3:1 Your College Greenlight Profile

College Greenlight for Students (and Parents!)

College Greenlight wants to make it simpler for you to attend your dream school by providing these free student resources:

1) Advanced search options match you with schools according to academic and social fit

2) Get matched with local and national scholarships that are a perfect fit for you

3) Find schools that want to meet you and explore detailed college profiles

4) Receive support from your school counselors and/or community organizations throughout the college search and application process

Even if your school uses Naviance, SEAD wants you to complete your College Greenlight profile to 100% so that you can get matched with colleges, scholarships, and more. Log in to your account and update your profile (if you can't log in, talk to your intern).

**Remember, if you update your profile to 100% you earn College Knowledge points!**

3:4 Match, Reach, and Likely Schools

Where Should I Apply?

Building My College List
Adapted from Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship

As you research and learn about different colleges, it can help to keep a long list of colleges that interest you. As you approach your senior year, you can start narrowing down your final college list. For students applying to four-year colleges and universities, it is typical to apply to between 4 and 8 schools. Although applying to a larger number of colleges may require more work, doing so increases the chance that you will receive several offers, and then be able to compare between financial packages.

“Reach,” “Match,” and “Likely” Schools

• A “reach” school is one where your grades, scores, and other qualifications fall below those of students who are typically admitted: however, you are still very interested in what this school has to offer. You should apply to about 2 reach schools. It may be a long shot, but it is definitely worth a try. Many reach schools offer compelling programs and generous financial aid.
• A "match" school, or "target" school, is one where you fall solidly within the range of students typically accepted. You should apply to at least 2-3 match schools.
• A “likely” school, or "safety" school, is one where you are almost certain you will be accepted: your qualifications fall above those of the students typically admitted. You should apply to at least 2 likely schools.

Getting an Idea of your Chances of Admission
As we've learned, colleges care about all the different pieces of your application, including your grades and difficulty of your course load, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, jobs, and family circumstances.

Here are some ways you can gage your chances of being admitted to a certain college:

1) Look at the school’s average SAT or ACT scores
On each school’s website and on their CollegeBoard page, there is a section about standardized test scores which lists the 25th percentile and 75th percentile scores of admitted students. If a school posts “SAT Math: 540/650,” for example, these numbers mean that 25 percent of admitted students scored below 540 on math, 25 percent scored above 650, and the other 50 percent scored somewhere between these two numbers. Don’t let these numbers discourage you from applying to any one school. However, you can use these numbers to help get a realistic idea of which schools are reaches, matches, and likelies. If you fall below the 25th percentile of a school’s scores, it is probably a reach; if you are between the two numbers, it is probably a match; and if you are above the 75th percentile, it is probably a likely school.

2) Look at the “Class Profile” on a school’s website, or the “Applying” section of a school’s page on CollegeBoard
This will provide information about students who have been admitted in the past, and will help you get an idea for where you stand. Important information includes the percent of student in the top half and top quarter of their high school class, acceptance rate, and average high school GPA.

3) Remember that college admissions are holistic
Schools really do care about all different aspects of your application. If a difficult life event or circumstances have negatively impacted your grades, or family obligations have posed a large time commitment, colleges want to know and will take this into consideration in evaluating your application. This type of information can be included in your Personal Statement or in the “Additional Information” portion of the Common Application.

4) Pay special attention to your “likely” schools
It is very important that you find at least two schools where you have a high chance of being admitted. It is also important to make sure that these schools are financial safeties—schools where you believe you can manage the tuition costs, or have strong reason to believe that you will receive a good financial aid package. For many students, a state or community college can serve as a good “likely” and financial safety school. In certain circumstances, students do not need to apply to two likely schools; for example, students who are accepted through early application programs or who receive guaranteed acceptance to their state universities.

