Senior Frequently Asked Questions
Financial Aid & Scholarships
How do I qualify for grants, scholarships, and student loans?
Eligibility varies depending on the type of financial assistance. Some opportunities are based on financial need, while others consider academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, talents, or other qualifications. Students should complete the FAFSA when eligible and research scholarship opportunities early.
Eligibility varies depending on the type of financial assistance. Some opportunities are based on financial need, while others consider academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, talents, or other qualifications. Students should complete the FAFSA when eligible and research scholarship opportunities early.
What is the difference between a loan, grant, and scholarship?
A grant is generally financial aid that does not have to be repaid. A scholarship is money awarded to help pay for education and typically does not need to be repaid. A loan is borrowed money that must be repaid, usually with interest.
A grant is generally financial aid that does not have to be repaid. A scholarship is money awarded to help pay for education and typically does not need to be repaid. A loan is borrowed money that must be repaid, usually with interest.
College Entrance Exams
What is the difference between the ACT and SAT? Do I need to take both?
The ACT and SAT are college entrance exams that measure skills used in college-level work. Most colleges that require or consider test scores accept either exam. Students should check the admission requirements for the colleges they are considering to determine which test is the best fit.
The ACT and SAT are college entrance exams that measure skills used in college-level work. Most colleges that require or consider test scores accept either exam. Students should check the admission requirements for the colleges they are considering to determine which test is the best fit.
Do I need to take the ACT Writing test?
The optional ACT Writing test is not required by most colleges. However, requirements can vary by institution or program. Before deciding whether to take it, check the admission requirements for the colleges and programs you are interested in.
The optional ACT Writing test is not required by most colleges. However, requirements can vary by institution or program. Before deciding whether to take it, check the admission requirements for the colleges and programs you are interested in.
What is considered a good ACT score?
There is no single score that is considered “good” for every student or college. A strong score depends on the schools you are considering and how your score compares with the typical scores of admitted students. Research the average or middle-range scores for each college on your list.
There is no single score that is considered “good” for every student or college. A strong score depends on the schools you are considering and how your score compares with the typical scores of admitted students. Research the average or middle-range scores for each college on your list.
How do I register for the ACT or SAT, and why should I take one?
Students can register for the ACT or SAT through the testing organization's website. Test scores may be used for college admission, scholarships, placement, or other purposes. Always check the requirements of the colleges you are considering before registering.
Students can register for the ACT or SAT through the testing organization's website. Test scores may be used for college admission, scholarships, placement, or other purposes. Always check the requirements of the colleges you are considering before registering.
Can I receive a fee waiver for the ACT or SAT?
Some students who meet specific eligibility requirements may qualify for a testing fee waiver. If you think you may qualify, contact your counselor to learn about eligibility and how to request a waiver.
Some students who meet specific eligibility requirements may qualify for a testing fee waiver. If you think you may qualify, contact your counselor to learn about eligibility and how to request a waiver.
Are my ACT or SAT scores included on my high school transcript?
Generally, standardized test scores are reported separately from the high school transcript. Colleges may receive scores directly from the testing organization when students request that they be sent.
Generally, standardized test scores are reported separately from the high school transcript. Colleges may receive scores directly from the testing organization when students request that they be sent.
College Selection & Planning
How do I narrow down my college choices when I like several schools?
Start by comparing the factors that matter most to you, such as academic programs, location, campus environment, cost, financial aid, size, housing, extracurricular activities, and career opportunities. Creating a short list of schools that are a strong academic, financial, and personal fit can make the decision much easier.
Start by comparing the factors that matter most to you, such as academic programs, location, campus environment, cost, financial aid, size, housing, extracurricular activities, and career opportunities. Creating a short list of schools that are a strong academic, financial, and personal fit can make the decision much easier.
How do I choose a college major? Do I need to know my major when I apply?
You do not necessarily need to have your entire career mapped out before applying to college. Some students enter college knowing exactly what they want to study, while others explore different subjects before choosing a major. Research each college's application requirements to determine whether you must select a major when applying and whether you can change it later.
You do not necessarily need to have your entire career mapped out before applying to college. Some students enter college knowing exactly what they want to study, while others explore different subjects before choosing a major. Research each college's application requirements to determine whether you must select a major when applying and whether you can change it later.
I know which college I want to attend. What should I do next?
Review the college's admission requirements and deadlines, submit your application, complete financial aid requirements, apply for scholarships, send required documents and test scores, and monitor your admission portal and email for updates. Keep a calendar of important deadlines so nothing gets overlooked.
Review the college's admission requirements and deadlines, submit your application, complete financial aid requirements, apply for scholarships, send required documents and test scores, and monitor your admission portal and email for updates. Keep a calendar of important deadlines so nothing gets overlooked.
Senior-Year Success
Once I apply to college, can I ease up on my classes?
Absolutely not! Your senior year still matters. Colleges may review your final grades, and an admission offer can be affected if your academic performance changes significantly. Continue putting forth your best effort throughout the entire school year.
Absolutely not! Your senior year still matters. Colleges may review your final grades, and an admission offer can be affected if your academic performance changes significantly. Continue putting forth your best effort throughout the entire school year.
Do colleges and scholarship programs look at activities and accomplishments after applications are submitted?
Some colleges and scholarship programs may request additional information, updates, or mid-year/final transcripts. Continue participating in meaningful activities, maintaining strong grades, and pursuing opportunities throughout your senior year.
Some colleges and scholarship programs may request additional information, updates, or mid-year/final transcripts. Continue participating in meaningful activities, maintaining strong grades, and pursuing opportunities throughout your senior year.
College Athletics
What do I need to do to be eligible to play a college sport?
Requirements depend on the college athletic association and division. Student-athletes may need to meet academic requirements, complete required coursework, maintain the appropriate GPA, and satisfy eligibility and amateurism requirements. Students interested in college athletics should begin researching requirements early and communicate with their prospective college athletic department.
Requirements depend on the college athletic association and division. Student-athletes may need to meet academic requirements, complete required coursework, maintain the appropriate GPA, and satisfy eligibility and amateurism requirements. Students interested in college athletics should begin researching requirements early and communicate with their prospective college athletic department.