Schedule interviews with prospective colleges

Not all colleges require interviews for admission. But, many still do. It may seem like a big annoyance, but interviews help administrators view the face behind the application and see what it is about you that makes you so suited for their institution.

It is understandable to be nervous, but you really don’t have to be. The admissions officer is not out “to get you.” Rather, they just want to know what makes you different than the other thousands of students that apply to their school. Some qualities just cannot be adequately reflected on paper. Perhaps you are a very enthusiastic person and have done tons of research about your prospective school. The interview is the time and the place to show this quality.

Another way to impress during the interview is to prepare. While you can’t possibly know what the admissions officer will ask you, you can prepare for some of the generalized questions they are likely to ask. For instance, they will probably as you why you want to go to college, what you want to major in and why and why you have chosen to apply to their school. Also, reread your application essays to have them in your mind. Many admissions officers reference students’ applications as a conversation starter during the interview.

Another great way to really shine is to have a list of questions prepared. What do you really want to know about the school? Just be sure not to ask anything that is readily available in the materials they sent you! More than anything, relax! The interview is often not the deciding factor in acceptance. It’s just icing on the cake, really. So take a deep breath and prepare to answer honestly and openly.

Beginning January 1, you can fill out the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid makes it possible to be eligible for financial aid. Even if you don’t think you will be eligible, it is still a good idea to fill out the FAFSA. You will need your parents and your own tax forms and financial information in order to complete the FAFSA. Also set aside a few hours to complete this form. It is quite lengthy and you will be required to answer many questions about your family’s finances.

It is a good idea to fill out the FAFSA with one of your parents. You’ll come across many questions that may need explaining. The deadline for filling out the FAFSA is March 2. Within a few weeks you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) with your estimated financial aid described in it. If you have any questions at that time, you can contact them for further explanation