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The Road to College and Beyond

By: College Access Mentoring Initiative in Collaboration with First Generation Council

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Table of Contents

Authors’ Note and Acknowledgments ......................................................... .............3

Chapter 1: Why Go to College? ................................................................................. 4

Chapter 2: What Am I Doing? The 9th and 10

th Grade Years .................................... 9

Chapter 3: Getting a Little Bit Closer- 11th Grade ..................................................15

Chapter 4: Applying to Colleges and Financial Aid - 12th

Grade, part 1 ................21

Chapter 5: Acceptance Letters and Choosing a College - 12th

Grade, part 2 …… 26

Chapter 6: Need a Break from School? Consider a Bridge Year! ...........................28

About the Authors.................................................................................................. 30

*This booklet was adapted from the CAMI Guide, made in 2011.

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Authors’ Note

We, the authors, have been in your shoes. Not many of us were privileged enough to have the

resources that make finding the way to college easy. We understand the struggle and we have

seen many talented and smart people unable to attend college because they had no guidance to

help them along. And so we compiled these chapters of helpful tips that we wished we had when

we were in high school.

While we understand that college is not for everyone, we sincerely hope that you will give

yourself the chance and explore the opportunities that higher education will afford you. Everyone

has interests, dreams, and aspirations in life. We hope this information helps you start a journey

to achieve those goals.

We wish you the best of luck and hope you find what you’re looking for!

Sincerely,

The College Access Mentoring Initiative and First Generation Council

Tufts University

August 2015

Acknowledgements

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to a wide variety of organizations and

individuals for their generous support. Without their help, this book would not be a success.

Thank you to our sponsors, the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service

at Tufts University and Massachusetts Campus Compact.

Thank you to the Office of Admissions at Tufts University for their ongoing support on

college access.

Thank you to the following individuals who wrote and edited this booklet: Katelyn Montalvo

(A’15), Kathy Nguyen (A’18), Michelle Ly (BS Chemical Engineering at WPI and MS in

Environmental Engineering at UMass Amherst), Alberto Medina (Communications

Specialist.

Thank you to the students who are part of First Generation Council and College Access

Mentoring Initiative for their leadership and commitment to college access.

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Chapter 1: Why Go to College?

Find Your Passion

Discovering Your Interests: Listen to Yourself

What do you like to do? It's a tough question to answer, but

spend some time considering it. Day to day, notice the

things you do that interest you the most. You can also list

the things you don’t like. That can help guide you to things

you might like.

It can be as simple as “I like to do math” or “I enjoy

drawing.” You might think “I feel comfortable in the

chemistry lab” or “I enjoy helping others do X, Y, Z.” Start

simple and do some research on your own of where that

interest can lead you. Hint: You’re not limited to just one.

Going to Work: Create a Career

Some people simply have "jobs," while others have "careers."

What's the difference? A job will help you pay your bills day to day;

the type of work you can’t wait to get over with by the end of the day.

With a career, work is based on your interests. It’s a path you

have chosen, and a path you enjoy being on. College can help you turn

your passions and interests into a career you love. Think of it this way:

what kind of work can you do that you can be happy with for the rest of

your life?

Fast Fact: Choosing a college major does not limit you to one type of career.

What's a Major?: Decide What to Study

A college major provides a framework for your studies and the classes

you'll need to take. Some majors, like engineering, prepare students for

specific careers. Other majors, like liberal arts, are more flexible and can

lead to many different career paths.

Not sure what to major in? Don't worry! Many schools don't require you to

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declare (choose) a major right away and you can always change your major later on. Taking

different classes while in your first years of college will help you explore your interests and

decide what to focus on.

Fast Fact: Most college students change their majors at least once.

Be Open to Opportunity: Stay Curious

Over and over again, students say that college led them to career paths they never imagined for

themselves, or weren't even aware of. So even if you know what courses you want to study, even

if you already have a possible career in mind, be open to new opportunities.

One of the most valuable things you can gain from college is getting to know different people

with different interests that may inspire you to seek out new possibilities.

Boost Your Earnings

Studies prove it: continue your education after high school and you're likely to make more

money than people who stop at high school. The graph below shows earnings and

unemployment rates by degree.

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Skills for Today’s Jobs: Have More Options

Today, more jobs than ever before require specialized training, or a

two- or four-year college degree. More education means more

choices, and that means more opportunities for you.

Fast Fact: Of the 20 fastest-growing occupations, more than half

require an Associate’s degree or higher.

Job Security: Keep Working

Your high school diploma is useful, but a college degree increases your chance of employment

by nearly 50%. A two-year degree or even some college can also have a positive impact on your

ability to find and keep a job.

Fast Fact: The higher your education level, the higher your chances of finding and keeping a

job.

