<p><strong>The College Board</strong></p>
<p> During my tenure as a college admission officer, my colleagues and I looked forward to April 1 when we shared admission decisions with students. While some students knew exactly what to do and met the May 1 commitment decision deadline with ease, many Latino students who were the first in their families to go to college needed a bit more guidance with the process.</p>
<p> I was one of those students although I was fortunate in many ways that point to key steps.</p>
<p> I had the guidance of a great counselor who helped me navigate the process. She encouraged me to visit colleges within driving distance and to connect with alumni in my area from out-of-state colleges. Nowadays, students have the option of doing online virtual tours, participating in chat rooms or joining special fly-in programs.</p>
<p> I followed my high school counselor’s advice. Choosing my college was not solely based on financial aid but on the school that I felt was the best fit for me. Although I didn’t end up going to the institution that gave me the most aid, I did get a package that included grants, loans and work-study. Since my award letter noted aid from these various sources, including parent loans, it was important to get clarification from financial aid counselors to make sure I’d be able to cover my college costs.</p>
<p> When I was making my college decision, I asked myself: What do I value in a college? In what type of environment do I learn best? What are my goals and what makes me happy? I was lucky to have very supportive parents who trusted me. They allowed me to have the final word on this big decision. The school I chose, Claremont McKenna College, was not just where I earned my degree but where I started my career as an admission officer.</p>
<p> I often advise students who are not accepted to find out what happened by sending a letter to the college or the representative who visited their school and begin seeking potential transfer advice. Students can get information about their local community college and make an appointment with their school counselor to find out these colleges’ deadlines for enrollment and financial aid. Searching for institutions with rolling admission that are still looking for students is another option.</p>
<p> Use April to select or find the right college. Sending the required deposit to the school of your choice to save a spot is very important since many selective institutions have students on waitlists eager to take your spot. Seek help from the College Board at under the section “Apply to College.” Remember, luck is not as important when you are prepared. Don’t miss the May 1 deadline and the opportunity to make the decision that promises to transform your life for the better.</p>
<p><strong>Tips when reviewing award letters:</strong></p>
<p> · Check what is being offered in scholarships and grants versus loans and understand the loan conditions.</p>
<p> · There is no obligation to accept a particular offer unless you are sure it meets your needs. Try to negotiate if necessary.</p>
<p> · Pay attention to deadlines. Offers for scholarships may not happen if deadlines are missed.</p>
<p> · Check if there is an offer for work-study and, if not, investigate if it’s still an option.</p>
<p> · Become your own advocate by understanding the total cost beyond tuition such as books, transportation and insurance.</p>