<p>I need all the information about how to get into college (Preferably Vanderbilt). When do u start searching for colleges, what factors are essential for a college selection, when do u apply for colleges, scholarships, need based aid, FAFSA.
When it comes to Vandy, the major concern is fees (53,000/yr). So can you give me tips onto how to pay the least amount possible out of a $60,000/yr family?</p>
<p>Regarding the admissions process:</p>
<ol>
<li>Talk to your HS GC.</li>
<li>There are many excellent books. Use the Search function on this forum for ‘books’ as there are many threads with book suggestions.</li>
</ol>
<p>For Vandy:</p>
<ol>
<li>See the Vanderbilt forum here on CC.</li>
<li>Google ‘Vanderbilt common data set’ (or any other school you’re interested in) to get information about their admissions statistics.</li>
<li>Go to the Vanderbilt website and read their section on fr admissions and scholarships.</li>
</ol>
<p>Regarding FA:</p>
<ol>
<li>Go the website finaid.org </li>
<li>Read books on how FA works; again use the Search function, but on the FA & Scholarships forum.</li>
</ol>
<p>As you can see, there’s a lot that you can do to research this subject. In addition, when I first came on to CC, I lurked for about 6 months, reading everything that looked interesting. You can learn a lot that way and particularly by reading the sticky threads at the top of each forum which give great information and direct you to other comprehensive threads.</p>
<p>And check out this site [QuestBridge</a> Home](<a href=“QuestBridge”>http://questbridge.org/)</p>
<p>You need to get a book about college admissions. One I recommend is “Admission Matters”. There are many other good ones. Check your local library or favorite bookseller.</p>
<p>Step 1: Do the best you can in as many tough courses as you can take at all levels of school. Enjoy the heck out of the learning, and challenge yourself.</p>
<p>Step 2: Participate in all the fun activities that you can while going to Grade School, Jr High and HS. (These will be referred to as ECs - Extra Curricular). Enjoy the hck out of the EC’s and contribute as much as you can to the success of the teams, and/or organizations that you join. </p>
<p>Step 3: Apply to schools that have courses that will help you learn more about what you are interested in. Apply to schools that you think are a good fit, and some that are a step up, and of course don’t forget the “safety school” - whcih will be mentioned in the books that others have referred you to. Your school couselor should be able to help.</p>
<p>HAVE FUN DOING IT!</p>