Let's Talk about

College

A GUIDE TO SEARCHING, APPLYING& CHOOSING

FIRSTTALKCOLLEGE.WORDPRESS.COM

WWW .F IRSTTALKCOLLEGE .WORDPRESS .COM

Hi! My name is Jenna. I am currently a junior at Georgetown University in WashingtonD.C. studying American Studies. This semester I am abroad in Dublin, Ireland where I amusing some of my free-time to promote a cause I care about: college access.

In high school I never-ever expected to get into a College like Georgetown. Comingfrom a small town in Maine as a first generation college student, it just was notsomething that seemed in the realm of possibilities. Also, I had no idea where to evenbegin. Thanks to some wonderful mentors that took the time to sit down with me andexplain the process, reviewed my essays, and simply encouraged me to apply tocompetitive colleges: the people that told me I could get in, I'm here today! I amliving a life that three years ago I would have never imagined. I have traveled to threecontinents, had internship experiences from the U.S. Senate to my College dining hall,and have become a much happier, healthier, and active person. The world has become acooler place to live in now that I have had the opportunity to learn so much about it.

Granted I am VERY lucky and it has not always been easy. There have been low points,hurdles, and moments of doubt, but I have luckily had all of the support I've needed toovercome them.

I am writing and distributing this packet in hopes that I can make it a little easier forsomeone else to access the wonderful world that is college as I have. I am **notan expert**, but I've been there. If anything this is a resource that can connect you tothe experts, empower you, and make the process a little less daunting.

To follow up on this resource, I have also created a blog platform where I intend tocontinue to upload helpful materials, answer questions, and spread the word aboutcollege access. Please don't be afraid to reach out- I want to help!

A Bit About MeFor Context

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TABLEOF CONTENTS

Ready, Set, Go!

P4) College? Why?!

P5) Terms I Wish I'd Known Sooner

P7) Exploring Your Options

P8) Things to Consider

P9) Applying

P11) The Essay

P12) Financial Aid

P14) Contact Me 3

COLLEGE?!WHY

The Depar tment ofEducat ion says . . .

H T T P S : / / C O L L E G E S C O R E C A R D . E D . G O V /H T T P : / / W W W . H U F F I N G T O N P O S T . C O M / J A M I E - M E R I S O T I S / W A N T - T O - B E -

H A P P I E R - A N D - H E _ B _ 8 2 8 8 3 5 4 . H T M LH T T P S : / / C E W . G E O R G E T O W N . E D U / W P - C O N T E N T / U P L O A D S / P A R C H M E N T -

C R E D E N T I A L S - C O M P E T E N C I E S - I S S U E - B R I E F . P D F

On average college graduates earn over $1 MILLIONmore over their lifetimes than high school graduates.

Georgetown 's Center fo r Educat ion andthe Work Force says . . .

The only strategy more expensive than going tocollege is not going to college.

I say . . .

Go to college because it is the best investment you canmake in yourself and your future. Not only will adegree help you get a job, it will help you live a life youenjoy. It will open your mind to a million ideas andopportunities you'd never considered before and it willgive you the freedom to explore them further.

The Huf f ington Post says . . .

Going to College will make you Happier and Healthier.

4

The interview!

"First generation"Tips

terms I wish I'd known sooner

No one in my family has ever gone to college. Coming from small town

Maine, this never occurred to me as being unusual. When my

Georgetown interviewer seemed surprised to hear that my Dad was a

carpenter and my Mom an administrative assistant I was confused.

While some schools have larger populations of first­gens than others,

at schools like Georgetown it can be a big deal. I receive amazingfinancial aid and endless other forms of support from social,

professional, to emergency finance help, as a first generation student.

Beginning the application process I had NO IDEA that interviews were

a thing­ at the end they were my favorite part of all. Not only were myinterviews (I had 5) a good way for me to add an in­person component

to my application, but they were a fantastic way for me to get to know

the schools I was applying to. The interviewers were most often

alumni who were  just as excited about the prospect of me attending

their alma­mater as I was. It even helped me decide which schools to

cross off my list come decision time. Bear in mind not all schools offer

or require interviews, but if they do do not pass up the opportunity!

5

Financial Aid

 You could potentially attend a competitive private school for less money

than your local school or community college! Elite schools are often those

that can afford to be "100% needs met". Granted this requires beingaccepted, but if you are in a financial situation that qualify your for aid you

could go to a competitive school for less than it would cost you to go to

community college. 

Do not be afraid to apply to a school because of a price­tag. You willnot know how much the school is going to cost until you get in. 

Work experience can help you

"Holistic"Terms I wish I'd known sooner

Often there is an impression that colleges are only looking forone "type" of

person. This is not true! Colleges actually prefer to have a diverse group

of students. Despite, the pre­conceived notion that your resume must be

full, your grades must be perfect, and your test scores must be high,

colleges would rather get to know you and your flaws "holistically" than

see a picture­perfect version. 

Worried your list of extracurricular activities is too short because your part

time job took up most of your time after school? Or maybe you were

responsible of taking care of younger siblings, a parent, looking after a

neighbor? These experiences can compliment your application! Do not be

afraid to share or explain them­ the essay and the interview are both great

times to do this. That horrible summer you spent mowing lawns to afford

some of your own economic freedom could say a lot about who you are.

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Early Decision

Often schools will waive application fees if you qualify­ it's absolutely worth

looking into if you think you might! And some schools will even fly you out for a

visit if you are a good candidate­ don't be afriad to ask about these

opportunities either, 

If you have a dream school that you know you want to go to, sometimes you

can apply early! Certain schools have a process called "early decision" which

means if they accept you you must decide to go. This an often help your

chances at getting in because it shows the school you're serious about going

there. Some schools also have non­binding Early Action where you can find

out if you got in early without necessarily having to go there. Most Early

decision/action deadlines are Nov. 1st.

