8 Fascinating Facts: Applying to and paying for college
by Center on Transition Innovations
Available formats: PDF
1 College admission: College admission and entrance requirements vary from college to college. Most college admission requirements are based on three categories: high school performance, standardized test scores, and essays or interviews.
2 Performance in high school: How well you do in college preparatory classes can be one of the top factors many college admissions boards consider when evaluating your ability to do well at their college. Really focus on your core academic classes such as English, math, science and social studies.
3 Assistance with college application: Your family and school counselor can be of great benefit as you apply to college. They can help you locate and understand admission requirements and navigate the process of applying to college or training options that fit your career goals.
4 College costs: College is expensive! Some of the major categories of college costs include tuition, books, travel, and room and board.
5 Paying for college: College can be made more affordable based on which college you choose. Generally, it is less expensive for students to attend college in the state they live as compared to paying out-ofstate tuition. Community colleges are usually the most economical choice.
6 Select the right training for your career interests: Selecting the right higher education for your career needs can also help with college cost. You may find you can get the training you need for your career choice through other programs versus a four-year college.
7 Financial aid: A large majority of full time students will need some type of financial aid in order to be able to attend college. Financial aid is typically grouped into three categories: scholarships, grants and loans.
8 Free application for federal student aid (FAFSA): FAFSA is the form that all students and families must complete to apply for federal aid and loans.