More Benefits: Get the Important Extras

There's more to a job than a paycheck. Jobs for college graduates typically offer more and better

benefits than jobs requiring just a high school diploma. These can include: health insurance,

retirement plans (401K), paid sick days, bonuses, etc.

Meet New People

When you go to college, you meet a lot of new people. Sometimes,

you get to meet people from all over the world. The people you meet

in college will be longtime friends, colleagues, mentors, and also

connections in your future career. You will gain a better

understanding of how big the world is and of your place in it, both

personally and professionally.

Who Will I Meet in College?

You will meet hundreds of people at college; classmates, teachers, and

mentors who will play an important role in your life. Here are just a few:

Professors: Professors teach the courses you take. Often, they have weekly office

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hours when you can meet with them and get help if you’re struggling with class or if you just

want to speak to them about the subject. Some professors do research in a wide variety of fields

and may offer research opportunities to students. Others act as academic advisors who help you

pick your courses and make sure that you fulfill the requirements for your major.

Resident Advisors/Assistants (RA): If a college offers on-campus housing, one or more RAs will

be present on each dorm. They are responsible for helping you with deal with the ins and outs of

living on campus, can help you handle any problems in your dorm, and organize fun activities to

bring everyone together.

Tutors: Free tutoring is available on a lot of campuses. These tutors tend to be former students

who took the course with the same professor and did well. They can also offer tips on how to

succeed.

Guest Speakers: Every college campus will have occasional speakers who

give presentations to students about their career paths, about important

issues, or about their companies and professional field. You will hear from

experienced professionals who can help prepare and inspire you, and give

advice for finding success in the career path that is right for you.

Other Students: Your most meaningful relationships will likely be with

other students: the roommates, classmates, and friends with whom you’ll

share in the adventure of college life. You can form study groups together

to help each other with tough classes or assignments; join clubs to meet

new people and explore shared interests; volunteer together for causes you’re passionate about;

and spend time together socially to fully enjoy the college experience!

Along with your connections with people you meet, you can also take advantage of many other

resources, opportunities, and organizations on campus:

Campus Career Center: The staff at a university’s career center will hold career fairs where

employers come recruit students; organize presentations and workshops on important skills like

how to write a resume; and use their connections to companies and other universities to help you

find valuable opportunities. These events will help strengthen your

credentials and also help you gain experience outside academics

through such as internships, co-ops, and jobs for recent graduates.

Cultural Centers: Many universities have cultural houses/centers

that offer support for students of color through mentorship and one-

on-one advising. They also offer social activities that can expose

students to diversity and help them meet new people with common

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interests.

Extracurricular activities: Most colleges and universities offer

dozens, or even hundreds, of groups and clubs you can participate

in. These activities aren’t just fun, they can help with your

academics and help you build skills that will help in a future career.

There is a wide range of groups you can join. There can be

academic clubs for every subject, robot-building clubs, creative

writing clubs, community service groups, etc. And if there isn’t a

club you enjoy, chances are you can start one on campus.

Organizing a new group can help boost your resume and be a great

leadership experience.

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Chapter 2: What Am I Doing? The 9th

and 10th

Grade Years

Explore your Interests and Sharpen Your Skills

Academics: What Should I Take in High School and Why?

In ninth and tenth grade you can explore a wide variety of

interests. Most high schools require you to take the following

by the time you graduate (check with your specific high school

for requirements):

Math (Recommended: 4 years)

Science (Recommended: 3 years)

Social Studies (Recommended: 3 years)

Language Arts/English (Recommended: 4 years)

Foreign Language (Recommended: 3 years of the same language)

By taking a wide variety of courses, you learn valuable skills that you can apply to real life

situations:

Math

Everyone uses numbers to solve problems. Math teaches you to think logically and abstractly.

Two years of algebra and one year of geometry are recommended for all high school students,

but it's always good to take even more than that. Besides using it in college, you’ll need math to

solve problems and make decisions in your everyday life, such as understanding your finances.

Science

Learning how things work and studying the world

around you will help you understand how scientific

discoveries affect you, your community, and the

world. Biology (the study of living systems),

chemistry (the study of what makes up this world

through atoms) and physics (the study of how things

move/how energy is transferred) are good subjects to

prepare you for college.

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Social Studies

Classes in geography, civics, history, and economics will help you understand what is happening

in the world and how you fit in it. You’ll learn how the government works, how the events of the

past have shaped the present, and about the complicated social forces that shape the lives we

lead. These classes also prepare you for college-level courses.

Language Arts

Reading and writing well are key to success in any field. Understanding

literature, from novels to essays, lets you learn from and enjoy the stories

and ideas that others have shared in writing throughout the centuries.

Speaking and writing well helps you share your own ideas and be an

effective communicator—a key part of any job. You should prepare by

taking as many classes in reading, writing, and oratory as you can fit into

your schedule.

