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A College Entrance Exam That Digs Deeper

The SAT® and ACT® are designed to reflect public school curricula, specifically the Common Core State Standards framework. The CLT is different.

Instead of evaluating how much students have crammed for the test, CLT considers students' intellectual capacity and aptitude, making it a better fit for students from a variety of educational backgrounds. CLT also uses meaningful pieces of literature for its reading passages to offer a more enjoyable and enriching testing experience.

See why so many students are signing up to take the CLT instead of other college entrance exams.

Which Colleges Accept the CLT?

The CLT is gaining broad acceptance by colleges and universities across the United State and abroad. In September 2023, the state of Florida approved the CLT for all of its public universities.

Find out which schools partner with CLT and provide scholarships based on CLT scores.

Get Ready for the CLT

Make sure you are prepared to take the CLT exam. Find resources on test content, order a Student Guide, and take a practice test.

Test Day Expectations

Find out system requirements, proctoring guidelines, and what is expected on the day you take the CLT.

"The CLT was fun to take, because it was engaging. The exam wasn't just solving pointless puzzles; it was really about thinking."

"It was the only standardized test I took where I felt like I was being tested in a way that mattered."

The first step toward taking the CLT is to create a free account. With your account, you can sign up for a test, try a practice exam, and take your in-person or remotely proctored exam.

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The CLT - Online College Entrance Exam - Classic Learning Test

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The CLT is an online college entrance exam for 11th and 12th graders accepted at hundreds of colleges and universities.

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Services Eligibility Requirements:

Services Online Only

Walk-in visits are temporarily suspended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Due to the high volume of applications, the rental and utility assistance portal is currently closed. Staff will use this time to process the applications already submitted.

The portal will reopen on May 3, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. For more information, visit www.rentalassistancepbc.org or call (561) 355-4792.

Servicios en línea solamente para prevenir el contagio de COVID-19.

Debido al gran volumen de aplicaciones, el portal de asistencia para alquiler y servicios públicos está actualmente cerrado. El personal utilizará este tiempo para procesar las solicitudes ya sometidas.

El portal reabrirá el 3 de mayo a las 8:00 a.m. Para más información, visite www.rentalassistance.org o llame al (561) 35504792.

Sèvis sou entènèt sèlman.

Mache-nan vizit yo pou yon ti tan sispann yo anpeche gaye nan COVID-19.

AVI ENPòTAN

Akòz gwo volim aplikasyon an, pòt pou lokasyon ak asistans sèvis piblik la fèmen kounye a. Anplwaye yo ap itilize tan sa a pou trete aplikasyon yo ki deja soumèt.

Pòtal la pral relouvri sou 3 me a 8:00 a.m. Pou plis enfòmasyon, vizite www.rentalassistancepbc.org oswa rele (561) 355-4792.

CSD Online Services

Rental assistance

Utility Assistance

LIHEAP & EHEAP (for seniors)

Other emergency services available

CARES Act Rental, Utility and Food Assistance

Click here to access paper applications for utility assistance (LIHEAP). For instructions on how to submit a paper application call 561-355-4792.

Access the CSD's Guidance for COVID-19 Related Emergency Rental, LIHEAP, EHEAP & Utility Assistance here.

Apply Online

Rental - www.rentalassistancepbc.org

Utility - www.utilityassistancepbc.org

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The Community Services Department is comprised of three divisions and se​veral independent programs. It provides staff and administrative support for various health and human service boards and community initiatives.

The Board of County Commissioners award​​s some local match and operating funds to support local non-profit agencies providing health and human services. The Departm​​ent monitors the use of these funds and provides technical assistance to the agencies.​

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Palm Beach County Volunteer Opportunities

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To drive a continuous improvement culture of excellence that achieves a measurably high level of public satisfaction. Read More

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Scholarships and Financial Aid / Overview

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School Library Media Center Resources & Objection Process & Form

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 Graduation Requirements for Florida's Statewide Assessments

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 Graduation Requirements for Florida's Statewide Assessments

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Community Service Hours In order to receive your community service, you must turn it in!
Provide a letter from the organization, on their letterhead, with your community service dates, hours, and description of service. Turn the letter into Student Services OR email the letter from the organization…

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School District of Palm Beach County students are required to obtain a minimum of 20 community service hours to graduate from high school. Students must complete community service hours between successful completion of Grade 8 and by high school graduation. Community service is also a requirement for many scholarships (i.e., Bright Futures) and college entrance programs.

The purpose of community service is for students to engage in activities that help them develop an appreciation for the concept of service to the school or community. The guidelines listed below must be followed to participate in activities that are considered acceptable for community service:

Community service is defined as non-paid volunteer work with a non-profit agency.

Students may begin accumulating service hours as early as the summer prior to entry into Grade 9.

Service should benefit the community at large. Serving solely for an individual will not be acceptable.

Hours must be documented in writing, either on a common community service log (generated by the school) or on letterhead from the organization being served.

Parent notification of the community service requirement is necessary. A school-generated notice will include the necessity of parental knowledge/supervision while students are engaged in community service activities.

Students who do not have access to community service opportunities must be provided opportunities on the school campus. It is the student's responsibility to alert the School Counseling Department that he/she is in need of school access to community service.

Time spent organizing and collecting canned goods, clothing, or book drives for a community in need qualifies as community service.

Service on behalf of a candidate for public office can be considered community service.

Fostering animals for a non-profit animal organization will be given no more than four (4) hours a day.

Community service may include, but is not limited to, a business or governmental internship, work for a non-profit community service organization, or activities on behalf of a candidate for public office.

The following are examples that would not count as community service:

Rehearsal time for participation in a fine arts or performing arts program.

Practice time for sports and band.

Club meetings to organize community service activities.

Donating canned goods or items to gain community service hours.

Parents cannot sign to verify their child's participation in a community service activity. The documentation of the number of hours and dates of service must be signed by the student, the student's parent or guardian, and a representative of the organization for which the student performed the volunteer work. Schools should have the community service hours entered into the student's electronic records within two weeks of submission.
The requirements below are for Bright Futures only:

Students must earn either the required volunteer service (using the criteria described above) OR beginning with high school, students graduating in the FY23 academic year and thereafter, paid work hours, but not a combination of both.

Volunteer service hours and paid work hours may not be hours that benefited the student financially or materially while in the service of family members defined as: parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and spouses, including step-relations.

The agencies where the volunteer service hours or paid work hours were earned, must provide documentation on agency letterhead, the number of hours and dates of service or paid work completed. If a letter cannot be obtained, students may submit a copy of their pay stubs.

The student must evaluate and reflect upon their volunteer service or paid work experience through papers or other presentations. Students may begin accumulating paid work hours as early as Friday, July 1, 2022.

Paid work may include, but is not limited to, a business or governmental internship, work for a non-profit community service organization, or activities on behalf of a candidate for public office.

Volunteer service or paid work must be approved by the school principal or principal designee, or the Department of Education for Home Education students.

The documentation of the number of hours and dates of service must be signed by the student, the student's parent or guardian, and a representative of the organization for which the student performed the volunteer or paid work.
FY23 Requirements:
Please visit floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org for more information on Bright Future requirements.

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School District of Palm Beach County students are required to obtain a minimum of 20 community service hours to graduate from high school. Students must complete community service hours between…

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Request financial assistance for the Classic Learning Test.

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Do I Qualify for Financial Aid? - Intelligent

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If you’re wondering how you’ll pay for college, learn about qualifying for financial aid. We’ll give you the resources you need to plan for your education.

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Students Entering Grade 9 in 2023-2024 and Thereafter

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Connect with our featured colleges to find schools that both match your interests and are looking for students like you.

Are you an aspiring video game designer? Launch your gaming career at one of these top 50 programs.

SNHU students complete undergrad degrees in one of 150+ programs or majors on their own time with flexible class schedules. SNHU makes earning an undergraduate degree and furthering your education accessible and affordable.

165,000 students rate everything from their professors to their campus social scene.

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SAT vs ACT: Which Test is Right for You?

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Choosing SAT or ACT? Colleges don't prefer one test over the other. Learn the key differences between the SAT vs ACT and find the right test for you.

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If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

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Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

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My Next Move provides streamlined career search and discovery for students and job seekers. Includes a built-in interest assessment and access to training, education, and job opportunities. Straightforward, easy-to-read one-page career reports help guide individuals’ next move on their road to a satisfying career.

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To find the right college fit for you, think about what you need in four different categories: academics, campus culture, financial aid, and career services.

For 28 years, we've surveyed students at hundreds of colleges about their experiences on campus. We've learned a lot-first and foremost, that no two students are exactly alike, and no two schools are exactly alike. That's why we publish our ranking lists and school profiles every year: to help you compare colleges and find the best college fit for your unique personality and goals.

What college is right for me?

College fit comes down to your academic, social, and financial needs, as well as your career goals.

1. Academics

Does the college you're considering offer classes and learning opportunities that interest you? You don't need to declare a college major until your junior year of college-but you're more likely to succeed if you're excited about and engaged by the options available to you. Consider your learning style: do you prefer informative lectures or lively discussions? Research and analysis or hands-on experience and practice? Writing papers or working in small groups? Look for the academic experience you'll need to feel challenged and engaged, and what support you'll need for success-peer tutoring, accessible professors, mentorship, and career services are just some of the options you might find on campus. Check out course and program descriptions, reviews of professors, and sit in on some classes if you're able to visit campus.

Assessing your chances of admission can be a good way to identify a strong academic match (and, of course, your college list of dream and safety schools!). Most admissions counselors tell us that your GPA and the caliber of your high school classes are the most important elements of your college application, with standardized test scores not far behind. Check out the average numbers of the most recent incoming class and see how you measure up. You can find those stats in our school profiles, and if you want to improve your own numbers, we have a lot of tools to help.

2. Campus Culture

Do you want a big school or a small one? A hip urban campus or a verdant quad in the country? A college where everyone cheers on the basketball team, or one where every theater production gets a standing ovation? Every college has its own special vibe.

You can start narrowing down your list by making some decisions about the size of the student body and geographical location, and then move on to aspects you can identify by visiting campus, talking to current students and trusting your gut instincts: the personalities, politics, and interests of the student body. Take quality of life into account, too, and try to check out (or read about) the dorms, food, and recreational facilities on campus.

3. Financial Aid

The cost of college is one of the biggest concerns for student, parents, counselors. We hear that from the students we work with and see it on our College Hopes & Worries Survey. It's important to be realistic about your family's finances and avoid taking on unreasonable debts in the name of your education-but it's also important not to cross a school off your list because of a scary sticker price.

Many colleges and universities offer incredible financial aid packages (sometimes as a combination of grants and scholarships, which means no debt at all!). Raising your grades and your SAT or ACT scores will help you become more eligible for merit-based financial aid. And more and more data on college outcomes-that is, career placement rates and average starting salaries-is becoming available, which can help you assess the value of investing your tuition dollars in a particular college.

