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Parents FAQ
How can I support my student in this search?
What do Colleges That Change Lives schools look for in applicants?
Do I have to fill out the FAFSA every year?
How seriously do colleges take legacy?
What should I expect when my student visits a campus?
What should I expect from my parent interview?
How can I get a CTCL Event to come to my area?
How do I know if the campus is safe?
What is the difference between a need-based and merit-based financial award?
How can I guarantee that my student gets a job after college?
Do graduate schools really take degrees from these small schools seriously?
Do these schools offer athletic scholarships?
What do Colleges That Change Lives schools look for in applicants?
Do I have to fill out the FAFSA every year?
How seriously do colleges take legacy?
What should I expect when my student visits a campus?
What should I expect from my parent interview?
How can I get a CTCL Event to come to my area?
How do I know if the campus is safe?
What is the difference between a need-based and merit-based financial award?
How can I guarantee that my student gets a job after college?
Do graduate schools really take degrees from these small schools seriously?
Do these schools offer athletic scholarships?
How can I support my student in this search?
Many parents believe that the primary concern during the college search is the school under consideration. It’s not—the most important thing is your student’s personal growth and happiness. One of the best things that comes out of the college search is the sense of self and optimism about the future students can gain if they search thoughtfully. You can help by asking questions, keeping in mind that personalities will further develop in college, and who your son or daughter is now is not necessarily who he or she will become as new interests, directions, and passions unfold.
Students should be responsible, as much as possible, for the work of searching for colleges and applying for admission—they should research schools, request information, schedule visits, write their own essays, and prepare their own applications. It’s fine to offer help, but the process should belong to your student. You can guide them by asking useful questions such as what they like about the college, what they think they will major in, and what career path they may pursue. The answers to these questions may change as your student learns more about his or her values, goals, and priorities, so check in often to see what they’re thinking. Be honest about family finances and file the FAFSA early, so you’ll have a clearer picture of what kind of aid you could receive at various colleges. If you’re able, visiting colleges with your student is a good way to learn more about the college and to show your support.
Ultimately, where your student chooses to attend college doesn’t matter so much as the energy and enthusiasm they bring to their experience. Many parents confuse the school’s perceived status with its quality of life and its academic caliber—much more important are the opportunities for students to connect to their learning and expand their knowledge, all the while preparing for a future of their own making. For many families, allowing the student to take control of the search for the right college is the first step in letting them go—allowing them to choose the place that fits them best is the greatest way to help them develop into capable, confident adults.
What do Colleges That Change Lives schools look for in applicants?
Though admission requirements vary across the colleges, most admission officers are looking for evidence of “fit” with the school. That’s not to say that they are looking for people who are all the same—rather, CTCL schools strive to enroll diverse populations of students from all over the country and around the world who will likely succeed on their campus. They hope to see students who are ready for college-level learning, leadership, and responsibility.
There’s no set formula for admission at a CTCL school. Admission officers hope to see hard work in challenging courses, grades that represent the student’s best continued efforts, solid standardized test scores, and involvement or leadership in sports, clubs, activities, after-school work, or volunteer service. Admission officers take recommendations seriously, so it’s important to choose teachers and others who know the student well and can write about what makes that student a good fit for that CTCL school. The student’s essay should answer application questions clearly, illustrate a particular talent or characteristic, and reflect the student’s unique personality.
Students should spend some time thinking about who they are, what makes them special, and what they hope to accomplish in college before sending in an application. What talents or insights can they contribute to the campus community? Which life experiences help to make them an uncommon individual? What areas of interest do they hope to develop? Why is this school the right choice for the student’s future? The application is an opportunity to shine. The students who can best demonstrate that they are motivated, eager learners will make the biggest impact on admission committees.
Do I have to fill out the FAFSA every year?
Yes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required of all families applying for financial assistance. It is a standard form from the Department of Education that determines eligibility for all state and federal grants. After applicants provide information from their tax returns, supply data on their assets, debt, number of students in college, and financial responsibilities (including medical bills), the federal government assesses these factors to determine the family’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), or the amount the family is expected to contribute to the cost of a college education. The EFC remains the same no matter what colleges and universities the student applies to, but the amount and type of aid offered by the institutions themselves may vary. Most schools offer a combination of merit aid, loans, and campus employment. Families may deny any part of an aid package, but they will be expected to cover the costs themselves if they refuse aid.
