How can I safely use social media?
With so many different types of social media and sharing services, it is important to make sure that you are using social media safely and wisely. Not only will future employers look at your Facebook page, but college admissions offices can also see what is on your profile. You must be aware of what you are posting and how it will reflect on yourself. You do not want to be passed over for a job or not be admitted to a college because of what was seen on social media.
The advertised price of college is too high. How can I afford to pay for college?
While college tuition rates have been rising, it is still very possible for you to afford to go to college. It is essential that you apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA. Some colleges may also require a second form called the CSS profile or may have their own separate application for financial aid. Be sure that you know what forms are required from you by your college and pay attention to the deadlines that they give you!
Two tools that you can use online that will help you better gauge how much a college will cost you are the net price calculator and Tuition Tracker. All colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their websites. If you complete this calculator, it will give you a rough estimate of what a financial aid package could look like for you. Tuition Tracker is a website that breaks down how much colleges cost for people of varying income levels. Search for the colleges you are interested in and see where you would fall in terms of how much you would be expected to pay.
What are some tips on how to write a college application essay?
Here are some tips on how to write your application essay:
1) Do not use contractions (such as don't or isn't): you want to try to keep it formal, but still make it personal.
2) Be concise: do not take a long time to make your point and stay focused on your topic.
3) Give examples: you want to paint a picture for the reader by using descriptive language. But careful not to go too over the top.
You do not want to go off topic in your descriptions or the focus of your essay will be lost.
4) Try to avoid clichés like the plague.
5) Do not simply write what you think the reader wants to hear.
6) Do not be redundant.
7) If you're funny, then be funny. However, if you are not funny, do not try to be.
8) PROOFREAD: do not simply rely on spell check. Have several others read your essay and read it out loud. You will catch many
more mistakes that way.
What sort of questions should I ask on a college visit?
About Academics
1) What factors go into the admissions process (test scores, class rank, interviews, etc.), and how important are these
factors?
2) What percentage of students graduate in 4 years?
3) Which academic programs are most popular?
4) Does the school have a major that I am interested in?
5) How easy is it to change majors?
6) Will my AP or College in the Classroom credits transfer?
7) Who teaches the first year classes (TAs, grad students, or the professor)?
8) Is there an honor code?
9) Is there an honors program?
10)What career planning services are available?
11)What percentage of students have a job or are in grad school within 6 months of graduation?
About Student and Social Life
1) How diverse (economically, racially, academically) is the campus?
2) What activities or clubs are there to join?
3) Does the school have a Greek program (sororities and fraternities) and how many students participate in this program?
4) What are the most popular extracurricular activities?
5) Can first year students have cars on campus?
6) How easy is it to get around campus?
7) What emergency services are available?
8) Is there an on-campus security force?
9) Are tutoring services available?
10)Is there wifi across campus?
11)What laundry facilities are available?
About Housing and Dining
1) What percentage of students live on campus?
2) Is housing guaranteed all four years?
3) What housing options are there?
4) What meal plans are available?
5) Are first years required to have a specific meal plan?
6) What are the different dining options on campus?
7) What are the hours of the dining facilities?
8) How is my roommate assigned?
9) How hard is it to find off-campus housing if housing is not guaranteed?
10) How much does housing cost?
About Costs and Paying
1) What is the all-inclusive cost?
2) Is your admissions process need-blind?
3) Which financial aid forms are required?
4) Is there a separate application for financial aid through the school?
5) What is the average financial aid package?
6) What percentage of students receive financial aid?
7) Does the school meet 100% of demonstrated need?
8) Will outside scholarships affect the amount of aid given by the school?
9) Are work study programs available and how easy is it to find a job on campus?
How can I talk to my parents about where I really want to go to college?
Your parents may want you to go into a specific career or to attend a specific college. It is in the best interest of everyone if you are in agreement on where you will be spending money and time for the next four years. It is imperative that you communicate with your parents. Your parents want for you to succeed, so invite them into the decision-making process. Share with them the research you used to come to the decisions you made. If you can clearly state the reasons you picked the college or career, it will help your parents to see that you are serious. Additionally, do not hesitate to speak with your guidance counselor if you are unsure on how to approach this subject or talk about it with your parents. Your counselor will be happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if a college is "in-state?"
The definition of an "in-state" college does not mean simply a college that is in a state. In-state refers to where your residency is. For example, if you are a resident of Pennsylvania, a college in Maryland would not be considered in-state for you. However, any college within Pennsylvania would qualify as in-state. When looking at a college outside of PA, make sure you are looking at the Out-of-State tuition rates, as that would be the price you would have to pay. Oftentimes, the out-of-state tuition is much more expensive than in-state tuition. That being said, private colleges typically have a set tuition that does not vary depending on if a student is from in or out of state.
How can I find out the admissions criteria for a college?
Admissions offices will vary between if they are a holistic review or if they are based purely on grades or SAT/ACT scores. There are many colleges that have a minimum SAT score, and if you do not meet that minimum, your application is automatically sent to a secondary campus. However, a holistic review means that all aspects of your application are reviewed (essay, SAT/ACT scores, high school grades, community involvement, etc.) and will be considered before making a decision on your application. Information on how an application is reviewed can typically be found on the admissions page of a college's website. If you cannot find the information online, call the admissions office of that college and ask what their review policy is over the phone.
I want to play sports in college. How do I get registered with the NCAA?
You will first need to set up an account with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Once you are registered, this will allow you to engage and become proactive in meeting with coaches. Keep in mind that there are different eligibility requirements depending on if you plan to go into Division I, Division II, or Division III athletics. Divisions I and II both have eligibility requirements, however, there are no such requirements for Division III athletics. For further information and tips on marketing yourself, please visit the NCAA information page on the Biglerville website.
How can I safely use social media?
How can I afford to pay for college?
How do I register with the NCAA to play sports in college?
How do I write my college application essay?
What questions should I ask on a college visit?
How can I talk to my parents about where I want to go to college?
What is an "In-State" college?
How do I know the admissions criteria for a college?
How do I get a Recommendation Letter?
How do i get a recommendation letter?
When getting a recommendation letter for either a job application or a college application, there a few things to keep in mind. First, you always want to ask someone to write your letter well ahead of the deadline. If you are asking a teacher, try to ask a teacher that you have had before and know well. Second, try using a brag sheet to help the author of your letter write a more personal letter. You can download your own copy of a brag sheet from the Career Knowledge page .