4. Career Development

In addition to making sure the schools you're considering offer the majors and classes that interest you, visit or contact the career development center at each. Find out how the school supports students in preparing for the professional world. Do they offer resume writing workshops? Practice interviews? Networking events with alumni? If you foresee yourself in a particular field, location, or specific workplace, asl about past students' track records of finding internships and entry-level jobs in those areas. College admission officers and career counselors are happy to highlight their institutions' success stories-as well as any unique career launching programs and experiences that their campuses offer. If you're not sure yet which direction you'll go in, see if career coaching and personal evaluations are available for students. Many institutions extend career support to alumni, too, which can be invaluable in the early post-collegiate years. As more and more students factoring post-graduate plans into their college decision process, college admission and recruitment officers are emphasizing career support and placement when pitching their schools to prospective applicants.

Looking for strategic college advice?

Get one-on-one help from former Ivy League and top tier admission officers. Our College Counselors will help you find, apply, and get accepted to your dream school.
Learn More

About Rob Franek

Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief at The Princeton Review, is the company's primary authority on higher education. Over his 26-year career, he has served as a college admissions administrator, test prep teacher, author, publisher, and lecturer. Read more and follow Rob on Twitter: @RobFranek.

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To find the right college fit for you, think about what you need in four different categories: academics, campus culture, financial aid, and career services. For 28 years, we've surveyed students at hundreds of colleges about their experiences on campus. We've learned a lot-first and foremost, that no two students are exactly alike, and no two schools are exactly alike.

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For many college-bound students, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a key step in the preparation process. But what exactly is the FAFSA, and why does it play such an important role in the financial aid process?

This ultimate FAFSA guide answers those questions and more. With insight from college counselor Dana Marvin, we crafted a step-by-step guide to completing the FAFSA, including guidance for answering questions about family structure and immigration status. Marvin also offers advice for how to accept or appeal your financial aid offers, what to do if your application is rejected, and how to be savvy about borrowing and repaying student loans.

What is the FAFSA?

If you're planning on borrowing money to pay for your higher education, now is a good time to add "complete the FAFSA" to your to-do list.

The FAFSA is a free application that is used by federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as colleges and organizations, to determine eligibility for student loans, grants, work-study positions, scholarships, and more.

The key requirements to qualify for financial aid through the FAFSA are:

Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible noncitizen

Have a valid Social Security number

Demonstrate financial need (requirements may vary)

Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Be currently enrolled in or plan to enroll in an eligible degree or certificate program

Have a high school diploma or recognized equivalent (such as a GED diploma or homeschooling certificate)

Undocumented students and international students are not eligible for federal student loans through the FAFSA.

"All of the information that's collected through the FAFSA is sent directly to the colleges the student includes in their application," Marvin says. "Schools then use this information to determine how much financial aid they're going to offer you. Some colleges have other applications for financial aid that students also need to submit, but the FAFSA is universal for the majority of US colleges and universities."

The information that the FAFSA collects includes both student demographic information as well as federal income tax information for students and their parents (if the student is a dependent) or students and their spouses, if applicable (if the student is independent).

"Without this information, it can be very hard for colleges to calculate how much, if any, need-based aid they can offer you," Marvin says.

While financial aid can come from a variety of sources, the U.S. Department of Education's federal student loan program is a key source of funding for millions of college students every year. For both undergraduate and graduate students, there are multiple types of financial aid available.

Direct Subsidized Loans
Need-based loans; the federal government pays interest while students are enrolled in school at least half-time, during a 6-month grace period after graduation, and if loans are in a period of deferment

Undergraduate

$23,000 total

Repayment begins 6 months after students graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment; multiple repayment options available

Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Need-based loans; students are responsible for paying interest during all periods

Undergraduate Graduate

Undergraduate - $34,500 total

Graduate - $138,500 (includes loans borrowed for undergraduate study)

Repayment begins 6 months after students graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment; multiple repayment options available

Available to biological or adoptive (and in some cases stepparents) of dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school

Undergraduate

The maximum PLUS loan amount parents can borrow is the cost of attendance at the school their child will attend minus any other financial assistance received

Repayment begins as soon as loan is disbursed, unless a deferment is requested

Available to graduate or professional student enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school in a program leading to a graduate or professional degree or certificate

Graduate

Varies; the maximum PLUS loan amount students can borrow is the cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other financial assistance received

Repayment begins 6 months after students graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment

Students must display exceptional financial need and haven't yet earned a bachelor's, graduate or professional degree

Undergraduate

$7,395 (2023-24 academic year)

Doesn't have to be repaid (except in certain circumstances)

Provides grants to students who are completing or plan to complete course work needed to begin a career in teaching

Undergraduate

Graduate

$4,000 per year

Doesn't need to be repaid as long as students complete their teaching service obligation

Part-time on-campus and off-campus employment opportunities for which students receive hourly wages or a salary paid the Federal Work-Study program

Undergraduate

Graduate

Varies; students are paid at least the federal minimum wage

Doesn't need to be repaid

How to Complete Your FAFSA Application: A Step-By-Step Guide

The FAFSA is available at StudentAid.gov. There's no fee to complete and submit the FAFSA. (Do not complete any form that claims to be the FAFSA but asks for a fee to submit or process the application.)

The application typically becomes available on October 1 for the following academic year. For example, the FAFSA for the 2024-25 academic year will be available on October 1, 2023.

The deadline to complete the FAFSA is typically June 30 of the current academic year. For example, the deadline for the 2022-23 academic year is June 30, 2023. However, individual colleges set their own deadlines, which are typically far earlier. You can get more information about a school's FAFSA deadline from their financial aid office. Generally, students and their parents should complete the FAFSA as soon as they have their federal income tax information for the previous year.

"If it's your first time filling out the FAFSA, I recommend carving out about 90 minutes, although it may not take that long," Marvin says. You can also save your FAFSA and return to it later, so you don't have to complete it all at once.

Lastly, Marvin says, "The FAFSA application process can seem daunting and scary, but I promise, it doesn't have to be!"

Get your FAFSA ID

The FAFSA process begins by creating an account and getting a FAFSA ID. This unique username-password combination will allow you to start, save, and submit your FAFSA. Users must enter basic information including their name, date of birth, email address and Social Security Number to get a FAFSA ID. Note that a user can have only one account associated with their Social Security Number.

Gather the necessary documents

The next step is gathering all of the necessary documents and information you need to complete the FAFSA. The materials needed will vary somewhat based on your dependency and citizenship statuses. You can use the following checklists to help you prep the information you'll need.
U.S. citizen / Dependent student

Student's Social Security card (U.S. citizens only)

Student's driver's license (if you have one)

Student's most recent W-2 forms

Student's most recent federal income tax return

Student's 2021 untaxed income records

Student's current bank statements

Parents' most recent federal income tax return

Parents' most recent W-2 forms

Parents' bank statements

Parents' untaxed income records

Parents' current business and investment records

U.S. citizen / Independent student

Student's Social Security card (U.S. citizens only)

Student's driver's license (if you have one)

Student's most recent W-2 forms

Student's most recent federal income tax return

Student's 2021 untaxed income records

Student's current bank statements

To help facilitate the process, the FAFSA has an IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) that can automatically import federal income tax information if taxes were filed electronically. This can help ensure that information is entered accurately.

Learn how to answer each question

The FAFSA consists of 7 sections including questions about students and their parents (if students are dependents).

Student demographics

This section covers basic identifying information about the student, including name, Social Security Number, and date of birth. This information should auto-fill with this information as you used it to create your account. If it doesn't, be sure to input your information exactly as it appears on your Social Security card to avoid errors, which can lead to processing delays..

This is also where you'll enter your driver's license number and contact information, including phone number, email address, and permanent mailing address. Entering an email address is voluntary, although it's recommended to receive electronic updates about your financial aid application and award.

Students will also answer questions about their legal state of residence, citizenship status, foster care status, student educational background, and parents' educational background.

School selection

The next set of questions dives deeper into the student's educational background and future educational plans.

You'll use the FAFSA's search tool to find and enter your high school information. You'll use a similar search tool to find the colleges you're considering attending. There are two ways to search for colleges - by name and location or by the school's federal code, a unique six-digit number that each FAFSA-eligible school has. You can get a school's FAFSA code from their website or by contacting their financial aid office.

You can include colleges on your FAFSA even if you haven't yet applied or been accepted to them. Any colleges that you enter will receive your completed FAFSA form. These schools will use this information to help determine your financial aid award, so it's important to include all schools that you are considering attending to ensure they have access to your financial information.

You'll also enter information about your housing plan for each school, as room and board costs will be calculated into the total amount you'll owe if you're planning to live in on-campus housing.

Dependency status

This section determines whether you're considered a dependent or independent student, which will then impact how much aid you may be eligible for.

"Understanding your dependency status when completing financial aid documentation and college applications is very important," Marvin says. "More often than not, students are considered dependent on their parents, which requires the student to use their legal parents' or legal guardian's financial information to submit the applications."

For the 2023-24 FAFSA, there are 10 yes or no questions that students answer to determine their eligibility status:

Were you born before Jan. 1, 2000?

As of today, are you married? (Also answer "Yes" if you are separated but not divorced.)

At the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an M.A., MBA, M.D., J.D., Ph.D., Ed.D., graduate certificate, etc.)?

Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces for purposes other than training? (If you are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee, are you on active duty for other than state or training purposes?)

Are you a veteran of the U.S. armed forces?

Do you now have-or will you have-children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024 [during the award year]?

Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2024?

At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care, or were you a dependent or ward of the court?

Has it been determined by a court in your state of legal residence that you are an emancipated minor or that someone other than your parent or stepparent has legal guardianship of you? (You also should answer "Yes" if you are now an adult but were in legal guardianship or were an emancipated minor immediately before you reached the age of being an adult in your state. Answer "No" if the court papers say "custody" rather than "guardianship.")

At any time on or after July 1, 2022, were you determined to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless, as determined by (a) your high school or district homeless liaison, (b) the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or (c) the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program?

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you're considered an independent student, and will only need to provide your federal income tax information (and that of your spouse, if you're married). If your answers are all "no," you're considered a dependent, and will need to provide your parents' federal income tax information as well as your own.

However, dependent students will answer a question regarding whether they'll provide their parents' information. There are special circumstances (detailed below) in which students who are considered dependent aren't required to submit parents' information.

Parent demographics

If you're entering your parents' information, this is the section where you'll (or your parents) do that. The form will ask you for identifying information for one or both parents, depending on their current marital status. For example, if your parents are divorced, you'll only need to provide information for the parent who has legal custody of you.

As with your own identifying information, it's important to enter your parent(s) information exactly as it appears on their Social Security card (if they have one) to avoid any errors.