**Go to the "Finding My Best Fit College" and complete the activity to earn 10 College Knowledge Points!!!**

3:5 Finding My Best Fit Colleges

Understanding My College Options

Using resources like College Greenlight, the I'm First Guide to College website (if you're interested in schools that explicitly support first-generation college students), and/or College Board's website, start to build your college list (download below) with the help of your intern.

For example, here is an profile for Susie Blue:

Name: Susie Blue
GPA: 3.70/4.0
Class Rank: Top 50%
SAT/ACT Scores?
SAT Reading: 550
SAT Math: 510
SAT Writing: 610
SAT Subject Tests: None
What two subjects/careers are you most interested in?: Psychology, Education
Do you want a specialized school (Faith-based, HBCU, etc.?): No
Are you the first in your family to attend college?: Yes
How important is financial aid?: Very important

Here is Susie's College List:

***Now, your job is to find one reach, three matches, and two likelies! Download the activity here and make sure to show it to your intern to get your 10 College Knowledge points!***

Section 2: Learn about the College Application

Check out the following lessons to see different components of a college application. Browse where you would like and try earning College Knowledge points where you can!

4:1 Demystifying the Language of Admissions

Speak the Language: College Admissions
Adapted from College Greenlight

If you’re not familiar with the college admissions process, it probably seems like it has a language all its own. To help you learn the lingo, here are definitions of some of the college admission terms you’re likely to come across.

Acceptance Rate: The percentage of applicants a college accepts for admission.

Accreditation: Certification that a college meets the standards of a state, regional or national association.

Candidates Reply Date Agreement (CRDA): This agreement, sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, states that in order to allow students to consider all their college options, students have until May 1 to accept any college’s offer of admission.

Common Application: Standardized application forms accepted by many colleges. After you fill out the Common App, you can send it to any college that accepts it as the institution’s own application.

Competitive College: A college with a rigorous, highly selective admissions process. Competitive colleges typically admit fewer than 25 percent of applicants.

Deferred Admission: A student’s option to defer an offer of admission for up to two years.

Personal Statement: Sometimes referred to as a college application essay, personal statements are essays that give admissions officers insights into your character, personality and motivation.

Reach School: A college where admission might be a stretch for you, based on the average GPA and test scores of accepted students and the college’s overall admission requirements.

Retention Rate: The percentage of students who return to a college for their sophomore year. This is an indicator of student satisfaction.

Safety School: A college where, based on the average GPA and test scores of accepted students, you have a high likelihood of being admitted.

School-Specific Application: An application form that some schools request students do in addition to the Common App or instead of the Common App.

Student-Faculty Ratio: The number of students at a college compared to the number of faculty. Some colleges see this as an indicator of class size and professor accessibility, but a lower ratio doesn’t guarantee either. For a true indication of class size and professor accessibility, speak with students and professors at a college.

Supplemental Material: Items you include with your college application to provide more information about your talents, experiences and goals. Materials could include work samples, additional essays, newspaper clippings, music CDs or art slides. Verify if a college welcomes (or requests) these materials before sending.

Transcript: An official record of classes you have taken and the grades you received. Usually you must provide a high school transcript with your college application.

Waitlist: A list of students a college may eventually decide to admit if space becomes available.

Yield: The percentage of accepted students who go on to enroll at that college. Competitive colleges have high yield rates.

_________________________________________________________________________________

College Greenlight Fit Fact: More than half of all students enrolling said a “very important reason” for going to college was “to find my purpose in life.” Go to CollegeGreenlight.com today to see which colleges match your fit factors. It’s free and easy!

**Be sure to take the Admissions Lingo quiz and earn College Knowledge points!**

4:2 The College Application Basics

The Six Things Colleges Most Commonly Consider

Taken from I'm First Guide to College

Every college has a unique way of assessing applicants and deciding which will be the most successful on their campuses. Some schools look for students who have demonstrated a commitment to service. Others take into account the level of interest a student has shown in their school. Most four-year colleges use the six following factors as their main criteria for evaluating a student's application.

