year. Therefore, upper classmen should not delay in actively preparing for the four years that follow high school graduation!

In this issue of College Connection we aim to help you get

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through the application process with the article, Navigating the college application process starts early in high school. You’ll learn about how to utilize a variety of resources to make sure your college applications are complete and in on time. Struggling to choose a college? In The biggest decision of my life: How I chose the best college for me, you will hear from a recent high school senior about the methodology and the selection process she followed in order to pick the perfect place to spend her next four (or more!) years.

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This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had no role in its creation or display. For more information about Brand Ave. Studios, contact sales@brandavestudios.com.

SARAH GERREIN / content director / 314-340-8014, sgerrein@brandavestudios.com NATALIE BARBIERI / designer / 314-340-8097, nbarbieri@brandavestudios.com KEVIN HART / STL Post Media vice president of sales / 314-340-8508, khart@stlpostmedia.com TERESA GRIFFIN / Lee Enterprises, Inc. vice president of publisher experience / 314-340-8909, teresa.griffin@lee.net

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PG 3

credentials will still be compared, but your leadership or special talents may carry more weight.

LEE SHULMAN BIERER

DARE TO BE I

The Charlotte Observer

f I could only give every family one piece of advice about college admissions and the college application process it would be this: Dare to be different.

DIFFERENT

Be different from the beginning.

Don’t wait like so many other people until the summer after junior year — or even worse, the fall of senior year — to begin this process. Starting early will alleviate much of the stress that you might be witnessing in seniors who are crunching to create lists, visit schools, write essays and complete applications.

Be different in how you prepare your college list.

Don’t assume a college is a great fit until you’ve done your due diligence. Stretch yourself to consider colleges beyond the “usual suspects.” Colleges read all the applications from each high school together. That means they are comparing students from the same high school with the same measuring stick. The understanding is that you’ve all had the same opportunity to take the same classes over your high school career. If hundreds of students are applying to a college from your high school and the rigor of your coursework and your test scores don’t measure up to the competition, it’s obviously going to be more challenging to be accepted. However, if you are one of a handful of students applying to a certain college, your

Be different in the activities you choose.

Don’t join the Spanish Club if the only reason you want be there is to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Follow your interests, not your friends. Find something, almost anything, that matters to you; something you care about. It could be tutoring, the environment, Boy Scouts, dance, writing a blog, starting your own business, etc., but participate for the right reasons. Your activities should tell a story about who you are and what you care about.

Make them meaningful.

Be different in what you choose to write about.

Your essay is your best opportunity to set yourself apart in the application. It is the one area where you maintain total control. It can be a powerful tool, so use it wisely. Don’t write what you think college admissions people want to read; write what you want them to know about you.

Brainstorming your essay topic is a soul-searching process. Stay away from cliche topics that anyone could write, and identify something that is uniquely you.

Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.

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The biggest decision of my life: How I chose the best college for me ASHLYNN PEREZ, BRAND AVE. STUDIOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As a freshly graduated senior, I’ve spent the last year of my life trying to figure out the wide world of college and where I wanted to attend. I felt like there were so many options and factors in the decision, and I had no idea where to start. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in journalism, but I didn’t know what schools were best for that major, whether I could afford it, or whether I would even like the school itself.

From someone just out of the admissions season, here are a few tips for getting started and finding a college you love.

PREVIEW THE PROGRAMS Through middle school and high school, I was involved in every writing club or journalism program my school had to offer. It was no surprise when I announced to my parents that I wanted to pursue a degree in journalism; I just had no idea what that looked like.

But it wasn’t difficult to figure out. I opened up my phone, went to Google, and typed in “Top Ten Journalism Schools in America,” and began my research from there. Not every school with a great program for your major will be the perfect fit for you, but it’s a great place to get started.

If you’re not sure what to major in, take a look at clubs you’ve been a part of or classes you’ve found interesting. Not only will you have a bit of background knowledge for the intro classes, but you’ll have the passion to drive you through the coursework.

Still not sure which direction to go? Community college is a great option for those still taking time to figure themselves out. With cost-effective tuition and flexible scheduling, it’s the perfect time to discover what you like without feeling like you’re throwing away heaps of money. Plus, if you decide while in community college that you want to attend a bigger university, it’s easy to BRAND AVE. STUDIOS

transfer to other schools without much hassle.

CONSIDER THE COST After I Googled a list of top schools in my major, I was left in a bit of a predicament: Most of the schools on the list were out-of-state, as far as the East Coast. As much as I loved the thought of leaving the state, I knew tuition would increase and I wasn’t sure how much I could afford.

I talked to my parents about our budget, and together we decided it just wasn’t realistic for me to leave the state, especially since the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) — just an hour and a half away from home — was a top journalism school and in-state.

If you have your mind set on an out-of-state school, do your research on schools that offer tuition reciprocity.