Family financial situations change significantly as siblings graduate from or enroll in college, education costs increase, or unexpected situations occur, so it is required that every family submit a FAFSA yearly. It is very important that the form be turned in on time—check out the FAFSA online or consult your guidance counselor for more information.
How seriously do colleges take legacy?
CTCL schools welcome students who have the college in their family history, but they do not view legacy candidates differently than other applicants. A qualified student who is demonstrably interested in attending the college her mother or father earned a degree from is certainly an asset, but CTCL schools are equally interested in attracting qualified first-generation students and students who are interested in a CTCL education because it is different than anything their parents experienced.
What should I expect when my student visits a campus?
Visiting a campus in person offers students and their families the opportunity to experience the school firsthand, to form impressions and assess if it’s a good match. Though specific activities vary by campus, students typically may tour the campus (families are welcome to join the tour as well), interview with an admission officer, attend a class, eat in the dining hall, meet with a coach or conductor, and stay overnight in a residence hall. The campus visit is a great time for you to ask the admission representative and others questions about health services, the local community, advising services, and campus regulations. Look for “fit” between your student and the school. Ask yourself if you believe your son or daughter would be happy in this environment. Would your student be challenged? Would he or she thrive? It’s important to be positive about your visit—even if it’s raining and you’re convinced it’s not a good fit for your child. Your support and enthusiasm make a difference to your student and can affect the energy level put into the search.
Parents are welcome on tours and encouraged to participate, so wear comfortable shoes—and make sure you understand the directions to campus so you’re on time. If you’re unable to tour the campus, ask about video or DVD tours you can watch or other information that will give you a sense of place. If it’s possible to visit the campus without younger family members, you’ll be less distracted; if they visit as well, they are generally welcome on tours.
Encourage your son or daughter to research the school before visiting so he or she will have good questions to ask on the tour and in interviews; students with questions that go beyond the basics show interest and preparation. It can help to talk about the visit with your student on the way home or within a few days of the visit; you’ll both remember different things and be able to share your impressions. Some parents and students keep separate journals of what interests them on campuses and compare notes after their visits. If you think of additional questions after visiting, contact the office of admission by phone or email. Finally, encouraging your student to write brief thank-you notes to the people who spent time with them will help them stand out from the crowd.
What should I expect from my parent interview?
Some schools offer parent interviews with admission officers, either one-on-one or along with your student. Like your student’s interview, it’s a chance to learn more about the college and get answers to your questions. Admission officers are not assessing you as a parent—they’re looking for a clearer picture of your student’s profile, interests, and potential. They want to know that your student is interested in the school and is in control of the search. The interview is not a chance for you to “sell” the counselor on your student’s strengths as an applicant—it’s more of a dialogue about the possibility of a match between the college and your student. Ask yourself what role on campus only your student can fill, and speak from that perspective—tell the counselor what you’re most proud of, what makes your student unique, and what you hope they’ll accomplish in college.
If the school offers parent interviews, an admission officer will usually want to speak with the student alone before bringing you into the office. They’ll talk about the college with your student, ask questions, and explain programs. If you aren’t already familiar with the school’s profile and admission materials, it can help to review them while your student is interviewing, so you can spend more time on specific questions and less on basic information covered by college publications.
Don’t be afraid to ask “parent” questions about financial aid and scholarship opportunities, transportation issues, safety, academic advising, health services, and campus rules. Most parents are concerned about these issues, and counselors expect to field them in interviews. You and your student may want to discuss the kinds of questions you’d like to ask before going into the interview—this can cut down on surprises and the possibility that you’ll ask questions they’ve already covered.
How can I get a CTCL Event to come to my area?
If a CTCL Event is not scheduled for your area this year, please email your nomination to our Event Coordinator. Representatives from individual Colleges That Change Lives schools may also be visiting your town or high school in the future—check with the counselor at the high school or contact the colleges you’re interested in for more information.
How do I know if the campus is safe?
No college can guarantee safety for all its students, but there are things to look for that can affect your student’s well-being. Schools are required to disclose campus safety issues under the Campus Crime Statistics (Clery) Act, and can be held in violation of Title IX for failure to report or respond to safety issues. Families can search these statistics by visiting our Featured Links page for more information on campus safety, security, and wellness.
