Category Archives: Scholarships

Penny Pinching in College: Because You Aren’t Mitt Romney

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Both FAFSA season and tax season are upon us, and so it is time to turn our minds to financial matters. Even the world of politics is seeing 1040s and W-2s in the midst of the Mitt Romney tax return fiasco. Since you aren’t Mitt Romney, it is likely that your child either already has or soon will qualify for financial aid in college (for more on financial aid, see C2’s financial aid primer), but college financial concerns don’t end with tuition.

Many families breathe a sigh of relief after the financial aid headaches are past, certain that the worst is over. But what many parents and students fail to consider in their financial calculations are the day-to-day expenses of attending college. Between that daily coffee run, the new CD he just had to have, and the parking fees for that car he just couldn’t live without, the seemingly small expenses of life in college can really add up. It is important to discuss financial responsibility with your child before he heads off to college – not only will the discussion save you money, it will also (hopefully) set your child off on the right financial footing. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help your child (and you!) save money in college: Continue reading →

Tips from College Counselors

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The New York Times’ Choice Blog had an amazing live discussion with several college admissions counselors this past week. We’ve followed along so that we could pass some of the information on to our readers. Below is a summary of some of the most helpful advice from the conversation – for full transcripts of the conversations, see The Choice Blog.

  • What should I do if I am deferred on Early Action or Early Decision?

    First, remember that EA/ED applicants are up at A LOT of schools this year. This seems to have resulted in an increase in EA/ED deferrals as well, so a lot of students are in the same boat. Don’t panic! Second, take time to write to the admissions office to let them know that you are still interested. Give an update of what’s happened since you applied – any awards, honors, competitions, etc. Have 1st quarter/trimester/semester grades sent ASAP. Try to find out which officer oversees your file so you can contact him/her directly – BUT DON’T BE A STALKER! If you annoy your admissions officer, you will harm your chances. And remember – at this point, all communication should come from the student, NOT the parent! Continue reading →

How Important is the PSAT?

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Are you taking the PSAT? Better yet, are you trying to win the National Merit Scholarship?

The PSAT offers high school juniors a lot more than a simple SAT practice run – the test is also the qualifying exam for the highly prestigious National Merit Scholarship. Read on to learn how your child can qualify for this impressive award.

How many people win?

  • Each year, roughly 1.5 million students who take the PSAT qualify to enter competition for the National Merit Scholarship.
  • Of those, 50,000 are identified as “High Scorers”. The cut-off scores vary from year to year and from state to state, but a “High Scorer” usually scores at least 210 (out of a possible 240).
  • Among the High Scorers, 16,000 students will be identified as Semifinalists who go on to compete for the scholarships. The other 34,000 students are sent Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding performance. Even receiving a Commendation adds prestige to a college application, so this is an accomplishment to be proud of!
  • About 90% of the Semifinalists will be named as Finalists once they have met certain requirements.
  • Of the roughly 15,000 finalists, 8,300 students will be offered one of the three types of scholarships available. Continue reading →