Thousands of high school students nationwide were asked to identify their top concerns about college.

Here’s what most of them wanted to find out …

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3 BIG THINGSaMERICa’S TOP SCHOLaRS

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If you have questions about college, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re probably asking yourself the same things that many other students (and their parents) across the nation are asking. That’s why Fordham University created this guide – to give you some information you need to make a confident decision about life after high school!

1WILL I BE

aDMITTED?

Believe it or not, even high school valedictorians are at least a little bit worried about getting into their first-choice colleges.

It’s only natural. To ease your anxiety, follow the simple tips below. And remember, if you aren’t admitted to a school, don’t be

discouraged – there are still plenty of other colleges out there that would love to have you!

>> Make a list of the colleges you’re likely to consider and look on their websites. You can usually find an admission profile for each school that will show you the average GPA and test scores for entering freshmen. Use that information to categorize those colleges into “reach schools,” “possible schools,” and “likely schools.”

>> Talk to your guidance counselor who will be able to tell you more about the admission requirements of those colleges (as well as other schools you may not have considered). Usually, your counselor will be able to help you identify the colleges that are right for you – as well as give you some idea as to your chances of being accepted.

>> Submit an application to at least one school in each category you listed above. After all, the only way to really know if you’ll get in is to apply.

1WILL I BE aDMITTED?

Learn more about college admission requirements at ...bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges

2DOES THE COLLEGE

HaVE MY MaJOR?

This is important, but shouldn’t necessarily be a deal breaker. That’s because your preferred major may change once you’re on campus

and taking classes. Just make sure that the college you choose has a number of options that appeal to you. If you begin with an interest in

English, this could later become journalism, communications, or creative writing. In many cases, colleges let you create your own major and

will pair you with a mentor to guide you through the process.

>> Again, it’s all about research! Go to the college’s website and view its list of majors. If there are many related to your field of interest, you’ll be in good shape. If not, send an email to the college requesting some additional information.

>> Your guidance counselor may also be of assistance to you. Tell your counselor which colleges you are interested in attending and he or she will likely be able to share information on available majors at those particular institutions. Plus, your counselor will often be able to offer advice on additional areas of study that may suit your particular strengths and goals.

>> Another great way to learn about the majors on campus is to talk to the students. This is also a great time to learn about the best professors and classes to sign up for once you’re enrolled.

2DOES THE COLLEGE HaVE MY MaJOR?

See a complete listing of the colleges that offer your major at ...bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search

3HOW MUCH WILL MYEDUCaTION COST?

You might be surprised at how many ways there are to pay for your education. From scholarships to loans to work study programs,

you can often find a way to pay for any college you decide to attend. The following advice should help you get started.

>> Look for information on tuition, financial assistance, scholarships, student employment, federal loans and grants, outside scholarships (through a private company, philanthropist, or foundation), prepaid tuition plans, Section 529 plans, and the FAFSA. In addition, you may find that your success in high school has guaranteed you a scholarship to pay for the majority of your education. You don’t always need straight As to qualify. Many colleges offer scholarships for talented writers, artists, or athletes.

>> Check out federal loans and grants, such as the Stafford Loan, which is obtained through a bank or other lending institution and insured by the federal government.

>> Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov/ as another way to help pay for your education.

>> And, lastly, check to see if you qualify for any state tuition advantages, even if you’re applying from out of state. On some occasions, state aid will transfer over.

3HOW MUCH WILL MY EDUCaTION COST?

Discover the various financial options available to you at ...bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-collegeFORDHaM FaFSa CODE: 002722

Come see for yourself all of the advantages that await you at Fordham University. From challenging academics and

world-class internships to the cultural and social opportunities of going to school in New York City, you’ll discover that Fordham truly is an unforgettable college experience!

YOU aRE INVITED TO

VISIT FORDHAM!

WE LOOK FORWaRD TO

SEEING YOUON CaMPUS

To schedule your visit go to www.fordham.edu/visitus

www.fordham.edu

Office of Undergraduate Admission Duane Library 441 East Fordham Road Bronx, NY 10458