OfftoCollege.com

Task 1: Preview the Monthly Checklist

checklist of prior monthly tasks that should be completed

Starting Your College Planning Late: you have missed early college submission deadlines. You need to get going to meet regular submission deadlines in January. Review our late-starter file to get going: see late starter file

Finalize your list of college searches and review it with your HS counselor: see college search directory

Make sure you take your college admission exams: SAT I and SAT II ACT College Exam

Start your search for FREE scholarships and grants: over $24.3 billion worth of scholarships and grants in one location

Obtain the required items to complete your college application:transcripts, essays, letters of recommendations. For information: see the October plan

For those who did early submission: check with your colleges to make sure they have all of the information. Early admission notices will start to arrive next month.

Request financial aid information from your colleges. Contact your college's financial aid and admissions departments

Have a great Thanksgiving Weekend Holiday! all about thanksgiving: www.holidays.net from plymouth museum: www.plimoth.org

What to give Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, and Friends for the Holidays? we have shopping ideas: www.nBuy.com

Task 2: Review the Costs for College

Understanding Costs

Don't let cost disqualify one school from another. Your "preferred" school may offer programs that can help you pay the cost.

But cost is an important criteria. You don't want to become so saddle with debt when you finish school. A less expensive school may offer the same program and benefits as the more expensive school. So do your research.

 

Time to consider costs

Private schools are generally more expensive than public schools. However, they also offer more aid programs that can bring the total cost down to par with other schools — especially if you have the profile they are looking for.

Your cost of attendance will include tuition, fees, room and board, books, transportation and personal expenses.

 

Summary of Costs

(download this spreadsheet to analyze cost among schools)

1. School Tuition and Fees:
   cost to attend class instruction and the use of facilities, labs, libraries and all other related services for each enrolled student
   
   
2. Books and Supplies:
   the estimated amount for books and supplies the student will be required to purchase for classroom instruction — this item may include a computer and other electronic/telecommunication devices
   
   
3. Computer and Other Electronics:
   not necessarily required since colleges offer computer labs and other shared facilities. However, given the electronic push made by colleges, it will be the student's advantage to have their own personal computer along with a printer and other necessary electronics
   
   
4. Room and Board:
   the estimated cost for housing and food if you live in a residence hall; if you live off campus, food expenses are not estimated
   
   
5. Transportation:
   the estimated cost for 2-3 round trips from your home to school; if you live with your parents, the estimated commuting costs will be calculated
   
   
6. Personal Living Expenses:
   the estimated cost for clothing, grooming supplies, laundry and limited entertainment
   
   
7. Other Personal Costs:
   personal expenses that are specific to the student such as disability expenses, dependent care, loan fees, etc.
   
   
8. Miscellaneous:
   any other expenses that you can identify with your school's Financial Aid Office
   
   
   Total Estimated Costs
   
   (these costs are based on pricing trends that can vary by institution)

4-YEAR PUBLIC UNIVERSITY Annual Cost In-State Resident Annual Cost Out-of-State Resident Annual Cost Live-at-Home Commuter Tuition & Fees $7,605 $19,595 $7,605 Room & Board $8,535 $8,535 $0 Books -Supplies $1,137 $1,137 $1,137 Transportation $1,073 $1,073 $1,073 Other Expenses $1,989 $1,989 $1,989 Total Annual Cost $20,339 $32,329 $11,804 4-YEAR PRIVATE UNIVERSITY Annual Cost On-Campus Resident Annual Cost Live-at-Home Commuter Tuition & Fees $27,293 $27,293 Room & Board $9,700 $0 Books -Supplies $1,181 $1,181 Transportation $862 $862 Other Expenses $1,440 $1,440 Total Annual Cost $40,476 $30,776 2-YEAR PUBLIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE Annual Cost Live-at-Home Commuter Tuition & Fees $2,713 Room & Board $0 Books -Supplies $1,133 Transportation $1,491 Other Expenses $2,041 Total Annual Cost $7,378 source: 2010-11 College Board Trends in Higher Education

Task 3: Estimate Your College Costs

College cost profiling for your intended institution:

compare college costs side-by-side: simply input your colleges of choice and collegeboard will profile the costs of each school: www2.collegeboard.com

compare colleges by region and cost:
http://nces.ed.gov

 

Add It Up

Use the calculator below to get a rough estimate. The calculation will provide you a fairly good idea on what to expect as you finalize your decision `where to attend college:

we have some great tools to use
these spreadsheets require MS Excel or something similar

1. download college cost comparison spreadsheet
   this spreadsheet allows you to compare cost and aid awarded among colleges
   
   
2. download budgeting worksheet:
   use this spreadsheet to plan and budget your monthly expenses
   
   

Cost of Attendance		Other Expenses
Tuition and Fees		Transportation
Class Fees		Personal Needs
Books /Supplies		Entertainment
Room and Board		Computer
		Special Events
Cost of Attendance:
Other Anticipated Costs:
Total Estimated Cost:

Task 4: Financial Aid Review

Learn about options to pay for college:

Let's talk money for college —
jump over to our College Financial Aid Guide

Note 1:   understand the financial aid process
Note 2:   submitting the FAFSA form for federal aid
Note 3:   review the student aid report
Note 4:   get the financial award letter

 

Something Extra

What are you doing for the December holidays?

We have a fun holiday package that you can download instantly:
click here: FREE download

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