Foreign Language

Studying different languages is a great way to understand how other people live and think. You'll

not only learn more about another culture, but your own as well. This will help you work with

people from all over the world. Take at least three years of the same language so that you read,

speak, and write it well enough to use it in many situations. You can keep taking language

classes in college, as well, and many universities require you to take a foreign language.

This is a great time to explore things you like and understand what you don’t like. If you liked a

particular class in the ninth grade, you might want to take an honors class (or AP/IB) the next

year. You can talk to your teachers about taking harder courses. You can be more competitive for

college applications if you take more AP/IB and honors courses, and you could take elective

courses that can match your interests too. For example, if you

like art, take a few art classes (AP/IB art courses are possible

too, check with your teachers/schools). If you like science, and

if your school offers it, take science electives.

Outside Academics: Extra-Curricular Activities and

Internships

Extracurriculars

Getting involved in extracurricular activities at your school is a

great way to pursue your interests and discover new passions. You’ll meet new people and learn

valuable skills like teamwork and leadership that you can put in your brag sheet/resume.

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Fast Fact: Studies show that, by getting involved in these activities, you will actually do better

in school.

Don’t know what you like? Don’t worry! Usually around September, groups hold informational

meetings to talk about the club. Go to those and see if any fits your interests; otherwise, you can

start your own! It is important that you stay committed to the clubs you are in throughout high

school. It is highly recommended to go to as many meetings as you can and help out with

events. Colleges like commitment from students who are willing to put in the time and effort for

the club/organization.

Internships

Internships are jobs offered by companies and nonprofit

organization to introduce you to the work they do and teach you

valuable skills. These internships can last from a few months to

a year, and can potentially lead to jobs in the future. Internships

are very competitive. They can help you learn more about a

certain topic area or field, and can give you an inside look at

potential jobs you would like to pursue. Some internships are

paid, while others are not; the information about the job will tell

you if it is. If you choose to do an internship outside your

neighborhood, check to see if the compensation package offers

housing and food allowance/stipend.

Internships have specific requirements and usually ask for the following from high school

students: an application, an essay, at least one letter of recommendation, and transcripts.

Internships tend to be posted in October-November and the deadlines are usually at the

beginning of February. Here are some places to look for internships:

https://www.internmatch.com/

http://www.internships.com/

http://www.cityofboston.gov/internships/

Local Hospitals and Universities

Google the following: subject you like, high school internships and name of the

hospital/university.

For example: high school medical internships at Massachusetts General Hospital

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Get To Know Your Teachers

It is important to spend time with your teachers; they will

write your recommendation letters for college. They can

also help you find interests and solve problems, as well

as provide valuable advice. It can be hard to picture

teachers with a life outside school, but they were once in

college and have most likely worked internships/part

time jobs and can share lessons learned from their own

experiences.

Skills to be a Successful Student

There are certain skills that every student needs to be successful. These are important to learn

early on; you will use them a lot in college, but also throughout the rest of your life.

Time Management

There are just 24 hours in each day. What you do with

that time makes all the difference. While high-school

students average 35 hours per week of class time,

college students log an average of 15 to 18 hours per

week.

Getting your "free" time under control now will help

prepare you for managing those extra 20 hours a week

come first-year of college when you'll need to study

hard, you’ll want to socialize more than ever, and in

many cases, be involved in clubs or sports and work an on-campus job.

If you don't already, start using a daily planner. This could be a datebook you keep in your bag,

an online version you maintain at home, or both. It's easy to over-schedule or "double-book" if

you aren't careful. Manage your time wisely and you'll get the maximum

out of each day! You should always make room to see your teachers if you

need help with material or assignments.

Good Study Habits

If you've got them, great! If not, there's still time to develop them. Good,

basic study habits include:

Always be prepared for class, and attend classes regularly. No

cutting!

Complete assignments thoroughly and in a timely manner.

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Review your notes daily rather than cram for tests the night before.

Set aside quiet time each day to study—even if you don't have homework or a test the

next day. This will help you remember the material better.

While these basic study habits are important and useful to keep in mind, not every student learns

best in the same way. If you need help finding a way to study that is most helpful to you, ask for

help from a teacher or a guidance counselor. Don’t be shy!

The Ability to Set Attainable Goals

It's important to set goals, as long as they're attainable. Setting goals that are unreasonably high

just sets you up for frustration and disappointment. For example: study hard and aim for that

100%, but expect to get 90%. Account for the little things that can possibly go wrong, and

sometimes will. That does not mean giving up on studying your best, but recognizing that no one

gets a perfect score the first time.

Concentration

Listen to your teachers and stay focused. Be sure that you

understand the lesson. If you don't understand something, ask

questions! You've heard it before, but it is absolutely true

that “the only dumb question is the one you don't ask.” If

you've been paying attention, it definitely won't be a dumb

question. Besides, there’s always a chance the other students

in the class have the same questions and they’re just equally

as shy about asking. So ask away!