If you’re able to visit the campus, ask about security personnel and how often they patrol the campus. Is campus security staffed by one or more full-time safety officers, or is it staffed by someone who only works security part time? Look for plenty of lights and call boxes for students who want to request escorts across campus in the evenings. If you’re able to talk to students, ask them if they feel safe on campus—and why. Ask about residence hall security—are the outside doors locked and is access limited? Do students trust each other? Do they lock the door in their residence hall room? Have there been any security issues in the recent past? It’s important to remember that no school will have a perfect record, and this information is best used as an indicator, not a guarantee, of safety.
One of the best indicators of a safe campus is the closeness of the college community. Residential campuses tend to be safer because students live together and are able to look out for one another. Remember that a school’s policy on alcohol and drug use does not always reflect its reality—ask students to be candid about their impressions of campus partying. If students spend a lot of time off campus, ask how they get around and what their impressions of the surrounding areas are like. If the school offers study abroad or internship opportunities, ask about rules on the programs and the pre-departure orientation process for students planning to experience life in a different culture. Nothing can guarantee safety, but a school that encourages its students to make good decisions and care for each other can prevent trouble before it starts.
What is the difference between a need-based and merit-based financial award?
The amount of need-based assistance for which your family qualifies is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines an individual family’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), which influences the amount of state and federal dollars a family is eligible to receive. Need-based monies include loans that must be repaid over time; campus employment, which allows students to earn money at campus jobs; and grants, which do not require repayment.
Merit-based aid is gift money granted according to personal achievement, regardless of financial need. These awards do not require repayment and are often funded by the colleges themselves, though merit awards from outside donors include the National Merit Award and community scholarships. Some religious organizations also provide scholarships to their members. Colleges and universities offer many different types of merit awards for academics, performing arts, writing, sports, service, and leadership. To learn more about a school’s merit scholarship opportunities, check out its Web site or contact the college for more information.
How can I guarantee that my student gets a job after college?
Unfortunately, that kind of guarantee is impossible for anyone to provide. The fact is, students from all kinds of colleges will go on to find good jobs after college; not all will find meaningful careers. That’s why the search for a rewarding career at a CTCL school begins early. Students learn to identify areas of interest and make connections between disciplines; they develop skills that serve them as critical thinkers, innovators, and creative analysts. Professors and alumni alike mentor CTCL students, helping to guide them toward interesting careers or graduate study programs. Students receive guidance from the career center that encourages them to think about their goals and values, not just their preferred future title.
CTCL schools emphasize internships and practical work experience, so students graduate with the experience and skills employers value. Factors like volunteer work, leadership roles, and cross-cultural understanding can help tip the balance in favor of a CTCL graduate. In annual alumni surveys, graduates from CTCL schools report tremendous satisfaction and success in their post-college lives. And, they often articulate a common view that success means more than a good job—rather, they view themselves as successful because they are leading meaningful lives of service, leadership, and growth.
Do graduate schools really take degrees from these small schools seriously?
Yes. Many of the schools that make up the Colleges That Change Lives are national leaders in the numbers of graduates attending post-graduate institutions, including medical, dental, veterinary, and law schools. Students who attend CTCL schools value education and love to learn; they graduate with respected, useful degrees. In fact, many CTCL graduates win prestigious awards to attend graduate schools, where they continue to excel. Graduate school admission committees are typically very familiar with CTCL schools and understand their traditions of academic excellence.
CTCL students are valued by graduate admission committees because their experience extends beyond the classroom; they have participated in internships, service, or study abroad opportunities that speak to their ability to adapt, take on responsibility, be comfortable with change, and think independently. Many CTCL graduates have performed graduate-level research, published in journals, presented their work, or completed a thesis-quality project. Admission committees respect the commitment CTCL graduates demonstrate toward their education and the wealth of experience they bring to graduate and professional degree programs.
Do these schools offer athletic scholarships?