4:3 Advertising Yourself to Colleges: ECs and Leadership

Adapted from I'm First Guide to College

Sure, colleges care about your GPA and SAT scores. They want students who will be able to handle college coursework. But admissions officers are also looking for students who will add something to their school's student body--they want people who get things done. When they look at your extracurricular involvement, they are looking to see if you might be the next student body president, the next alto soprano in the accapella group, or the next editor of the newspaper.

Keep these tips in mind when you're putting together your list of extracurriculars:

1) Show Commitment

Lots of students get involved with numerous extracurricular activities because they think it will make them look like a well-rounded student. In reality, most colleges would rather see a student who has been very committed to a few extracurricular activities than one who is a member of ten different clubs but only spends one hour a week with each of them and quits at the end of the semester.

2) Emphasize Leadership

Have you been a team captain? Student body officer? Club president? Founder or co-founder of a club? Shift manager? Lead counselor? Make sure you emphasize your leadership positions and responsibilities in your description of your extracurricular involvement. It shows colleges you have the potential to become a leader on campus. And if you haven't yet held a leadership position, now is the perfect time to put your name in the running for student government elections, or to tell your coach you'd like some extra responsibility this semester. Read more on the importance of leadership here on StudyPoints.

3) Highlight Service

Most hight schools have some kind of community service requirement for students, and some colleges do as well. If you've completed any volunteer work (like The Prouty, volunteering with your intern...) during high school, make sure to list it as an extracurricular. Service work shows that a student wants to give back to their community and will most likely be a productive and responsible member of the student body.

4) Work Experience

Not all students are able to participate in activities like clubs and sports because they have to work to support themselves or their family. Remember that work experience can be counted as an extracurricular and should definitely be noted on your application. Drawing attention to your work experience shows colleges why you were not able to participate in other common extracurriculars, but more importantly, it shows them that you possess responsibility and maturity.

If you'd like to read more about extracurricular activities, this is a great Huffington Post article written by the Founder of adMISSIONPOSSIBLE.com.

4:4 What's in a Personal Statement?

The College Essay

Adapted from I'm First Guide to College

Your GPA and standardized test scores are important in the college admissions process, but you are more than a test score. While many people perceive the college admissions process a "numbers game," most colleges want to know more about the person you are. They want to admit students who will add diverse perspectives and come with unique life experiences.

Your college essay, often known as a personal statement, is the best (and often only) chance you'll have to show off these aspects of your personality. As a low-income student, you have likely overcome obstacles and had experiences that most other college applicants haven't, and the college essay is the best place to express those parts of your personality.

Here are some things you need to know before you begin writing:

• Narrative: A personal statement is not the same as an academic essay, so throw out everything you know about thesis statements and supporting evidence. The personal statement is a narrative essay, meaning an essay that tells a story.
• Voice: The college essay does not have to be written in strictly formal language. It should be written from the first person and should portray a strong sense of voice. Your personality should show through your writing; your best friend should be able to read your essay and know who wrote it.
• Length: Most personal statements are required to be under 650 words. Pay close attention to your word count before you submit (but don't fret if your first draft is too long), and make every word count!
• Topic: Personal statements can be written about almost anything, but they need to be almost microscopic in focus. In other words, anchor your essay to a specific place in time and fill it with lots of concrete details to help your reader relate and visualize. Write your essay on a topic that is unique to your life and shows off positive aspects of your personality.

To give you an idea of what you might be writing about, check out the prompt options for the 2014-2015 Common Application (remember, you'll only pick one!!).

Supplemental Essays

Many selective schools require their applicants to write more than one essay (even those accepting the Common Application). You should spend just as much time and effort on these essays as you do on your primary essay. The school wouldn't ask you to write it if they weren't going to look closely at your answer.