It’s a program that allows students to attend colleges or universities in a different state than the one in which they reside for in-state or reduced tuition. Typically these programs are reserved for students who live in a neighboring region or state.

Once you start applying to colleges, you’ll be able to fill out your FAFSA, which makes you eligible for grant money depending on household income. If your family has a tighter budget, this could alleviate the cost of college quite a bit.

TAKE THE TOURS When taking tours, keep in mind that you could be attending this school for four whole years (or more!).

The campus should feel comfortable and the facilities should fit your needs. From the dorms to classrooms, the recreation center, the cafeteria, or even the study rooms and libraries, don’t be afraid to go in with high standards. Take notes on what does or doesn’t measure up to your expectations because finding a college to call home is no joke.

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY ASHLYNN PEREZ

Ashlynn Perez, 18, is an incoming freshman at the University of Missouri-Columbia as a journalism major. She has interned for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in the past and worked as an Editor-in-Chief for her high school website.

Tour as many colleges as you can. Only when you get there can you truly decide if it’s the right fit for you.

OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE OPPORTUNITIES Another reason I chose to attend Mizzou was the realworld experience offered. For me, the journalism school offered internships in professional newsrooms, great journalistic extracurriculars and interning-abroad programs.

Learning in a classroom setting is valuable, but you should make sure you’re rounding out your learning with real-world experience in your future career path.

Find out if your desired college offers internship and networking opportunities. Does it offer campus jobs or extracurriculars associated with your major?

Bottom line: Don’t overlook the opportunities outside of the classroom. They’ll do wonders in preparing you for your future.

I hope that I’ve been able to help you narrow your list down to a college or two. Above all, know what is most important to you as you embark on your next educational journey. Only you know what’s best for what comes next.

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What does

LEE SHULMAN BIERER

The Charlotte Observer

(NOTE: This is a “classic” column of hers from 2010 with advice that still applies today.)

‘FIT’ really

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t’s the buzzword you keep hearing. It’s the question you keep asking: “Is this college a good fit?” But what does “fit” really mean?

I break the fit concept into three major areas: social, academic and financial. This column will focus on the social components.

To determine a social fit, students need to: 1. Make a visit for themselves and see what it’s like. Do they like the layout of the campus, the architecture, the facilities and the surrounding city or town? Is there enough to do on and off campus to keep them entertained over the course of their college career?

2. Understand what kind of geographic location meets their needs. Many students start their college search process swearing they want to move away, far away from home, but once the romance of being afar wears off and the reality of connecting flights and expensive fares settles in, they are willing to readjust their thinking. Questions to ask here focus on the climate, proximity to urban amenities and cost.

3. Figure out where enrollment size falls on the list of priorities. Is exuberant school spirit and having a top-notch football team critical? Then factor that into the mix.

4. Determine the role religion will play in their college experience. Many colleges that were founded by various religious groups have a non-denominational feel, so don’t prejudge. Some students are comforted by the opportunities to affiliate with students from their religion.

5. Investigate campus safety measures. Talk to current students and read the literature about new safety installations and programs such as text alerts.

6. Find out if there are special housing opportunities such as “living and learning communities.” These are residential programs where students with specialized interests have direct connections with faculty. Communities range from language houses to community service, environmental awareness and writing. Students often receive specialized guidance on academic issues and career planning.

7. Research the list of student activities. Are there some that match their interests? This is where students find out if the college is a good fit emotionally, athletically, culturally and spiritually. It all depends on what is important to them.

8. Understand their likes and dislikes. Do they want to participate in Greek life in college? Greek participation varies greatly from campus to campus.

9. Try out the food, particularly if the student is a fussy eater.

10. Spend a night in the dorm if possible. This is one of the best ways for a student to figure out if they’ll feel comfortable socially.

Students need to be educated consumers and know what they’re looking for before making their purchase.

mean?

Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.

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Navigating the college application process starts early in high school SOFIA UNG, BRAND AVE. STUDIOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Tackling what is notoriously known as the hardest year of high school, senior year, may seem overwhelming. The flawless transcript, a high ACT/SAT score, extracurricular activities, a job and college applications — with this seemingly long list of priorities, it may be unclear where to even begin.

That’s why it’s important to take advantage of all the resources provided and available to you in order to set yourself up for success. As a sophomore in high school, but with many senior friends, I’m learning you can’t be overly prepared for college planning, so take note!

BE PREPARED FOR THE ACT/SAT Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, universities were beginning to make the ACT/SAT optional. Students can choose to take both, one or none, and each is distinctly different. The ACT consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading and Science. The SAT is composed of math, evidence-based reading and writing.

If your university of choice requires standardized tests (or even if they don’t), you’ll want to be sure you’re prepared if you are opting to take them. One way to prepare for these tests is through private or group prep classes.

