College Planning - Tustin Unified School District

Whether you are considering a private career
college, a community college, or a four-year
college, ECMC prepared this workbook to guide
you through the college selection, application,
and financial aid process.
tips for using this book
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Work from front to back
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Have a pencil/pen handy
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Use the checklists
updates to this book
While every effort is made to keep this book up-to-date, program requirements are subject to
change. For complete information regarding specific programs, contact the organization responsible
for administering that individual program.
The U.S. Congress frequently considers legislation that could change some of the provisions of the
federal student financial aid programs. If changes are made, a description of these changes will be
posted on www.ecmc.org.
availability in spanish
To order Spanish copies and/or download a PDF, visit www.ecmc.org.
Para ordenar copias Español y/o descargar un PDF, visite www.ecmc.org.
for administrators and counselors
This book is a resource for you to share with students. For free copies of this book, go to
www.ecmc.org/opportunities to order.
about ecmc
Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) is a nonprofit company providing services
in support of higher education finance. We work to support college access and success, and we
provide students with tools and resources for planning and paying for college.
For more information about ECMC, visit www.ecmc.org.
ECMC wishes all students success in the pursuit of their education goals.
Contents
How going to college can change your life
2 Paths to higher education
3 Preparing for college
Choosing the right college
4 Checklist: Junior year
5 Worksheet: Choosing the right college
The college application process
6 Checklist: Junior year and senior year
7 College entrance exams
9 Submitting your college applications
10 Worksheet: Organize your application information
Navigating financial aid
11 Checklist: Junior year and senior year
12 Your college costs
14 About the FAFSA
16 Checklist: FAFSA
18 Federal financial aid: Grants, work-study, and loans
20 Scholarships and scams
22 Your rights and responsibilities
The final decision
23 Checklist: Senior year
23 Understanding your award letter
25 Worksheet: Make your decision
Glossary
26 College and financial aid definitions
To reduce confusion, in this book we refer to all types of higher
education institutions as “colleges.”
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