There is often a struggle with making it through your final years of schooling and creating a realistic plan for the future that works for you, but did you know that expediting the process is just within arms reach? Furthermore, did you know that you might be eligible for financial help toward achieving a higher education?
Early Action (EA) is a non-binding admission process offered by select colleges and universities; this allows people to submit applications in October or November of their senior year and receive notification of a decision by early January instead of March or May. For college-bound students, this is beneficial, as it reduces the number of applications to be completed on a standard timeline.
“The main reason that led me to apply EA was to have a more secure and final decision earlier from colleges, so I could have my plans for next year determined earlier and have my plans set,” senior Raphaela Tzantarmas said.
No matter your budget, student loans and debt are something we would all rather avoid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) gives candidates an understanding of what is possible in their academic journey. This form determines a person’s eligibility for financial aid depending on what criteria they meet.
“I don’t want to limit myself to the colleges I hope to go to just because I couldn’t afford it or didn’t apply early enough, so early applications and FAFSA were the best ways to set myself up for success,” senior Zoey Zuckerman said.
Here at Tualatin High School (TuHS), the ideal way for an interested student to begin this path would be to reach out to the College and Career Center, which is easily accessible in the school library. There, one can register for college visits via Naviance. If you find yourself at one of the live tours or information sessions, the TuHS website has a list of important questions to ask to acquire more vital information. These include, but are not limited to, “How important is GPA in admission decisions?” ,“Do you consider applications for financial aid when making admission decisions?” and “What makes a good college essay?”
Sometimes, it’s difficult to find straightforward answers that apply to your circumstances, especially during a period as stressful as your final year of high school. That’s why it’s crucial to ask insightful and open-ended questions in the appropriate settings. Being knowledgeable about requirements and deadlines can reduce stress for seniors applying for college.
“Having the earlier deadline was kind of easier for me mentally, so I wouldn’t be swamped later in the year,” senior Salem Blaettler said.
All things considered, if you are looking at achieving a college plan that meets your needs, applying for EA and filling out your FAFSA makes for an excellent starting line. With this combination, you can comfortably weigh the pros and cons of different schools, giving you a head start and a sense of security.
