Navigating the College SearchJordan Bryant

Director of Undergraduate Admissions Trinity International University

Outline• Standardized Testing• The Application Process• Maximizing the Campus Visit• Financial Aid

The SAT• SAT: Made up of three sections- Math- Critical Reading- Writing• Each section worth 800 points• “Wrong Answer Penalty”

The ACT•Made up of Four Sections– Math– Critical Reading– Natural Science– English•Writing (Optional Section)• Composite score ranges from 1-36•No “wrong answer penalty”

Application Process• Know the Terminology:– Early Admission– Early Action• Binding Decision

– Rolling Admission

• Know Deadlines– Fee Waiver– Application Deadline

• Know Timeline for Decision

College Search Timeline• Junior Year:

– Take ACT and SAT– Visit at least two schools – Identify “wants” and “needs”– Browse websites – Begin Searching for Outside Scholarships

Senior Year Overview • September - November: Apply for admission

• January: Complete and submit FAFSA

• March - April: – Receive notification of financial aid from

college/universities – Make Final Campus Visit(s)

• May 1st: Deposit to School of Choice

Application Process• Know the Terminology:– Early Admission– Early Action• Binding Decision

– Rolling Admission

• Know Deadlines– Fee Waiver– Application Deadline

• Know Timeline for Decision

Admissions Committees Want:• Well-rounded Students– Quality Academics– Extracurricular Activities

• A Strong Writing Sample– ACT/SAT Writing Sample– Essay

Trinity Hall, the newest residence hall on TIU’s Deerfield Campus

Admissions:· Schedule visit in advance

· Be as specific as possible· Meet with Admissions

Counselor· Take a campus tour· Observe, observe,

observe

Financial Aid:· Identify financial aid

opportunities and requirements

Maximizing theCampus Visit

Academics:• Investigate your academic

program(s)

•Attend a class•Meet with a faculty

member•Discuss your chances for

success:• Admission• Graduation• Placement

Checklist Continued

Photo of the Waybright Center at TIU

• Know if your visit is personalized or “mass produced”

• Visit During the School Year

• Come prepared with questions that matter to you

Other Visit Reminders

Photo of the Waybright Center at TIU

Financial Aid

Steps needed to receive financial aid • Student is accepted for Admission• Student completes FAFSA and other aid

applications• Student’s aid package determined

Never eliminate a school based on “sticker price”

FAFSA: How it all begins!• Tips to Remember:– File after January 1, 2015 using estimates – It is FREE!!! Don’t Pay for a FAFSA

• EFC - Expected Family Contribution– This number does not necessarily mean how much you

will pay for college.

• The FAFSA is the starting point for almost all financial aid.

Government Aid• Grants (“Free Money”)– Federal– State

• Loans (“Need to pay it back”)– Stafford – Perkins – PLUS

School Contribution• Types of Aid– Academic Scholarships – Ability Based (Athletic and Music) – Entitlements (based on parents, state, church,

siblings)– Need-based

Family Contribution• Four Primary Sources– Outside scholarships • Inquire with your high-school guidance counselor,

church, service clubs, parents work etc.• NEVER pay for a scholarship search!!!

– Savings– Monthly payment plan– Loans

Scholarship Search Engines

• Fastweb.com

• CollegeBoard.com

• CollegeNet.com

• Scholarships.com

• ScholarshipMonkey.com

In Conclusion• Paying for a college education is an “investment”

• Involve as many people as possible• Identify your top “wants” and “needs”

• Questions, questions, and more questions

• Know that where the Lord leads, He always provides!

Questions?• Reminders:– If you would like your son or daughter to receive

communication from Trinity, please fill out the “Request Information” link on tiu.edu/be

– My contact information:• Jordan Bryant, Director of Undergraduate

Admissions• Phone: 847.317.7000• E-mail: jbryant@tiu.edu

Trinity College Distinctive Programs• 3 Year Degree Option

• 5 Year Pre-seminary Mdiv

• Dual Degrees

• Emerging Kingdom Leaders Program