College prep is key for high school seniors
By Bernard Freeman
It is important to not procrastinate when it comes to beginning your college career. Staying ahead of the curve will ensure you have everything in place at the right time. Keep on track by following these tips provided by the National Association for College Admission Counseling.
August – December
One of your first moves as a high school senior should be to register for the SATs if you didn’t complete it during your junior year, or you wish to retake the test and obtain a higher score. You will also benefit from sitting down with a trusted educator to ensure your college applications are being filled out correctly and you are on track to graduate. Senior year is also a great time to research as many schools as you can. Take advantage of local college fairs, representatives who visit your class and take tours of several campuses.
October
Shortly after October 1, file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid. After about four weeks, you should receive your student aid report, which will reveal your eligibility for financial aid. If your desired college requires an essay, this is a good time to complete it, proofread it and re-proofread it. You should also research scholarship opportunities around this time; remember, the NACAC says you should never pay for scholarship information.
November – January
Now is the time to get your high school transcripts in order as every college you apply to will require a copy. You should also send out your early decision or early action applications during this time. It’s also important to organize your regular decision applications and financial aid forms as they are typically due in February. You may also register for a January SAT; it is considered the last one a college will consider while you’re a senior.
February – May
At this point, you’re on the downhill slope. Remain focused even after you receive an acceptance letter as your college will want to see a second-semester transcript. Most schools require a commitment or deposit no later than May 1, so make sure to get it in on time.
Community College or University
One big decision a student must make before attending college is which type of school is right for them. Both community colleges and universities offer many positives and negatives, but which one will benefit someone depends on where they want to go with their career. For some, an associate degree from a community college is a stepping stone before transferring to a university to continue their education. Others take interest in a career which only requires a two-year degree, while some prefer to begin and end their college days at a university.
Admission Requirement Differences
A community college is typically much easier to get your foot in the door. While certain programs like nursing, law enforcement and engineering may have stricter admission requirements than other fields, usually someone who has graduated high school won’t have much trouble being accepted. Universities are much pickier about who they accept. For many, a potential student’s high school career is scrutinized, including grades, courses taken and a minimum score on ACT or SAT. The application process is much more involved, too. If you are having trouble getting accepted to a university right out of high school, don’t be discouraged. Community college can be your second chance to impress a higher-education institution once you complete your courses.
Major Difference in Cost
Another huge difference you will notice is in tuition costs. According to a recent report by College Board, the annual cost to attend a community college is $3,440 for an in-district student. When attending a public university, this number rises to $9,410 annually for in-state students and $23,890 for out-of-state students. Private universities average the steep price of $32,410 annually. For those who don’t qualify for financial aid or scholarships, community college is the route that makes most sense to their budgets. The two years give students the chance to save for the higher prices of a university.
Different Degrees
Those attending community college can obtain an associate degree or short-term certificates which train people for a specific career. A student can then decide to apply to a university to further their education or enter the workforce with their certification. Universities offer many more options as far as degrees — bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs are offered to make it possible for a student to gain their degree in the same setting.
Don’t Procrastinate
If you are planning to take a small break between high school and college, you should realize the difficulties you may face once you’re ready to return. Not only will you be out of practice academically, you may also accumulate financial responsibilities which weren’t present after high school. These burdens may be drastic enough to demand you work full time while studying. Before taking a break in between semesters, consider the struggles you will face when you are back in the classroom and plan accordingly.
