Q. Do I need to decide on my major and career
before I apply to college?
A. No. The average college student changes his or her major three times. If you are sure about a career field, it can help you narrow down your college choices. Otherwise, find a school where you will comfortable and which has a wide range of majors and programs.
Q. When should I begin planning for college?
A. While there is no set date when college planning and preparation must begin, earlier is generally better. College admissions staff base their decisions on a student's coursework, grades, and extracurricular activities during high school, so that's where the main emphasis in preparing for college should occur. However, the courses students take in middle school often determines what they take in high school, so you can see how starting the planning earlier can be helpful. The College Access Center Web site offers information on early awareness for helping elementary and middle school students and families begin gearing up for college. Additionally, with the rising cost of college, getting a jump on financial planning is also a good idea. (Start by reading the Paying section on the left.)
However, it is never too late to begin planning or to go to college! If you are a senior who has procrastinated, a high school graduate, or an adult, you can go to college, and we can help! Start by browsing through this Web site, by making an appointment with your school counselor and/or college advisor, or by setting up an appointment with the College Access Center.
Q. If I don't "ace" the SATs or ACTs, am I doomed?
A. No! The strength of your curriculum, your grades, and your commitment to activities or special talents are all more important than your test scores . Test scores do count, but they are only one part of the application process.
Q. Should I apply only to "prestigious" colleges?
A. Prestige is a difficult factor to measure. The reputation and prestige of schools changes over time due to any number of factors. Sometimes prestige is derived from a winning football or basketball team, for example, rather than the quality of the education at an institution. Go to a college that "fits" you best academically and socially. (Start with our Self Assessment.) You are likely to be happy and successful there!
Q. Should I apply only to colleges that I know I can afford?
A. Do not be misled by the "sticker price" of college! Sometimes the most expensive colleges are able to provide the most financial aid! The best way to find out how much a certain college will cost is to contact that school's financial aid office and request help estimating your costs. See also Cost of College, Need-Based Aid, and Merit Scholarships.
Q. Should I invest in a prediction service to learn for certain whether or not my child will be admitted to a certain college?
A. No! Because the nature of selective college admissions is subjective, it is impossible to predict with certainty the outcome of your application at any college. The College Access Center considers prediction services to be one of the many scams that students and families should avoid.
Q. I have been accepted by one of the colleges where I applied! When do I need to make a decision about whether or not I will attend?
A. Most colleges in this country adhere to the candidate's reply deadline of May 1, and all colleges that are members of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) are required to abide by this May 1 deadline. If a college has requested that you reply earlier, and you feel that you need more time to make up your mind, you should write a letter requesting an extension until May 1. Download NACAC's Statement of Students' Rights and Responsibilities in the College Admission Process (94K).
Q. How can I participate in Camp College? What are the dates for the next Camp College?
A. Visit the Camp College section of this website.
Q. How can I nomate a student for, or volunteer with, Passport Scholars?
A. Visit the Passport Scholars website.
Have a question that's not covered here?
Email it to us at contact@collegeaccesscenter.org. Ask a good question, and you may just see it appear on this FAQs page!