Good Note-Taking

Most people talk at a rate of about 225 words per minute,

and you can’t possibly write down everything the teacher

says. So you need to write down the important material.

Focus on key concepts and ideas, crucial facts and figures,

and other information that is central to the day’s lesson,

whether it’s discussing a poem or learning a scientific

formula.

You should take notes in whichever form is most helpful to

you. If you're more of a visual person, try writing notes on

different colored index cards. If you really have a problem

with note-taking, you might ask your teacher if you can tape-record daily lessons. Do whatever it

takes!

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Completion of Assignments

Teachers assign homework for a reason. While it may

seem like "busywork" at times, it definitely has a

purpose. While it is true that homework assignments

typically account for at most 30% of your grade in the

class, they help you prepare for the material that will be

on the exams, which can make up the remaining

percentage of your grade. Put your homework to good use by doing your best, and by reviewing

past assignments to see what you got wrong, what material you know best, and where you need a

little more work. Remember, you'll only get out of it what you put into it!

Review of Daily Notes

Don't wait until the night before the test to review your notes. Go over your notes each day while

the lecture is still fresh in your mind. Add any missing pieces. Music can be a good memory aid,

as long as you don't find it distracting. Re-writing your notes is another strategy to help you

remember them. You can also partner with a classmate and compare notes. This isn't cheating

and it can be mutually beneficial, just remember to stay focused on studying—there will be time

for chatting after you’re done with work!

Review your notes each day to reinforce your learning and build toward your ultimate goal:

mastery of the subject or skill.

Organizational Skills

Keeping yourself organized will save you

valuable time and allow you to do everything

you need to do. Remember: “There’s a time

and place for everything!” Keep all your study

materials (calculator, planner, books,

notebooks, laptop, etc.) in one convenient

location.

Motivation and Commitment

You need to be motivated to learn and work hard, whether or not you like a specific subject or

teacher. Self-motivation can be extremely important when you aren't particularly excited about a

class. If you must, view it as an obstacle you have to overcome. Then, set your mind to it and do

it—no excuses. Finish what you start and do the best you can; your commitment will pay off in

the end.

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Chapter 3: Getting a Little Bit Closer - 11th

Grade

Junior Year: Time to Prepare and Look at Colleges!

Taking Honors and AP/IB courses

Around this time, AP/IB courses will be offered in your school. These courses mimic first-year

courses in college, and doing well in them can help you take upper-level courses more quickly in

college. Taking a lot of AP/IB courses and honors courses can be time consuming, especially

since they require more time for studying and homework. Talk to your teachers before

registering for courses.

PSAT/SAT/SAT Subject Tests/ACT

These are all national exams accepted by colleges. It is recommended that you take the PSAT in

early October/November, and take the SAT/ACT late junior year and/or early senior year. Here

are the differences amongst the three:

PSAT: This stands for Preliminary-SAT. The test is similar to the actual SAT, but much shorter.

There are three sections: reading, writing, and mathematics. Taking this exam early junior year,

can help you determine areas of the SAT you need more help with. In addition, doing well on

this test can help you receive scholarships. You don’t need to study specific material for this

exam; it is a test of your math and language skills.

There is a fee for taking the exam, but fee-waivers are issued based on family income. If you

need a fee-waiver, please see your guidance counselor..

Note: You may also take this exam in 10th

grade.

SAT: One of two standardized exams that colleges accept. The

SAT has the same sections as the PSAT: reading, writing, and

mathematics. This exam takes about 3-4 hours, with breaks in

between sessions. You don’t have to answer every question—in

fact, every wrong question you answer is 0.25 points. If you take

the SAT more than once, they will take the highest score you

achieved on each section. Almost all students take the SAT at

least twice, so think ahead about when you can take the exam(s)

in time to submit the best score for your college applications. For example, if the college

application deadline was in November, don’t wait until January of your senior year to take the

SAT for a second time!

Ask a guidance counselor to see if prep courses/fee waivers are available. In addition, here are

some resources to help you prepare:

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https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/

https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat

Kaplan

Buy/Rent SAT prep books online, borrow from the library, etc.

ACT: The other standardized exam that colleges accept.

The ACT has the following sections: reading,

mathematics, and science. Writing is optional, but it is

highly recommended/required by colleges. This exam

also takes about 3-4 hours. You can answer every

question; there is no penalty for wrong answers. This is

a less common exam, so there might not be as many

prep courses, but questions are similar to those on the SAT. If you take the ACT more than once,

they will take the highest score on each section. Ask your guidance counselor for a fee waiver. In

addition, here are some resources:

http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/

Buy/Rent ACT prep books online, borrow from the library, etc.

