Surviving the College Application Process



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February, 2016

There are a lot of changes in the wind regarding college admissions -- from a new SAT being offered in March to a new study on kindness vs. achievement to new requirements for financial aid. We've highlighted the key issues below to help you stay abreast of the trends.  

However in spite of the many changes, the most immediate question on most high school students' minds is what classes should I take next year and how should I spend my summer?  See below for some tips.

What Classes Should You Take?

 

As you begin planning your schedules for the coming year, the goal is to create a schedule that will challenge, but not overwhelm you. We have a few tips to help you manage the process.

 

Balance Is Key When Planning Your Classes 

 

Making the Most of Your Summer

 

In case you missed our presentations on making the most of summer.  Here is a link.   

 

Making the Most of Your Summer 

 

SAT vs ACT? Which is best to take?

 

As Independent Educational Consultants, we are often asked to weigh in on this question. Since colleges accept both tests equally, we typically advise students to determine which test suits them best and prepare for that one. However for current sophomores and juniors, the answer is more complex. 

 

Click to read the full article.

 
Demystifying Financial Aid


 

We often get asked about whether or not a family will get financial aid. Forbes recently published an outstanding article that digs into the real skinny on who qualifies for financial aid based on methodology. 

 

Key points to consider:

  • Income counts nine times as much as assets when determining financial need
  • College expect families to pay up to 47% of their  after tax income  for colleges. So if your family makes $150,000 after tax, your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) would be approximately $70,500.  However keep in mind with two kids in college, you could qualify for need based aid.
  • For the high school graduating class of 2017 (current juniors), your EFC will be determined by 2015 income for two years in a row with the introduction of prior, prior year income.  This allows for families to submit financial aid forms in October of senior year.
While this article is long, it is well worth the read.

 

Seniors:  You will be hearing from most of your schools by the end March. We are thinking good thoughts, and please keep us updated.

 

Juniors:  Keep up the great work to finish the year strong. We understand that junior year is tough, and we are proud of your efforts to date.  Please keep us updated on your visits, or call us to help you schedule your visits during spring break.

 

Sophomores and Freshmen: If you haven't already, let's set up a time to plan for the coming year classes, activities and summer.

 

 

Sincerely,

Lisa, Beth, and Abby
College Bound Mentor, LLC 
908-789-8566   
www.collegeboundmentor.com 

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