If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, please contact your students counselor.
Ms. Jabour ext. 43046 tvjabour@cps.edu
Ms. Diaz ext. 430445 kdiazhay@cps.edu
Ms. Moumji ext. 43038 tmoumji@cps.edu
Ms. Michalik ext. 43039 kdmichalik@cps.edu
Ms. Ocampo ext. 43143 pocampo@cps.edu
Mr. Radziszewski ext. 43052 dradziszewski@cps.edu
- When should I start looking into college?
- What is the difference between a Public and Private college?
- What do colleges look for?
- What is a scholarship?
- What are loans?
- What is FAFSA?
- What is the ACT?
- Who do I contact if I have a question about a college?
- How do I set up a visit?
- What is GPA?
- How do I send my transcript to a college?
- How do I sign up to take the ACT?
- Questions to ask college representatives on visits.
- What if I am an undocumented student?
When should I start looking into college?
RIGHT AWAY! From day one....literally.
Start doing your research early. If you wait until senior year you
are too late. Most college applciations are due the fall of senior year.
That means that the summer before junior year and the summer before
senior year are the perfect time to visit colleges and see what they
are like first hand.
By September of your senior year you should have a list of 5-6
colleges that you are interested in.
What is the difference between a Public and Private college?
Public= Tuition (the cost to attend) varies. There is in-state and out-of-state tuition
at public schools. If you live in the state the school is in you pay the in-state
tuition. For example if you want to go to University of Michigan, but live in Chicago
then you will pay the out-of-state tuition. In general, the out-of-state tuition
is significanly higher than the in-state tuition.
Private= Tuition is the same for everyone, whether you live in state or out
of state. However, in general private colleges tuition is much higher than
public schools. Private schools are also sometimes able to offer more
scholarships than public schools to help offset the cost.
What do colleges look for?
All colleges want to see that you have done well in school(good GPA and good grades)
and that you have done more than just go to school. This means that playing sports, being
part of a club or volunteer work you have done (those service learning hours come in handy!).
When you start researching schools, you will learn that different schools have different
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS. Admissions requirements are the minimum or range in grades, GPA and
ACT scores that each college looks for when considering students. In general, schools will ask
specifically for your GPA, ACT score, transcript (so they can see how you've done all 4 years)
and possibly an essay.
For example at Illinois State University (ISU) the middle 50% of freshman admitted had
between a 22-27 on their ACT. That means that 25% of students had between an 18-21 ACT score
and 25% had above a 28 ACT score. ISU also looks for an average GPA range of 3.25-4.0.
The information from ISU, as well as for many schools can be found on their websites.
It is important to find schools that fit who you are. If you score a 17 on the ACT and
have a 3.0 GPA it doesn't mean that you'll never get into ISU, but it might be a little more
of a "reach" for you. But never say never. If you are completely passionate about a school
and are close to their admissions range always apply!
Many schools also ask for essays so that they can get to know your writing style and you as a person.
More and more schools are beginning to take a holistic approach to their admissions process. They look
at the student as a whole. Not just grades. So it is important to participate in activities, spend time
volunteering, do an internship, join a club etc.
What is a scholarship?
A scholarship is money for school that does not have to be paid back.
(The only exception would be an athletic scholarship. If you receive an
athletic scholarship for a college and then decide not to compete or
can no longer compete in the sport, it must be repaid in full)
It is either based on merit or financial need. Merit means that you have
earned it. Merit would be your grades, GPA, ACT score, etc.
Individual colleges have their own scholarships that they offer to their students
which vary depending on the school. Organizations and companies also offer scholarships
that are available to students.
Scholarships usually have criteria that the applicant must meet in order to be eligible.
The criteria may be a certain academic standing (GPA, ACT score, etc.), it may be a specific
financial need or may be something like a talent as in sports or art or music. It could also
be based on volunteer work, leadership experiences, or simply being tall. Yes, you read right.
There are scholarships available to apply to if you a ceratin height.
The point is, there are lots of scholarships out there. You just have to do the work to
find them and then put the time in completing the application. Most require an essay and
proof of grades, i.e. a transcript.
Do your research early. Many scholarship deadlines start in the fall and run until the spring.
Apply to as many as you'd like. You never know how many other people you're competing against.
If you do receive a scholarship, the money will sometimes be given directly to the college you
plan on attending or in some cases it will be awarded to you directly to use towards your college
expenses.
What are loans?
What is a federal student loan?