SAT Subject Tests: These are exams that test your knowledge of a particular subject. These

range from U.S. History, to Chemistry, to World Literature. Some colleges may require SAT

Subject Tests, especially if you want to study a specific field. For example, engineering

departments might want you to take the math and a science (biology, chemistry, or physics)

subject tests. You can pick and choose, and these exams tend to be at most couple of hours long.

What if it isn’t required for my college? It is still a good idea to take at least one subject test.

This can help with your admission to a school, especially if you do well.

The College Search: Organization and Things to Look For

It is important to be organized throughout this whole process so that it will not overwhelm you.

Sample Timeline

Early in the academic year:

Take the PSAT

Start looking at colleges

Do well in your courses

Study for the SAT/ACT/SAT Subject tests if you plan on taking them at the end of the

year

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Later in the academic year:

Take the SAT/ACT/SAT Subject tests

Ask teachers for letters of recommendation (see recommendations section on Page 22)

Continue to look at colleges

o Note: If you decide that you would like a break between high school and college,

it is highly recommended that you still apply to college and then defer (see page

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Do well in your courses

Choosing a College

There are lots of different colleges out there that offer a wide

variety of degrees. Schools fall into these basic types:

Public schools: Public universities are operated by state and

local governments. Tuition is often less at a public school if

you apply to a state school in the state that you reside.

Private schools: These colleges are not affiliated with a

government organization. They may be non-profit, such as

colleges run by private foundations or religious denominations.

Or they may be for-profit businesses, such as many career,

trade, or technical schools.

Four-year colleges and universities: These can offer Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate

degrees, and sometimes include professional schools, like law school or medical school.

Universities tend to offer higher level degrees, such as doctorates.

Two-year community colleges: These offer two-year associate degrees and sometimes

certifications in particular career fields, like nursing. Because their costs are often lower and

admission is more open, many students start their college careers here. Some community

colleges offer programs that later allow you to transfer and continue your education at a four-

year school.

Career, technical, vocational or trade schools: These prepare students for specific careers, such

as welding, cosmetology, medical imaging, or electronics assembly. Their programs may be two

years or less. Many of these schools are for-profit businesses. Research these schools carefully to

make sure they can deliver what they promise.

Below is a table showing various degrees:

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Programs and Degrees by Type of School and

Time to Graduate

Program or degree: Schools where

offered: Typical time to graduate:

Technical, trade or

vocational courses

Career,

technical,

vocational, or

trade schools;

community and

junior colleges

1-2 years of study

Associate Degree

Community

and junior

colleges

2 years of study

Bachelor's Degree

Four-year

colleges and

universities

4 years of study

Master's Degree

Four-year

colleges and

universities

Bachelor's degree + 1-2 years of additional study

Doctorate Degree

Four-year

colleges and

universities

Bachelor's degree + Master's degree + 2-3 years

of additional study (some schools offer PhD

programs straight from Bachelors)

Professional Degree

(Medical, Law,

Veterinary)

Medical, law

and Veterinary

Schools

Bachelor’s Degree + 2-10 years of study

depending of specialty

In the state of Massachusetts, there are 114 colleges to choose from—about 35 within the Boston

area! That means you can visit different types of colleges in your own backyard, which can help

you decide what you want and don’t want in a college.

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Things to Consider When Choosing a College

Cost: What will your total annual costs be, including tuition and

fees, room and board, books, travel, and other expenses? Does

the school participate in the federal student financial aid

programs? Will the school offer a financial aid package or

scholarship? Will you be able to get a loan?

Location: This is a biggie. Do you move away or not? If you

decide you might go to a school away from home, factor in the

cost of traveling to and from school for holidays and semester

breaks. Also consider weather, type of location (rural, city, etc.),

and consider location-based tuition; for example: out-of-state tuition for public schools. If you

reside in Massachusetts and decide to go to a state school in California, you will pay more in

tuition because you are not a California state resident.

On-campus or off: If you go to a school nearby, do you want to live at home, in an on-campus

dorm/residence hall or in private, off-campus housing? If you attend a school away from home,

do you want to live in an on-campus dorm or in private housing? These decisions may require

you to balance cost with other factors, such as your independence and lifestyle.

Size: Do you want a small, close-knit setting where everyone knows each other? A school that's

big enough that it feels like its own city and there’s someone new to meet every day? Or

something in between?

Majors and concentrations offered: If you have

an idea of what you want to study, does the

school offer that major? Does their program

have a good reputation? Does this school have

the specialty you want? If you aren't sure what

you want to study, does the school give you

plenty of options if you want to change your

major?

Flexibility: If you need to work full-time while you go to school, does the school have night

courses or other options to accommodate you? Will they let you attend part-time? Do they offer

summer courses?

