October is scary for more than just Halloween. Many seniors are left confused and stressed by the college admission process. Thankfully, student services is here to help students understand the application process. Here are some FAQ that may clear up any trouble.

How many and what type of schools should I apply to?

For those worried about getting into college, Student Service chairperson Ms. Paula Larson recommends applying to 3-5 schools, with at least one safe school, which she defines as a school with a GPA well within a student’s range or one with a rolling admission, which means the school will notify you within a few weeks if you got in or not.

What is the difference between public and private schools?

Public schools offer a lower tuition to those who live in-state, because the schools are funded by state taxes. University of Maryland’s total cost of attendance (tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses) comes in at $25,744. Private schools don’t get help from state governments, and are more expensive. Loyola University, in Baltimore, MD, estimates at a total cost of attendance of $62,750.

The sticker price should not stop a student from applying.  Private schools often have larger scholarship/grant packages.

Don’t forget to figure in the cost of travel and books/fees–costs you may not remember the first time you calculate.

How can I lower the cost of college?

Scholarships and financial aid can help students lower the cost of attending a college. Financial aid is not a type of scholarship. To determine if you are eligible for financial aid, fill out the FAFSA, or the Free Application for Student Aid. This tells you have much aid you are eligible for based on your household income. Some schools may require the CSS profile. Financial aid granted by the FAFSA are loans that have to be eventually repaid. Scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid. About 2/3 of college students receive some form of financial aid, so filling out the FAFSA may prove to be beneficial. 

Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, not income. They range from small amounts to a full tuition. Private universities often award high merit aid, so do not rule them out because of their high price tag.

Athletic scholarships are only awarded at Division 1 or 2 schools. They are given to athletes who have been recruited to play sports for the school.

What are some other factors influencing where students go?

The final decision for students may be driven by sports or what they are looking to study. Senior Cailyn Barthlow said, “I didn’t want to play Division 1 (sports) because they wouldn’t let me major in pre-medicine, so I decided to play Division 3 instead… and I didn’t want to go far from home”.

How do teachers write letters of recommendation?

First, seniors must fill out the Senior Profile Survey in Naviance. This information will help teachers write letters of recommendation. Students should request for teachers to write letters of recommendation in Naviance, and they should also personally ask the teachers they wish to receive a letter from. Students should ask one to two teachers for letters. They should give the teachers at least two weeks notice, and be sure to write a note of thanks. Remember, teachers don’t love writing recommendation letters!

How do colleges receive SAT scores?

Linganore High school does not send SAT scores. To send official scores to a college, seniors should use the College Board website. Scores cost $12 to send each, unless the fee is waived. The fee is waived if the scores are sent within nine days of taking the test.

What are the different classifications of applications?

The types of applications are regular decision, rolling application, early action, early decision, and priority application.

• Regular decision is the most common form of application. All letters of acceptance are sent out on the same date.
• Rolling application is the only type of application without a set deadline. Applicants will be notified within a few weeks if you were accepted. Early action has an early deadline than regular decision, but you will be notified of your acceptance into college earlier.
• Early decision is the only binding application. If the school accepts you, you are bound to go there.
• Priority application has an early deadline like early action, but it increases the student’s chances of being admitted or getting a scholarship.

Where can I find any additional information regarding the college process?

Any seniors who are unsure of what forms to fill out should see the Lancer Lines on the Linganore High school website.