There are also questions regarding the size of your family's household and the number of dependents your family will have in college (either full- or part-time) at the same time you're attending. For the purpose of these questions, the number of people living in your household includes you, your parents, any siblings or relatives for whom your parents pay 50% or more of their financial support.

Parent financials

This is where you or your parents will enter their financial information, either manually or by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. If you use the IRS DRT, you'll be temporarily taken to the IRS website..

Whenever possible, your parents should use their federal income tax information from the most recent tax year. This will ensure that your expected family contribution (EFC) and financial aid offers are based on your family's most current information.

If you're an independent student, you won't have to complete this section.

Student financials

This section works similarly to the previous one, with students entering their own financial information. Students can also use the IRS DRT to import their most recent tax filings. Students will also report any untaxed incomes and assets they have.

Sign and submit

The final section is where you (and your parents, if applicable) will sign and submit your FAFSA. You'll have a chance to review your whole form and make any necessary corrections or changes.

This is also where you'll read and agree to the FAFSA's terms verifying the accuracy of the information you provided. Providing false or incorrect information can result in delays and affect the amount of aid you're eligible for.

For dependent students, your parents must sign the FAFSA in order for it to be considered complete. Submitting an incomplete FAFSA can also cause delays and affect your financial aid awards.

Family structure

The FAFSA recognizes that there may be situations in which students who are considered dependents may not be able to provide financial information for one or both parents. These circumstances may include:

Don't know the whereabouts of one or both parents

An abusive or neglectful parents

One or both parents is incarcerated or institutionalized

No contact with one or both parents

Student is legally emancipated

"In many of these instances, it's possible to still complete your FAFSA without this information," Marvin says. "However, additional documentation is usually required."

If you're considered a dependent student, in the Dependency Status section, you'll be asked whether you'll provide information about your parents. If applicable, select "I am unable to provide information about my parent(s)." Although you can submit the FAFSA without this information, your application will be considered incomplete until you're granted an exception or you provide the required information.

The next step after submitting your incomplete FAFSA is to contact the schools you're applying to and request a dependency override. Each individual school has its own process and requirements for a dependency override. You can contact the school's financial aid office to get more specific information.

Generally, the process includes submitting additional documentation to verify the circumstances which prevent you from providing parent financial information. This written evidence can include law enforcement or legal documents, explanatory letters from social workers, counselors or clergy, or other documentation that supports your reasons for not submitting parent financial information.

Immigration status

Citizenship status also plays a role in which students are eligible for financial aid and how they complete the FAFSA.

"Unfortunately, students who are undocumented and don't have a social security number are unable to apply for financial aid," Marvin says."However, depending on what state the student is living in, they may have access to state financial aid. For example, New York State has the Jose Peralta DREAM Act, which allows undocumented students living in and attending school in New York State to receive financial aid directly from the state."

However, students who have a Social Security number, regardless of their citizenship status, are eligible to submit a FAFSA, even if their parents are undocumented. "In this case, for the parents' information, a student should enter 000-00-0000 for their parents' Social Security numbers. This won't put the parents in any danger or flag anything on the student's application." However, students in this situation should contact their school directly to find out if they have any specific protocols for students in this situation.

Submitted Your Application? What to Do Next

After you submit your FAFSA, you can check the status at any time by logging into your FAFSA account. It typically takes 3-5 business days for a FAFSA to be processed; during this period, your status will be "Processing."

If your status is "Processed Successfully," no further action is required on your part. Your application has been processed and sent to your selected schools, which will begin working on your financial aid package.

A "Missing Signatures" status means there are still signatures needed to complete your application. An "Action Required" status means there is an issue, such as missing or incorrect information, that needs to be addressed before your application can be processed. If you're a dependent student who did not enter parent information, this will be your status until you provide this information or receive a dependency override.

Complete additional financial aid forms if required

Completing and submitting the FAFSA is usually just the first step in the financial aid application process.

"Many states have their own state financial aid applications for students to receive additional aid from the state," Marvin says.

This includes Texas' Application for Student Financial Aid (TASFA), California's CalGrant, and New York's Tuition Assistance Program. Research state-specific financial aid applications and requirements, and complete them whenever applicable to ensure you're considered for all financial aid opportunities.

The other application students should complete is the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, which is administered by the College Board. Schools use this application to award non-federal institutional aid, including scholarships.

"Colleges use the information provided in the CSS Profile to offer as much aid as possible to students if they are accepted to the school," Marvin says. "If a college requires the CSS profile, it'll typically be listed on the schools website or students will receive notification to complete it. When in doubt, students can check the CSS database to determine whether they need to complete the application."

Review your Student Aid Report

"Once your FAFSA is submitted, students should review and download their Student Aid Report (SAR)," Marvin says. "This is a report created from the FAFSA that breaks down the student's Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and their estimated aid from the federal government."

While the SAR is not a final decision on how much financial aid a student is eligible for or will receive, it is a planning tool that students and families can use to begin making financial-related decisions about which college will be most affordable to attend.

Correct/update your FAFSA if necessary

Perhaps you realize after submitting your FAFSA that you made a mistake, or your college plans change and you want your FAFSA sent to additional schools.

The easiest way to correct or update your FAFSA is to log into your account, select the "Make Corrections" option, and follow the instructions to make the necessary changes. Saving these changes will automatically update your FAFSA.

The other option is to request a paper Student Aid Report from the Federal Student Aid Information Center, make changes on the hard copy document, sign it, and mail it back. This process will take longer, and may lead to processing delays with your application.

How to contact the FAFSA information board

If you have questions or concerns about your FAFSA, there are multiple ways to get answers and assistance.

StudentAid.gov has robust resources covering topics related to the FAFSA and federal student aid program. You can also contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center directly by phone, email, or live chat.

Your school's financial aid office is also a helpful resource if you have questions about your financial aid award or application status.

What to do if you're selected for verification

You may receive notification with your SAR or from your school that your FAFSA has been selected for verification.

This doesn't mean that there's an issue with your FAFSA or that you did anything wrong when completing the application. Verification is a process by which schools confirm that the data reported on students' FAFSAs is accurate. Students complete the verification process by providing additional documentation to support the information provided on the application.

Some schools select students for verification at random, while others verify all FAFSAs. If you have questions or concerns about being selected for verification, contact your school's financial aid office.

What If Your Application is Rejected?

"A student's FAFSA may be rejected for a few different reasons," Marvin says. "Most of these are related to missing or incorrect information that prevents the application from being processed."

Some common mistakes that will lead to a rejected application include:

Misspelled names

Wrong Social Security number (for students or parents)

Wrong date of birth (for students or parents)

Other missing information, including parent financial information

Missing signatures

"The good news is that students can go back to their FAFSA or SAR to make corrections and resubmit their application," Marvin says.

Mistakes can delay the processing of your FAFSA, so if you receive notification that your FAFSA was rejected, it's important to make any necessary corrections or updates as soon as possible. If you are unsure what is wrong with the application or how to fix it, you can contact the FAFSA hotline at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

Review Your Financial Aid Package

Once all of your applications and information have been submitted and verified, your school's financial aid office will create a financial aid package for you. The financial aid award process varies from school to school, but a typical financial aid package includes federal and state student loans and grants, work-study, and institutional aid like scholarships and grants.

Schools generally send students their financial aid award information with their admissions offer, or soon after. It's important to have this information before selecting the school you'll attend, so you can make an informed, realistic financial decision about college.

If your financial aid offer doesn't meet your financial needs, you can appeal your aid decision to your college.

"To appeal a financial aid offer with a college, it's good practice to first Google the school to see if they have any specific requirements for appeal letters," Marvin says. "If not, write an appeal letter to the college, requesting your financial aid package be reviewed to see if they can add any additional aid."

While there's no guarantee a school will be able to add more aid to your package, colleges cannot and will not rescind an admissions offer to a student for appealing their financial aid decision. Says Marvin, "the worst case scenario with an appeal is that a college won't be able to offer additional aid."

On the other hand, if you're offered more aid than you need, it's important to remember that you're not obligated to accept any or all of the financial aid a school offers you. This is crucial when it comes to loans, Marvin says.

"If you're borrowing money for school, take out what you need and nothing more," she says. "For example, if you're offered a loan for $12,500 per year but you only need $8,000 to cover costs, there's no need to take out the full $12,500. Remember, every dollar you take out in a loan will not only be paid back, but with interest."

Marvin also recommends students and their families explore all funding avenues outside of loans before committing to borrowing money to pay for school. "This includes scholarships, both from the school and outside organizations, as well as state and federal grants. This 'free money' can either lower the total loan amount a student needs to borrow, or best case scenario it will completely cover the cost!"

If you are borrowing federal student loans to pay for your education, you (and your parents, if applicable) will accept this loan by signing a Master Promissory Note (MPN), which is a legal document explaining the terms and conditions of the loan, and confirming that you'll pay back the full amount of the loan plus any accrued interest and fees.

Renewing Your FAFSA Every Year

In order to continue receiving financial aid, students and their families must submit a new FAFSA every year for as long as the student is in school. This is to ensure that schools are using the most up-to-date information when determining how much financial aid to offer students for the upcoming academic year. The good news is, the application process typically gets easier as you and your family get more familiar with it year after year.

Federal and state student loans are typically disbursed at the start of the academic term. While repayment terms state that students don't have to start paying back their loans until after they've graduated or left their program, Marvin encourages students and families to get a jump on repayment whenever possible.

"You can begin paying off your loans as soon as the money's disbursed," she says. "Let's say you make an extra few hundred dollars during a summer job, or your parents get a big bonus from work. You can use that money to start paying off your loans while you're still in school. Even paying off a few hundred or thousand dollars before finishing school can make a huge difference to those loan amounts post-grad."

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For many college-bound students, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a key step in the preparation process. But what exactly is the FAFSA, and why does it play such an important role in the financial aid process? This ultimate FAFSA guide answers those questions and more.

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MyACT has replaced the previous online registration system, Student Web Services.

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Submitting your application within the deadline is the single most important part of the admissions process. Taking the time to put together an outstanding application, complete with a brilliant personal essay and impressive recommendation letters is futile if you do not send in your application on time. Very few colleges if any will even bother to look at any applications that come in after the deadlines. Talking about college application deadlines is easier said than done, however. Most colleges have four different types of college application deadlines, and it is important to understand what each one means and whether or not it applies to you.

Regular Decision Deadlines

This is the most common type of deadline that applies to most applications. Regular decision college application deadlines are typically around the beginning of January. Colleges send the acceptance letters sometime in March. You have until the end of April to accept (May 1st is known as College Decision Day).

When applying through regular decision there is no limit to the number of schools you can apply to. If more than one college accepts you, you can choose which one you want to go to. You are under no obligation to enroll in any one particular college.

Pros of Regular Decision

Cons of Regular Decision

It may be a lot to tackle in the final months of your senior year with scholarships, finals, and other responsibilities.