A large percentage of CTCL students play intercollegiate sports, and many participate in club or intramural sports as well. Birmingham-Southern University, which is a Division I school, offers athletic scholarships for students, and the Division II CTCL schools offer some scholarships for student-athletes. Division III colleges are not able to offer sports scholarships under NCAA guidelines, but they do welcome and value student-athletes and their teams are often very competitive in their divisions. CTCL athletes have won national and division titles or championships, competed in post-season tournament play, and won awards for their achievements both on and off the playing field, including All America and Academic All America honors. Several CTCL colleges do not offer intercollegiate sports, but they feature popular intramurals, club teams, and recreational opportunities. Students interested in playing sports in college should contact the college’s office of admission for more information.
Many parents believe that the primary concern during the college search is the school under consideration. It’s not—the most important thing is your student’s personal growth and happiness. One of the best things that comes out of the college search is the sense of self and optimism about the future students can gain if they search thoughtfully. You can help by asking questions, keeping in mind that personalities will further develop in college, and who your son or daughter is now is not necessarily who he or she will become as new interests, directions, and passions unfold.
Students should be responsible, as much as possible, for the work of searching for colleges and applying for admission—they should research schools, request information, schedule visits, write their own essays, and prepare their own applications. It’s fine to offer help, but the process should belong to your student. You can guide them by asking useful questions such as what they like about the college, what they think they will major in, and what career path they may pursue. The answers to these questions may change as your student learns more about his or her values, goals, and priorities, so check in often to see what they’re thinking. Be honest about family finances and file the FAFSA early, so you’ll have a clearer picture of what kind of aid you could receive at various colleges. If you’re able, visiting colleges with your student is a good way to learn more about the college and to show your support.
Ultimately, where your student chooses to attend college doesn’t matter so much as the energy and enthusiasm they bring to their experience. Many parents confuse the school’s perceived status with its quality of life and its academic caliber—much more important are the opportunities for students to connect to their learning and expand their knowledge, all the while preparing for a future of their own making. For many families, allowing the student to take control of the search for the right college is the first step in letting them go—allowing them to choose the place that fits them best is the greatest way to help them develop into capable, confident adults.
What do Colleges That Change Lives schools look for in applicants?
Though admission requirements vary across the colleges, most admission officers are looking for evidence of “fit” with the school. That’s not to say that they are looking for people who are all the same—rather, CTCL schools strive to enroll diverse populations of students from all over the country and around the world who will likely succeed on their campus. They hope to see students who are ready for college-level learning, leadership, and responsibility.
There’s no set formula for admission at a CTCL school. Admission officers hope to see hard work in challenging courses, grades that represent the student’s best continued efforts, solid standardized test scores, and involvement or leadership in sports, clubs, activities, after-school work, or volunteer service. Admission officers take recommendations seriously, so it’s important to choose teachers and others who know the student well and can write about what makes that student a good fit for that CTCL school. The student’s essay should answer application questions clearly, illustrate a particular talent or characteristic, and reflect the student’s unique personality.
Students should spend some time thinking about who they are, what makes them special, and what they hope to accomplish in college before sending in an application. What talents or insights can they contribute to the campus community? Which life experiences help to make them an uncommon individual? What areas of interest do they hope to develop? Why is this school the right choice for the student’s future? The application is an opportunity to shine. The students who can best demonstrate that they are motivated, eager learners will make the biggest impact on admission committees.
Do I have to fill out the FAFSA every year?
Yes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required of all families applying for financial assistance. It is a standard form from the Department of Education that determines eligibility for all state and federal grants. After applicants provide information from their tax returns, supply data on their assets, debt, number of students in college, and financial responsibilities (including medical bills), the federal government assesses these factors to determine the family’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), or the amount the family is expected to contribute to the cost of a college education. The EFC remains the same no matter what colleges and universities the student applies to, but the amount and type of aid offered by the institutions themselves may vary. Most schools offer a combination of merit aid, loans, and campus employment. Families may deny any part of an aid package, but they will be expected to cover the costs themselves if they refuse aid.
Family financial situations change significantly as siblings graduate from or enroll in college, education costs increase, or unexpected situations occur, so it is required that every family submit a FAFSA yearly. It is very important that the form be turned in on time—check out the FAFSA online or consult your guidance counselor for more information.
How seriously do colleges take legacy?
