HEAD4COLLEGE-NE

Scholarship Season Is Here --- Don't Miss Out!!

2014-01-26T16:57:00.001-05:00

January is the start of scholarship season and the majority of application deadlines run through early July. Note that college scholarships from private organizations are not for freshmen only. In fact, many scholarships are open to all undergraduates and even graduate students.

To maximize your chances of earning a scholarship, you need to treat the scholarship like a part time job.

1. Do your research.

2. Keep a calendar of application deadlines and list of requirements (application, HS transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, essay, recommendation, etc).

3. Prioritize which scholarships you wish to apply for.

4. Any scholarship you either did. to receive or did not apply for one year, apply for it next year.

5. Do a Google search for scholarships, check with your guidance office and organizations you or your family are associated with such Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club, & employers.

If you make the effort to apply for scholarships, it will reduce your need for student loans.

Good luck with your scholarship search!!

Federal Student Loan Consolidation Helps Borrowers With Monthly Loan Burden

2014-01-26T16:43:00.000-05:00

In the last year I have begun working with recent college grads who are struggling under the burden of their monthly federal student loans. Consolidating the loans in many instances can lower monthly payments by 2/3 in my experience. There a few things to consider when consolidating.

1. You can only consolidate federal student loans.

2. There are 7 different repayment options and you may not be eligible for all of them, but you should be eligible for 3-4.

3. With consolidation your interest rates on existing loans will be averaged, so your interest rate will be reduced.

4. While your monthly payments will be reduced with consolidation, you may owe more overall.

5. You can only consolidate federal student loans once.

6. You can pay off you federal consolidated loan early without penalty, which woul reduce the overall loan debt.

Choose your consolidation option wisely for the greatest benefit. If you need student loan debt counseling, contact me at headforcollege@netzero.com.

College Admissions Process: What Not To Do

2013-07-22T14:38:00.000-05:00

The Huffington Post has a great piece today with advice for HS seniors on what not to do. Here are two of the items on the DO NOT DO LIST that I feel are extremely important:

2. Not being aware of your social media footprint.
This is becoming a bigger issues in the past five years. More college admissions offices are looking at applicants social media footprint and many are judging students by what they find.

5. Leaving your personal statement for the last minute.

Leaving your personal statement until after school starts only adds to your stress. Between classes, homework, games/pratices, your part time job & your college application process you and your parents can become overwhelmed very quickly. Take the time over the summer to first think about and outline your personal statement. You'll then be able to flesh it out and finalize it by the end of summer vacation.

For the full DO NOT DO LIST go to:
College Application Advice: 5 Things High School Seniors Should Avoid, Under All Circumstances

DOMA And Its Impact On Student Financial Aid

2013-06-28T11:10:00.000-05:00

With the Supreme Court's decision to strike down DOMA, the Defense Of Marriage Act, many may be wondering how that decision will impact Federal Student Financial Aid. Earlier this Spring the US Department of Education announced that it would no longer discriminate against same sex families and prevent the inclusion of both parent's information in determining the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) via the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning with the
2014-2015 academic year. So DOMA will have minimal impact to families of same sex parents going forward. Those applying for federal and state financial aid this year are not required to include the information of both parents, unless they are married in a state that recognizes same-sex marriage.

For more detailed information on read the Fact Sheet provided by GLAD at:
http://www.glad.org/current/post/after-doma-fact-sheets.

Harvard joins Ivy rivals in highest freshman rejection rates - Worcester Telegram & Gazette - telegram.com

2013-03-29T19:20:00.001-05:00

The Worcester Telegram had an excellent article in the paper today discussing the acceptance rates at Ivy Colleges. As I frequently tell clients these rates are in the single digits for a variety of reasons. Two leading reasons are the widespread use of the CommonApp, which makes it easier to apply to multiple colleges and the larger number of high school students who apply to college. It is therefore important to understand that while it is advisable apply to "reach" and "safety" schools, you could be rejected by either and you should not take it personally. Read the full article here:

Harvard joins Ivy rivals in highest freshman rejection rates - Worcester Telegram & Gazette - telegram.com

Meet the Parents

2013-03-28T07:16:00.001-05:00

Here is a very explanation of how 529s are managed from Morningstar.com:
Meet the Parents

Student Loan Debt Leading to Low Birth Rate in US??