Less actual time to prepare for college. Meaning you also have less time to choose a school.

Early Decision Deadlines

Early decision deadlines allow students to apply early. The school reviews these applications early and students also receive an early response from the college. This is a great option for applicants who have their hearts set on one particular college.

However, if a college is not first on your list or if you have any hesitation whatsoever, it is not advisable to apply as an early decision. When you apply through an early decision deadline and a college accepts you, you cannot break your contract. The college contractually obligates you to attend. If you decide to back out because you've changed your mind, most colleges will charge you a steep fine, which could be as much as a full year's tuition.

The deadlines for early decision are usually somewhere between the 1 st and 15 th of November.

Pros of Early Decision

Cons of Early Decision

Early Action Deadlines

Early action deadlines also allow you to send in your college application early but unlike early decision deadlines, it is not binding. You may apply to multiple colleges under early application. Thus, expect an early response from all colleges that you apply to.

There are a couple of differences between early decision and early action.

Firstly, with early action, you are not obliged to attend any one particular college. You can apply to multiple colleges and choose any one from among those that have accepted you.

Secondly, you do not have to pay any deposit while sending in your application. You only pay the deposit at the same time as the regular decision applicants.

Early action deadlines are usually set at the same time as early decision deadlines, which is generally between the 1 st and 15 th of November.

Pros of Early Action

Cons of Early Action

Rolling Admission Deadlines

With rolling admissions, the deadline is the same as the regular decision deadline. The only difference is that colleges that offer rolling admissions do not wait till after the deadline to send out acceptance letters. They start evaluating the applications as they come in and send out letters as soon as they've made a decision.

When applying to a college that has a rolling admissions system, it is always a good idea to apply as early as possible.

Pros of Rolling Admission

Cons of Rolling Admission

How to Know Which One is Right For You

Not all admission choices will work for students. Here are some examples of when a college admission choice is the right option for you.

Regular Decision:

This is a good choice if you're not 100% sure where you want to attend just yet. You also should choose this option if you want a bit more time to complete your application or if you'd like to retake your ACT or SAT a few more times.

Early Decision:

You should only choose Early Decision if you are sure you want to attend a specific college. Opting to not attend can have negative consequences as it is a binding contract. If you're not sure, opt for Regular Decision or Early Action.

Early Action:

If you're pretty sure you want to attend a particular school but are not 100% positive, you can apply through Early Action. You can also apply to multiple schools through Early Action, so if you're on the fence about two, in particular, this can be a strong option.

Rolling Admissions:

This is a good option if you find another school you'd like to apply to after completing Early Action applications. You can also choose this route if you finish your application early and the college gives you the option of rolling admissions, so you can find out quickly if you were accepted.

Use College Raptor to discover personalized college matches, cost estimates, acceptance odds, and potential financial aid for schools around the US-for FREE!

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The 4 Different Types of College Application Deadlines

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Most schools have four different types of college application deadlines: regular, early decision, early action, and rolling. Learn more here!

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#1 | Kaplan's SAT Prep Plus

One of the most robust prep books on the market, Kaplan's SAT Prep Plus features a broad overview of the exam, how it works, and what kinds of questions you can expect to see across the three sections of the test. It also offers a broad range of practice questions and five full-length practice exams, in addition to detailed sections covering content review.

In total, there are over 1,400 practice questions in the book. I found Kaplan's practice material to be highly realistic and particularly helpful in predicting the kinds of patterns I would see on the actual exam. Additionally, online video tutorials are included as online resources.

Kaplan is a very respected prep company that excels at being concise but comprehensive. And that's exactly what Kaplan's SAT Prep Plus gives you, so you'll be able to approach the SAT with confidence.

If there is a downside, it's that some experts find the book to be a bit lacking in its challenge level. Still, it covers just about every SAT concept and topic you'll encounter in the exam, making it among the best SAT Math, English, and Reading prep books. In fact, the sheer coverage of this book puts it ahead of many other study guides, and it can serve as a great refresher or overview, especially when used in conjunction with other books.

➡ Purchase Kaplan's SAT Prep Plus on Amazon

#2 | SAT Prep Black Book Second Edition

Earning its place among the best SAT prep books by being chock full of insightful advice, strategies, tips and tricks, is the SAT Prep Black Book Second Edition. It provides an in-depth look at the test, from its design to the types of questions you might encounter and why those questions are included. It also provides details on the format and structure of the test, as well as tidbits of information such as how you can watch out for trick questions and why those questions are there.

Personally, I found this to be very helpful. It helped me identify answers that were there to distract from the real answer, and explained the reasons for them and how to escape this particular trap.

Finally, it breaks down a number of online SAT practice exams, with thorough answer explanations for four of them. This can help you determine why you may have missed a question so you can do better the next time around. The SAT Prep Black Book is an outstanding guide for students of just about any level because it can help you not only learn the tricks but also change the way you look at the test overall. This aspect especially aided me in planning my own test taking strategy. If there's a downside, it's that there aren't any original practice exams in the book; you'll need to seek those out online.

➡ Purchase SAT Prep Black Book Second Edition on Amazon

#3 | Barron's SAT Study Guide

If you're looking for practice exams, Barron's SAT Study Guide will fit the bill. There are four complete practice exams between the covers, and the book gives you access to two more online. That means you'll have plenty of opportunities and time to run through the test and practice your test-taking skills. This guide also features a diagnostic test that can help you to get familiar with how the SAT works, enable you to focus on your weak points to improve upon and get you into the right mindset to approach the exam.

The Barron's guide does require a degree of drive and self-application to really get the most out of the book. You'll need to be willing to dive in and take it seriously, engage at a high level with the content and keep laser-focused on your goal. No book can give you that kind of focus, however; that's on you.

If you can engage with the text and stay focused and determined, this book can help you break down the material into manageable chunks and give you the practice you need. It also uses some of the same tricks as the real exam, so you'll get used to tricky wording and distracting answers. I was a big fan of the textbook, and felt good about its role in my test prep. It's certainly among the best SAT math prep books, as well as English and reading prep books.

➡ Purchase Barron's SAT Study Guide on Amazon

#4 | College Board's Official SAT Study Guide

Why choose the College Board's Official SAT Study Guide? The title says it all. This is the only study guide that has been written and authorized by the authors of the test itself. What this means is that the practice questions you'll encounter are very close to those you'll come across in the actual exam. In addition, inside you will find comprehensive breakdowns of why the right answers are correct. The book includes walk-throughs of each quiz, exam and question, as well as guidance on how to handle the essay question.

The book contains eight full exams taken from actual past SATs, so what you'll find within isn't just an example of what you might find on the SAT; it's exactly what students have seen on it in the past. That makes it among the most complete and accurate resources for those looking to brush up on practice questions and exams. In my opinion, seeing real questions from actual tests was useful. Finally, the book contains a detailed overview and guide to the exam itself, why the questions are phrased and presented as they are and how you can recognize the patterns and tricks used.

If this book has a downside, it's that it doesn't really offer tips and tricks, but instead focuses on making sure you have the skills so you don't need them.

➡ Purchase College Board's Official SAT Study Guide on Amazon

#5 | Princeton Review SAT Premium Prep

Rounding out our top 5 is the budget-friendly but still comprehensive guide to tackling the exam, Princeton Review SAT Premium Prep. It's similar to the Barron's guide in that it gives you a thorough overview of the exam with all of the concepts you need, plus strategies for how to manage time and approach the test questions. It offers four complete practice exams in the text, and gives you access to more online (how many depends on whether you get the regular or premium edition).

Each question is provided with a thorough answer and explanation so you can consider your approach to answering. This will help get you into the proper mindset on test day. An additional online component provides a useful scoring tool for the practice tests. It also includes a range of test-taking tips and tricks that are certain to improve your approach to taking the SAT, and your final score and results.

The book is a bulky one with nearly 900 pages of content. The bookworm in me loved this, but for others the page count can make it a bit intimidating. However, it's so well organized and laid out that using it is a breeze. It's one of the few study guides out there that can be used all on its own. It's jam-packed with all you need to get ready to take the exam.

➡ Purchase Princeton Review SAT Premium Prep on Amazon

Summary

These are just a few of the top SAT prep guides on the market. If you grab any of these books and dedicate time each day to studying, you're almost certain to improve your scores. The quality of your study material is important, but consistency in studying is even more key. If you find yourself wanting a little more, a SAT prep course might be something to consider. Our list of the best SAT prep courses can be found here.

➡ Read Next: Barron's vs Princeton Review SAT Prep Book Comparison

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One of the most robust prep books on the market, Kaplan's SAT Prep Plus features a broad overview of the exam, how it works, and what kinds of questions you can expect to see across the three sections of the test.

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apply to college with common app | your future starts here

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Apply to college with Common App | Your future starts here

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Common App is a nonprofit organization of 1000+ colleges and universities that simplifies, informs, and supports your college application journey.

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Prepare for & apply to college with the Coalition for College

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Free college-planning tools, provided by 150+ top schools, to help students learn about, prepare for and apply to college. Start early, stress less

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The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."

Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.

Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.

Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):

School officials with legitimate educational interest;

Other schools to which a student is transferring;

Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;

Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;

Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;

Accrediting organizations;

To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;

Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and

State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.

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policy; privacy; academic records; technical assistance; parent rights; student rights; ferpa

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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Home Page.

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What You Need to Know

If you are certain that NYU is the right school for you, you may want to consider applying through early decision.

How does early decision work at NYU?

If you apply for early decision admission, and are admitted as an early decision applicant, you are expected to enroll at NYU. In addition, you are expected to withdraw applications from other schools, and cannot submit new applications.

There are only two exceptions to the information above:

1. If you are awarded a financial aid package that does not meet enough of your financial need to allow you to attend. In this case, you may request to be released from the agreement.

2. If you are admitted to a school, program, or campus of NYU that was not designated as your primary interest on your application, you are not required to enroll. However, you will be expected to accept or decline your offer of admission by the deadline for the notification plan under which you applied. Accepting our offer of admission under the Early Decision notification plan, even if you are admitted to a program of alternate interest, means that you have committed to the binding agreement and are expected to withdraw applications from other schools, and will not submit new applications.

Note: Withdrawing from the binding agreement will entail declining your offer of admission for the upcoming academic year.

Can I apply for regular decision if I don't get in with early decision?

Unfortunately, you cannot.

Do I have to do anything special when I apply?

There's nothing you need to do differently. The instructions and required materials are the same.

What about financial aid?

Applying for financial aid and the way NYU determines aid are also the same for early decision.

Please keep in mind that you won't be able to compare financial aid packages from other schools if you apply early decision. Do not feel pressure to apply early decision if finances are a concern.

When do I need to apply?

*The cut-off time for applications is 11:59 p.m EST.
Please note: For programs that require an audition or portfolio we strongly recommend you submit your Common Application one month in advance to ensure ample time to prepare your audition or portfolio.

