College Prep Events 2023-24

Scholarship Application

10 Tips for College Application Success

  • Exploring Majors - A major is a specific subject area that students specialize in. Typically, between one-third and one-half of the courses you’ll take in college will be in your major or related to it.

    At most four-year colleges, and in the case of many majors, you won’t have to pick a major until the end of your sophomore year. This gives you plenty of time to check out various subjects and see which ones interest you. Some majors — like areas of engineering — are exceptions to this rule. You have to commit to these fields of study early, so you have time to take all the required courses.

    How to choose a major? Take courses in areas that appeal to you, and then think about which subject truly motivates you. Stephanie Balmer, dean of admissions at Dickinson College, suggests you take “classes in which you’re going to be confident, but at the same time, take some risks.” She notes that a class you never planned to take could end up helping you choose your major.

    If you’re not sure about your college major while you’re in high school, don’t worry. Most students switch their majors during college. Even students who think they are sure about what they want to major in often change their minds.

    Use Your College Major to Estimate Salary, Find Job  

    Student Banking: Managing Your College Money - Unlike that first school ID photo, your first banking relationship could last long after you graduate. Making a smart decision now will mean fewer surprise fees that can add up later.

    Choose an account as soon as possible - you should try to find one before you start college.

    Once you have a bank account and have selected a college, sign up for direct deposit with your school before classes start. If you are expecting money from your financial aid office, you'll often get it faster this way - it can be weeks before the school gets to writing you a paper check.

    Shop around, and don't feel limited to only the banks or credit unions that have ATMs on or near campus; some will automatically reimburse fees for using any ATM. Consider accounts that offer services like remote check deposits, mobile apps, and online bill-pay.

    Dig deeper when accounts are marketed as "free" or "easy" - very few accounts charge no fees at all.

    College Rover, is a user-friendly tool for students and parents/guardians to quickly sift through mountains of information about colleges – then share, save, and download!

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