🍦 Daily Digest Aug 18: Master the honors section of the Common App

Good morning folks! Here’s what we have today:

1. School of the Day: Amherst College, school with no required general education courses

2. Admission Blueprint: How to master the honors section of the Common App

3. Finance Focus: How to prepare yourself for financial aid applications (FAFSA + more)

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
Amherst College

Every day, we cover a different school, helping you learn something new about your favorite schools or find a new school that could end up being your dream school.

📍 Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
🎓 Undergraduates Enrolled: 1,971
📊 Acceptance Rate: 9.8% (13,998 applicants)
📝 Average SAT/ACT: 1485/33
💸 Tuition: $66,650 (private, same in-state/out-of-state)
📅 Admission Options: Early Decision (November 1), Regular Decision (January 2)
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Economics, Political Science, Biology

At first glance, Amherst College might seem like just another small liberal arts college in New England, but there’s much more to it than its picturesque setting and rigorous academics. As you go through your college list, what sets Amherst apart from other schools?

The Positives

📚 Open Curriculum:
Amherst is known for its open curriculum, which means there are no general education requirements. This gives students the freedom to explore subjects that truly interest them without the constraints of a core curriculum. Whether you’re passionate about interdisciplinary studies or want to dive deep into a specific major, Amherst’s academic flexibility allows you to shape your own educational journey.

🏆 Prestigious Academics:
As one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, Amherst offers a world-class education with small class sizes and close faculty-student interactions. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, you’ll find professors who are not only experts in their fields but also deeply invested in your academic and personal growth. Amherst’s rigorous academics are well-respected, opening doors to top graduate programs and careers.

🌳 A Beautiful, Historic Campus:
Nestled in the quaint town of Amherst, the college offers a stunning campus with a blend of historic and modern architecture. The campus is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Pioneer Valley, providing a serene environment perfect for studying and outdoor activities. The town of Amherst, known for its vibrant arts scene, cultural events, and literary history, enhances the overall experience with its unique charm.

🧑‍🎓 Strong Alumni Network:
Even with a small class size and few graduates, Amherst has a loyal and successful alumni network, with graduates excelling in various fields, from law and medicine to arts and public service. The college’s Career Center offers robust support for internships, job placements, and career exploration, ensuring that students are well-prepared for life after graduation.

Some Negatives

💸 High Cost of Attendance:
Amherst’s tuition is steep, and while the college offers generous financial aid, the cost of attendance remains a significant investment. However, Amherst meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, making it more accessible to those who qualify for aid.

🚪 Low Acceptance Rate:
With an acceptance rate of just 9.8%, Amherst is highly selective. The competitive admissions process means that even highly qualified students might find it difficult to gain admission, adding to the stress of the college application process.

📍 Limited Urban Access:
While Amherst’s rural setting offers tranquility and natural beauty, it might not appeal to students who prefer the hustle and bustle of a big city. The town of Amherst is charming but small, and while the nearby city of Northampton and the resources of the Five College Consortium provide some variety, those seeking a more urban environment might find the setting too quiet.

Amherst College is a standout for its academic flexibility, tight-knit community, and beautiful surroundings. If you’re looking for a place where you can chart your own academic path in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, Amherst could be the perfect fit. However, be prepared for the challenges of a competitive admissions process and a rural setting.

ADMISSION BLUEPRINT
How to master the honors section of the Common App

The “Honors” section of the Common Application is your chance to shine! It’s a dedicated space where you can list the awards and recognitions you’ve earned throughout high school. But with only five slots and a 100-character limit for each, how do you decide what to include? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s how to make the most out of this section and let your achievements speak volumes.

🏅 What to Include in the Honors Section
In this section, you’ll need to provide the name of the honor, the type, and the grade(s) you received it in. While it might be tempting to only list the most prestigious awards, remember that this section is all about showcasing your unique journey. Academic, extracurricular, and even some leadership awards can all have a place here. The Common App breaks them down into three categories: school-wide/local, state, and national/international awards.

📚 School-Wide/Local Awards
These could be things like National Honor Society membership, being on the Honor Roll, or winning a “Student of the Year” award for a specific subject. Don’t forget about extracurricular recognitions too—like being a county champion in Mock Trial or winning 1st place in a local Academic Decathlon.

🏆 State Awards
These are a step up in prestige. Think of awards like being the top scorer in a statewide Science Olympiad or winning a state-level music competition. These honors show that you’ve stood out among a larger pool of students.

🌍 National & International Awards
The most prestigious of all! National awards like AP Scholar or National Merit Scholar are highly recognized and respected. International awards—where you’re competing against students from around the world—are even more impressive. This is where titles like “Finalist in an International Essay Contest” really shine.

🎯 How to Organize and Describe Honors
When listing your honors, start with the most competitive and well-recognized awards. Generally, national and international awards should come first, followed by state, then school-wide/local honors. Admissions officers will be looking at both the prestige of the awards and how they align with your interests and goals.