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If you are certain that NYU is the right school for you, you may want to consider applying through early decision. If you apply for early decision admission, and are admitted as an early decision applicant, you are expected to enroll at NYU.

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Things Freshman Should Know About Starting the First Semester

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Things Sophomores Should Know About Starting the First Semester(1)

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Things Juniors Should Know About Starting the First Semester(2)

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Things Seniors Should Know About Starting the First Semester(3)

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Florida Student Scholarship & Grant Programs

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Florida Student Scholarship & Grant Programs

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Home - Florida Student Scholarship & Grant Programs

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Students must submit a completed Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) to OSFA for programs denoted by an asterisk (*). In order to apply for State Scholarship & Grant Programs, a student must first Create a Student Account . After logging into your account, you may proceed to complete the FFAA.

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Why apply through QuestBridge? The National College Match application gives you extra space to tell your unique story as a student who has excelled academically despite financial hardship. Our college partners are actively seeking students like you.

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College admissions can be a confusing and demanding process, requiring hours of work and preparation. The various avenues to get into college can also be perplexing.

Beyond the regular admissions process, two increasingly popular options to consider are early action and early decision.

Early action and early decision can be beneficial admissions strategies, but only if students know how to navigate these routes. The first step starts with understanding the differences.

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, early action means that "students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution's regular response date."

Or as Walter Caffey, vice president for enrollment and dean of admission and student aid at Wheaton College in Massachusetts, puts it: "They've decided through early action to try to get a decision earlier in the process as compared to the regular admission process so that they can understand where they stand with some of these schools that are at the top of their list."

Caffey says students should have already taken a hard look at these schools and determined that they are a good fit and affordable.

"For me, early action means a student is in a position where they've done some homework," Caffey says. "They've made some investigation into schools that they believe might be a good fit for them."

Students should also know that some colleges use a restrictive early action process.

According to NACAC, that means students may be restricted from applying early action or early decision elsewhere.

"Restrictive early action is, in a way, saying, 'We're limiting you to using this process one time.' It works the same way as early action except that like early decision, you only get one shot at it," explains Leykia Nulan, dean of admission at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

NACAC describes early decision as a process in which "students make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted they definitely will enroll and withdraw all other applications."

The commitment part is key.

As the College Board website explains: "Early decision plans are binding - a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. Early action plans are nonbinding - students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1."

"Certainly the binding (aspect) is one of the key differences," Caffey says.

But the binding nature of early decision comes with one big disadvantage for students: the inability to compare financial aid awards that may come in from other colleges.

Some schools may not have financial aid awards ready at the time students are asked to make a decision, Nulan says, making the process murky.

"If you apply to a school early decision and you're admitted, you're committing to attending that institution. That means you're committing to accepting a financial aid package before you see it," Nulan says.

Though early decision offers are binding, that isn't the case legally, as colleges are unlikely to go after students for lost tuition revenue.

"In truth, we don't have a way to stop someone from breaking that binding agreement," Nulan says, but adds that colleges take the issue seriously and it may affect the reputation of a student's high school if it happens often.

If a student backs out because of inadequate financial aid, colleges are more understanding, she says. "This the thing that your decision hinges on. And it could also be the one reason that an institution might allow you to back out of the early decision process," adding that it may vary by college.

According to the College Board, some 450 colleges have one or both of these plans. Per NACAC, early action and early decision plans are more common at private colleges than public ones.

Some colleges may offer two rounds of each option, commonly known as ED I and ED II or EA I and EA II.

Why Students Should Consider Early Action or Early Decision

According to the 2019 State of College Admission Report released by NACAC, colleges reported higher acceptance rates for early action and early decision applicants, compared with those who took the regular decision route.

Nulan says academically strong students are often the ones who apply early, which explains why the admit rates tend to be higher.

"We're filling our class with students who have demonstrated a high interest in us either through early action or, even better, early decision," Nulan says.

Another benefit, admissions officials say, is that if a student gets in through early action or early decision, he or she can wrap up the college search.

Decisions through these early avenues typically come in December or January.

But applying early also means revving up the admissions process. Applicants typically need to submit admissions materials by November or December, though the deadline varies by college.

What Students Should Know Before Applying Early Action or Early Decision

While deadlines arrive sooner for early action and early decision, the college application process does not otherwise differ from the traditional route.

"Generally speaking, both of the plans in terms of the admission process are similar" to regular decision, Caffey says.

But with admissions materials required sooner, students considering early action or early decision should get a jump-start. A College Board calendar helps students keep track of the milestones they need to hit in the early action or early decision process.

"All of the materials that you have to submit are the same. It's just literally moving those deadlines up months in advance," Nulan says.

That means talking to teachers and counselors early about letters of recommendation, perhaps midway through junior year of high school.

If a student isn't academically on track and could benefit from another semester of high school work, applying early may not be the right move.

"They need to do their homework to understand where they currently sit as compared to that school's academic profile," Caffey says, encouraging students to look at profiles of classes previously admitted to the college. Such information typically can be found on a college's website and often includes information about GPA and test scores of admitted classes.

What NACAC Rule Changes Mean for Early Action and Early Decision

NACAC instituted several changes to its Code of Ethics and Professional Practices last year stemming from an antitrust investigation by the Department of Justice that alleged some of the code's provisions inhibited competition for students and amounted to collusion by colleges to deprive students of choices, which NACAC disputed.

The changes removed barriers that prevented member schools from offering exclusive incentives for students applying early action or early decision; allowed colleges to pursue students already committed elsewhere; opened the door to offer enrollment incentives for students already committed; and allowed colleges to solicit previously recruited students who enrolled at another institution.

As the changes have been implemented, some colleges have offered incentives for students who apply early.

"Some have offered early access to registration, early access to academic advising," says Madeleine Rhyneer, vice president of consulting services and dean of enrollment management at education strategy firm EAB. Larger scholarship offers are another possibility, she adds.

But such incentives are unlikely to be offered at highly selective colleges with deep applicant pools. "These are not the things the most elite schools would do, because they don't need to," Rhyneer explains.

As for what the NACAC rule changes mean on a large scale for early action and early decision, the answers are undetermined so far in the first admissions cycle since the code was modified.

"I think right now there's a lot of unknown," Caffey says, noting that he thinks it will be good for some students and bad for others.

Nulan shares a similar opinion. If colleges add previously prohibited incentives to early action and early decision, she suspects, that will benefit economically advantaged students because they most often apply via those routes.

"My fear is that it can be harmful for students who are already up against the most barriers and obstacles in our process, and who may make a decision that's actually not good for them because they don't know better. And no one around them knows better."

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national association for college admission counseling

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What to Know About Early Action and Early Decision

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College admissions can be a confusing and demanding process, requiring hours of work and preparation. The various avenues to get into college can also be perplexing. Beyond the regular admissions process, two increasingly popular options to consider are early action and early decision.

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Below is the complete set of Common App essay prompts for 2023-2024.

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

We will also retain the optional community disruption question within the Writing section.

Looking for tips on how to approach the essay? Check out our blog!

Starting your Common App essay can be hard. Jen and Emma are here to help.

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Here are Common App's essay prompts for this year. Get tips and best practices for writing your college essays as you prepare to apply to college.

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Think resumes are only for job seekers? Think again. High school student resumes give colleges a snapshot of your accomplishments, extracurriculars, hobbies, and work history. They can also be a useful tool for prepping for a college interview or to give to the teachers who are writing your letters of recommendation .

Not sure how to get started? Follow our tips for crafting a standout resume for college and scholarship applications.

What should go on a college resume?

Any of the sections below could appear on your resume for college applications. Pick an assortment that works for you!

Heading with your name, address, and e-mail

High school information with your graduation date, GPA (weighted), class rank, and SAT/ACT scores

Academic awards, publications, honors, and other achievements

Coursework (summer programs, college courses, or other specialized workshops that do not appear on your high school transcript)

Extracurricular activities

Community service

Work experience

Hobbies

Special skills (e.g. foreign language fluency or HTML expertise)

When should you submit a resume to colleges?

Some colleges and scholarship committees request or recommend that you include a high school resume with your application materials. (But don't submit a resume if they don't ask for one-following instructions is a key application strategy.) Bring your resume to college interviews and give copies to your college counselor and teachers so that they can write you the strongest possible recommendation letter.

Tips for Composing Your College Admissions Resume

1. Keep it concise.

Pare down the activities you showcase to the most brag-worthy and most representative of you as a candidate. Do colleges need to know that you were on the field hockey team for one semester in Grade 9? Probably not. The standard rule of thumb is to stick to one or two pages.

2. Focus on depth and length of commitment.

When deciding which activities and accomplishments make the cut, keep in mind that colleges would much rather see you excited about one or two key experiences than sporadic involvement in 20 clubs. If having an after-school job limited your ability to participate in clubs or sports, make sure your resume plays up your work responsibilities, training, and on-the-job skills.

3. Provide detail whenever possible.

The details are what set a resume apart from a list of extracurriculars on a standard college application. For example, when describing your involvement in the French Club make sure to include:

your role

school years/hours per week you participated

specific contributions (e.g. "Organized a successful after-school film series to introduce our community to French cinema and culture" )

leadership roles (e.g. "Treasurer, Grade 12" )

unique details that will make you stand out

4. Highlight things you weren't able to write about in your college essays or short answers.

Use your high school resume to show colleges something new. If your devotion to photography didn't make it on the application but is a big part of who you are, then showcase your photography cred on your resume.

5. Formatting is key.

Make your resume easy to scan. Divide information into sections with clear headings, bulleted lists, and a consistent font. Use a system of organization that works for you. (Chronological, by importance of activity, or by time commitment are a few options.) Don't forget to proofread !

6. Be honest and accurate.

Colleges know how to spot inconsistencies in your application materials, and they won't hesitate to call your counselor to verify information that doesn't seem right. So don't tell them that you have practice for the school play for 30 hours per week-unless drama club is somehow your full-time job!

Looking for strategic college advice?

Get one-on-one help from former Ivy League and top tier admission officers . Our College Counselors will help you find, apply, and get accepted to your dream school.
Learn More

The Staff of The Princeton Review

For more than 35 years, students and families have trusted The Princeton Review to help them get into their dream schools. We help students succeed in high school and beyond by giving them resources for better grades, better test scores, and stronger college applications. Follow us on Twitter: @ThePrincetonRev.

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Think resumes are only for job seekers? Think again. High school student resumes give colleges a snapshot of your accomplishments, extracurriculars, hobbies, and work history. They can also be a useful tool for prepping for a college interview or to give to the teachers who are writing your letters of recommendation .

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Bright Future: Initial Eligibility Requirements

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Bright Future: Initial Eligibility Requirements

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Transitioning From Middle to High School

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When applying for scholarships, many students ask, "What is a merit based scholarship?" It's a great question, but the answer has multiple parts: 1. Definition of a merit based scholarship 2. Merit scholarship factor 1: Academics 3. Merit scholarship factor 2: Extracurricular activities 4. Merit scholarship factor 3: Other factors 5.