A federal student loan allows students and their parents to borrow money to help
pay for college through loan programs supported by the federal government. They
usually have low interest rates and offer attractive repayment terms, benefits
and options. Generally, repayment of a federal loan does not begin until after the
student leaves school. Federal student loans can be used to pay school expenses
such as tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies and transportation.
Federal student loans are delivered to students through the Direct Loan Program.
Loan funds are provided to you through your school.
What is a private student loan?
A private student loan is a nonfederal loan issued by a lender such as
a bank or credit union. Private student loans often have variable interest
rates, require a credit check and do not provide the benefits of federal
student loans.
Why are federal student loans a better option for paying for college?
Federal student loans offer borrowers many benefits not typically found in
private loans. These include low fixed interest rates, income-based
repayment plans, loan forgiveness and deferment (postponement) options,
including deferment of loan payments when a student returns to school.
For these reasons, students and parents should always exhaust federal
student loan options before considering a private loan.
How do I get a federal student loan?
To get a federal student loan, you must complete the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA). The easiest way to complete the FAFSA is online at www.fafsa.gov.
Here, you identify schools that you are interested in attending. When your FAFSA is
processed, the schools you have identified will receive your information. The school
will then tell you how much financial aid is available, including grants, scholarships,
work opportunities and federal student loans. Should you choose a federal student loan,
your school will provide you with instructions on next steps.
How much money can I borrow in federal student loans?
Undergraduate student loan limits range from $5,500 to $12,500 per year depending on certain
factors, including the student's year in college. Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500
each year. Parents can also get federal student loans to help pay the remainder of college costs
that are not covered by their children's other financial aid. These are called PLUS loans.
In addition, graduate students may obtain PLUS loans to help pay for their own education.
Why should I complete a FAFSA when the private loan application process may be easier?
While the application process may be easier in some instances, federal student loans usually have lower
interest rates and better repayment terms and options than private student loans. Additionally, schools use the information provided on the FAFSA to determine eligibility for other types of financial aid provided by the federal government, from your state, or from the school itself. This aid can include grants, scholarships and work opportunities.
What kinds of federal student loans are available?
Stafford loans are for undergraduate and graduate students.
There are two types of Stafford loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized.
Subsidized Stafford loans provide low interest rates and are available
to students who demonstrate financial need based on income and other
information provided on the FAFSA. A credit check is not required to
receive these loans. The federal government pays the interest on these
loans until six months after the student is no longer enrolled in school at
least half-time.
Unsubsidized Stafford loans provide low interest rates and are available to all
students regardless of financial need (although the FAFSA still must be filed).
A credit check is not required to receive these loans. The student is responsible
for the interest, which may be paid while the student is in school or accrued and
then added to the principal balance when the student enters repayment, which occurs
six months after the student is no longer enrolled in school at least half-time.
Plus loans are low interest loans that parents can obtain to help pay the cost of
education for their children. In addition, graduate students may obtain PLUS loans to
help pay for their own education. PLUS loans require a credit check and, in some instances,
an eligible cosigner. Repayment of PLUS loans begins following the final disbursement for
the year. Graduate students and parents of dependent students may be able to defer repayment
of their PLUS loans until after the student is no longer enrolled in school at least half-time,
although interest will continue to accrue.
Consolidation loans allow student or parent borrowers to combine multiple federal student loans
into one loan with one monthly payment. A federal consolidation loan cannot include private loans.
However, some private lenders may offer consolidation loans. Borrowers should be aware that they will
lose their federal borrower benefits if they consolidate their federal student loan into a private
consolidation loan. Borrowers should always exhaust federal student loan options first before considering
a private consolidation loan.
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is
used to determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to
the price of attending a postsecondary institution. The results of the FAFSA
are used in determining student grants, work study, and loan amounts.
The FAFSA application is critical because it is used for Federal Pell Grants
as well as Minnesota State Grants and other financial aid offered by colleges
and universities. You must apply separately for many scholarships.
Fill out the application completely and accurately, and be sure to get it in on
time. Even a minor problem with the form could result in delays or the loss of
financial assistance.
Fill it out at www.fafsa.ed.gov
What is the ACT?
The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject
area tests in: ENGLISH, MATH, READING, SCIENCE and Writing(Optional).
The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately
3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including a short break (or just over
four hours if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing). Actual testing time is
2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 30 minutes if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing).
Colleges and Universities use the ACT to evaluate students and whether they meet
the criteria the college or university is looking for. Along with grades and GPA,
the ACT is a critical part of the college application.
At Steinmetz our students are prepped for the ACT test in their classes beginning
with freshman year. Some students may still wish to take seperate prepartory courses
that are offered.
