college application checklist

Applying to College
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<p>My S1 is a rising h.s. senior. He (we) have researched and visited many colleges and have an average size list of where to apply to. He has one favorite that sticks out way above all the rest and wants to apply ED.</p>

<p>So my question is very simple: What is the best way to organize ourselves in this application process? What do we need to do first, second, etc? Do people make spread sheets, posters with checklists? I'd love some feedback on what works for applicants out there.</p>

<p>Also, when do the supplemental applications come out during the summer? Is there a place where all the information for applying to college is listed? Does the checklist vary among colleges, or do they all look for the same information? </p>

<p>Any information that you could send to me would be very much appreciated. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>He (we) have researched and visited many colleges and have an average size list of where to apply to. He has one favorite that sticks out way above all the rest and wants to apply ED.</p>

<p>Are you ok with him applying ED? Are you ok with paying for the costs if the FA package isn’t that great? </p>

<p>If you need aid, are you certain what your expected family contribution is??? Many expect great aid, only to find out that the school expects an unaffordable family contribution.</p>

<p>Do you know whether the school meets need without big loans?</p>

<p>Some who apply ED complain that they don’t get the merit scholarship offers (if the school has any) because the school knows that they don’t have to woo your student. </p>

<p>However, if you’re fine with paying full freight, then great!</p>

3

<p>A spreadsheet would be awesome…or poster checklists all over the walls in house is even more dramatic:)…Just write down EVERYTHING you need for every APP your doing…the websites for each college provide checklists</p>

4

<p>Thanks for your replys :)</p>

<p>Mom2collegekids: You certainly know your stuff since you are a senior member:) and since I am brand new it’s great to hear your concerns and advice. We are nervous about the ED, but have spoken to the college’s FA dept. already and spoke to the Director of the Dept. We told them of our EFC and since they are a “need blind school” they will meet our FA needs without the “gap” that I hear about. They said they have only 1 student per year on average that “backs out” of the ED because the FA package was not meeting their needs. This school offers no merit aid, only need, which we definitely qualify for.</p>

<p>samd1993: Thanks…we’ll do all that! Busy summer ahead…</p>

5

<p>We told them of our EFC and since they are a “need blind school” they will meet our FA needs without the “gap” that I hear about.</p>

<p>This school may be a school that meets 100% of determined need, but most “need blind” schools do not do that. So, as long as you know that this school does meet need without big loans, then you should be fine. :)</p>

<p>IF this is also a CSS Profile school, you should also ascertain whether that determined family contribution will be about the same.</p>

6

<p>Thanks again mom2collegekids…we will definitely figure out the CSS profile…arrggh, so much to figure out! Are you able to give me the basics, any “words of wisdom” that have worked for you or others in the application process?</p>

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<p>Someone posted a pm to me yesterday about an excel spreadsheet that they use for the college application…getting organized…I would love to receive that if you can send it to me…thanks very much…</p>

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<p>Thanks so much! I got the excel spreadsheet and it’s wonderful…it will definitely come in handy. Since I need more “visual”, I’ll make myself a large poster to “check” off and my husband and S will use your spreadsheet.</p>

<p>We have a busy summer ahead of us getting organized and my S will begin to write lots of essays! :)</p>

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<p>*we will definitely figure out the CSS profile…arrggh, so much to figure out! Are you able to give me the basics, any “words of wisdom” that have worked for you or others in the application process? *</p>

<p>LOL…yes there is so much to learn…</p>

<p>The best advice is to never guess/assume anything…always check websites or try to get $$ issues in writing. Send emails to ask questions and keep the responses for future reference/proof.</p>

<p>Never base anything on how things were when we went to college… (my neighbor thought that room and board would be a couple thou a year - because that was about what it cost when he went to school! LOL)</p>

<p>Sometimes the people who answer the phones at colleges don’t have the best info or the latest info. Sometimes college students on work-study are the ones who answer the phones. So, don’t be afraid to ask to speak to the director or whomever would surely know the answers. </p>

<p>As mentioned before, a school that is “need-blind” doesn’t have to meet need. If that’s what you want, look for ones that are need blind and state that they meet 100% of determined need without large loans. </p>

<p>Keep in mind that CSS schools get to determine what your need is. Your FAFSA EFC may say one thing, and a CSS school may say another. Families with non-custodial parents or other issues are often surprised by that. </p>

<p>If your family income/assets will likely fluctuate significantly over the next 4 years, expect that aid will likely change significantly from year to year.</p>

<p>If you (the parents) plan on taking out Plus loans to help with EFC or gaps consider whether the pay back period will interfere with your ability to pay/borrow for any younger children who will soon be following. </p>

<p>And, of course, post any questions on CC…there are many people here who know a LOT about all kinds of FA, CSS Profile, FAFSA, etc.</p>

<p>Good luck!!! :)</p>

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<p>BAMAM: Please let me know if you received my email, thanks!</p>

<p>Mom2collegekids: Great advice, thank you so much! I never even thought about S2 since he’s going to be a hs freshman, but you are so right…he’ll be looking at colleges before we know it. Glad to know I can ask a question on CC and get “seasoned veterans” helping me out! Now time for us to get organized and get our checklists all ready :)</p>