Often colleges will ask applying students to write an essay about why they want to attend their institution and/or what the student will add to the campus. When answering these questions, be sure to do your research and make your essay as specific as possible."I am drawn by (college name) cutting edge research facilities and reputation for hands-on learning" sounds much better than "This college has a lot of great academic programs."

4:5 Letters of Recommendation

Asking for a letter of recommendation can be intimidating! 

That's why we've put together some great resources from Shmoop, College Greenlight, and College Board. 

Different colleges require a different number of evaluations from teachers or other folks who know you. Here are a few different ways we've seen it before:

• One Teacher Evaluation and one Secondary School Report (i.e., a recommendation from your school counselor)
• Two Teacher Evaluations and one Secondary School Report
• Two Teacher Evaluations from teachers of core academic subjects(math, science, English, social studies) who taught you during, 10th, 11th, or12 grade, one Secondary School Report, and one optional additional evaluation from another teacher, coach, activity leader, or boss

As you can see, some schools are really particular about exactly what type of letter of recommendations they want. Others are more flexible. Make sure to read up on the schools you're applying to so you can make sure to hit their requirements.

Once you know what sorts of teachers you can pick from, it's time to get a little bit strategic. Should you choose that one teacher who gave you a C — or even an A — in basket weaving back in the 9th grade? Probably not.

Who to Ask

It’s your job to find people to write letters of recommendation for you. Follow these steps to start the process:

• Read each of your college applications carefully. Schools often ask for letters of recommendation from an academic teacher — sometimes in a specific subject — or a school counselor or both.
• Ask a counselor, teachers and your family who they think would make good references.
• Choose one of your teachers from junior year or a current teacher who has known you for a while. Colleges want a current perspective on you, so a teacher from several years ago isn't the best choice.
• Consider asking a teacher who also knows you outside the classroom. For example, a teacher who directed you in a play or advised your debate club can make a great reference.
• Consider other adults — such as an employer, a coach or an adviser from an activity outside of school — who have a good understanding of you and your strengths.
• Perhaps most important, pick someone who will be enthusiastic about writing the letter for you.
• If you’re unsure about asking someone in particular, politely ask if he or she feels comfortable recommending you. That’s a good way to avoid weak letters.

When to Ask

When not to ask a teacher for a letter of rec:

• When he or she is passing back your pop quizzes (for which you received a 65).
• The last day of school.
• The first time you meet him or her.

Teachers want their students to succeed. As you probably know from writing essays throughout high school, it takes time to write heartbreaking works of staggering beauty. If you want your teachers to write a good (and heartbreaking) recommendation for you, make sure to give them that ample time to write. You could even ask them during the second half of junior year! This would give you time to exchange information with them and also would give them more time to polish their letters. Your teachers will do a better job on your letter if they don't have to rush.

How to Get the Best Recommendations

Some teachers write many recommendation letters each year. Even if they know you well, it’s a good idea to take some time to speak with them. Make it easy for them to give positive, detailed information about your achievements and your potential by refreshing their memory. Here’s how:

• Talk to them about your class participation.
• Remind them of specific work or projects you’re proud of.
• Tell them what you learned in class.
• Mention any challenges you overcame.
• Give them the information they need to provide specific examples of your work.
• If you need a recommendation letter from a counselor or other school official, follow these guidelines:
• Make an appointment ahead of time.
• Talk about your accomplishments, hobbies and plans for college and the future.
• If you need to discuss part of your transcript — low grades during your sophomore year, for example — do so. Explain why you had difficulty and discuss how you've changed and improved since then.

Whether approaching teachers, a counselor or another reference, you may want to provide them with a resume that briefly outlines your activities, both in and outside the classroom, and your goals.

