Ive Been AcceptedNow What

1
Ive Been AcceptedNow What?

• Items to consider following college acceptances.
• February 2009

2
What should students be thinking about now?

• How do I decide where to go?
• When do I have to decide?
• What do I need to do after I have decided?
• How can I best prepare for the fall?

3
How Do I Decide Where to Go?

• Financial Aid Package- Comparing packages can be
  a helpful tool for deciding which school will be
  most affordable.
• Campus Visit- Visiting or re-visiting campuses
  can be helpful for deciding which school will be
  the best fit.
• Other Opportunities to Get Connected- Check to
  see if the schools offer programs for accepted
  students to assist with decision making i.e.
  special campus visit days, online chats, etc.

4
FAFSA

• FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• www.fafsa.ed.gov
• March 1, 2009 deadline
• Schools must receive your FAFSA by the deadline
  to generate a financial aid package
• Schools are required to send out packages no
  later than April 1, 2009
• Remember Financial aid packages are determined
  on a first come, first serve basis, so the sooner
  you submit your FAFSA, the better!

5
Scholarships

• Inquire about institutional scholarships
• OSAC
• One application for approximately 300
  scholarships
• www.getcollegefunds.org
• March 2, 2009 deadline
• Scholarship database is consistently updated on
  the College Career webpage

6
Financial Aid Packages

• How do I read a financial aid package?
• Scholarships
• Institutional
• Outside
• Grants
• Work Study
• Loans
• Subsidized
• Unsubsidized

7
Sample Financial Aid Package

• Please see the following link for an example of
  how to read a financial aid package from Western
  Oregon University
• (http//www.wou.edu/student/finaid/download_2009-1
  0/How20to20Read20Your20Award20Letter.pdf )

8
Financial Aid Packages, cont.

• How do financial aid packages compare?
• Cost of attendance
• Estimated family contribution (EFC)
• Bottom line
• Ratio of free money to loans

9
Campus Visits

• To help decide what school will be the best fit
  for you, visit the campus (even if you have been
  there before!)
• While there, ask yourself Could I spend the
  next four years of my life here?
• Spend the night
• Eat in the dining halls
• Attend a class
• Meet with a professor
• Meet with current students

10
Other Opportunities to Get Connected

• Attend a campus visit day designed for accepted
  students
• Contact current students via phone or email
• Join a blog or online live chat with current
  students and/or admission counselors

11
When do I have to decide?

• The National Candidates Reply Date is May 1, 2009
• This is the date that you need to notify all of
  your schools whether or not you plan to attend in
  the fall
• Making your decision prior to this deadline is
  helpful because there is still more to do!

12
What do I need to do after I have decided?

• Send in your deposit to secure your place in the
  class
• Send in your housing form
• Inquire about first year classes and registration
  process
• Accept your financial aid package
• Consider visiting campus as an acknowledged
  student
• Learn more about classes, clubs, sports, etc.
• Register for a summer orientation program

13
How can I best prepare for the fall?

• Keep up the good work!
• Send your final high school transcripts to your
  college choice
• Contact CCC to send your transcripts for credit
  consideration
• Consider a summer job to help with college
  expenses/gain work experience

14
How can I best prepare for the fall, cont.?

• Have a family discussion about personal finance
  during your first year
• Who will pay for what? When?
• Checking accounts
• Credit cards
• Books, cell phone, travel, car, etc.
• Brainstorm about your necessities and supplies
  early so you can look for sales
• Linens, TV, computer, microwave, power strips,
  fans, alarm clocks, school supplies, etc.

15
Questions?

• If you have questions, please contact the
  following
• Alyson Leatherman, School Counselor, A-L
• Christine Lindberg, School Counselor, M-Z
• Lyndi Tucker, College Career Coordinator