Other lesser known perks:

EXPLORINGYOUR

OPTIONS

H T T P S : / / C O L L E G E S C O R E C A R D . E D. G O V /

H T T P S : / / C O L L E G E S . N I C H E . C OM /

H T T P S : / / B I G F U T U R E . C O L L E G E B O AR D . O R G / C O L L E G E - S E A R C H

There are some AMAZING resources out

there to find and compare colleges that are

right for you. Each site has its own optionsto customize your search by location, cost,

difficulty, etc. along with student reviews.

Check them out:

The college scorecard is *especially* helpful in evaluating schools.

Here are some tips from a FORMER ADMISSIONS OFFICER atGeorgetown of things to look for: Universities whose net costs are lowerthan the national average but whose average incomes are higher and agood 6-year graduation rate are important factors to consider!

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T h i n g s t o

C o n s i d e r d u r i n g

y o u r s e a r c h :0 8

4) Location: Where do I want to be? Is the distance from

home doable?

3) Financing: Is this a school that gives out needs­basedor merit­based aid? Which are you more qualified for?

*See page 12.

5) Will I get in?: Is this school a reach, middle, or safety? Tryto narrow down a few of each.

6) Environment: Ranging from climate to size, is this aplace where I would be comfortable?

8) Support Systems: What resources does the school

provide for physical and mental health, academic help, and

career planning.

2) Academics: Does this school have the program I amlooking for? Is the organization of this program appealing

to me?

7) Opportunities: Does this school have opportunities totravel, see guest speakers, take internships, play sports, etc.

1) After College: Will a degree from this school help me

achieve my goals?

www. firsttalkcollege.wordpress.com 8

APPLYINGList Schools

Make a Timeline

Make a CheckList

01

02

03

04

05Apply!

Once you've narrowed downthe schools you'd like toapply to list them in order ofpreference.

What does each schoolrequire for its application?

Look at your schoolsdeadlines and map them

out.

See PAGE ? for more on thisone..

Check off the list andsubmit. (Before doing socheck to see if you qualifyfor fee waivers)

Write Your Essay

STEP

STEP

STEP

STEP

STEP

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You should start this process as early!

School Deadline Interview Essays Submit

Get Organized

WHO ARE YOUWHAT MAKESYOU UNIQUEBE CREATIVE

w w w . f i r s t t a l k c o l l e g e . w o r d p r e s s . c o m

THEESSAY While "the essay" can often seem like the most daunting

part of the college application process, it can also be your

biggest ally. Colleges want to get to know you: what makes

you different? How do you identify and where do your

identities place you in the greater world around you? Now is

the time to get creative, to connect the dots between the

other boxes you've check in the process, interests you've

listed, your resume, classes, etc. The essay is how for an

admission's officer gets to know you. Take a breath and

check out these tips AND examples before you get started:

http://college.usatoday.com/2014/10/23/9­essay­

writing­tips­to­wow­college­admissions­officers/

https://apply.jhu.edu/apply/essays­that­worked/2020/

https://www.apstudynotes.org/essays/ 

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MERIT BASED VS . NEED BASED

F INANC IAL A ID

M E R I T - B A S E D

Merit-based financial aid isfunding usually offered inthe form of scholarships orgrants and is given tostudents as a reward forexceptional merit.

Who gives it?: Merit-Based isgiven out by many schoolsfrom public to private. Merit-based is what the Universityof Maine gives to itsapplicants who graduated atthe top of their class, havegreat grades, and or did wellon standardized tests. Merit-based aid is also given bymany private colleges thatdon't necessarily have thefunds to be "needs met" butseek to obtain greatstudents.

Who gets it?: Students thatstand out of a merit-basedschool's applicants.

N E E D - B A S E D

Needs-based financial aid isfunding that is offered in theform of scholarships, grants, orloans based on a student'sability to afford college.

Who gives it?: Needs-basedfinancial aid is given by almostall schools (some in the form ofscholarship and some in theform of loans), but if a schoolhas committed to be "needs-met" they will give more.Financial need is indicated bythe FASFA (submission of taxesdone in January) and CSS Profile(another form of reportingincome required by someschools).

Who gets it?: Anyone acceptedinto a school with financial need will receive financial aid in theamount of need they state tomeet.

12REMEMBER you won't know how much a school is going to cost you

until you get accepted. Apply now, consider finances later.

O T H E R F O R M S O F

F I N A N C I A L A I D

In the big picture most of the scholarships you receive will

come from those larger scholarships that your school awards

you upon admittance: merit­based or needs­based depending

on the school. That said, these sources are not the only

available for helping to ensure that your degree is affordable. 

Pell Grant: The Pell Grant is basically free money issued by thegovernment to help students with financial need pay for college. The

amount you recieve will be based on the cost of your attendance, whether

you are a part or full­time student, and your financial need.  

Work Study: If you are a student with financial need you may qualify forwork study. Different schools allocate work study differently, but at my

school (for example) my work study has separate from my financial aid­ I

can get a job on campus, as a tutor in the city, among other opportunities,

and the money I am paid goes to me­ not my school­ to help me pay for

daily expenses. 

Local Scholarships:  While local scholarships likely won't be the difference

between you being able to afford a specific school or not they certainly help!

These scholarships are often relatively easy to apply for and they usually

come from busieness in your community that get to claim their donation on

their taxes and help you at the same time! 

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This Spring I will add more detailed information on financial aid andscholarships on my blog! 

Contact Me:

w w w . f i r s t t a l k c o l l e g e . w o r d p r e s s . c o m

j c 2 4 3 6@geo rg e town . e du

If you have anyquestions, need help, or a

review!