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How Do I get into College?
How do I get into college? What do I need? How much does it typically cost in state? What can I do to prepare for college as a junior in high school? Is it possible to take care of my kid while doing schooling?
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T.J.’s Answer
Hello Yeso!
The steps it takes to get into college usually goes like this:
- Research colleges you're interested in (in-state or out-of-state school).
- Take the SAT or ACT, if the school requires it. If you haven't yet, I'd practice for these tests so you'll understand the format of each exam.
- Take a college tour virtually or in-person.
- Write your application essay(s). Depending on the school this can be one essay or more.
- Check your email over time to see whether they accept your application.
Sometimes, this process can change. If you're aiming for one of the top universities in the state or an Ivy League, you'll need to prepare your application more. Regardless, doing in-depth researching is the best way to prepare for any school
Besides state rankings and programs, look into campus life, food options, and support/resources for parents and caregivers. See if they offer other resources that could help you, such as a student food pantry, or organizations for parents in your area.
If you need assistance with the application process itself, reach out to the colleges you're interested in. Also, I highly recommend checking out College Vine, a college essay support site: https://www.collegevine.com/
As for Cost: this depends on the schools in your state. Colleges will charge different prices.
You should fill out the FAFSA. After you get your FAFSA, you'll have a clearer idea of how much college will cost after getting govt aid.
Lastly: Yes, it is possible to be a parent while in college. The things that you need to consider in this area is time-management and work-load.
Ask yourself these questions:
- How much time do you spend taking care of your children now?
- How much time will you need while in college?
- Are you going to do full-time or part-time?
- Do you plan to work on top of school/kids?
- How much time will you need while in college?
Depending on your answers, you'll need to build a strong plan of how you allocate your time. If you don't manage your time effectively, you'll end up burning out.
Sending you support as you plan for college and take care of your family :)
The steps it takes to get into college usually goes like this:
- Research colleges you're interested in (in-state or out-of-state school).
- Take the SAT or ACT, if the school requires it. If you haven't yet, I'd practice for these tests so you'll understand the format of each exam.
- Take a college tour virtually or in-person.
- Write your application essay(s). Depending on the school this can be one essay or more.
- Check your email over time to see whether they accept your application.
Sometimes, this process can change. If you're aiming for one of the top universities in the state or an Ivy League, you'll need to prepare your application more. Regardless, doing in-depth researching is the best way to prepare for any school
Besides state rankings and programs, look into campus life, food options, and support/resources for parents and caregivers. See if they offer other resources that could help you, such as a student food pantry, or organizations for parents in your area.
If you need assistance with the application process itself, reach out to the colleges you're interested in. Also, I highly recommend checking out College Vine, a college essay support site: https://www.collegevine.com/
As for Cost: this depends on the schools in your state. Colleges will charge different prices.
You should fill out the FAFSA. After you get your FAFSA, you'll have a clearer idea of how much college will cost after getting govt aid.
Lastly: Yes, it is possible to be a parent while in college. The things that you need to consider in this area is time-management and work-load.
Ask yourself these questions:
- How much time do you spend taking care of your children now?
- How much time will you need while in college?
- Are you going to do full-time or part-time?
- Do you plan to work on top of school/kids?
- How much time will you need while in college?
Depending on your answers, you'll need to build a strong plan of how you allocate your time. If you don't manage your time effectively, you'll end up burning out.
Sending you support as you plan for college and take care of your family :)
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
Hi Yeso, first off I want to congratulate you for thinking about college since it can open a lot of door for you. I echo all the advice T.J gave you and I would like to add in a few things. I would try and find a college in your home state or the state you are living in since as a resident of that state you will get a significant discount to attend and it lower your total cost of the experience. If you go to college in your current state, you can also stay in your current house and don't need to spend money on college housing.
Use all the resource the web has to offer! Studying for SAT/ACT can be done online and for free :) - simply google "how to study for the SAT" and you will find a lot of resources. Take a practice test before taking the actual one so you can get a feel for the timing and the test as a whole. Some colleges require in person interviews, so this is another reason to look in-state first. I would recommend (if possible) visiting some of the campuses to see which one feels right for you. This sounds very simple and finding the right college for you is THAT important.
And lastly, you can of course be a parent while going to college. Colleges usually provide day care support and this is something that I would include in your search criteria so both you and your little one get the best experience.
Narrow your college search to top 10
Start practicing SAT/ACT 15 min/day
Visit your top 5 colleges and get to know the students / faculty
Use all the resource the web has to offer! Studying for SAT/ACT can be done online and for free :) - simply google "how to study for the SAT" and you will find a lot of resources. Take a practice test before taking the actual one so you can get a feel for the timing and the test as a whole. Some colleges require in person interviews, so this is another reason to look in-state first. I would recommend (if possible) visiting some of the campuses to see which one feels right for you. This sounds very simple and finding the right college for you is THAT important.
And lastly, you can of course be a parent while going to college. Colleges usually provide day care support and this is something that I would include in your search criteria so both you and your little one get the best experience.
Sandra recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Bassel’s Answer
Maintain good grades, explore various majors, and choose the best fit for you.
Updated
Job’s Answer
First you need good grades and some outside activities like working with the underprivileged.
Next you need a good score on the ACT. I would get a study book with tests in it for practice.
Next you need a strong cover letter that explains why you want to go to college and what you will do once you graduate. It looks better if you say are going to do something with social benefits.
I was honest and said I wanted to make money and have a high quality of life. I would not recommend that.
Finally look for a college that has a strong program in the area you desire to learn.
I was lucky. I had almost a perfect SAT score, 1750 out of 1800, straight A's and was considered the best debater in California. I got accepted to Stanford and then worked on Wall Street, became the youngest broker on the NYSE. Did that for 3 years and then went to law school for taxation and real estate. After that I got an MBA in finance.
Then I started my own law firm and real estate development company.
Good luck and if you work hard while you are young you can have a comfortable life.
Next you need a good score on the ACT. I would get a study book with tests in it for practice.
Next you need a strong cover letter that explains why you want to go to college and what you will do once you graduate. It looks better if you say are going to do something with social benefits.
I was honest and said I wanted to make money and have a high quality of life. I would not recommend that.
Finally look for a college that has a strong program in the area you desire to learn.
I was lucky. I had almost a perfect SAT score, 1750 out of 1800, straight A's and was considered the best debater in California. I got accepted to Stanford and then worked on Wall Street, became the youngest broker on the NYSE. Did that for 3 years and then went to law school for taxation and real estate. After that I got an MBA in finance.
Then I started my own law firm and real estate development company.
Good luck and if you work hard while you are young you can have a comfortable life.
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
Getting into college typically requires a few key steps, including:
Researching colleges and universities to find the ones that are a good fit for you.
Taking standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT.
Applying to colleges, which typically involves submitting transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Completing financial aid applications, such as the FAFSA, to determine your eligibility for financial assistance.
The specific requirements for each college will vary, so it's important to research each school's admission criteria and application deadlines.
In terms of cost, the cost of attending college in-state can vary widely depending on the institution. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for in-state students at public four-year colleges was
Researching colleges and universities to find the ones that are a good fit for you.
Taking standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT.
Applying to colleges, which typically involves submitting transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Completing financial aid applications, such as the FAFSA, to determine your eligibility for financial assistance.
The specific requirements for each college will vary, so it's important to research each school's admission criteria and application deadlines.
In terms of cost, the cost of attending college in-state can vary widely depending on the institution. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for in-state students at public four-year colleges was