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The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs section is responsible for developing and maintaining educational programs that prepare individuals for occupations important to Florida's economic development. These programs are organized into 17 different career clusters and are geared toward middle school, high school, district technical school, and Florida College System students throughout the state. With the help of partners in education, business and industry, and trade associations, each program includes the academic and technical skills required to be successful in today's economy.

Check out Florida's Workforce Initiative, Get There for more information on career and technical education in Florida.

Career and Technical Education New Teacher Resources (PDF)

The links below contain more detailed information specific to each career cluster.

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The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs section is responsible for developing and maintaining educational programs that prepare individuals for occupations important to Florida's economic development. These programs are organized into 17 different career clusters and are geared toward middle school, high school, district technical school, and Florida College System students throughout the state.

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Having a college degree will increase your lifelong earnings significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with a bachelor's degree earn a median of $1,334 a week, whereas those with a high school diploma only earn about $809 a week. We've created this guide to help you choose the right college education in Florida.

Why This Matters

120+ COLLEGES IN FLORIDA

College Navigator indicates that there are 40 public colleges, 54 private non-profit colleges, and 28 private for-profit colleges in the state.

$6,370 AVERAGE IN-STATE TUITION & FEES

According to College Board, in-state students attending a public, four-year college in Florida paid this amount in the 2021-22 school year.

$14,800 IN FINANCIAL AID TO U.S. STUDENTS

College Board also estimates that in 2020-21, the average U.S. undergraduate student received this amount in total financial aid.

Our Research

This list features some of the best brick-and-mortar schools in Florida. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution - either public or private - with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. We included liberal arts colleges and research universities as well as small, midsize, and large institutions. Next, we compared this comprehensive list to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student's college search. We pored through these rankings so students don't have to.

The colleges on our list are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a reputable organization that examines the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of education programs in the southern United States.

We evaluated each school on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

The Top 50 Colleges in Florida

What You Should Know About Graduating From College in Florida

A major part of choosing your career or the state in which you'll pursue an education is the potential for employment and career growth. The industry that employs the most people in Florida is trade, transportation, and utilities. This is followed by professional and business services, education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and retail trade.

The fastest-growing career fields in Florida for workers with a bachelor's degree are in the information and analysis sector, many of which are employed in the hospitality industry. Indeed, the two jobs at this education level that are seeing the most growth are data scientists and information security analysts.

Of the 150 largest employers in the state, job seekers with a bachelor's degree may be interested in looking for jobs in Palm Beach County Schools, AdventHealth Orlando, Epcot in Disney World, Edelman, or Raymond James.

What's Next?

Many students' main concern is how to cover the cost of tuition. The following list includes some helpful state and national resources for securing financial aid in Florida:

Florida Department of Education. This department provides students with information regarding state scholarships and grants. Its mission is to facilitate higher education access by providing comprehensive financial aid information about various products available to college students.

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA is the national application for federal funding, which can include the Pell grant, Stafford loans, and other state or national fund sources that are based on the information you list on the FAFSA. Find out if you're eligible for aid by following this link, or click here to apply.

CareerOneStop. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this website provides prospective students with valuable financial aid information. You can filter this source by degree type and state to find resources for your specific situation.

Enabling smarter choices to produce the greatest advantage, utility, and satisfaction.

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The Best Colleges in Florida of 2023 - Intelligent

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Having a college degree will increase your lifelong earnings significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with a bachelor's degree earn a median of $1,334 a week, whereas those with a high school diploma only earn about $809 a week. We've created this guide to help you choose the right college education in Florida.

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Financial Aid Guide for Hispanic and Latino Students

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Financial Aid Guide for Hispanic and Latino Students

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Financial Aid Guide for Hispanic and Latino Students - Intelligent

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No matter who you are, determining how to finance a college education is a complex decision involving many factors. For Hispanic and Latino students, specific considerations may include their citizenship and their parents' citizenship statuses, their parents' employment, and whether they're the first in their family to attend college.

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When it comes to enrolling in college, the process of selecting the right major and school often overshadows a consideration that may have an even greater effect on your post-graduation life - how you will pay for your education. Student loans are the most common answer to this question.

Because student loans are still the most viable way to pay for a college education, it's essential to understand exactly what taking out a student loan means, both for your present and your future, and how to avoid the potential downsides of student loans. This article will guide you in best practices for borrowing and repaying your student loans.

Why This Matters

During the 2018-19 school year, the National Center for Education Statistics estimated that 42.9% of the over 2.4 million students enrolled in a postsecondary program used student loans to finance their education. The average student borrowed around $7,331 for their student loan that year. In general, it takes most students close to 20 years to pay off their student loans fully. Before you saddle yourself with that kind of debt, it's important to educate yourself on the ins and outs of student loans.

What You Should Know Before You Take Out a Loan

What is a student loan?

A student loan is money lent to college students to cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, and other school-related expenses. Borrowers are expected to repay this money, with interest, to the loan provider once they complete or leave their program. Student loans differ from scholarships, grants, fellowships, and other forms of "free money" tuition assistance that do not have to be repaid, or are given in exchange for work.

Federal versus private loans

In the U.S., there are two types of student loans - federal and private.

Federal loans are funded by the government, with terms and interest rates set by Congress. There are multiple types of federal student loans available to both students and their parents.

The different types of federal student loans

Direct Subsidized Loans
Available to undergraduate students only. Eligibility amount determined by the school. U.S. Department of Education pays interest while you are in school at least half-time, during your grace period, and if you defer your loans.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Available to undergraduate and graduate students. Eligibility amount determined by the school. Borrower is responsible for paying interest throughout enrollment, grace period, and deferment.

Direct PLUS Loans
Available to parents and graduate or professional students. Maximum amount you can receive is the total cost of attendance minus other financial aid received. Credit check required.

What to know about private loans
Private loans are awarded by banks, credit unions, schools, state-affiliated organizations, or other private agencies. The loan terms and interest rates are set by the individual lender. Interest rates for private loans tend to be higher than those for federal loans, and may be variable or fixed. Private loans are usually unsubsidized, and require a co-signer.

How interest rates work

A key component of understanding how student loans work is understanding interest. Interest is the money that a lender charges a borrower for the privilege of using their money. It is usually calculated as a percentage of the original amount, or principal, that is borrowed.

All student loans have interest. Depending on the type of loan, interest may begin accruing once you complete or leave school (subsidized), or it will start accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed (unsubsidized). It is critical that you know what the interest rates on your loans are, and when your loans will begin accruing interest. Often borrowers find themselves in trouble not because they can't pay the principal balance on their loan, but because they do not keep up with their interest, which significantly increases the overall amount owed.

Interest rates for federal student loans for the past 10 years are as follows:

*Indicates subsidized loan

Note: Information accurate as of April 29, 2021.

Source: https://www.debt.org/students/financial-aid-process/interest-rates/

Your lender should clearly state the loan's interest rate and repayment terms when you sign the loan agreement. Do not sign any loan agreements until you have this information and fully understand it.

How to Apply for Student Loans

The student loan application process varies depending on the entity giving you the loan. For federal student loans, as well as other types of federal financial aid like work-study, students or their parents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

The FAFSA is an online application that uses income and tax information to calculate your eligibility for federal student loans. Completing the FAFSA is the only way to apply for and receive federal student loans and financial aid.

Generally, because undergraduate students are still considered dependents of their parent(s) or guardian(s), those individuals will complete the FAFSA on behalf of the student using their income and tax information. Graduate students, and those who are underage but legally independent, file the FAFSA on their own behalf, using their own income and tax information.

A FAFSA must be filed for each academic year that you want to be considered for federal student loans. The FAFSA application deadline varies by state, but it is typically early in the calendar year for which you wish to receive aid.

On the FAFSA, you will list the school you are attending, or the schools to which you are applying. These schools will receive your FAFSA information, which they will then use to calculate your loan eligibility.

As the name implies, filing the FAFSA is free, so even if you are unsure if you will need student loans, it is advisable to submit a FAFSA, just in case. You are not obligated to accept any federal student loans you are awarded, but not filing a FAFSA, or doing so after the application deadline has passed, can negatively impact your eligibility for receiving federal student loans.

When it comes to applying for private loans, the application process will vary by lender. Visit the lender's website or talk to a loan counselor about what is needed for the application, and when the application deadlines are.

Below are some additional steps to take when exploring student loans:

Talk to your school's financial aid counselors

Most colleges have a dedicated financial aid department with financial aid counselors. These individuals are valuable resources who can help you understand the student loan application process, other funding resources, and other aspects of paying for your college education. You can connect with a school's financial aid department during the application process, or once you have been accepted into a school.

Calculate how much you need to borrow

Understanding the amount of money you need to borrow to cover college costs can be tricky. Often a school's published tuition rate does not include things like room and board, fees, books, and other incidental costs. The school's financial aid office should be able to provide a complete cost breakdown or estimate that will help you understand what you will owe each term.

There are also factors that can decrease your tuition before you begin using loans. Scholarships, grants, assistantships, fellowships, stipends, and work-study jobs all work together to decrease your overall tuition. Additionally, consider how much you or your family can pay out of pocket for school. Although this may require planning and sacrifice, paying upfront for school costs is the most efficient way to decrease the amount of money you need to borrow.

There are also limits to the amount of federal and private loans you can borrow, on a yearly basis and in total. These limits vary based on the type of loan and student status:

Note: Information accurate as of April 29, 2021.

Source: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized

Borrowing only as much as you need will guarantee you have the lowest possible balance to repay after you finish school. It will also benefit you if you decide to go back to school for an advanced degree, as there is a total aggregate limit of $138,500 for all federal student loans.

Beware of predatory lenders

Predatory lending imposes unfair or abusive loan terms on a borrower. It can also include deception or coercion in getting a borrower to agree to loans that they don't need or can't afford.

Predatory student loan lending practices have been a large contributor to the national student loan debt crisis. While steps are being taken to address this issue, there are still many lenders in the private sector who are willing to take advantage of students in need of money for college. Therefore, the onus is still largely on students to protect themselves from predatory lenders, and to only borrow from reputable lenders.

What You Should Know While You're in School

Maintain good grades

Doing well in your classes can impact your eligibility for financial aid. Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is part of the eligibility criteria for receiving federal student loans. Failing classes or falling below a certain GPA can jeopardize your student loan. Also, if you need to repeat a class, you will have to pay for it again, which means taking out additional loans.

Return any loan payments you don't need

Often students will take out more money in student loans than they need to cover tuition. They may use this extra money to pay for books, room and board, or other living expenses. However, if you still have loan money left over after you cover all of your expenses, the wise thing to do is give that money right back. That way, it is deducted from your principal balance and won't accrue interest.