CTCL schools welcome students who have the college in their family history, but they do not view legacy candidates differently than other applicants. A qualified student who is demonstrably interested in attending the college her mother or father earned a degree from is certainly an asset, but CTCL schools are equally interested in attracting qualified first-generation students and students who are interested in a CTCL education because it is different than anything their parents experienced.
What should I expect when my student visits a campus?
Visiting a campus in person offers students and their families the opportunity to experience the school firsthand, to form impressions and assess if it’s a good match. Though specific activities vary by campus, students typically may tour the campus (families are welcome to join the tour as well), interview with an admission officer, attend a class, eat in the dining hall, meet with a coach or conductor, and stay overnight in a residence hall. The campus visit is a great time for you to ask the admission representative and others questions about health services, the local community, advising services, and campus regulations. Look for “fit” between your student and the school. Ask yourself if you believe your son or daughter would be happy in this environment. Would your student be challenged? Would he or she thrive? It’s important to be positive about your visit—even if it’s raining and you’re convinced it’s not a good fit for your child. Your support and enthusiasm make a difference to your student and can affect the energy level put into the search.
Parents are welcome on tours and encouraged to participate, so wear comfortable shoes—and make sure you understand the directions to campus so you’re on time. If you’re unable to tour the campus, ask about video or DVD tours you can watch or other information that will give you a sense of place. If it’s possible to visit the campus without younger family members, you’ll be less distracted; if they visit as well, they are generally welcome on tours.
Encourage your son or daughter to research the school before visiting so he or she will have good questions to ask on the tour and in interviews; students with questions that go beyond the basics show interest and preparation. It can help to talk about the visit with your student on the way home or within a few days of the visit; you’ll both remember different things and be able to share your impressions. Some parents and students keep separate journals of what interests them on campuses and compare notes after their visits. If you think of additional questions after visiting, contact the office of admission by phone or email. Finally, encouraging your student to write brief thank-you notes to the people who spent time with them will help them stand out from the crowd.
What should I expect from my parent interview?
Some schools offer parent interviews with admission officers, either one-on-one or along with your student. Like your student’s interview, it’s a chance to learn more about the college and get answers to your questions. Admission officers are not assessing you as a parent—they’re looking for a clearer picture of your student’s profile, interests, and potential. They want to know that your student is interested in the school and is in control of the search. The interview is not a chance for you to “sell” the counselor on your student’s strengths as an applicant—it’s more of a dialogue about the possibility of a match between the college and your student. Ask yourself what role on campus only your student can fill, and speak from that perspective—tell the counselor what you’re most proud of, what makes your student unique, and what you hope they’ll accomplish in college.
If the school offers parent interviews, an admission officer will usually want to speak with the student alone before bringing you into the office. They’ll talk about the college with your student, ask questions, and explain programs. If you aren’t already familiar with the school’s profile and admission materials, it can help to review them while your student is interviewing, so you can spend more time on specific questions and less on basic information covered by college publications.
Don’t be afraid to ask “parent” questions about financial aid and scholarship opportunities, transportation issues, safety, academic advising, health services, and campus rules. Most parents are concerned about these issues, and counselors expect to field them in interviews. You and your student may want to discuss the kinds of questions you’d like to ask before going into the interview—this can cut down on surprises and the possibility that you’ll ask questions they’ve already covered.
How can I get a CTCL Event to come to my area?
If a CTCL Event is not scheduled for your area this year, please email your nomination to our Event Coordinator. Representatives from individual Colleges That Change Lives schools may also be visiting your town or high school in the future—check with the counselor at the high school or contact the colleges you’re interested in for more information.
How do I know if the campus is safe?
No college can guarantee safety for all its students, but there are things to look for that can affect your student’s well-being. Schools are required to disclose campus safety issues under the Campus Crime Statistics (Clery) Act, and can be held in violation of Title IX for failure to report or respond to safety issues. Families can search these statistics by visiting our Featured Links page for more information on campus safety, security, and wellness.
If you’re able to visit the campus, ask about security personnel and how often they patrol the campus. Is campus security staffed by one or more full-time safety officers, or is it staffed by someone who only works security part time? Look for plenty of lights and call boxes for students who want to request escorts across campus in the evenings. If you’re able to talk to students, ask them if they feel safe on campus—and why. Ask about residence hall security—are the outside doors locked and is access limited? Do students trust each other? Do they lock the door in their residence hall room? Have there been any security issues in the recent past? It’s important to remember that no school will have a perfect record, and this information is best used as an indicator, not a guarantee, of safety.
