Can college really be free?
Yes. With early and proper planning your student may actually attend college with little or no money out of your family’s pocket. This is one reason more and more families are choosing professional guidance.

When is the right time to begin a college plan?
Right now! This is a process, not an event, and there is never a better time to begin. We recommend enrolling your student while they are in the 7th or 8th grade. The more time you allow, the better your results will be.

What factors affect the free financial aid we can qualify for?
Three basic things determine the free money available to your student, grade point average, test scores, and everything else.

How do I calculate my grade point average?
To calculate your academic grade point average for college, you
need to know which courses are college prep courses. Academic courses in grades 10 and 11 are used to compute the academic GPA.
An A= 4 points, B=3 points, C=2 points and a D=1 point.
Count the semester courses and add the total grade points. Also
add an extra point for each honors or AP course. Take the total points and
divide by the total courses.
Example: A's = 10 x4 = 40; B's = 12x3= 36. 22 total courses (10+12) and 76 grade points (40+36) + 2 AP courses= 78 divided by 22 equals 3.5 GPA.

Should I take the PSAT?
Juniors interested in attending a four year college should take the PSAT in
October of the junior year. The test is only offered in October at your high school.
National merit scholars will be selected from the PSAT test scores of juniors.

What is the Difference between the SAT and ACT?
The SAT is divided into three sections: critical reading, math and writing
The ACT has four parts: English, math, reading and science. An optional
writing section also has been added. The SAT exam is 3 hours and 45 minutes
long and the ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes plus a 30-minute optional writing
test.

Should I take the SAT or ACT?
The SAT is often taken on the East and West coasts. The ACT is popular
in the South and Mid-West. Many colleges accept either; however it can't hurt to take both. The ACT covers science and trigonometry. The SAT stresses vocabulary more than the ACT. Consult your CP101 advisor to see which one works best for your college plan.

Do any colleges have programs for students with learning disabilities?
Yes. Many colleges have programs for students with disabilities.
CP101 can provide detailed information on these programs and schools.

How important is community service and involvement?
This is extremely important and can account for up to one third of your students’ merit-aid or free money. Students may also gain insight into their true likes and dislikes with regard to their future career. That insight can save thousands of dollars and years of wasted time in their education process. Colleges and universities place a great deal of weight on student resumes and community service is a very important part of a winning resume.

Did you know…that if your student is in the 8th grade now (Class of 2012), the expected cost of a four-year degree will range from $103, 719 to $212, 661? And, if they take six years to get that degree, it will cost $167,104 to $342,623?

Professional help will ease the burdens placed on our children and their parents.

We can help…

• Formulate the right college plan.
• Find the right college.
• Identify the right major.
• Help determine the right financial aid package.

This comprehensive service includes college major selection, career counseling, college matching, standardized on-line, live test preparation, merit aid searches, study skills assistance, financial aid planning, promotion to colleges, virtual report cards, FAFSA form assistance, and unlimited contact with trained advisors.

We work closely with your local and state PTAs and local, regional and national businesses to bring our college planning workshops to your area. Your participation is vital in order to help as many families and students as possible to achieve their dreams of a higher education. We look forward to seeing you at the next workshop planned for your area.