Final Tips
The following advice is easy to follow and can really pay off:

• Waive your right to view recommendation letters on your application forms. Admission officers will trust them more if you haven’t seen them.
• Give your references addressed and stamped envelopes for each college that requested a recommendation.
• Make sure your references know the deadlines for each college.
• Follow up with your references a week or so before recommendations are due to make sure your letters have been sent.
• Once you’ve decided which college to attend, write thank-you notes. Tell your references where you’re going and let them know how much you appreciate their support.
• Check out the College Greenlight worksheet below for an interactive view on asking for letters of rec!

4:6 When Should You Apply to College?

College Admissions Options

Adapted from Campus Explorer

Colleges generally offer prospective students a variety of ways to submit their applications. After you’ve narrowed down your choices, check the admissions policy and deadline for each school on your college list. Understanding how these policies work will guide your application process and help you determine your college planing timeline.

Don’t assume that all colleges and universities have similar application deadlines. As you do your college search, keep track of each school’s deadlines for applications and financial aid so you don’t miss any opportunities.

Learn about the different types of college admissions to determine which is best for you.

The Main Types of College Admissions Options

Different types of schools generally offer various types of college admissions options.

Regular Admissions

This is the most common option for four-year colleges and universities. All students must submit their applications by a specific date, usually between November and January. The admissions board then reviews all the applications and sends out acceptances and rejection letters on the same date (usually around March and April).

Rolling Admissions

Common at large state universities, schools that provide rolling admissions allow students to apply at any time during their admissions period; typically, September through July. The school then evaluates each college application as it’s received and sends acceptance letters to students who meet their requirements. Since admission is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis, you’ll want to submit your application as early as possible.

Open Admissions

Typically, community colleges, online schools, and distance learning programs offer this type of enrollment. Open admission means that nearly all high school graduates are admitted, provided they have a diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Students who have a lower than average GPA in their high school courses may want to find a college with this policy. If there is no community college in your area that matches your interests, online schools are a great alternative for furthering your education.

Early Admissions Options

If you have one or two schools that are your absolute dream colleges, you should consider one of the early admissions options. However, while applying to college early and enjoying your senior year without the typical acceptance stress may seem tempting, you need to make sure you don’t lock yourself in to a school and then change your mind.

If you’re sure, applying early lets universities know they’re your number one choice, which could improve your chance of acceptance. Learn more about the different options and how your admission works with these methods.

Early Decision

Under this admissions program, you agree to attend this school if accepted, and you can’t apply to any other college or university if you are accepted. If you receive an acceptance letter, you must withdraw any other applications to other schools. Since this option is binding, you need to be sure about your choice and realistic about your application. Make sure you get your guidance counselor’s opinion before you submit an application with early decision. These applications are often due in around late October, and students can expect to hear around December.

Early Action

Like early decision, you are applying only to your top-choice school. However, unlike early decision, you are not bound to attend if accepted and you can apply early action to more than one university. You can accept an offer as soon as you receive it or wait to make your final selection in the spring after you’ve found out where else you’ve been accepted.

Early Evaluation

Selecting this choice means you can apply early to find out whether your changes for acceptance are good, fair or poor. Your application usually needs to be submitted by November, and you’ll be sent a determination by December or January.

Not every college student begins attending college the fall after they graduate high school. You may be ready to start college before your high school graduation, or your personal circumstances may make you want to postpone enrollment. If that describes you, find a college that allow for deferred admissions.

Deferred Admissions

A student picking this option means they have been accepted to a particular college or university but want to defer their enrollment for a year. Consider taking a gap year if you want to travel abroad, obtain more financial aid, work or explore possible careers through internships.

Quick Tips

• If you’re relying on financial aid to pay for college, you may not want to apply early decision because you’ll receive your acceptance before you know what financial aid package you’ll receive. However, you can estimate how much you would pay using a college's net price calculator.
• Don’t assume that all colleges and universities have similar application deadlines. As you do your college search, keep track of each school’s deadlines for applications and financial aid so you don’t miss any opportunities.
• Some schools have begun to offer single-choice early action. Like the traditional early action, you are not bound to attend if admitted, but you are only able to apply early to one school.

