What is demonstrated interest?

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)?

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

FAQ: What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Student in front of college asking What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Post-it note asking What is the difference between public and private colleges?Families need to understand the difference between public and private colleges because of the differences in prices and financial aid.

Public institutions are colleges that operate under the ultimate control of a state or local government (there are some exceptions). These colleges receive a significant amount of their budgets from state appropriations although the amount has been dropping over the years.

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When should I start visiting colleges?

ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesIf you know enough to ask the question, you are ready to start visiting colleges. But what if you’re only a freshman in high school? Doesn’t matter. Now it may matter to the colleges. Many colleges will host special visit days only open to juniors or seniors so you won’t be able to participate … Read more

FAQ: How do I become an Independent student for financial aid?

student standing in front of a college asking How do I become an Independent student for financial aid?

Postit note asking How do I become an Independent student for financial aid?Just because a student is paying for all of his own expenses doesn’t make him an independent student for financial aid purposes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has very specific requirements to qualify as an independent student.

Students must answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions to be considered an independent student.  (The dates change each year.)

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FAQ: What is merit aid?

Student in front of college asking What is merit aid?

Post-it note asking What is merit aid?Merit aid refers to college awarded financial aid that is not based on financial need. The most commonly recognized form of merit aid is the scholarship. Scholarships may be awarded for academic skills or achievements based on talents such as athletic, artistic, or leadership. Other types of merit aid include tuition waivers or institutional grants not based on financial need. Unlike most outside scholarships, merit aid is awarded for all four years of college.

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FAQ: What are Net Price Calculators?

Student standing in front of college asking What are Net Price Calculators?

Postit note asking What are Net Price Calculators?Net price calculators (NPC) are a way for students and their families to estimate how much it would cost to attend a specific college. All colleges that accept federal funds are required to provide Net Price Calculators on their websites. The NPC is supposed to

provide estimated net price information to current and prospective students and their families based on a student’s individual circumstances. This calculator should allow students to calculate an estimated net price of attendance at an institution (defined as cost of attendance minus grant and scholarship aid) based on what similar students paid in a previous year.

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What is a good SAT score?

ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesThe maximum SAT test score on all three sections of the test is 2400. This score is based on the combined individual scores for the Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing sections. The lowest score for each section is 200 and the highest is 800. According the College Board, of the 2013 college0bound seniors, the … Read more