Registration Reminder

Today is the registration deadline for the June 12th ACT exam.

Get Ready For Tomorrow’s SAT

A few thoughts if you’re scheduled to take tomorrow’s SAT.

To minimize your stress tomorrow morning, it’s a great idea to get organized ahead of time. The last thing you need on test morning is a desperate scramble. These are some of the things you can do tonight to get your big day off to a great start:

First, check with your parents to make sure they know when and where you’re scheduled to take the test, and arrange how you’ll get to the test center. Next, gather and pack all the things you’ll need to take with you. Some of the things on this check list are “must-have” items, while others are optional.

REQUIRED: Don’t forget any of the following items or it will be a long ride home!

• An approved calculator
• Sharpened #2 pencils
• An acceptable form of photo ID
• Your admission or standby ticket

SUGGESTED:

• Water
• Snack
• Sweater
• Back-up calculator
• Extra batteries for your calculator
• Watch (to keep track of time)

Finally, given how COVID-19 has disrupted the testing process, we suggest that you confirm the status of your test registration and stay current on any changes by visiting Coronavirus Updates for Students Taking the SAT.

Registration Reminder

Remember, today is the registration deadline for the June 5th SAT.

You Can Still Apply

Seniors, if you have not yet completed your applications or are not happy with your choices, the NACAC’s (National Association of College Admission Counseling) College Openings Update provides a list of over 400 US colleges and universities with openings, financial aid and housing available to qualified freshman and/or transfer students for the Fall 2021 semester.

Use the Update to search for schools through the use of various filters including state and country.  Both public and private colleges and universities are included on the list. The list is an excellent resource and will be updated as colleges and universities finalize their admissions numbers for 2021/22, so continue to check back. It’s never too late to apply!

Asking For More Financial Aid

As the May 1 deadline to send in your deposit to the school of your choice approaches, keep in mind there is still time to appeal your financial aid offer and request more funds if needed.

If your decision depends on the aid package you were offered, you can appeal, especially if your family’s financial situation changed since you completed your FAFSA.  Although decisions regarding your aid package are usually made quickly, you can request more time to make your decision and submit your deposit. 

Ann Carrns’ Your Money column in the New York Times on April 23rd, brings to our attention SwiftStudent, a new free tool to help students file their financial aid appeals. SwiftStudent explains the appeal process and provides templates that students can use to write appeals letters to submit to their colleges.

As financial aid packages are not presented uniformly, it is essential to break down offers between aid that doesn’t have to be repaid, like grants and scholarships, and loans which must be repaid. You should accept only the components that your family is comfortable with as your financial aid package is not an all or nothing offer.  For example, you can accept grants and scholarships and decline the loans that don’t make sense for you. In order to compare aid offers from one school to another, try using the worksheet provided in The College Bound Organizer to help you decide which package is the best for you and your family. 

 

 

Registration Reminder

Remember, today is the late registration deadline for the May 8th SAT.

Will Colleges Require Students to be Vaccinated Against Covid-19?

How are colleges planning to reopen campuses for the 2021 fall semester? Some schools are encouraging students to be vaccinated while others are requiring vaccinations. This list, compiled by Andy Thomason, assistant managing editor at The Chronicle of Higher Education, is certain to evolve as enrollment time nears.

American University, in Washington, D.C.

Assumption University, in Massachusetts

Boston University, in Massachusetts

Bowdoin College, in Maine

Brown University, in Rhode Island

Cornell University, in New York

Dartmouth College, in New Hampshire

Duke University, in North Carolina

Fairleigh Dickinson University, in New Jersey

Fordham University, in New York

Fort Lewis College, in Colorado

Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C.

Grinnell College, in Iowa

Harvey Mudd College, California

Ithaca College, in New York

Johns Hopkins University, in Maryland

Lasell University, in Massachusetts

Manhattanville College, in New York

Northeastern University, in Massachusetts

Nova Southeastern University, in Florida

Oakland University, in Michigan

Paul Quinn College, in Texas

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in New York

Roger Williams University, in Rhode Island

Rutgers University, in New Jersey

St. Edwards University, in Texas

Saint Mary’s College, in Indiana

Seattle University, in Washington

Syracuse University, in New York

University of Notre Dame, in Indiana

Vassar College, in New York

Wesleyan University, in Connecticut

Keep checking on your school’s website for updated information regarding their return to campus policy.

Get Ready For Tomorrow’s ACT

A few thoughts if you’re scheduled to take the ACT tomorrow.

To minimize your stress in the morning, it’s a great idea to get organized ahead of time. The last thing you need on test day is a desperate scramble. These are some of the things you can do the night before to get your big day off to a great start:

First, check with your parents to make sure they know when and where you’re scheduled to take the test, and arrange how you’ll get to the test center. Next, gather and pack all the things you’ll need to take with you. Some of the things on this check list are “must-have” items, while others are optional.

REQUIRED: Don’t forget any of the following items or it will be a long ride home!

• An approved calculator
• Sharpened #2 pencils
• An acceptable form of photo ID
• Your admission or standby ticket
• Mask

SUGGESTED:

• Water
• Snack
• Sweater
• Back-up calculator
• Extra batteries for your calculator
• Watch (to keep track of time)

Finally, given how COVID-19 has disrupted the testing process, we suggest that you confirm the status of your test registration and stay current on any changes by visiting ACT Testing Amid COVID-19.

Set your alarm, get a good night’s sleep and have a healthy, satisfying breakfast.

Your Big Decision

Seniors, we understand you’re facing a big decision. The world of college admissions is undergoing lots of changes which will impact how you evaluate your options. There could be many changes in your world including financial, family or personal, causing you to revisit your options at this time

Although a vast number of schools had extended their decision deadlines in 2020 in response to the uncertainly due to the pandemic, most schools have returned to the May 1 College Decision Day. Check with the schools you are considering to confirm the latest information.

Although many college campuses are still closed due to the coronavirus crisis, you have many resources available to help you make your decision. Take virtual campus tours that are available on college websites. Schedule calls with your guidance counselor and admissions reps to answer your questions. Also, reach out to current students to hear what they have to say. 

Have a conversation with your parents to re-evaluate what your family is comfortable spending for your college education.  If your current financial aid package is insufficient or you had not originally applied for financial aid, but now are in need of some financial assistance, speak with the financial aid rep at each of the schools you are considering to discuss your situation. On April 25, 2020, in his Your Money column in the The New York Times, Ron Lieber talks about new developments in the world of financial aid and identifies new services available to help families shop for aid (both merit and need based) and also appeal for more money from schools that have already offered funds.

As we write this, there is much discussion about how campuses will reopen.  Colleges are monitoring the situation very closely in order to make the best decisions possible to keep their students and campus community safe. As the vaccine rollout continues, many colleges are planning for in-person instruction. Reach out to the college(s) you are considering for information on special requirements such as proof of vaccination and details regarding classroom set-up, living in campus dorms, dining options and other aspects of campus life.

We know this is a very difficult time.  Stay in touch with your schools and keep a close watch on new developments, so you can make the best choice possible.

Registration Reminder

Remember, today is the registration deadline for the May 8th SAT.