Prep books that contain practice tests, specific skills and other exercises can also be a great help. Popular prep books include The Princeton Review, Kaplan, Barrons, McGraw Hill and the official ACT or SAT prep guide.

YouTube is also a big help with many prep channels that go over tips, skills, timing strategies and anything related to preparing for these standardized tests. Two that I recommend are SuperTutor TV and The Princeton Review. An easy resource is simply making a dedicated effort to read and write more. Whether it’s a school book or read-for-pleasure book, the more you read and write increases your reading comprehension and speed on tests.

Local universities such as Washington University in St. Louis, Fontbonne University and Saint Louis University BRAND AVE. STUDIOS

are test optional for applicants of 2022. None of these schools use test scores for scholarships, however there are merit scholarships, depending on the school, that are offered to a very small number of individuals who have achieved outstanding academic and standardized test scores. Whether or not a student chooses to take these tests, it is only a small part of the application process.

SEEK OUT YOUR COUNSELOR Although the application process is similar for most colleges, it’s important to use your high school counselor for guidance well before you begin. Karen Etlisky, founder of Find Your Voice college counseling, says that she sees students apply from anywhere from three to 30 schools, so having professional assistance is invaluable.

It is important to first have a counselor and get to know them. Etlisky says, “A counselor can help you plan ahead to know what is coming so you can be proactive in the process and not have ‘I wish I knew...’ moments. There is so much misinformation floating around, it is very good to be able to have someone tell you what you need to know.”

A counselor’s job is to find universities that fit the student, create a list of safety/target/reach schools, complete a student’s FAFSA, craft unique application essays, and help regulate any stress or anxiety regarding the process.

Etlisky also adds, “While I don’t think it’s necessary to begin the college process in earnest before spring of sophomore year, many parents like to know they have someone to ask questions of and go to for help beginning in ninth grade. Most commonly, my clients begin with their students in 10th grade.”

APPLY EARLY AND OFTEN A college application can consist of many different components including an application form, essay (main essay and supplementals), transcript, test scores, school profile, recommendation letters and a list of activities. A great STLTODAY.COM/COLLEGECONNECTION

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOFIA UNG

Sofia Ung, 17, is a student at Canyon Crest Academy and recently interned at St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She attended The School of The New York Times journalism summer program and is a writer for her school’s magazine. She hopes to minor in journalism.

way for students to begin is to create a high school resume that consists of all of your activities, extracurriculars, AP courses taken, work experience and internships.

Teachers prefer letter of recommendation requests early on so that they are able to hit the important deadlines. I know that essays can be the most difficult requirement to start, but if you brainstorm all ideas, even if they are not pretty, it will get the process flowing! Students can choose to submit their applications through early decisions, early action or through the regular deadline.

Admissions committees look at applications holistically, so make sure equal effort is given to all areas of the application to give yourself the best chance at admission.

Nothing is guaranteed, so give yourself a break in knowing that you did all that you could. And remember that no matter where you go, if you put forth the effort, you will receive a great education — no matter where you land.

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TOP RANKED UCM IS CONSISTENTLY RANKED BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT AND THE PRINCETON REVIEW.

ST. LOUIS – DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE AT UCM! The University of Central Missouri has helped students achieve success through affordable access to a high-quality education for the past 150 years.

We have a rich heritage of providing exceptional student support, top-ranked academic programs and real-world learning opportunities. UCM is test-optional, which means students applying with a 2.75 GPA or higher may be admitted without submitting an ACT or SAT test score. Plus, students admitted as test-optional also receive a $1,000 Red & Black Scholarship!

Need more reasons to choose UCM? Here are the top reasons UCM may be the perfect fit for you:

150+ MISSOURI & NATIONAL AVERAGES

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

92 PERCENT UNDERGRADUATES WHO RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID

95

SAFEST

PERCENT

COLLEGE CAMPUS

UCM GRADUATES WHO LAUNCH

IN MISSOURI

THEIR EDUCATION WITHIN SIX

THEIR CAREER OR CONTINUE MONTHS OF GRADUATION* 2019 Ranking by “Your Local Security Organization”

*based on 2019/20 data (first destination success)

READY TO MAKE YOUR FUTURE EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT IT TO BE? Apply today at ucmo.edu/apply or schedule a visit at ucmo.edu/visit.

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UCM celebrates 150 years of academic excellence UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI

SPONSORED CONTENT BY UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI

Originally established as a training school for teachers, the University of Central Missouri is celebrating 150 years of academic excellence. UCM opened its doors in 1871 with only 30 students in a rented building and is now home to approximately 10,000 students who represent nearly every state and 32 countries. With a motto of “Education for Service,” the university has remained consistent in its pursuit to transform students into lifelong learners dedicated to serving their communities. This consistency has been the key not only to institutional success, but the continued success of every individual who graduates with a valuable UCM degree.

