Admissions FAQ
What are the college’s deadlines?
What high school classes are required for admission?
How important are SAT scores and GPA in the selection process?
Do I have to enroll if admitted under the Early Decision program?
Is your campus safe for students?
Are dorms coed? Can I get a single room as a freshman? Is my room guaranteed for the next year?
Can I keep a car on campus?
Do many students go home on weekends?
Other questions to consider

Financial Aid FAQ
Do I qualify for financial aid?
When should I apply for financial aid?
Do I need to be accepted at a college before applying for financial aid?
What is the FAFSA process?
What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans?
How is the EFC calculated?
Who should I contact if I don’t hear back about my FAFSA report?
Other questions to consider

What are the college’s deadlines?
Not all colleges are the same with their requirements or deadlines. Check this out closely. Make sure to note different deadlines for applications, deposits, academic requirements, financial aid etc. [ top ]

What high school classes are required for admission?
This question should be addressed with your high school academic counselor. If you are attending an in state college, then your academic counselor should have you qualified with the correct pre college courses. Out of state colleges should be similar. Yet, sometimes one may require additional levels in a subject that was not available to you. They often allow you to qualify in another way if your GPA and SAT scores indicate you will be successful on the campus. [ top ]

How important are SAT scores and GPA in the selection process?
SAT or ACT scores are required in conjunction with required GPA levels to be selected. These tests will often indicate weaknesses that the GPA may not indicate. The verbal score is especially helpful in this regard. The new SAT will highlight your communication skills with the new essay section. Admission officers look for patterns of strengths, not single particular items in your portfolio. [ top ]

Do I have to enroll if admitted under the Early Decision program?
Yes, Early Decision programs require you to enroll in order to coordinate a financial aid package. This type of commitment is often rewarded in scholarship offers and other benefits. [ top ]

Is your campus safe for students?
Student life on campus should not be regarded any different than any other community. Most campuses have their own public safety department that work closely with the local police department. Full time public safety officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day. It is still wise to take all precautions in your room and it is best to walk in groups while crossing campus at night. [ top ]

Are dorms coed? Can I get a single room as a freshman? Is my room guaranteed for the next year?
Many dorms are coed. They can be organized by wings, floors and even rooms on the same floor, but not in the same rooms. Some dorms offer single rooms but it is recommended to have a roommate the first year. They often become your best friend for life. Living in a single might also be isolating and freshman year is the essential time to meet people. If your roommate and you do not get along, single rooms may open up later in the year. Rooms are guaranteed if you renew your request and make your deposit in time. You do get first preference. [ top ]

Can I keep a car on campus?
Most often you can, but it is not recommended unless there is a particular reason you need it. You can quickly become the dorm chauffeur and it adds cost to park it (if you can even find parking) and often increases you car insurance. [ top ]

Do many students go home on weekends?
Some colleges are known as a commuter school. It can be lonely around a campus when everyone is gone. Many colleges have a variety of athletic, cultural, and social events to keep you involved when not studying. [ top ]

Additional questions to consider asking.
What consideration is given to students that have taken advanced, honors, or AP courses?
My high school does not rank students. Will this hurt my application?
Do you recalculate my high school GPA?
Do you use teaching assistants? What is the ratio to professors?
Are the freshmen classes large or small?
Do you have any off-campus/study abroad programs?
Is the campus community “liberal” or “conservative”? [ top ]

Do I qualify for financial aid?
Never disqualify yourself, file for financial aid and they will tell you if you are eligible. Financial aid is based on you and your parent’s financial ability to pay for college. [ top ]

When should I apply for financial aid?
Preparation should begin no later than the first quarter of your senior year. Collect all the financial information needed, acquire a practice FAFSA form and be prepared to submit immediately after January 1. You can get copies at your high school counselor’s office or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov [ top ]

Do I need to be accepted at a college before applying for financial aid?
No, the FAFSA form has an area to list the colleges you are interested in applying for admission. The financial aid offer by each college will allow consideration to negotiate with admissions and financial aid office. [ top ]

What is the FAFSA process?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid determines how much aid you can receive and how much your family is expected to contribute (EFC) toward your education. File the form in hard copy or on line immediately after January 1. Procrastination may cost you money. You will receive a SAR, Student Aid Report. Read the directions carefully, review and return. You can get copies of the FAFSA at your high school counselor’s office or on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov [ top ]

What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans?Subsidized Stafford Loans are awarded to students with financial need. The interest is deferred by the government until after graduation, and then the student is responsible for the principal and interest.

The unsubsidized Stafford Loan is not based on financial need for a student. The student is responsible for principal and interest from the time the loan is placed, although the payment can be deferred until after graduation. [ top ]

How is the EFC calculated?
The information on the FAFSA determines from the family income, assets and liabilities how much they can contribute to the student’s education. The federal formula deducts the cost of the college and this gives you the Estimated Family Contribution. Cost of college minus available family money equals financial aid. [ top ]

Who should I contact if I don’t hear back about my FAFSA report?
After about four full weeks call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243. Provide the student social security number and date of birth and they will be able to help you. [ top ]

Other questions to consider:
Do I receive the financial aid money or does the college?
How is my financial aid money taxed?
Are my parents responsible for all my educational loans?
Does a 529 savings plan eliminate my chances for financial aid?
If I drop out of school, when do I have to start repaying my loans?
What is work-study? [ top ]