Don't Forget to sign up for free help with the FAFSA on College Goal Sunday January 30th
Go to link to register.collegegoalsundayusa.org
The Pathfinder Counseling - College Bound Direction Blog, shares up to date information related to the college search, application and selection process, transition to college and college life.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
International Year of Chemistry
Did you know that 2011 is the international year of chemistry (http://
www.chemistry2011.org)? Google's getting ready to celebrate and
promote educational achievements in science - and all of STEM - with
several events and programs planned throughout the year. This month we
kicked off the first online science fair and opened applications for
the CS4HS program. We're excited and ready to be inspired by a new
generation of scientists!
www.chemistry2011.org)? Google's getting ready to celebrate and
promote educational achievements in science - and all of STEM - with
several events and programs planned throughout the year. This month we
kicked off the first online science fair and opened applications for
the CS4HS program. We're excited and ready to be inspired by a new
generation of scientists!
THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS/TOURS
Three Rivers Community College
Admissions Information Sessions & Tours
Tuesday, February 15 at 4pm in Room C101
Thursday, March 10 at 3pm in Room C101
Wednesday, April 13 at 5 pm in Room D102
Tuesday, May 17 at 3 pm in Room C101
If this is your first time attending college, the application process may seem overwhelming. Come to an admissions information session and get step-by-step assistance. You will also receive a tour of our brand new campus!
To reserve your seat call or email:
Elizabeth Millhouse
Phone: (860) 885-2675
Email: emillhouse@trcc.commnet.edu
Please include your name, phone number, date you would like to attend, and how many people will be attending.
Three Rivers Community College 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
INFORMATION FOR CONNECTICUT COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY
Who High School Seniors and students entering college in the fall 2010 for the first time.
What Completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Why Most students need financial aid to attend college. A completed FAFSA opens the doors to opportunities for financial aid. Free Professionals as- sistance will be available.
When College Goal Sunday will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2011 from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM at all 13 locations
Where
Capital CC, Central CT State University, Central High School (Bridgeport), Eastern CT State University, Gateway CC, Hall High School (West Hartford), Manchester CC, Middlesex CC, Science & Tech Magnet HS of SE CT (New London), Naugatuck Valley CC, Norwalk CC, Sacred Heart University and Western CT State University
How Visit www.collegegoalsundayct.org to pre-register and for more information
Volunteers are welcome to assist, just visit www.collegegoalsundayct.org For more information call 860-240-8555
Saturday, January 15, 2011
COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY IS COMING UP JANUARY 30TH
Don't Forget to sign up for free help with the FAFSA on College Goal Sunday January 30th
Go to link to register.collegegoalsundayusa.org
Go to link to register.collegegoalsundayusa.org
Demystifying Financial Aid Part 1
This article appeared in the January 14th edition of The Jewish Leader :Dollars and Sense: Demystifying College Financial Aid- Part One
Francine Schwartz is the Founder of Pathfinder Counseling LLC. For assistance with financial aid, scholarships or other aspects of the college search and application process contact Francine at: 860-460-8829 or fschwartz@pathfindercounselingllc.com
By Francine Schwartz
It is early January. For most high school seniors college applications are completed and there is a palpable sense of relief in the air. For their parents however, the stress is ramping up. There is anxiety surrounding financing the college education, often the second largest investment following the purchase of a home. Not to worry. I’ll share important information that will help you navigate the financial aid process and maximize those college dollars. In this issue I cover college costs and types of financial aid. The January 28th edition will focus on how financial aid is awarded.
Begin Early: College is an investment in your student’s future, therefore it is important to plan as far ahead as possible to ensure the best possible return. One rule of thumb is to finance college in thirds with 1/3 of college expenses funded through current income, 1/3 from savings and 1/3 from financial aid. Whatever your individual financial situation may be, it is important for students and parents to communicate about the amount that the family can realistically afford. I always advise students to have a financial safety school: one that they can afford to attend should they not receive sufficient financial aid from the college or other sources, or if their family financial circumstances change.
How much does College Cost? The costs of college include direct costs such as tuition, fees, and room and board and indirect costs such as books, supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses, like those midnight pizza runs. Annual college costs can range from $3,400 at a community college to over $50,000 for a private university. One little known program is “tuition break for New England residents.” This program provides a tuition discount to New England residents when they enroll in approved degree programs at out-of-state public colleges and universities throughout New England. Visit www.nebhe.org/tuitionbreak for additional information.
What are the types of Financial Aid? There are two primary types of aid: Gift Aid, money that does not have to be repaid, which usually includes scholarships and grants, and Self-Help, which includes loans, and work-study. Federal tax incentives, although a relatively small component of financial aid, helps families recoup some of the money they have paid out for higher education.
Scholarships, or “merit aid”, are awarded to students in recognition of academic, athletic, artistic, or leadership abilities. Institutional aid comes directly from the colleges that award scholarships to students whom they wish to attract to their school. Many corporations, non-profit agencies, religious organizations, civic organizations, employers and unions have scholarship dollars. Often relatively few students apply for these, increasing your chances of being an award recipient. The school guidance office maintains lists of scholarships and their requirements. Frequently an essay and/or recommendations are necessary to apply. Finally, there are legitimate online sources of scholarships where students complete a profile and receive email notifications for scholarship opportunities that match. One of the best web-based resources is: www.fastweb.com. Please be aware of scholarship scams on the web.
Grants are awarded to students based on their financial need. The Pell Grant is the largest need-based grant provided by the federal government. Pell Grants are only given to students who show a high degree of financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Families can attend a free FAFSA help session on College Goal Sunday, January 30th, 2011. Check www.collegegoalsundayusa.org for times and locations. Grants are also available through colleges, state agencies, corporations, non-profit agencies and civic organizations.
Work-study enables students to earn money for college expenses by designating an amount of money and providing the opportunity to secure a job, usually on campus. Eligibility for work-study is based on financial need.
With college costs increasing each year families are relying more heavily on loans.
The federal government offers low interest loan opportunities for both students and parents. These programs include the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and Perkins Loan programs for students and Direct PLUS Loans for parents and graduate students. To qualify for any of these programs families need to complete the FAFSA. If a subsidized loan is awarded the federal government pays all accruing interest while the student is attending college and during the six month grace period after the student leaves college. Subsidized loans are based on financial need. Unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need and interest is charged as soon as the disbursements are made. Be a savvy consumer if you choose to borrow and limit the amount of student debt.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
It is time for College Goal Sunday - Free FAFSA Help
The next event will take place Sunday, January 30, 2011 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at thirteen (13) sites throughout the state.
At College Goal Sunday, students and parents can talk to experts and get in-depth help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
In addition to receiving assistance in filling out the FAFSA, participants will receive general information regarding state and federal financial aid programs.
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Bay Path College Latina Open House on Sunday January 30th
Attention Latina Students:
Bay Path College in Longmeadow MA is hosting an open house on Sunday January 30th. There will be over 30 clubs and organizations represented, spanish speaking campus tours and meetings with current Latina students. Plus : Same Day admission decision with an application, transcript and SAT/ACT scores.
To register contact visti@baypath.edu or call 800.782.7284 Ext. 1331
Bay Path College in Longmeadow MA is hosting an open house on Sunday January 30th. There will be over 30 clubs and organizations represented, spanish speaking campus tours and meetings with current Latina students. Plus : Same Day admission decision with an application, transcript and SAT/ACT scores.
To register contact visti@baypath.edu or call 800.782.7284 Ext. 1331
Friday, January 7, 2011
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