TOP-RANKED UNIVERSITY UCM is consistently ranked as a top university by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, and 95% of UCM graduates launch their career or continue their education within six months of graduation. By pairing ambitions with meaningful opportunities and superior support, UCM enters its 150th year of service with a continued excellence in providing students with valuable degrees and the experience needed for longterm success.

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT Many reasons can be attributed to UCM’s sesquicentennial success, but none more important than its dedication to student support. Students benefit from advantages including: • Locations in Warrensburg, Lee’s Summit and online • Free counseling and mental health services, and the only accredited Counseling Center at a Missouri public institution • An innovative Success Advising Center • Expert tutoring for 100+ courses • Review and editing services from the Writing Center • State-of-the-art learning environments • Free career counseling and assistance with graduate school preparation BRAND AVE. STUDIOS

PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI

COMMITMENT TO AFFORDABILITY

WORLD-CLASS FACULTY

At the University of Central Missouri, students can spend less without sacrificing quality. With costs lower than the Missouri and national average, UCM believes everyone deserves affordable access to a high-quality education. It has also been recognized by the student finance bureau LendEDU for having one of the lowest national student debt numbers for 2019 graduates. An impressive 92% of UCM undergraduates receive financial aid.

With a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 17, UCM’s expert faculty genuinely care about the success of their students and see them as individuals, not just a number. From aviation to cybersecurity, UCM professors work hard throughout 150-plus academic programs to provide experiences that will enhance students’ skills and help them discover their career potential.

UCM offers many renewable scholarships, and all scholarships are stackable, meaning students may qualify for multiple UCM scholarships on top of other federal and state financial aid. Finding and applying for scholarships is easy with UCM Scholarship Finder, which allows students to apply for multiple scholarships at one time with a single application that is automatically submitted toward all eligible scholarships.

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It’s a great time to apply because UCM is now test-optional! This means that students applying to UCM with a 2.75 GPA or higher may be admitted without submitting an ACT or SAT test score. Students admitted as test-optional will also receive a $1,000 Red & Black Scholarship.

Learn more about UCM’s sesquicentennial online at 150.ucmo.edu, and become part of UCM’s 150-year legacy by applying today at ucmo.edu/apply!

Sunday, August 29, 2021 I

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The two biggest mistakes families make in the

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS LEE SHULMAN BIERER

The Charlotte Observer

For lots of families of high school juniors and sophomores, this whole college admissions process has just kicked into gear. So, this seems like a good time to talk about the typical mistakes students and parents make as they get started.

Making assumptions In my experience, students often underestimate their chances, thinking that colleges don’t really look at anything besides grades and test scores. They assume they don’t have a chance at schools where they could in fact be competitive.

On the flip side are parents who have seen how hard their child has worked and how much he or she has contributed the high school or community and can’t imagine that top-tier schools like Stanford could possibly say “no” to their prodigy student. Of course, reality is often somewhere in the middle.

If you’ve ever done a campus visit, one thing you’ve probably heard is that each college evaluates its applicants “holistically.” That means the decisions are based on more than just stats (grades and test scores). Most colleges, and particularly the privates, are interested in understanding who each applicant is and what makes them tick, and finding out how they’ll contribute to life on campus.

Don’t assume you won’t be accepted because your test scores aren’t strong enough. Every year I have an interesting student or two whose test scores and perhaps even their grades don’t match up with the “average” student profile at a college. But they choose to do their research on the college or university, put together an impressive application that details their accomplishments, get great letters of recommendation and write a strong essay. And every year, a few of those students are wowed by their offers of acceptance.

Parents are often unaware and assume that their stellar student will be welcomed with open arms everywhere because the student performed so much better than they did in high school. It’s tougher out there now, no question. At PG 10

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the most elite schools, they are rejecting valedictorians with perfect test scores if they didn’t spend their time doing anything else. There are a lot of those types of students. Colleges are looking to “build a class.” They are seeking interesting individuals who will add to the richness of the college community and have an impact.

What students have done in high school is the best indicator of what they’ll do in college. So the student who studied nonstop and did nothing else is not looked upon as favorably.

Falling prey to unworthy influencers Whether it’s your niece’s boyfriend’s brother who “loved” a school or your next-door neighbor who transferred because she was miserable, they aren’t you.

That’s all the more reason students need to conduct their own research, check out course catalogs, read student reviews, watch videos, take virtual tours, etc. I am not a fan of rankings either. So if a school is ranked No. 4 in the country for biomedical engineering, and you go but you’re not able to perform at the top of the class, you’re likely to have fewer job opportunities than someone who chose a “lower-ranked” school and performed well.

Don’t listen to the cocktail party conversations either. After families have gone through the process once, many think they’re now experts and are delighted to share their wisdom. Don’t listen! The chatter you were accustomed to hearing when you used to sit in the stands at high school games is typically not worth much. I’ve received calls this spring from families saying they’ve heard that all schools are now test-optional, so no one needs to take the SATs or the ACTs. Not true.

