Navigating the �College Admissions Process

Researching Your Options

What are you looking for in a college?

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• Type of college
• Location
• Cost
• Size
• Programs of study
• Academic support and resources
• Safety

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On average, students apply to 5-8 colleges.

Researching Applications

What are colleges expecting from you?

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• Type of application used
• Early Decision vs Early Action
• Fee waiver eligibility
• Major-specific requirements
• Test Scores
• GPA recalculations
• Legacy
• Children, grandchildren and/or siblings of alumni

Be Proactive and Prepared

• Start the college search early
• Visit campus or view virtual tours
• Attend college information sessions
• Step outside your comfort zone
• Contact your admissions counselor
• Contact mentors for letters of recommendation
• Submit the application 2 weeks prior to the deadline
• Consider what your school looks for in a �student

COVID-19 Impacts

• Virtual Campus Tours/Events

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• Test-optional admissions policies

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• Gap years

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• Changes to deadlines

• How Pass/Fail grades are reviewed

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• Supporting documents

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• Financial Aid and scholarships

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How to Stay Organized

• Read everything colleges send you.
• It’s okay to unsubscribe!

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• Create a spreadsheet.
• Know your deadlines!

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• Consider the qualifications of the average accepted applicant.
• Contact your admissions counselor!�
• Secure mentors for letters of recommendation.

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• Submit all your application materials at least two weeks prior to the deadline.

How to Stand Out

• College Essay
• Letters of Recommendation
• Extracurricular Activities Resume
• Interviews
• Demonstrated Interest
• Auditions and Portfolios
• Social Media
• ZeeMee Profile

Be cautious of…

• Deadlines
• The college essay
• Rankings
• Parent interaction
• Setting realistic expectations

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Financial Aid & Scholarships

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – studentaid.gov

Available October 1

• Grants
• Loans
• Student Loan
• Parent Loan
• Federal Work Study

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Scholarships

• Admissions/Merit-Based
• Departmental and Private
• Free Scholarship Search Services
• Collegegreenlight.com
• Fastweb.com
• Finaid.org
• Moneygeek.com
• Scholarshipamerica.org
• Scholarships.com
• Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) – mhec.maryland.gov
• State aid using your FAFSA information
• Local delegate/representative scholarships

Most Common Mistakes

• Errors in essays and/or emails

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• Failure to follow instructions

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• Over-sharing of information

• Procrastination

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• Lack of ownership in the application process

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• No back-up plan

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Questions?

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TU Office of Admissions

admissions@towson.edu

www.towson.edu/admissions

410-704-2113