5:3 SAT II- Subject Testing

Adapted from College Board

What are SAT Subject Tests?
SAT Subject Tests, or SAT IIs, are hour-long, content-based tests run through College Board that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subject areas where you excel. These are the only national admission tests where you choose the tests that best showcase your achievements and interests.

Should I Take SAT Subject Tests?
It depends! Some colleges require for SAT Subject Tests for their application (they will say it on their website), some only encourage them, some use them for placement in college courses, and some do not ask for them at all. However, even if a school does not require them for application, SAT Subject Tests can allow you to differentiate yourself in the college admission process or send a strong message regarding your readiness to study specific majors or programs in college. With your other admission credentials (your high school record, SAT scores, teacher recommendations, etc.), they can provide a more complete picture of your academic background and interests.

What do they Test?
There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics, and science. For a full listing of SAT Subject Tests, check out the College Board website.

How Much do they Cost?
To sign up for one SAT Subject Test is $26. You can take up to three different tests in a single day though, and each additional test costs money. Check here for more information. However, there are fee waivers available for students to use. Eligible students may receive two fee waivers to take SAT Subject Tests across two sittings. Students may take up to three SAT Subject Tests in each sitting (so, in total, you could take 6 SAT Subject Tests for free). These are in addition to the fee waivers given for the SAT. Learn more about fee waivers.

When should I take them?
In general, you’ll want to take SAT Subject Tests right after you’ve completed a class on the subject because the material will still be fresh in your mind. In some cases, this may mean spring of your freshmen or sophomore year. For the language tests, however, you should consider taking these tests after you’ve studied the language for at least two years.

When are the SAT Subject Tests Offered?

SAT Subject Tests are generally offered six times in any given school year. However, not all 20 tests are offered on every test date. Visit College Board for dates when specific Subject Tests are offered. (For example, that the Language with Listening tests are only offered during the November test date.)

Check out Compass Prep for additional information on SAT Subject Tests and about different schools' requirements.

5:5 Registering for the SAT

Register on Time

You need to register to take the SAT at least a month beforehand to avoid paying late registration fees. Many students register for their tests earlier so they can get their preferred testing location. Registering online is the fastest and easiest way to confirm your attendance. Sign up for the SAT by clicking here!

Check out the 2015 SAT Testing Dates:

• March 14, 2015 (register by February 13, 2015)
• May 2, 2015 (register by April 6, 2015)
• June 6, 2015 (register by May 8, 2015)

Can't find a test date that works for you? Check the SAT site to find later testing dates.

Paying for the SAT

Fees for the SAT

SAT Exam - $52.50

Four registration score reports are available up to nine days after the test date.

Fee Waivers

Taking the SAT costs money, but it doesn't have to. Guidance counselors are provided with fee waivers for the SAT (as well as the ACT and SAT Subject Tests) so that students can register and send their scores to their college choices free of charge. Students can use two waivers for each test. Be sure to ask your guidance counselor about obtaining a fee waiver before you register.

5:6 Registering for the ACT

Register on Time

You need to register to take the ACT at least a month beforehand to avoid paying late registration fees. Many students register for their tests earlier so they can get their preferred testing location. Registering online is the fastest and easiest way to confirm your attendance. Sign up for the ACT by clicking here!

Check out the 2015 ACT Testing Dates:

• February 7, 2015* (register by January 9, 2015)
• April 18, 2015 (register by March 13, 2015)
• June 13, 2015 (register by May 8, 2015)

*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the February test date.

Can't find a test date that works for you? Check the ACT site to find later testing dates.

Paying for the ACT

Fees per ACT Option

ACT (No Writing) - $38.00
Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when you register).

ACT with Writing - $54.50
Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when you register). The $16.50 Writing Test fee is refundable, on written request, if you are absent on test day or switch to the ACT (No Writing) before testing begins.