Keep perspective when talking to people about colleges. Don’t overshare about your own plans either.

Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.

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Stray from the

cliché when writing your essay LEE SHULMAN BIERER

Tribune News Service

What do colleges want to know about you? That’s a good place to start when you’re brainstorming your college essay.

You know colleges don’t want you to tell your life story in 500 words. But you keep pestering yourself, wondering: “What should I tell them?” Think about things you’ve done in high school, activities you’ve participated in, experiences you’ve had, and maybe how you see yourself as being just a little different than your peers.

As an independent college counselor who has read hundreds of essays, and after conducting research on bad essay choices, here are my votes for the two biggest essay offenders: (1) the last-minute sports victory, and (2) the mission trip epiphany.

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These two topics tend to be among the worst for essays because unless a student has a particularly inspiring, amusing or heartfelt story, colleges have seen it, heard it and read it thousands of times.

While winning a sports championship may be the pinnacle of your high school career, it is very difficult to get anyone else nearly as excited. Unless a student personalizes the sports essay with a meaningful anecdote, it is likely to focus on the importance of teamwork and is destined to sound cliche.

The mission trip epiphany is a regularly mentioned topic to avoid. Admissions staff are often quick to suggest that it is quite challenging to set yourself apart if you choose this topic. I’m not saying mission trips aren’t a great experience and an

opportunity for teens to be exposed to new things, but be cautious about using it as a college essay topic.

The problem is that the realizations students choose to share (for instance: “While on the outside we may look different, I realized after this trip that on the inside, we are really all the same”) often unwittingly demonstrate how sheltered their existence has been and perhaps how privileged a life they’ve led.

Here are two other topics I suggest you avoid: The confessional: Many students choose to use Common Application (www.commonapp.org) prompt No. 2, the obstacle essay, to dredge up their past misdeeds. Students will often overshare to provide background information and

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present themselves in a negative light, and then not have enough space to share how they’ve changed.

The resume: Don’t waste precious essay words sharing information about yourself that you are providing in another part of the application. The Common Application has an area where you describe your extracurricular activities, your work experience, your awards, etc. Focusing on this information in your essay is repetitive and doesn’t share any new insights about who you are or how you’ll contribute to the college community.

Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.

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LEE SHULMAN BIERER

delinquent in making payments or defaults on the loan. The endorser may not be the student on whose behalf a parent obtains a Direct PLUS Loan.

Tribune News Service

Y

ou’ve made it past your applications deadlines and the pressure is off. Now is a great time to get serious about scholarship opportunities.

I know this exhaustive list looks overwhelming; my suggestion is to skim the list and see which terms are relevant for your family. Below is a vocabulary primer from studentaid.gov to get you thinking about paying for college:

ENROLLMENT STATUS. This is reported by the school you attended and indicates whether you are, or were, full-time, threequarter time, half-time, less than half-time, withdrawn, graduated, etc.

EXTENDED REPAYMENT PLAN. This allows you to repay your loans over an extended period. Payments are made for up to 25 years.

There are specific eligibility requirements to qualify for this plan.

ACADEMIC YEAR. One complete school year at the same school, or two complete half years at different schools. For schools that have a year-round program of instruction, nine months is considered an academic year.

AID FOR MILITARY FAMILY SERVICE. Both the federal government and nonprofit organizations offer money for college to veterans, future military personnel, active duty personnel, or those related to veterans or active duty personnel ANNUAL TAXABLE INCOME. The amount of income used to determine how much tax you owe in a given year. This can include wages, salaries, bonuses, tips, investment income and unearned income.

CREDIT. The amount of money you borrow and your ability to borrow to purchase goods and services. Credit is extended to you from a credit grantor with which you make an agreement to pay back the amount spent, plus applicable interest and fees, within an agreedupon time.

DEBT COLLECTION. The course of pursuing payments of loan debts due by borrowers.

DEBT CONSOLIDATION. A method of debt refinancing that involves taking out one loan to pay off others.

DEFAULT. Failure to repay a loan outlined in the agreed promissory note. Most federal student loan default occurs when a payment isn’t made in more than 270 days. It can result in legal consequences and a loss of eligibility for additional federal student aid.

DEFERMENT. A temporary postponement of payment on a loan that is allowed under certain conditions and during which interest generally doesn’t accrue on certain types of subsidized loans.

DIRECT CONSOLIDATION LOAN. This combines federal education loans into one loan for free via completion of the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Application and Promissory Note. You will have a single monthly payment on the new Direct Consolidation Loan.

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FAMILY SIZE. This doesn’t mean people who physically live with you. It’s about who you support financially. If you do not financially support anyone, you will just put 1 for yourself.

