College Applications

Brad Barrett shares various insights on college applications:

1. GPA and Standardized Tests:

   • The “big five” numbers critical for admissions include GPA, number of AP/IB courses, SAT/ACT scores, and more.
   • A strong GPA and challenging courses are essential to make the rest of the application, like essays and extracurriculars, stand out 1.

2. Strategic Application Process:

   • Use the Common Application or Coalition Application to apply to multiple schools easily.
   • Colleges are overwhelmed with applications, so respectable scores and GPAs are crucial to get noticed 2.

3. Maximizing College Credits:

   • Bringing in AP credits can allow for a lighter course load, enabling activities like study abroad or paid internships.
   • This can enhance your resume, making you more competitive for jobs post-graduation 3.
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       1

       College Application Strategies

       00:13:31
       
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       2

       College Admissions Insights

       00:06:18
       
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       3

       Maximizing College Credits

       00:40:39
       
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       4

       Gamifying Scholarships

       00:35:43
       
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       5

       RA Scholarship Insights

       00:52:20
       
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       6

       FAFSA and CSS Profile

       00:37:30
       

4. Scholarship Strategies:

   • Research merit scholarships as they can significantly reduce college costs.
   • Brad discusses incentivizing kids to apply for scholarships through gamification, making it a more engaging task 4.

5. Resident Advisor (RA) Benefits:

   • Becoming an RA can result in substantial financial aid, potentially saving thousands in college costs over the years 5.

6. Financial Aid Insight:

   • Utilizing the FAFSA and CSS Profile forms can reveal financial aid opportunities you might not anticipate.
   • Many schools provide substantial aid based on these forms, making expensive colleges more affordable 6.

These strategies can help navigate the college application process more effectively, balancing academic achievement with financial planning.