Frequently Asked Questions – College Search and Application Process

The New England Association for College Admissions Counseling has a nice list of Videos that answer the key questions in the College Search and Application process you can use (and share with parents). Here is the complete list with links:

FAQ Videos

• Question 1:
  • How should I pick classes in high school? What do colleges look for? 
  • ¿Cómo debo elegir mis clases en escuela secundaria? ¿Tipicamente, que cualidades buscan las universidades en un estudiante?

• Question 2: Is it better to get an A in a “regular” class or a B in an “honors” class?
  
• Question 3: What if I can’t participate in many extracurricular activities?
  
• Question 4: What if I am not college material? My parents did not go to college, and I am worried I will not be able to handle it.
  
• Question 5: What is the difference between an Associate’s Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree?
  
• Question 6: How do I prevent virtual burnout?
  
• Question 7: How should I prepare for a college tour?
  
• Question 8: What resources can help me get started in my search?
  
• Question 9: How do I know what type of college I will like?
  
• Question 10: How is CONTEXT one of the most essential parts of college admissions today?
  
• Question 11:
  • What factors should I consider when choosing a college?
  • ¿Que factores debo tener en cuenta al elegir una universidad?
• Question 12:
  • What are some guidelines for a personal statement?
  • ¿Cuáles son algunas pautas para un ensayo personal?
• Question 13: Does test optional really mean optional?
  
• Question 14: Why does the essay matter?
  
• Question 15: What is the difference between Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED)?
  
• Question 16:
  • Is it possible for me to fill out the FAFSA on my own?
  • ¿Puedo llenar la FAFSA por mi cuenta?

• Question 17: What is the difference between need-based aid and merit-based aid?
  
• Question 18: 
  • What is the need-based aid financial aid application process?
  • ¿Cuál es el proceso de solicitud la ayuda financiera basada en la necesidad economica?
• Question 19: Will private/outside scholarships impact my financial aid award?
  
• Question 20: How do I compare financial aid packages?
  
• Question 21: Will applying for financial aid hurt my chances of being accepted?
  
• Question 22: Is there a way to predict how much financial aid a college will provide me?
  
• Question 23: 
  • How can I prepare for the transition to college?
  • ¿Cómo puedo prepararme para la transición a la universidad?
• Question 24: What can I expect during my first semester in college?
  
• Question 25: What do test scores such as SAT and ACT demonstrate?