Admission requirements: What academic standards (grade point average, required courses, etc.)

do you have to meet in high school to get in? Which tests will you have to take? What extra

classes do you need?

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Campus life: Does the school offer activities and social opportunities you like? Is the campus in

a city/rural/suburban setting that you like?

Diversity: Will you feel comfortable with the makeup of the student body? Are there lots of

different people from different places? Is there a lack of diversity in the school?

Career services: Does the school have programs with a good track record for helping graduates

find good jobs?

The following websites, www.collegeboard.com and http://collegecost.ed.gov/, have search

engines that allows you to pick things you like/need in a college and displays results based on

your chosen criteria. This can help narrow your choices. Once you choose a few, try visiting the

college.

Once you decide on the colleges, sort them into three categories: safety schools, probable

schools, and reach schools. Ideally, it is good to have about two in each category:

Safety Schools: These are schools where you are most likely to get accepted based on your

academic qualifications.

Probable Schools: These are schools where you meet the basic admissions requirements, but are

slightly more competitive and harder to get into than your safety schools.

Reach Schools: These are more competitive schools where, based on your qualifications,

admission may be more difficult.

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Chapter 4: Applying to Colleges and Financial Aid - 12th

Grade

Part 1

Applying to Colleges: The Common Application

Deadlines

There are different times when colleges accept applications.

Most colleges accept regular decision applications until January

1st. Early actions or decisions have a much earlier deadline (mid-

November). Here are what the different application deadlines and

processes mean:

Early Decision: A legally-binding contract indicating that, if you

are accepted, you must attend that college (considering if

financial aid is adequate enough). You are not allowed to apply to other colleges if you are

accepted. This pool of applicants tends to be the most competitive.

Early Decision II: The second deadline to apply for early decision. Not all colleges participate,

so check with the specific college you are applying to. You will still get a decision earlier than

April 1st, often in February.

Early Action: Similar to early decision, you will be notified earlier whether you’ve been

accepted to the college of your choice. If accepted through early action, you are not required to

attend that college and can apply to other schools.

Regular Decision: The regular deadline for the school, which is usually January 1st. All regular

decisions will be made by April 1st.

If you would like more information about Early Decision or Action, you can read more here:

https://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/applications/early

The Application

The Common Application, also known as the Common

App, is the college application used by a wide majority of

colleges and universities

(https://www.commonapp.org/Login). There are several

parts to the common application, in which you’ll have to

provide the following:

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Your Basic Information

Your Family’s Basic Information

Clubs You Were Involved With

Test Scores

Writing Prompt

Supplements

Letters of Recommendation

Writing Prompt

You will be able to choose from several essay questions. Pick one that fits you best! This is a

time to express your creativity and share any personal experiences. The essay is important

because it gives colleges an idea of who you are. When writing your essays, you should ask

current or previous English teachers to review them. They can provide insight and correct any

grammar mistakes.

Supplements

Supplements are additional sections colleges add to the application in order to get to know you

better. These may include additional essays, questions, or space to express yourself in other

ways, like through artistic work.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendations are really important because recommenders attest to your academic

ability and to your character. You should ask for

recommendations from teachers or mentors who:

Know you well (personally as well as academically)

Know how you have grown over time; The longer

the better.

Have challenged you to become a better person

You did especially well in their class

You improved your work a lot in their class

It is recommended that you ask teachers who taught courses

during your junior year. Each teacher has their own deadline as to when they would like students

to ask them for letters of recommendations, and some teachers have a limit of how many letters

they are willing to write, so act fast! m Also, it is a good idea to give them a copy of your resume

with all of the things you have done during your high school years Note: Your school might

have something similar to a resume you are required to give to teachers.

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In addition, depending on your area of interest, you may want to ask those who taught you

relevant courses. For example, if you want to do engineering, you should ask one of your

math/science teachers to write your letter of recommendation. You will have three letters of

recommendations in total: two from teachers and one from your guidance counselor.

Most importantly, if your teacher has agreed to write you a letter of recommendation, please

write a thank you note on a card!

Interview (Optional unless otherwise stated)

Some schools allow students to have interviews with either current students or alumni (people

who have graduated from that school). This can add value to your application and it is an

opportunity for you to learn more about the school.

Financial Aid: Getting Help Paying for School

Each college’s total cost of attendance varies. When you look, there is usually a list or table

detailing what each of the expenses are. You can find the total cost from the financial aid site of

the college’s website.

Tuition: The amount of money the college charges for attending

classes

Fees: Additional expenses needed (such as funds for student

government)

Room: The cost of your dorm, which may vary depending on the

type of housing and number of roommates

Board: Food/meal plan (also depends on which one you choose)

Books + Supplies: Amount of money expected to pay for books and other school supplies

Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses: Amount of money expected to pay for travel and other

personal things

Applying for financial aid is critically important, because colleges use these forms to determine

the amount of aid a student is able to receive. Sometimes aid can cover the full total cost of

college. There are two different types of aid colleges can offer: need-based and merit-based. This

aid can come in the form of loans, scholarships, or grants.