2013-02-05T11:33:00.001-05:00

A recent and intriguing report from America Now, suggests that student loan debt is a factor in the low birth rate in the US, ( currently 63 per 1,000 women). A rate that is half of what it was at it's peak in the 1950s. (To hear the full report click on America Now.) Student loan debt has topped    $1 trillion and one full year of tuition at some elite colleges have reached $60,000. But with careful planning and wise decisions, students can reduce their debt load. Here are some college planning tips for those looking for colleges.
1. Consider State Colleges & Community Colleges: Many have transfer agreements with not only other state institutions, but private colleges. A move that can save you $90,000 -$120,000 over two years.

2. Review College Fee Options: Colleges charge different fees for different types of dormitory styles and for various meal plans.You can save money by choosing a dorm room with more roommates or a a more limited meal plan.

3. Live Off-Campus: Most colleges require freshmen to live on campus, but upperclassmen can save substantially on housing by living off campus with roommates.

4. Find On-Campus Work: Beyond College Workstudy, which is need-based Federal Financial Aid, many colleges have Student Employment Offices.  If you campus does not have a Student Employment Office, consider stopping by the College's Human Resource Office and inquire about part-time positions on campus. Take it a step further and consider a full-time job on campus if your college offers tuition assistance for employees!

5. Analyze Entry Level Salaries VS Anticipated Debt: Research the average entry level salaries for the career you are interested in pursuing after graduation and the average student loan debt you expect to incur based on your specific college and degree choice.

Those soon to graduate or recent grads should follow these tips:

1. Choose Your Federal Student Loan Repayment Option Carefully: The US Department of Education now offers 7 different student loan repayment options. Choosing the option that best meets your needs and situation can save you thousands of dollars in repayment.

2. Consider Consolidating Your Federal Student Loans: If you have borrowed for college through multiple federal student loan programs, (FFLEP, Direct, NDSL, Perkins, etc.) you may benefit from consolidating your loans. Interest Rates are averaged and you make one payment a month instead of several.

3. Check for Loan Forgiveness & Repayment Programs: Depending on your college major and career goals you may be eligible for a loan forgiveness or repayment program. Generally these are for those interested in high need careers.

4. Look for Job In Cities that offer Loan Repayment: Some cities and town are recruiting people to move to their areas by offering to pay off new residents student loans.

If you need help with your college planning or post college planning contact me at headforcollege@netzero.com

Another Drop in LSAT Test-Takers | Inside Higher Ed

2012-11-26T13:38:00.001-05:00

If you are considering a Law degree, you would be wise to do your college planning research. LSAT,
the law school admissions test, registration figures show a continuing trend downward in the number of those taking the test. Graduate school costs, student loan indebtness and tight job market have lead to a multi-year decline in the number of individuals taking the LSAT. For the full story read: Another Drop in LSAT Test-Takers | Inside Higher Ed.

Safeguard Your Federal Student Aid PIN!!

2012-10-08T10:20:00.000-05:00

A recent post in the New York Times' Bucks Making: The Most of Money Blog blog covers an extremely important topic for college students: Safeguarding your Federal Student Aid PIN.

While it might seem to be the easiest way to share your student loan data, when seeking help with your student loan questions, I would be wary of providing the PIN to a third party. You open yourself up for identity theft, which can be cumbersome to resolve. In addition, you may be targeted with unwanted marketing campaigns.

With the use of the Federal Student Aid PIN, you are permitting access to your social security number, date of birth, address, and federal financial aid information/history. To read the NYT blog go to Bucks: Making The Most of Money .

Understanding Federal Student Loans

2012-08-07T10:01:00.000-05:00

INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY 's website, Investor.com, recently had an excellent article on Federal student loans explainning the programs and tips on how to use them wisely.

Not mentioned in the article is the fact that Federal Direct Student Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Be aware though, that graduate students are no longer eligible for subsidized Direct Student Loans. This means that grad students are responsible for paying the interest on their loans while in grad school. Students may defer their interest payments until they graduate or leave college/grad school. The interest will be capitalized (added to the loan balance), which makes the loan more expensive. The government picks up the interest for undergrads while they are in college.