A GLOSSARY

OF TERMS UNDERSTANDING HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE DIRECT PLUS LOANS. Federal loans that graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students use to help pay for education expenses.

DIRECT SUBSIDIZED LOAN. A federal student loan for which a borrower isn’t generally responsible for paying the interest while in an in-school, grace or deferment period.

DISCRETIONARY INCOME. Used in determining a borrower’s eligibility for certain repayment plans and/or loan rehabilitation. It’s the difference between annual income and a percentage of the poverty guideline for the borrower’s family size and state of residence.

EARLY ACTION. A college admission policy that allows applicants to apply and receive notice of their admission early. Applicants

accepted under early action are not under a binding agreement to attend that school and may submit applications to other schools.

EARLY DECISION. A college admission policy that allows applicants who commit to attend a school to apply and receive notice of their admission early. If an applicant is accepted, he or she agrees to attend that school and must withdraw all other applications.

EMANCIPATED MINOR. Someone who has been legally deemed an adult by a court in his or her state of residence. If you are an emancipated minor, you are considered an independent student and will not provide information about your parents on the FAFSA form.

ENDORSER. Someone who agrees to repay the Direct PLUS Loan if the borrower becomes

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FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM. The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program offered to undergraduates. It is designed to assist students from low-income households.

To qualify for a Pell Grant, a student must demonstrate financial need by completing and submitting the FAFSA form.

FEDERAL STUDENT AID. Aid from the government in the form of grants, loans and/or work-study to assist students with college or career school. Students have to complete the FAFSA form to apply for this aid.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT. A grant awarded to an undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional financial need to help pay for their education. Awards can range from $100 to $4,000 and do not need to be repaid.

FEDERAL WORK STUDY. A program that provides part-time jobs for students with financial need. The program encourages community service work and work related to your field of study. To receive funds, you will need to be awarded work study and secure a job.

FORBEARANCE. A period of time when your monthly loan payments are temporarily stopped or reduced. Interest will continue to be charged on your loans. Be aware that unpaid interest may be capitalized (added to your loan principal balance) at the end of your forbearance period.

FSA ID. This consists of a username and password that give you access to the Department of Education’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature when completing electronic documents.

GRADUATED REPAYMENT PLAN. This plan starts with lower payments that increase every two years. Under this plan, you make payments for up to 10 years (10 to 30 years for BRAND AVE. STUDIOS

consolidation loans).

GRANT. A monetary gift for people pursuing higher education. It is often based on financial need and does not need to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund).

GUARANTY AGENCY. A state or private nonprofit agency that helps administer the Federal Family Education Loan Program. A guaranty agency insures federal loans by repaying the loan holder when a loan defaults, then collects the defaulted loan from the borrower.

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD. For tax purposes, you might claim head of household if you are unmarried and responsible for more than half of the cost of keeping up your and your dependent’s home. Whether you are head of household can affect how you report tax return information on the FAFSA form.

INCOME-BASED REPAYMENT PLAN. Eligible loans: Direct Loans and FFEL Program Loans other than those in default, PLUS Loans made to a parent borrower, or Consolidation Loans that repaid a Direct or Federal PLUS Loan made to a parent borrower. Consolidating a Federal Perkins Loan may make you eligible.

INCOME-CONTINGENT REPAYMENT PLAN. Eligible loans: Direct Loans other than those in default and Parent PLUS Loans. Consolidating a Federal Perkins Loan, FFEL Program Loan or Direct PLUS Loan made to a parent may make you eligible.

INDEPENDENT STUDENT. A student who is at least 24 years old, married, a graduate/professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, someone with legal dependents (not a spouse), an emancipated minor, or someone who is or at risk of being homeless.

IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN SERVICE GRANT. You may be eligible for the IASG if your parent or guardian died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, and you are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

JUDGMENT LIEN. This gives a creditor the legal right to keep property when the owner fails to pay a debt. It can only be granted by a court. A student (or parent in the case of a parent borrower) with a judgment lien will not qualify for federal student aid.

rower’s obligation to repay a loan under certain circumstances including but not limited to death, disability, bankruptcy, fraud and identity theft.

LOAN FORGIVENESS. Student loan forgiveness is offered to encourage certain types of employment. A loan may be fully or partially forgiven after a certain number of years of qualifying employment.

MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE. An MPN is a legal document that contains the borrower’s rights and responsibilities and terms and conditions for repayment. Direct PLUS and Direct Subsidized/ Unsubsidized Loans have different MPNs. MERIT-BASED. Merit-based means something is based on a student’s ability. For example, a merit-based scholarship might be awarded based on a student’s high grades.

OFFSET. When a payment from the Department of Treasury (such as an income tax refund) is reduced or stopped to pay off a delinquent debt. The remainder of a refund will be processed; an offset shouldn’t delay it unless the entire refund is applied to the debt.