Pay down loans and interest while you're enrolled in school

If your loan is unsubsidized, it begins accruing interest while you are in school. Whenever possible, pay off that interest as it accrues, so when you graduate, your overall balance has not significantly inflated.

Even if you have a subsidized loan that is not accruing interest while you are in school, you can start paying off the principal balance. This will give you a head start in paying off the loan after you complete your program.

Remember to submit a new FAFSA every year

In order to receive federal student loans, you must submit a new FAFSA every year. In the midst of classes, internships, jobs, and other obligations, it can be easy to forget to do this, so set a reminder for yourself. Failure to submit a FAFSA will make you ineligible for federal student loans and entirely reliant on private loans.

What You Should Know When You Finish School

You must repay your loans even if you don't graduate

A common misconception among student loan borrowers is that if you don't get a degree, you don't have to repay your loans. This is not true. Borrowers typically have to start repaying their loans six months after they leave school, whether or not they have earned a degree. Keep this in mind if you are considering leaving school for any reason prior to obtaining your degree.

Understanding repayment options

Once you leave school, you must begin repaying your loans. Federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans have a grace period of six months before you must begin paying off your student loans. Private loans tend to have a shorter grace period, or none at all. Be sure to check the terms of your loan prior to signing the agreement to confirm the length of the grace period, if there is one.

You will receive a monthly bill with a minimum amount that you are obligated to pay by a certain date. In the case of private loans, the payment amount is usually non-negotiable, regardless of whether or not you are working, or what you are earning. However, for federal student loans, there are a number of repayment plans that allow you to adjust the monthly amount you owe. Be sure to look carefully at the different terms for these repayment plans, as they can affect the overall amount and length of time you have to pay.

Consolidate your loans

Consolidating, or combining, your loans is an option for borrowers who only want to make one monthly payment on their student loans. Only federal student loans are eligible for consolidation, so it may not be the right choice for everyone. If you are making multiple payments to multiple loan servicers, it may be worth exploring additional repayment options and more favorable interest rates.

Loan Consolidation - Pros and Cons

Simplify loan payments with one monthly bill

A longer repayment period may mean more accrued interest and higher overall balance

Lower monthly payment and longer repayment period (up to 30 years)

Outstanding interest becomes part of the principal balance, leading to a higher percentage of accrued interest

Switch from a variable-interest rate to a fixed-interest rate

May lose certain borrower benefits - such as interest rate discounts, principal rebates, or some loan cancellation benefits - when you consolidate loans

Access additional income-driven repayment options and loan forgiveness programs

Consolidating your current loans will cause you to lose credit for any payments made toward income-driven repayment plan forgiveness or the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program

Pay above the minimum payment

Your monthly bill is for the minimum amount you are required to pay each month, but paying more than that amount will help you decrease your principal balance, and therefore the amount of interest you owe, faster. Even if it's not possible for you to pay more than the minimum amount every month, putting extra money toward your student loan whenever possible can make a difference.

Additional Student Loan Resources

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Student Loan Best Practices - Intelligent

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When it comes to enrolling in college, the process of selecting the right major and school often overshadows a consideration that may have an even greater effect on your post-graduation life - how you will pay for your education. Student loans are the most common answer to this question.

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College Planning Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities

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College Planning Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities

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Learning disabilities present unique challenges when you're planning to attend college. The National Center for Learning Disabilities conducted a survey in 2016 of 800 parents, and 72% said it was hard finding information about college disability services. For these students, getting the right information and support to excel in college requires a persistent strategy.

In this extensive planning guide, we give you the tools you need to be successful in understanding the college environment for students with learning disabilities as well as your rights and potential accommodations. Whether it's in-person or online college you're pursuing, we'll show you where to find the best resources to achieve your goals.

Common Learning Disabilities Among College Students

There are many learning disabilities that can be challenging in a college environment. Typically, students will work closely with college personnel to navigate their specific condition. Here are some of the most common learning disabilities that often require accommodations.

ADHD. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a brain development disorder that affects focusing and impulse control. Students with ADHD often struggle with executive deficit disorder as well, which can affect problem solving, multitasking, and time management skills.

Auditory processing disorder. Also known as central auditory processing disorder, this is difficulty hearing and understanding information.

Dyscalculia. Students with dyscalculia have trouble understanding numbers, math concepts, and calculations.

Dyslexia. This is a learning disability where people have trouble recognizing words accurately and also may find reading comprehension difficult.

Dysgraphia. Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder that makes it difficult to write thoughts in a coherent manner.

Visual processing disorder. Processing visual information is challenging, and often drawing, copying, or distinguishing differences in letters or shapes is hard.

Challenges Students With Learning Disabilities Face

College students with a learning disability face a variety of challenges at school. For some, admitting they have a learning disability is a challenge to overcome. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities' executive summary The State of Learning Disabilities: Understanding the 1 in 5, only 24% of college students told their school that they had a learning disability. But 69% did not say they have a learning disability because they thought they no longer had one, even though people generally don't stop having learning disabilities.

This can be a significant barrier to success because only a portion of college students with a learning disability are getting the accommodations they need. Reasons why students don't disclose they have a learning disability include:

Thinking they'll be perceived as either lazy or unintelligent.

Not wanting to be identified as someone who needs help due to their learning disability.

Not knowing how important accommodations may be for their success in college.

Not realizing they have a learning disability until they are diagnosed in college.

Another potential reason students with a learning disability may not seek accommodations could be due to the fact that their individualized education plans (IEPs) do not transfer from high school to college. This puts the impetus of petitioning for accommodations solely on the student's plate.

However, you may be able to transfer some of the accommodations written into your IEP through the Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS) office or equivalent department at your college. DSPS will review your IEP and see what accommodations are available at the college level that may be beneficial to the student.

Students may also be able to transfer accommodations from a 504 plan to college. But you should keep in mind that colleges are not obligated to transfer all of the accommodations that were included in an IEP or 504 plan. DSPS offices differ from college to college - some colleges offer excellent support, while others do not.

How Colleges Accommodate Students With Learning Disabilities

As stated earlier, any IEP you might have from high school doesn't transfer to college. You should still incorporate any necessary accommodations into your IEP or 504 plan prior to graduating high school, though. It will then be up to you to communicate the details of your disability and the accommodations you need to your college.

Also, you may want to modify the accommodations of your high school IEP to ensure that you have access to the best system of support during college. While each campus has different protocols in place for accommodating students, typically you'll find these common accommodations:

Assistive technology (AT) is equipment needed to effectively manage challenges related to your learning disability. Many types of AT are available, and devices and systems that have proven to be helpful include:

Smartphones and watches. These devices can help you remember appointments and stay on schedule when you're easily distracted or have a difficult time focusing on tasks.

Organizational systems. Highlighters and different color folders - either physically or on your computer - can help you organize tasks and keep track of your progress on assignments.

Text reader. This converts written text into speech, and then a computerized voice can read the text back to you, which makes understanding easier when reading is difficult.

Bookshare. This resource offers access to free audiobooks for U.S. students who are visually impaired or unable to physically manipulate a book.

How to Request Accommodations

Asking for the accommodations you'll need is the first step when working with your new college. If they understand how to help you, you'll be better prepared to succeed.

We created a sample request for accommodations form so you can see what they usually look like. Along with your request form, include related documentation, such as any IEP and other information that will give the disability services office a complete understanding of your situation. Most colleges require an IEP, a 504 plan, a letter from a physician with a diagnosis of a learning disability, and/or an assessment from a psychologist with a diagnosis of the disability.

1. What things should a student with a learning disability consider when selecting a college?

I would highly recommend that you visit the Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS) office, meet with the staff, and see what accommodations the college may offer compared to your current IEP or 504 plan. This is very important, as some DSPS offices offer better accommodations than others. You want to make sure you choose the college that provides all the support you need to achieve success.

2. What would you tell a student with a learning disability that believes college is unattainable?

Every student learns differently, and the college experience is very different from high school. Do not overload yourself with too many classes if you are unsure about your ability to keep up with the workload because this can set you up for failure. Instead, consider starting out with just a couple classes - one fun course along with one core subject. If there's a particularly difficult class required for your curriculum, you may want to only take that class for the semester. It's okay not to take a full load. Many students with learning disabilities do not have a full-time schedule of classes in college.

3. Is it important for students to disclose a learning disability?

It's important to disclose a learning disability to the DSPS office as well as your professors so that they understand what your strengths and weaknesses are and how they can work with you. These days, learning disabilities are looked upon as a gift rather than a disability. Own your disability and take advantage of the tools, accommodations, strategies, and support that's available to you.

4. Should students with a learning disability use campus and community resources?

Yes, students with disabilities should maximize all the resources available to them so that they are provided with opportunities to access curriculum and achieve success. Join study groups, get involved in committees on campus, listen to books on tape, and download any apps or other digital tools that may be able to improve your college experience.

5. What tips would you give a student with a learning disability for succeeding in college?

It's important to never give up on yourself, even when college is difficult. Believe in yourself and your abilities, not your disabilities. Each person with a disability has a unique gift (which people without disabilities may not have), such as photographic memory, high comprehension, artistic creativity, etc. These gifts may very well develop into skills that advance your career.

Also, you should always ask questions when you are unsure about something. There is no such thing as a "stupid" question. Just because you have a learning disability does not mean you cannot succeed.

My son Jonathan graduated high school with a fifth grade reading level, went to a two-year college, and then graduated with a 3.999 GPA. He worked very hard to study, maximized utilization of the DSPS office, formed study groups, and used technology for his severe dyslexia to access curriculum. He also made time to join the theater program at college, as acting was one of his loves. Most importantly, he was determined to succeed because all through his schooling he was told he would never graduate high school. He proved everyone wrong.

Know Your Rights

As a student with learning disabilities, you have rights that can protect you. The American Disabilities Act of 1990 was a major step forward in protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities because it made discrimination against people with disabilities illegal. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 expanded the definition of what qualifies as a disability to include physical or mental impairments that limit "life activities" like reading and learning.

Students with learning disabilities are also protected by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which covers people with "hidden disabilities" that are not readily apparent to others. According to this law, programs that receive federal funding or are conducted by a federal agency must not discriminate against qualified students who have a disability.

If you find that you have been discriminated against due to your disability and you can't resolve it with your college, you can file an ADA complaint that will be reviewed by the U.S. Department of Justice. It's also possible to file a discrimination complaint with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR).

Common Assistive Apps for Students With Learning Disabilities

Assistive apps serve as tools to help navigate your learning disability by helping with concentration, speech, and tasks. Our top picks of the best assistive apps to help manage your learning disability are listed below.
The following assistive apps are not replacements for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical provider before making any health-related decisions.

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[email protected] plays instrumental music that is scientifically designed to increase focus. Cost: $7.49 per month or $45.00 - $52.49 yearly.