One of the best indicators of a safe campus is the closeness of the college community. Residential campuses tend to be safer because students live together and are able to look out for one another. Remember that a school’s policy on alcohol and drug use does not always reflect its reality—ask students to be candid about their impressions of campus partying. If students spend a lot of time off campus, ask how they get around and what their impressions of the surrounding areas are like. If the school offers study abroad or internship opportunities, ask about rules on the programs and the pre-departure orientation process for students planning to experience life in a different culture. Nothing can guarantee safety, but a school that encourages its students to make good decisions and care for each other can prevent trouble before it starts.
What is the difference between a need-based and merit-based financial award?
The amount of need-based assistance for which your family qualifies is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines an individual family’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), which influences the amount of state and federal dollars a family is eligible to receive. Need-based monies include loans that must be repaid over time; campus employment, which allows students to earn money at campus jobs; and grants, which do not require repayment.
Merit-based aid is gift money granted according to personal achievement, regardless of financial need. These awards do not require repayment and are often funded by the colleges themselves, though merit awards from outside donors include the National Merit Award and community scholarships. Some religious organizations also provide scholarships to their members. Colleges and universities offer many different types of merit awards for academics, performing arts, writing, sports, service, and leadership. To learn more about a school’s merit scholarship opportunities, check out its Web site or contact the college for more information.
How can I guarantee that my student gets a job after college?
Unfortunately, that kind of guarantee is impossible for anyone to provide. The fact is, students from all kinds of colleges will go on to find good jobs after college; not all will find meaningful careers. That’s why the search for a rewarding career at a CTCL school begins early. Students learn to identify areas of interest and make connections between disciplines; they develop skills that serve them as critical thinkers, innovators, and creative analysts. Professors and alumni alike mentor CTCL students, helping to guide them toward interesting careers or graduate study programs. Students receive guidance from the career center that encourages them to think about their goals and values, not just their preferred future title.
CTCL schools emphasize internships and practical work experience, so students graduate with the experience and skills employers value. Factors like volunteer work, leadership roles, and cross-cultural understanding can help tip the balance in favor of a CTCL graduate. In annual alumni surveys, graduates from CTCL schools report tremendous satisfaction and success in their post-college lives. And, they often articulate a common view that success means more than a good job—rather, they view themselves as successful because they are leading meaningful lives of service, leadership, and growth.
Do graduate schools really take degrees from these small schools seriously?
Yes. Many of the schools that make up the Colleges That Change Lives are national leaders in the numbers of graduates attending post-graduate institutions, including medical, dental, veterinary, and law schools. Students who attend CTCL schools value education and love to learn; they graduate with respected, useful degrees. In fact, many CTCL graduates win prestigious awards to attend graduate schools, where they continue to excel. Graduate school admission committees are typically very familiar with CTCL schools and understand their traditions of academic excellence.
CTCL students are valued by graduate admission committees because their experience extends beyond the classroom; they have participated in internships, service, or study abroad opportunities that speak to their ability to adapt, take on responsibility, be comfortable with change, and think independently. Many CTCL graduates have performed graduate-level research, published in journals, presented their work, or completed a thesis-quality project. Admission committees respect the commitment CTCL graduates demonstrate toward their education and the wealth of experience they bring to graduate and professional degree programs.
Do these schools offer athletic scholarships?
A large percentage of CTCL students play intercollegiate sports, and many participate in club or intramural sports as well. Birmingham-Southern University, which is a Division I school, offers athletic scholarships for students, and the Division II CTCL schools offer some scholarships for student-athletes. Division III colleges are not able to offer sports scholarships under NCAA guidelines, but they do welcome and value student-athletes and their teams are often very competitive in their divisions. CTCL athletes have won national and division titles or championships, competed in post-season tournament play, and won awards for their achievements both on and off the playing field, including All America and Academic All America honors. Several CTCL colleges do not offer intercollegiate sports, but they feature popular intramurals, club teams, and recreational opportunities. Students interested in playing sports in college should contact the college’s office of admission for more information.