OMBUDSMAN GROUP. A group dedicated to helping resolve disputes related to the federal student aid programs.

PARTIAL FINANCIAL HARDSHIP. An eligibility requirement under the Income-Based Repayment and Pay As You Earn repayment plans.

PAY AS YOU EARN PLAN. A repayment plan with monthly payments that are generally equal to 10 percent of your discretionary income, but never more than the 10-year standard repayment amount.

PLUS CREDIT COUNSELING. This helps graduate/professional students and parents of eligible dependent undergraduate students understand the obligations associated with borrowing a PLUS Loan and assists them in making careful decisions about taking on student loan debt.

PREPAID TUITION PLAN. Also known as a section 529 plan, this lets you lock in future tuition rates at in-state public colleges at current prices and is usually guaranteed by the state in which the plan was established.

PROPRIETARY SCHOOL: A private, for-profit school that provides education and training.

LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP. A designation by a court that authorizes someone to care for an individual in place or absence of parents.

Having a legal guardian qualifies you as an independent student, such that you do not have to report your parents’ income on the FAFSA form.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS HELP TOOL. This tool will help you understand the following about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: what is required to participate, if an employer qualifies, which loans qualify, and other actions to take to receive PSLF.

LOAN DISCHARGE. The removal of a bor-

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

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PROGRAM. This program forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans after you have made 120 (10 years) qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.

REGULAR STUDENT. A student who is enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an institution for the purpose of obtaining a degree, certificate or other recognized education credential. To be eligible for federal student aid, you must generally be a regular student.

REHABILITATED LOAN. Loan rehabilitation is one method of getting your student loan out of default. To begin the rehabilitation process, you must contact your loan holder. If you’re not sure who your loan holder is, log in to your account to get your loan holder’s contact information.

REVISED PAY AS YOU EARN PLAN. A repayment plan with monthly payments that are generally equal to 10 percent of your discretionary income.

ROOM AND BOARD. The cost of housing and food while attending college or career school.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS. The process a school uses to determine if a student is meeting all of his or her educational requirements and is on target to graduate on time with a degree or certificate. This process may vary across schools.

SCHOLARSHIPS. Gifts that don’t have to be repaid and are designed to help students pay for an undergraduate degree. They can be a one-time gift or renewable, depending on the scholarship.

SERVICE OBLIGATION. A Service Obligation signing is an agreement to teach full-time, in a high-need field, at an elementary/secondary school/educational service agency for lowincome students, and for at min 4/8 academic years following their ending of the grantassisted study.

STANDARD REPAYMENT PLAN. The basic repayment plan for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) programs. Payments are fixed and made for up to 10 years (10 to 30 years for consolidation loans).

STATE AID. States offer financial assistance to eligible residents to help reduce educational costs. Some state aid is first come, first served, so complete your FAFSA form early. Contact your state grant agency for more information.

STUDENT FRAUD. Any situation where an individual falsifies information in order to qualify for student aid. Examples of student fraud include using false information on the FAFSA, such as income or marital status, or reporting

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an invalid high school diploma.

STUDENT LOAN DEBT BURDEN. The percentage of a borrower’s monthly income that is dedicated to his or her student loan payments.

The smaller this percentage, the lower the debt burden.

TEACH GRANT. This grant funds students who are completing or plan to complete coursework that is required to be a teacher, and who agree to teach full-time in a high-need field at an educational service agency or school for low-income students for at least four years.

TEACH GRANT INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT COUNSELING. This process acquaints the student to the TEACH Grant program and the TEACH Grant service obligation.

TEACH-OUT PLAN. A written agreement among schools that provides for the equitable treatment of students and a reasonable opportunity for students to complete their program of study if a school ceases to operate before they have completed their program of study.

TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY DISCHARGE. This relieves you from having to repay your federal student loan(s) and/or complete your Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant service obligation.

TUITION. The amount of money you owe for receiving instruction, materials, and/or supplies, or for the rental or purchase of equipment, for a course of study at your institution.

UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN. An unsubsidized loan borrowed through the Direct Loan Program offers students a low, fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms. It is not based on financial need. The borrower is responsible for paying all the accumulated interest, until the loan balance is paid off.

UNTAXED INCOME. Income you don’t pay taxes on, such as Supplemental Security Income, child support, or federal or public assistance.

WILLIAM B. FORD DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM. The program under which eligible students and parents borrow directly from the Department of Education at participating schools.

Loans include Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Direct PLUS, and Direct Consolidation Loans.

Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.

Sunday, August 29, 2021 I

PG 13

SOME BASICS ABOUT PAYING FOR COLLEGE EMILY SHULLAW ILLUSTRATION, LEE ENTERPRISES

PG 14

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Sunday, August 29, 2021

LEE SHULMAN BIERER

Free money

Tribune News Service

“Free money” is a grant or scholarship that does not need to be paid back. There are two types of free money: need-based aid and meritbased aid.