🔢 Using Numbers
In such a tight space, numbers can be your best friend. Try to quantify the value of your award: mention how many students were eligible, how many received it, or any other impressive stats. For example, instead of just saying “Top Debater,” you could write, “1st out of 300 in State Debate Championship.”

🔡 Thoughts on Acronyms?
Acronyms might seem like a great way to save space, but they can confuse admissions officers who aren’t familiar with them. Instead of “MHSBPACA Award,” spell it out or find a way to abbreviate it that still makes sense.

🧐 To Be (Picky) or Not to Be (Picky)
You’ve got five slots—fill them if you can! Even if your honors seem common (like Honor Roll or AP Scholar), they still add value. If you have more than five honors, prioritize the most selective or relevant ones. And remember, leftover awards can always be mentioned in the Extracurricular Activities section or the Additional Info section.

✨ Final Thoughts
Every part of your Common App is a chance to show off who you are and what you’ve achieved. The Honors section might be small, but it packs a punch. By carefully selecting and describing your awards, you can make sure admissions officers see the very best of you.

So, go ahead—take a moment to polish this section and let your accomplishments shine through!

FINANCE FOCUS
How to get financial aid (guide to FAFSA + more)

Getting into college is a huge accomplishment, but figuring out how to pay for it can be daunting. The good news is that financial aid can make college more affordable, whether you're aiming for a state school or a prestigious private university. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essentials of the financial aid process, from filling out key forms to understanding your options.

📝 Start with FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first stop. Completing the FAFSA is crucial because it determines your eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study, and loans. Many colleges also use your FAFSA information to award their own need-based aid. The FAFSA opens every year on October 1st, and it’s best to fill it out as early as possible since some aid is first-come, first-served. You’ll need details like your family's tax returns and other financial information, so be sure to have those ready.

📑 Don’t Forget the CSS Profile
While the FAFSA is necessary for federal aid, many private colleges and universities require the CSS Profile to determine how much institutional aid you might qualify for. The CSS Profile, managed by the College Board, digs deeper into your family’s financial situation. Unlike the FAFSA, which is free to submit, there’s a fee for submitting the CSS Profile, though fee waivers are available for eligible students. The CSS Profile asks for more detailed financial information, so take your time with it.

💰 Understanding Need-Based Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like—aid that’s awarded based on your financial need. This can include grants (which don’t need to be repaid), work-study (where you work part-time to earn money for school), and subsidized loans (which don’t accrue interest while you’re in school). Colleges will use the information from your FAFSA and CSS Profile to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which they’ll subtract from the school’s cost of attendance to determine your financial need.

🔍 Use the Net Price Calculator
Before you even apply to a college, it’s a good idea to get an estimate of how much it might cost after financial aid. This is where the Net Price Calculator comes in. Every college is required to have one on its website, and it lets you input your family’s financial information to see an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships. While it’s not a perfect prediction, it can give you a rough idea of what you’ll be expected to pay.

🌐 Finding More Information
The financial aid process can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of resources available to help you. The Federal Student Aid website (studentaid.gov) is a great place to start for information on the FAFSA, federal loans, and grants. For the CSS Profile, check out the College Board’s website (cssprofile.collegeboard.org). Many colleges also have dedicated financial aid offices that can answer your questions and guide you through the process.

🎓 Federal Grants: The Pell Grant and More
Federal grants are a form of need-based financial aid that you don’t have to repay. The Pell Grant is one of the most well-known federal grants, awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The amount you can receive depends on factors like your family’s income, the cost of attendance at your college, and whether you’re attending full-time or part-time. Other federal grants include the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), which provides additional aid to students with the greatest need.

In conclusion, understanding and navigating the financial aid process is key to making college more affordable. By filling out the FAFSA and CSS Profile, exploring need-based aid options, using net price calculators, and tapping into available resources, you can take control of your college financing plan.

LINK LOUNGE
Key Resources & Scholarships

In the Link Lounge section, you can find links to great resources such as scholarships during the college application process. These links can be really helpful and will be updated as time goes on, so be sure to check back frequently!

Coca-Cola Scholars Program: prestigious $20,000 scholarship, 2024-25 applications now open
Fastweb Scholarship Finder: free service to search through hundreds of scholarships
Collegevine Sage: AI college counselor with over 2M users
Georgia Tech Admissions Blog: arguably the best admissions blog out there, providing commentary on important topics in the world of college admissions

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
SAT next Saturday!

In the Daily Deadlines section, we will keep you updated on upcoming deadlines in the college admissions world. Remember to not procrastinate and stay ahead of these deadlines!

August SAT: Saturday, August 24
September ACT Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 25
September ACT: Saturday, September 15
University of Texas Early Action Deadline: October 15

THE ARCHIVE
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