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Need-Based Aid: This is aid based on you and your

family’s income. The less you can contribute financially

to the cost of school, the more aid you receive.

Grants: Money given by the school or federal

government. This money does not have to be paid back.

Loans: Similar to grants, except that this money is

expected to be paid back. Like all loans, certain

conditions and interest apply.

Work-Study: Students work for the university (for about 6 hours a week) during the academic

year until you make the maximum amount you were awarded. For example, if you were awarded

$1,600 in work-study for the full academic year, you would typically work enough to earn $800

a semester. You may use this money to buy books, supplies, etc.

Merit-based Aid: This aid is based on grades, GPA, and extracurricular activities. Think of it as

a “reward” for being an excellent student, and a way for colleges to attract you to their

institution.

Scholarships: A small amount of money given to students, usually contingent on your GPA in

college. For example, to continue receiving a certain scholarship, you might have to maintain a

3.0 GPA. There are many different scholarships available for meeting different criteria.

What Forms are Needed?

There are two types of forms. All colleges and universities require you to submit the Free

Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some colleges might require Collegiate

Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. All colleges will state the deadlines for these forms. If you

submit forms after the deadline, you might not receive any or as much financial aid.

What if You Need Help?

If you need help filling out the FAFSA or are unfamiliar with the process, you should attend

FAFSA Days. These events, dedicated to helping students and their families fill out the FAFSA,

are held across the state of Massachusetts. They are free and open to the public, but registration

is required. To find more information and location of services, please see the following site:

http://fafsaday.org/index.php.

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Waiting for those Letters—Avoid Senioritis!

Unless you applied for early decision/action, you will receive acceptance letters (via e-mail or in

the mail) by April 1st. Until then, continue to do well in school! Colleges still require you to

submit final transcripts, and if there is a significant drop in grades, they may rescind your

acceptance.

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Chapter 5: Acceptance Letters and Choosing a College -

12th

Grade Part 2

The Letters Are In!

By April 1st, colleges will send you an e-mail or mail stating that a decision has been made or

will mail you their decision. There are three types of decisions: admitted, waitlist, deferred, and

rejection.

Admission: Acceptance to the college/university

Wait-list: This means the college/university is willing to put you on

their wait list, meaning they will accept you if there is room in the

incoming class once other students have indicated whether they will

attend or not. There is no guarantee that you will be admitted. You

should decide whether you want to be on the wait list and e-mail the

school’s office of admission with a note sharing why you would like to attend.

Deferred: This option is possible solely for early decision/action. Deferral means that your

application has been moved from the early decision pool to the regular decision pool. You will

be competing with students who applied regular decision.

Rejection: Denial of admission to the college/university

Financial Aid Packages

Around the time of your acceptance, you will also receive your proposed financial aid package.

Review the financial aid package with your family. If you have questions or concerns about

financial aid, you may call the colleges’ financial aid offices. However, be aware of deadlines! If

you wait too long to reply by the designated time, some schools will reduce your financial aid.

Admitted Students Days

Each college will invite all admitted students and their

parents to Admitted Students Days (or some variation

of this). These usually take place during April vacation.

If you can go, it’s a good opportunity to learn more

about the school and what your student experience

might be like. Before you attend these events, it is a

good idea to write down any questions you may have

about the schools, including academics and student life.

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Colleges/universities will send you the itinerary for the day, which will include different talks

and events about topics like study abroad, financial aid, and career services. Look at the itinerary

and see which sessions are most important to you. In addition to these sessions, there will be

chances for you to meet professors from various departments and students from a wide variety of

clubs. This is your opportunity to talk to current students about life on campus and any concerns

you may have.

Final Decision: Which College Should I Choose?

The deadline for your final decision is May 1st. You can make one of three decisions: Yes, No or

Defer.

Yes: You agree to attend the college.

Defer: You would like to attend the college but would like to start the following year. (For

example, if you defer for Fall 2016, that means that you won’t start until Fall 2017)

No: You will not attend the college.

Making this choice can be very difficult; there are a lot of factors to consider. Think about

making a list of pros and cons for each college you were accepted to and talk about this list with

your family. Once you make a final decision, a deposit by the final deadline is required to hold

your spot.

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Chapter 6: Need a Break from School? Consider a Bridge Year!

What to Do during a Bridge Year

There are many different reasons why people defer their admission and do a

“gap” or “bridge” year before starting college. Some people want to work

and help pay for school; others want to travel or do community service.

Whatever your decision is, there is something out there for everyone. You

can find some general information here:

http://usagapyearfairs.org/programs/

http://takingoff.net/

http://www.gapyear.com/

Which Is the Right One for Me?