The amount of need-based aid a family will receive is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov) and the CSS Profile (www.collegeboard.com/ profile).

Merit-based aid in the form of tuition reduction, grants and scholarships is a tool used by most private colleges and many public universities to entice the strongest students to apply and attend.

Students can receive scholarships for their athletic, artistic or debate talents as well as for demonstrated scholarship — great grades and strong standardized test scores.

Many public universities have also created prestigious honors colleges, and these opportunities often come with a variety of perks, including early class registration, smaller classes, honors dormitories and attractive scholarships.

The Ivy League schools and a few of the other most selective colleges in the country, including Stanford and Georgetown, do not offer any form of merit-based aid, but they typically have very generous need-based aid.

If a student has what it takes to be accepted to any of these colleges or universities, finances will likely not be a barrier. According to Harvard’s website, “parents making less than $65,000 are expected to contribute

If you’re the parent of a high school senior and you’re thinking about how to pay for college without going broke, it’s a whole new, expensive world. “Paying for College Without Going Broke” is a bestseller from Princeton Review that can teach you a lot.

From my perspective, there are two kinds of money: “great money” or “free money” (gifts, grants and scholarships), and “not-sogreat money” (loans that need to be paid back).

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‘$0’ and 90 percent of American families would pay the same or less to send their children to Harvard as they would a state school.” I bet that would shock most families.

Loans I’m terrified when I meet with parents who are so afraid of disappointing their children that they say they’ll do “whatever it takes” to make it happen. Frequently, this means taking out loans in both the student’s name and the parents’ names, cashing in policies early, paying penalties or even forfeiting their own retirement money.

While I don’t think high school students should be forced to select their future careers, I believe it’s irresponsible to advocate attending a high-priced private institution at $75,000 per year if the family must borrow substantially. This is especially true if the student is undecided. I don’t believe that a student’s college education should be allowed to disrupt a family’s normal spending patterns, and I think it’s unwise for parents to abandon their own needs.

Remember, there is no one perfect college. Most students can be happy at a variety of schools. Parents need to be the responsible ones here and consider future employment opportunities and future debt responsibilities.

Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.

BRAND AVE. STUDIOS

What does my deferral mean?

LEE SHULMAN BIERER

Tribune News Service

Being deferred is NOT the same as being rejected. It may feel that way for students, but last year, with a record number of early applications, there were also a record number of deferrals.

A student who applies through either early action or early decision is deferred when college admissions officials determine that

the student has potential, but they want to see first semester senior grades to confirm. Being deferred gives a student a second chance to impress the admissions office.

So, how should a student respond to a deferral?

1. Visit the college If you h a v e n ’ t toured the campus, this is a great time to make the visit. Even if you have visited previously, a followup visit where you

sit in on a class and/or meet with someone from admissions is an opportunity to set yourself apart from other deferred applicants.

Also, a campus visit can really help you determine where this college ranks in your desirability scale. Plan to eat lunch in the cafeteria and have conversations with current students. These informal discussions can often provide insightful comments.

Demonstrate your interest and your commitment. If you are 100 percent sure that if you are accepted you will attend, then say so.

Talk about college fit: why the college is a good fit for you and why you are a good fit for the college.

Use the letter to update the admissions office on any new information, such as leadership roles in clubs, athletic accomplishments, awards, scholarships, etc.

2. Contact your admissions representative

4. Send your mid-year transcript

Find out which person in the admissions office handles your geographic territory. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself via email and ask that person if they can share any thoughts on how you could improve your application. Listen to what they say. Don’t argue or complain. It is important to be upbeat and leave a positive impression.

3. Write a letter Send it to the director of admissions as well as your admissions representative. The letter should focus on your strongest attributes and how you will be able to contribute to the college community.

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Most colleges will specifically request that you send your seventh semester grades. Follow instructions to the letter and get it done as quickly as possible. Timing can be an important factor.

Here’s what not to do

 Don’t complain to the admissions office that you really deserve to be accepted.  Don’t send volumes of emails, snail mail or packages hoping to change their minds.  Don’t accuse the admissions office of making a mistake with its decision.  Don’t compare your SAT scores and GPA with someone else.  Don’t over-boast about small accomplishments. Tell it like it is.

It’s not worth it to share that your SAT score went up 10 points.

Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.

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PG 15

WE CAN’T WAIT TO

SHOW YOU SOUTHEAST

q q

Join us for SHOW ME DAY

October 2 / November 13 / April 2 Tour our beautiful campus, talk to professors, eat in our dining facilities, meet students, see the residence halls, and learn what becoming a Redhawk is all about.

Register at semo.edu/showmeday

Need a different date?

Schedule a personalized on-campus or virtual tour at semo.edu/visit

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Sunday, August 29, 2021

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