Verbally

Verbally assists with your conversation and allows the user to communicate by typing when they are unable to speak. Cost: Free, Premium version is $99.99.

Download: Android - Not available | iOS (iPad only)

Photomath

Photomath allows you to scan math problems and see detailed step-by -step solutions to increase comprehension. Cost: $4.99 - $9.99 monthly.

Spell Better

Spell Better is an app that helps those with dyslexia by automatically correcting words with spelling errors and reordering letters. Cost: $9.99 - $24.99.

Download: Android - Not available | iOS (iPad only)

SnapType

SnapType allows students who have trouble with dysgraphia to take a photo of their workbook and type in their responses. Cost: $4.99.

Benefits of Online College for Students With Learning Disabilities

Attending an online college offers many benefits to students with learning disabilities who want the opportunity to achieve college success.

One advantage of some online learning programs is their asynchronous nature, which means the class doesn't meet in real time. This gives someone managing a learning disability the time to process the information they want to understand. Using email also allows for a longer response time. In addition, when the pressure of real time is removed, often a student can fully participate with the rest of their class.

Other advantages of working online are the opportunity to use assistive technology to convert written words into an audio format or to review lessons multiple times versus listening once in a lecture setting. Also, working in a comfortable environment and being able to schedule your time to work on the class allows you to navigate the flow of coursework at a pace that works for you.

Scholarships and Financial Resources for Students With Learning Disabilities

Besides the challenges students face in managing their learning disability, added financial expenses can be a consideration. The scholarships featured below are available specifically to students with learning disabilities. Check the scholarship website for current application deadlines and requirements.

Anne Ford Scholarship. This $10,000 scholarship is granted over a four-year period to high school graduates who are pursuing a bachelor's degree. The Anne Ford Scholarship is awarded to students who have financial need, have a learning disability or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, and want to make a positive contribution to their community.

Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship. This $5,000 scholarship is awarded over a two-year period to a graduating high school student who enrolls in a two-year community, vocational, or technical college. Applicants must show financial need, have a learning disability or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, and express how their future career will impact their community.

Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation. These scholarships range from $500 to $2,500 and can be used for tuition, books, and other assistive resources. Students must have a reading or language disability similar to dyslexia. Students must be planning to attend an accredited undergraduate, technical, or community college and to pursue a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) degree.

Alpha One Powering Education Scholarship. This scholarship is for high school graduates in Maine who have a documented disability and plan to pursue undergraduate or graduate study. Award payments are made after the first term is completed to students who have maintained at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Your high school transcript, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay about your disability experience are required to apply.

INCIGHT Scholarship. Students must be current California, Oregon, or Washington residents to apply for the $500 renewable award. Applicants should be attending a university, community college, or vocational school. Community involvement is emphasized with recipients agreeing to complete 30 hours of community service or volunteer at an INCIGHT event.

Additional Resources

Many organizations that focus on learning disabilities advocate for and provide support to give college students additional help. We have listed some of the largest organizations here as additional resources to use both during your college years and after graduation.

DREAM. Disability Rights, Education, Activism, and Mentoring (DREAM) is a national organization that is for all college students with disabilities who are pursuing higher education options. Sponsored by the National Center for College Students with Disabilities, DREAM advocates for students with disabilities and provides support to campus groups and individuals.

NCCSD. National Center for College Students with Disabilities is a federally funded national center that provides information to undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities. Some of the topics in the NCCSD training center include webinars about disability as diversity and disability law and training on disability documentation.

AHEAD. Established in 1977, the Association on Higher Education and Disability® (AHEAD) has more than 4,000 members in all 50 states and 10 countries who are disability professionals. AHEAD provides members a database with access to more than 5,600 legal cases, a career center, and professional development webinars. AHEAD also features an annual conference, an online newsletter, and a searchable membership directory.

LDA. The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) creates opportunities for people with learning disabilities through education, advocacy, and support. The organization encourages the early identification of learning disabilities and supports interventions for individuals with learning disabilities.

Raja Marhabar Founder & CEO of The Jonathan Foundation for Children With Learning Disabilities

Raja Marhaba founded The Jonathan Foundation for Children With Learning Disabilities, Inc. in 2001 to help the families of students with disabilities navigate the education system. Her passion for special education rights stems from the unjust experiences her sons had in their school district. Through her own journey with her sons, she gained an incredible amount of expertise, courage, and drive to advocate and change the education system on behalf of other families.

In 2006, Raja was selected and successfully completed the first cohort of the federally-funded Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT) Program. After her completion of the SEAT Program, she was selected to be a member of the Education Panel & Committee for the Juvenile Division of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, which is comprised of special education attorneys and advocates, who are court-appointed to represent the educational needs of children involved in the foster care and probation systems.

Raja continues to advocate for students with disabilities and serves as the CEO of the Jonathan Foundation. Her tireless advocacy efforts earned her the 2021 Diane Lipton Award for Outstanding Advocacy and the 2019 L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth Award as well as many other accolades.

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College Planning Guide for Students With Learning Disabilities - Intelligent

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Learning disabilities present unique challenges when you're planning to attend college. The National Center for Learning Disabilities conducted a survey in 2016 of 800 parents, and 72% said it was hard finding information about college disability services. For these students, getting the right information and support to excel in college requires a persistent strategy.

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As the cost of a college education continues to rise, scholarships and grants are more important than ever before. However, navigating the complex landscape of federal grants and loans, institutional scholarships, work-study, and more presents a significant challenge for students, especially those facing serious resource challenges. Scholarship-granting organizations also face challenges in deciding how best to administrate their funds for maximum impact. Differentiating between need-based and merit-based scholarships is an important starting point for both groups.

What Are Need-Based Scholarships?

As the name suggests, need-based scholarships are awarded based on a student's ability to pay for college. While need-based aid is typically associated with federal grants like the Pell Grant, many universities, foundations, nonprofits, and businesses also offer need-based scholarships. While the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for federal aid, many colleges and organizations use the College Board's CSS Profile application in addition to the FAFSA when assessing need.

Some need-based scholarships require that recipients have a GPA above a certain threshold or belong to a particular category, such as art students, science majors, or underrepresented minorities. However, unlike merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships also have financial criteria and generally are not open to students with families over a certain income level.

What Are Merit-Based Scholarships?

Unlike need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships do not consider a student's financial situation. Instead, they are awarded to a student based on a particular achievement, often in academics, sports, or extracurriculars. Many schools award scholarships to student-athletes or students who graduate high school with a certain GPA. Additionally, schools and organizations offer merit scholarships for students who show high potential in specific academic areas or have demonstrated exceptional commitment to activities like the arts or volunteerism.

Since these scholarships are awarded based on performance, they often require a student to maintain a high GPA or remain an active member of their sport or activity to continue receiving funding.

What Are the Benefits of Need-Based Scholarships vs. Merit-Based Scholarships?

Need-based scholarships carry several significant benefits compared to merit-based scholarships. They:

Are more likely to impact a student's ability to attend college

Since merit-based scholarships do not consider a student's financial situation, they are often awarded to students whose families could pay for a college education themselves. Need-based scholarships are more likely to be the difference between attending college and being unable to afford it.

Are more likely to be awarded equitably

Students who grow up in poverty may lack opportunities presented to their wealthier peers, which can impact their eligibility for merit-based scholarships. For example, a student whose parents cannot afford private sports coaching and travel to away games may be less likely to receive an athletic scholarship. Similarly, students who attend under-resourced schools or have unstable home environments may not perform as well academically because they lack essential support. Need-based aid, therefore, is more likely to promote equity.

Are more responsive to a student's circumstances

Changing life circumstances can have a major impact on a students' performance both academically and in their extracurriculars. Since continued funding from merit-based scholarships often depends on outcomes, they can become a significant source of stress for students facing unexpected challenges.

Examples of Need-Based Scholarships

In addition to federal and state grants, many colleges and universities offer their own need-based scholarships, typically listed on their financial aid websites. However, a number of groups and organizations also offer scholarships. These include:

1. Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship - $10,000 scholarship open to low-income students planning to attend or currently attending art school.

2. Horatio Alger National Scholarship - $25,000 scholarship open to students whose families have an adjusted gross income of $55,000 a year or less.

3. The Gates Scholarship - Full funding after financial aid for low-income minority students with an outstanding academic record and strong leadership skills

4. Greenhouse Scholars Fund - Provides need-based funding to students from Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, or North Carolina with family incomes under $70,000 a year who have GPAs of 3.5 and above.

5. Charleston Family Trust Scholarship - $3,000 scholarship open to Black students with unmet financial need who demonstrate an interest in serving their community.

Numerous additional need-based scholarships are available to students based on their hometown, state, or affiliations.

Tips for Starting a Need-Based Scholarship

Organizations looking to fund a need-based scholarship should be careful to design their eligibility and applications for equity and sustainability. Key considerations include:

Is the scholarship a one-time or ongoing award?

Organizations should first consider whether they plan to disburse funds on a one-time basis (for example, to students affected by a disaster), or whether the scholarship will be awarded each year. If the latter, funders must ensure enough money is endowed to ensure the award's longevity.

What eligibility requirements will be used?

Scholarship funders should consider how they will assess financial need (often, using the FAFSA is a good start). In addition, they should decide whether additional criteria, such as minority status, GPA, or a history of community service will be considered and whether the scholarship will be limited to students from a specific geographical area.

What will the application process be?

In addition to high school transcripts and FAFSA information, many scholarships require that students write an application essay or provide information about extracurricular activities. Organizations should consider making the process as simple as is reasonably possible to keep the barrier to entry low.

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What are Need-Based Scholarships and Why Are They Important?

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As the cost of a college education continues to rise, scholarships and grants are more important than ever before. However, navigating the complex landscape of federal grants and loans, institutional scholarships, work-study, and more presents a significant challenge for students, especially those facing serious resource challenges.

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The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides a multi-faceted experience designed to not only address the financial needs of students who aspire to attend college but to guide them through the process of higher education.

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Gates Millennium Scholars Program Promoting Academic Excellence + Providing Opportunities + Reducing Financial Barriers For 20,000 outstanding students of color.

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HSF empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, HSF Scholars and Alumni as possible.

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Since 1975, HSF has awarded over $500 million in scholarships to more than 65,000 Scholars.

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Young Scholars Program - Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

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The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for exceptionally promising 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities.

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The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need.

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The SMART Scholarship Program provides STEM students with full tuition, annual stipends, & employment with the Department of Defense (DoD) after graduation.

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Estudiantes que ingresan al noveno grado en 2023-2024 y después

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What Students and Parents Need to Know: Students Entering Grade 9 Prior to 2023-2024 

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What Students and Parents Need to Know: Students Entering Grade 9 Prior to 2023-2024 

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Estudiantes que ingresan al noveno grado antes de 2023-2024

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Estudiantes que ingresan al noveno grado antes de 2023-2024

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Check out this Presentation designed by Ariel Crosby.