It will depend on what you are looking for during your bridge year. If you would like to travel

abroad, choose an international program. If you would like to do service in the U.S., consider

joining various AmeriCorps programs. Each program has its own benefits (and, in some cases,

costs). Some programs might require fees and others are paid. Some universities, including

Tufts, offer bridge-year programs for admitted students:

Tufts 1+4 Bridge-Year Service Learning Program

At Tufts University, Tisch College’s innovative bridge-year program provides accepted students

the opportunity to learn from a transformational year of full-time service, domestically or abroad,

before beginning their academic studies. The program has received generous support from

individual donors as well as Santander Bank, N.A., through its Santander Universities Division.

Program Highlights

Most students accepted to Tufts University are eligible to apply to Tufts 1+4. Due to visa

restrictions, participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Financial support is available. Our highest need participants will receive full support.

Bridge-Year Fellows will develop bonds with others in the program by sharing in an on-

campus orientation, online activities during their service year, a wrap-up retreat, and

programs and events after arriving on campus.

During their service, Bridge-Year Fellows will be enrolled in a Tufts blended learning

course designed to integrate their service with academics, and facilitate reflection upon

their experiences.

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For more information, please visit the following website:

http://activecitizen.tufts.edu/tufts1plus4/

Other Gap Year Resources

Study Abroad/Cultural Immersions

http://www.afsusa.org/study-abroad/gap-year/

http://studiesabroad.com/gap

http://www.ef.edu/pg/gap-year/

http://www.globalroutes.org/

http://www.projects-abroad.org/

http://www.semesteratsea.org/admission-aid/prospective/gap-year-students/

https://www.carpediemeducation.org/

International Community Service

http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/

http://www.amigoslink.org/

http://www.adventurescrosscountry.com/

http://globalcitizenyear.org/

Work Internationally

www.globaladventures.co.uk

http://www.projects-abroad.org/

Domestic Community Service (paid)

http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/im-

ready-serve

http://www.cityyear.org/

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About the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service The Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service is a national leader in civic

education, whose model and research are setting the standard for higher education’s role in civic

renewal. Serving every student at Tufts University, Tisch College prepares young people for a

lifetime of civic engagement and creates an enduring culture of active citizenship.

Tisch College’s College Access Mentoring Initiative (CAMI) provides college access for

students from underrepresented backgrounds in Tufts’ host communities. We believe that

everyone has a right to access higher education, and everyone deserves help. High school

students are be exposed to college life and encouraged to get started with the college process.

Students from different high schools and youth programs come to Tufts University to participate

in programs. A typical day for a high school visitor includes a tour, a meal with Tufts students,

student panels, and an interactive performance.

Contact Information:

Shirley Mark, Director of Community Partnerships

Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service

Tufts University

Medford, MA 02155

Shirley.Mark@tufts.edu | activecitizen.tufts.edu

About the First Generation College Student Council The First Generation College Student Council at Tufts University aims to create a support

network for first generation college students in order to make sure that we are able to excel to our

fullest potential. The Council welcomes any student who self identifies with the first generation

college experience. By bridging the gap between Tufts resources and first generation college

students, the Council hopes to ensure that first generation college students are empowered and

supported on campus. The Council wishes to raise awareness and voice concerns about the first

generation community. We celebrate the unique experiences of first generation students.

Contact Information: firstgentufts@gmail.com

About Massachusetts Campus Compact (MACC) Massachusetts Campus Compact is a nonprofit coalition of 70 college and university presidents

committed to developing the civic engagement skills of students, building partnerships with the

community, and integrating civic engagement with teaching and research.

Contact Information:

45 Temple Place

Floor 4

Boston, MA 02111

617-553-5530

maccvista@masscampuscompact.org

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About the Lead Author: Kelly Nguyen Kelly Nguyen is the current Massachusetts Campus Compact

AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) placed at Tufts

University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service

and Center for STEM Diversity in partnership with Medford High School

and Josiah Quincy Upper School. Her main focus is on educational

poverty in the surrounding communities. She is invested in this work

because she is a first-generation, limited-income college graduate who is

passionate about education as a way out of poverty. Kelly believes that every student deserves

help, and every student deserves to go to college. She is the adviser for the College Access

Mentoring Initiative (CAMI) Coordinating Committee, where local youth programs and high

schools come to Tufts University in order to learn more about college. In conjunction with the

Center for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Diversity, Kelly co-

advises the STEM Ambassadors—a professional development program for undergraduates

where they go into local high schools to encourage youth to pursue STEM as a future major in

college. Prior to this position, Kelly received her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Genetics at

the University of Vermont. Kelly Nguyen will be one of two MA Campus Compact VISTA

Leaders in 2015-2016.