FAQ

What are test optional colleges?

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ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesThe term “test optional” generally refers to colleges and universities that do not require students to submit ACT or SAT test scores to be admitted to the institution. However, there really isn’t a set definition as seen at the Fair Test website, an organization that tracks such testing requirements. Even the Fair Test definition … Read more

Should students apply to “reach” colleges?

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ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesThe simple answer is not to apply to any college that you can’t afford to attend. Of course, given that the vast majority of financial aid is awarded by colleges, most students don’t actually know if they can afford a college until they are accepted and have received their financial aid award letters. However, … Read more

FAQ: What is college average net price?

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postit note asking what is average net priceIn the most general terms, Average Net Price is the price that students actually pay for college as opposed to the “list” price or Total Cost of Attendance. The government defines average net price “by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees, books and supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses.”

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What is financial aid preferential packaging?

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ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesPreferential packaging is the practice of changing the type and amount of financial aid awarded to a student based on the desirability of the student relative to the applicant pool. This policy is common among private colleges but not by public institutions. Since most colleges have a finite amount of aid available, they have … Read more

FAQ: What is the Academic Common Market?

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College Student asking what is the academic common market

ShareTweetFlipEmailPin2424 SharesThe Academic Common Market (ACM) is a program that allows students to pursue degrees not available in their state at out-of-state institutions but pay in-state tuition. There are 15 members of the Academic Common Market: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Florida … Read more

FAQ: What’s the difference between a college and a university?

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A student stands on a path in front of a brick building on a college campus. A sticky note reads: "College FAQ: What's the difference between a college and a university?" The scene captures the essence of academic curiosity and exploration.
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Postit Note asking What's the difference between a college and a university?In the United States, there isn’t any official difference between a college and a university. There are no rules that require certain types of higher education institutions to use the term “college” and others to use “university.”

Many perceive the difference in terms of size, “university” means big and “college” means small.  However, there are 467 institutions with “university” in their name that have 3,000 or less undergraduates with 109 having less than 1,000. There are some pretty big colleges out there as well. A total of 79 have 5,000 or more students, 163 have 3,000 or more.

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I can’t afford private school tuition, why should I even bother applying?

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Note with text I can't afford private school tuition, why should I even bother applying?

ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesMost people can’t afford the published private school tuition. But most people don’t pay the listed price for private school tuition either. And while private colleges cost more than public schools, they usually provide more financial assistance than public schools. Consider the following information from College Data on two institutions: Item Texas State University … Read more

What is demonstrated interest?

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ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesDemonstrated interest refers to the interactions initiated by college applicants with colleges they apply to. These interactions include: Requesting information Contacting the admissions office Campus tours Overnight visits Campus interviews Alumni interviews Virtual interviews College fairs Information sessions Social media interaction Early admission Some colleges use demonstrated interest as a way to gage a … Read more

How do I convert my SAT scores to an ACT equivalent (or my ACT scores to the SAT)?

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ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesThe College Board and ACT have created concordance tables to compare ACT and SAT test scores. The tables are based on a group of students who have taken both tests. If you use the tables, you should be aware of their limitations. There may be differences in students who take both tests and those … Read more