All students will take the ACT in the spring of their junior year at Steinmetz. If they
wish to retake it, as many do, they are more than welcome to. Registration information and
test dates are available at www.act.org.
If you qualify for free and reduced lunch you may pick up a waiver to cover the cost from
your counselor in room 108. Make sure to check registration dates! The waivers are only valid
when used to register before the deadline.
Who do I contact if I have a question about a college?
All colleges have an admissions department. They should be your first contact
when you have questions. Most have it set up so that you can email them directly
from their website. Or call! They are there to help.
Admissions office is also who you would call to set up a visit.
How do I set up a visit?
Call the schools admission office. Most colleges have tours running daily
Monday-Friday at least a few times a day. It's always good to call ahead though
because some times may be less crowded than others or they may have special events
going on that you won't want to miss!
Try to always visit when the students are on campus/and or when classes are in
session. This gives you a true feel for what it's like to be a student at that school.
What is GPA?
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. For each course you take you receive a grade.
Your GPA is a total average of all your classes.
To calculate your GPA, you add up the number for each letter grade and divide it
by the number of classes. Each grade has a number value. The scales are below. They
vary depending on whether you're in a regular classes, honors or IB.
For example, for freshman year you would add up the grades you
received for every class each semester and divide it by 14 because you had 14 seperate grades.
(7 for each semester)
Regular courses are on a 4.0 GPA scale.
Honors courses are on a 5.0 GPA scale.
IB courses are on a 6.0 GPA scale.
REGULAR CLASSES:
A= 4
B= 3
C= 2
D= 1
F= 0
HONORS CLASSES:
A= 5
B= 4
C= 3
D= 2
F= 0
IB CLASSES:
A= 6
B= 5
C= 4
D= 3
F= 0
How do I send my transcript to a college?
Fill out a transcript request card in the main office. It is $3 per transcript.
Also keep in mind, when you take the ACT there is a spot on the form that asks
you what 4 schools you would like your scores reported to. Make sure to write in
4 schools that you are considering. If nothing comes to mind, at least put down Wright.
It will save you the money in the long run.
How do I sign up to take the ACT?
All juniors take the ACT in April of their junior year at school.
However, most people take it 2 or 3 times. In general, most people tend
to do a little bit better the second time around.
If you want to take it for the 2nd or 3rd time then you have to register
at www.actstudent.org. There is a fee to take the test again, but if you
receive free and reduced lunch you qualify for a fee waiver. See you counselor.
Here are the upcoming ACT dates for 2011-2012 and the registration deadlines:
September 10, 2011 (Register by August 12th)
October 22, 2011 (Register by September 16th)
December 10, 2011 (Register by November 4th)
February 11, 2012 (Register by January 13th)
April 14, 2012 (Register by March 9th)
June 9, 2012 (Register by May 4th)
Questions to ask college representatives on visits.
ADMISSION:
1. What are the admission requirements?
2. What is your graduation rate?
3. Are there summer "Bridge" programs?
MAJORS:
1. What are your popular majors?
2. Does your college offer my field of interest?
APPLICATION:
1. When should I apply?
2. What percentage of students applied are admitted?
3. When does the college notify the students?
TESTS:
1. Do you accept both the ACT and SAT I as college exams?
2. DO I need to take the SAT II subject tests? If so, which one?
3. What is the average test score for entering freshman?
FINANCIAL AID/COST:
1. What is your estimated yearly total cost to attend?
2. What are the sources of the financial aid or scholarships?
HOUSING:
1. How difficult is it to secure housing? What housing options
are available?
2. How do I apply for housing?
3. How many students live on campus?
4. How many students are in one dorm room?
COMMUNITY COLLEGE:
1. What are the advantages of attending a community college?
2. Will I be able to complete the prerequisites to my major field?
3. How many courses will I be able to take in order to transfer to
a four year college?
ADVANCED PLACEMENT TESTS:
1. Will I be able to receive college credits for the AP credits I obtained
in high school?
2. Will I be able to transfer the College Bridge credits I received to your
university?
What if I am an undocumented student?
Although undocumented students cannot apply for financial aid, there are
some scholarships that are available that do not have citizenship requirements.
See your counselor for more information!
Here are a few scholarships:
www.linc-usa.org
www.scholarshipchicago.org
www.plarhe.org
www.latinocollegedollars.org
www.fuerzachicago.org
www.salef.org
www.tylenol.org
www.ronaldhouse.org/hacer2
www.hsf.net