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Choosing a School 1) Question I have been accepted at a good school and am afraid I can't do the work. Answer: Unless you have excellent academic ability as indicated by the previous chart you u should try to attend a school in which you are in the middle half of the freshman class. For most students college is more than an academic experience and competing against students that are much stronger academically will lower grades and deprive you of many nonacademic experiences. While standardized test are not a good predictor of success as measured by graduation, they do well predicting academic and career success. If your SAT is 1000 and the average at your good school is 1,100 then you may graduate but your grades and non-academic experiences may be low. 2) Question I have been accepted at a GOOD BUT EXPENSIVE SCHOOL. Answer: There are many positive aspects to attending an expensive liberal arts college away from home but the economic return for such an investment is often negative. Borrowing means repayment and most find repayment difficult. A tight post-college budget due to excessive loans is very difficult to endure especially after the sacrifice you made to finish college. Live at home, go public, CC if necessary, and if after two years you thing the added investment is worthwhile, go for it. See Students Personal Finance Internet Library for more assistance. |
3 How can I maximize college financial aid. Answer: Colleges compete for the students and award financial aid accordingly. They start with your Expected Family Contribution. Students with high standardized tests scores. If relative to other freshman applicants you are high you receive more aid. Students with a desired skill be it the Arts, Sports, etc. receive more funds. At private school close to home with high scores for that skill and skill may be les expensive after financial than an inexpensive as a public school. 4) Warning: Colleges will create a first year financial plan based upon your savings, grants and scholarships and a number of loans. Loans that may be federally sponsored, private, and even from the college. There is nothing logical for first year loans. Nothing. Loans can be as addictives as credit cards and just as dangerous. |
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1) Do I have to choose a major right away? Answer: Probably not. Many schools will ask you to declare a major after a year or two. 2) Department A of State U has accepted my application and Department B which offers my preferred major has rejected my application. I really like State U. What should I do? Answer: Most students change majors or end up working in a career field unrelated to their major. This said, attend Department A of State U, work hard to maximize your cumulative grade point average, and apply for a change of major to Department B. A high paying STEM major may be worth the effort but be prepared to work very hard. See Not All College Majors Are Created Equal. |
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