Fee Waivers

Taking the ACT costs money, but it doesn't have to. Guidance counselors are provided with fee waivers for the ACT (as well as the SAT and SAT Subject Tests) so that students can register and send their scores to their college choices free of charge. Students can use two waivers for each test. Be sure to ask your guidance counselor about obtaining a fee waiver before you register.

6:5 Need Money for College? - FAFSA Overview

You probably need to fill out the federal government’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA. This is the first step if you want financial aid from the federal and state government or most colleges. Check out a full, comprehensive resource guide from the Center for New York City Affairs at The New School by clicking here and check this out:

Basic FAQs:

**Go to Lesson 3 on Determining your FAFSA Situation to learn more about how this applies to you!**

6:5 Determining Your FAFSA Situation

Adapted from NerdScholar

The one-size-fits-all FAFSA can be confusing for students with non-traditional families. The website below, NerdScholar, can help you answer questions like: 

• Who counts as my parent?
• Do I qualify for a dependency override?
• Should I fill out the form if I am undocumented?

Be sure to learn from NerdScholar about filling out the FAFSA with your situation. Remember, the FAFSA is one of the most important ways to get federal, state, and institutional financial aid.

7:3 The Recruiting Process

Getting Recruited

If you are a top high school athlete who is considering college varsity athletics, the website beRecruited.com can be helpful for the competitive recruiting process. You can create an athlete profile to market your abilities to college coaches, research athletic scholarships, and find colleges that fit your academic and athletic goals. It is also a good idea to talk to your coach about your athletic goals and the best way for you to approach college athletics.

7:4 Undocumented Students

Undocumented Students Can Go to College!

By Jose Arreola, from I'm First Guide to College

Undocumented Students Can Go to College
Designed by Fred Hidalgo

Here is some advice and guidance in your pursuit of college and citizenship. Be sure to also check out College Greenlight's resources for undocumented students.

Applying to College:

• All students, regardless of immigration status, can apply to college. Your college applications will be processed even if you don't provide your social security number, citizenship, and residency status. The confidentiality of your educational records--application and financial aid forms--is guaranteed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which covers both high schools and colleges. This means that your college and/or high school can't tell others about your documentation status in order to get you in trouble.
• Are you or your parents undocumented? Find information about the FAFSA by clicking on the following: I am undocumented or my parents are undocumented.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

• We have seen a tremendous amount of movement over the past couple of years with regard to financial aid made available to undocumented students. We now have 18 states that recognize in-state tuition for undocumented students and a few other states that are working on legislation for in-state tuition. We also have 5 states which offer state financial aid: California, Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, and Minnesota.

Other Ways to Make College Affordable:

• While immigration status may mean you are not eligible for federal financial aid, there are plenty of private scholarships which you can apply for. Start your research early and keep it ongoing. Check out 10,000 Degrees and Golden Door for opportunities that you might want to apply for.
• Even if you aren't eligible to fill out the FAFSA, you can fill out the CSS Profile for participating schools to receive aid from individual institutions.
• Research private colleges and universities and local community colleges. Private institutions often have more aid to give non-citizens because their budgets are not mandated by the government. Community colleges can be a more affordable way to get your education started.
• If you are eligible to work, find a part-time job while in high school to save money. When you apply or college, ask about your eligibility for work-study programs.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA):

• This program provides eligible undocumented young people who entered into the U.S. before age 16 with a two-year work authorization and protection from deportation. There are hundreds of thousands of undocumented young people who are currently eligible, but have not yet applied. With DACA approval, you are able to receive a social security number and a driver's license.

Connect to Legal Services:

• Due to the cost of accessing an immigration lawyer and the distrust that exists within many communities due to experiences with fraudulent individuals and "notarios," many do not have a sense of their own immigration cases or about legal remedies that do exist currently. Check out Educators for Fair Consideration to find credible information. 

**Be sure to complete this quiz to earn College Knowledge points!**