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College Selection
At this point, it is not too early to figure out what type of schools might be best for your sons or charges. The best place to start looking at schools is on any number of online college search programs. Most are now free, and the ones I
recommend
are www.review.com, www.collegeboard.org, and www.fastweb.com. After each student inputs a number of variables (size, location, program of study, cost, etc.), the program will generate an initial list of schools. This list should be printed out to be discussed at a later date.
College Visits
The first time your son or charge should see schools is with you. Plan to visit schools around trips, vacations, etc. Also, set up a more serious “college tour” the spring or summer before the senior year. These visits should be followed by “official” visits in the fall or winter of the senior year. Many schools have visitation days or open houses. If you are interested in a particular school, call ahead and arrange a visit. A student will not be permitted to attend a school he has not visited. For more information on college visits please click here.
College Application Process
This process begins in earnest during the fall of the senior year. Each student should send for information on any college that interests him. Also, request information on admissions requirements, certain majors, financial aid, scholarships, etc. After narrowing “the
list” down to 7-10 schools, begin applying in November, December, and January. This requires completing the application, writing essays, asking teachers for recommendations, and keeping track of all deadlines.
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Financial Aid
This complicated area requires a good deal of attention, initiative, and patience. First, begin looking for private scholarships that you might be eligible for, while also acquiring the necessary financial aid forms. In December of the senior year St. Benedict's Prep will receive the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and each family is encouraged to consider this option. The FAFSA is free and requires families to supply information based on W-2 forms and income tax returns. The College Scholarship Service
(CSS) form may be required by some schools. Check the CSS list of schools to see if the school or schools you are considering are on it. There is a fee for this application.
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Scholarships
A student might be eligible for a variety of scholarships: academic, athletic, special talents, etc. Academic scholarships are based on a combination of GPA and SAT scores (usually, above a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and above 1250 on the SATs). Scholarships are available from a number of sources: public, private, and institutional. It is suggested that you reference the Web sites listed above for financial aid searches.
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