Perkins Loans are a great option for students who qualify as the interest rate is 5%. Colleges and universities generally have a limited amount of Perkins funds available and funds are prioritized for the neediest students.

To read the full article go to: How To Pick The Best Student Loan For Your Needs

Prior Learning Assessment: What It Is & What It Isn't

2012-08-03T11:24:00.001-05:00

Inside Higher Ed published a great piece recently on Prior Learning Assessment, which has been gaining in popularity at colleges and universities. PLA is a great option for adult students who are looking to start a college degree. Unlike CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), which also provides students for life experience, you are not sitting for a subject based test. PLA requires the student to research and write a paper on the subject incorporating their knowledge on the topic.

The article provides great information on what PLA involves and includes YouTube videos of adult students sharing their experiences and insights on their own PLA projects. http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/08/02/look-students-who-have-earned-credit-prior-learning

MEC partners with Academic Solutions Corp

2012-03-06T19:06:00.002-05:00

McLaughlin Education Consulting has partnered with Academic Solutions Corp. ASC offers private student loan options for undergrads and grad students who have exhausted their federal and state loan eligibility. MEC's decision to affiliate with ASC is based on the quality of the loan products and the integrity of the organization. ASC offers not only private undergrad & grad loans, but has a private consolidation loan.

ASC's TruFit Student Loan has many excellent benefits including: zero fees, competitive interest rates ( with fixed and variable rate options), Interest rate reduction for automating payments from any eligible bank account, and flexible repayment options including the ability to defer payments until after graduation. There are no penalties for prepayment and there are several choices of repayment including immediate, interest only or deferred. Borrowers also have 24/7online account management.

All borrowers should remember that federal and state loan programs should be considered and used first, as these loans have lower interest rates, longer repayment periods. Federal and state loan programs also deferment and forbearance opportunities for those struggling to make loan payments due to loss of income or personal crisis.

Remember if you are currently in college, your first move is to contact your financial aid office to see if there are any grants, scholarships or workstudy funds available. Then perform your own search for private scholarships via the Internet or pick up a scholarship book. As I tell my clients, private scholarships are not just for incoming freshmen and a few are even renewable.

Need help doing a scholarship search? Contact me at Head For College.

College Planning Tips

2012-02-27T11:59:00.002-05:00

I thouht this was a good time of year to share my appearance on WCCA-TV13's
Ramona Interviews. We discussed college planning not only for HS students, but for adults
seeking to attend or return to college. College admissions and financial aid issues are covered.

Do you have a college planning question? Email me at headforcollege@netzero.com or DM me on www.twitter.com/shashmc.

Upcoming Appearances and Seminars

2012-02-03T20:55:00.005-05:00

Here's my schedule of appearances and seminars for Winter and early Spring:
1/5/12, 5:30pm -7pm --- Parent / Professional Advocacy League (PAL), Worcester, MA

1/11/12, 5:30- 7pm --- Parent / Professional Advocacy League (PAL), Worcester, MA

1/20/12, 8-9am & 1/22/12, 1-2pm--- Guest co-host on Money Matters Radio Morning Edition at WESO 970AM, Southbridge, MA

1/28/12, 9am- 10am --- Guest on Financial Freedom Show with Richard Carr at WTAG 580AM, Worcester, MA

2/17/12, 8-9am & 2/19/12, 1-2pm --- Guest co-chost on Money Matters Radio Morning Edition at WESO 970AM, Southbridge, MA

3/16/12, 8-9am, 3/18/12, 1-2pm --- Guest co-chost on Money Matters Radio Morning Edition at WESO 970AM, Southbridge, MA

Have group or organization that would like a guest speaker? Contact me at headforcollege@netzero.com.

SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH TIPS

2012-02-03T20:50:00.003-05:00

Looking for additional funds for college, but have reached your student loan limit or want to minimize your loan debt? Consider applying for private scholarships. Here are some tips:

1. Check with your school's Alumni Office to see what scholarships are available.
2. Be aware that private scholarships and grants are not just for freshman. In fact most are offered to any full time college student, including graduate students.
3. Make a list of the hobbies, talents, jobs, clubs & organizations you participateed in and use these are search topics.
4. Search for scholarships based on your ethnicity, religion, and physical /personal characteristic you have (Tall, left-handed,adopted, etc).

FAFSA Now Offers IRS Data Retrieval

2012-02-03T20:46:00.002-05:00

US Department of Education Expands IRS Data Retrieval for 2012/2013

Last year the US Departmentn of Education offered IRS Data Retrieval on a limited basis. For the 2012/2013 academic year, the Department is expending the program to all students who complete the FAFSA on the Web. The IRS Data Retrieval option will be available February 3rd. For those who file their 2011 Federal 1040 via mail, this option will be available 6-8 weeks after you submit your 1040. Those who file their 1040 electronically will be able to use IRSDR within 3 weeks. Check with your financial aid department for their Financial Aid Priority Filing Deadline to determine if you should use FAFSA's IRS Data Retrieval.

Online Petition Leads To Sallie Mae Forbearance Policy Change

2012-02-03T20:12:00.002-05:00

An online petition leads Sallie Mae to change its fee policy for borrower forbearance. The lender was charging students in forbearance a $50.00 quarterly fee. Borrowers seek forbearance when they are unemployed or otherwise unable to make monthly loan payments. Forbearance prevents the borrower from going into default. Read the details of the policy controversy at the link below.

http://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2012/02/03/sallie-mae-alters-policy-fee-borrowers-forbearance

Obama's Plan To Reduce Student Loan Debt Burden

2011-10-26T18:50:00.000-05:00

President Obama announced plans to assist students reduce their loan debt. Basically he is moving up the timeline for enacting the revised Income Based Repayment option for Federal Direct Student Loans. This plan reduces loan payment from 15% to 10% of discretionary income.

The plan also includes a special interest discount for consolidating the former Federal Family Education Loans with Federal Direct Loans. The discount is for to .5% and for a limited time.

It was also announced that the Department of Education has teamed up with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to launch a new “Know Before You Owe” project.This initiative is aimed at creating a model financial aid disclosure form. Colleges and universities could use to help students better understand the type and amount of aid they qualify for and easily compare aid packages offered by different institutions.

To read more about the plan, click on the link above for the press release at http://www.whitehouse.gov/.

Beware the Net Price Calculators!

2011-10-26T13:21:00.000-05:00

You may have come across Net Price Calculators (NPCs) on college websites over the past year. Federal regulations require every college to have one on their website by the end of this month. The intent of the calculators is to provide consumers with estimates of net price information for prospective and current students. A laudable goal. However, there are issues that consumers need to be aware of.

Issue: The US Department of Education has developed a template for colleges to use which meet the minimum requirements the federal regulations. Colleges and universities are not required to use the federal template. Institutions may develop their own or use one developed by a third party vendor, as long as the NPCs meet the basic federal requirements. However, the US Dept. of Ed, does not have an approval process for these types of NPCs.

Issue: The NPCs are required to provide the median amounts of grant and scholarship aid awarded to, and accepted by, first-time, full-time degree/certificate-seeking students by EFC range. It s not uncommon for colleges and universities to have different awarding policies for freshmen and upperclassmen, so trying to estimate more than one year of financial aid costs would be difficult.

Issue: NPCs only estimate need based financial aid awards. It is more difficult to get realistic estimate of financial aid award for colleges that offer merit aid and performance scholarships.

Each of these issues make comparing estimated costs and estimated financial aid from multiple colleges challenging. It is important to keep in mind that NPCs are tools that have limitations, but can be used as part of the college planning process. NPCs do not replace researching colleges, meeting with admissions counselors and visiting colleges.

Bryant University Annnounces New Test Optional Policy Effective for Applicants for Fall 2012

2011-07-02T14:48:00.000-05:00

Bryant University in Smithfield, RI recently announced it will no longer require the SAT or the ACT as part of its admissions process. The Test Optional policy will be in effect for new and transfer students seeking admission for fall 2012. In place of these tests, applicants will be required to answer 2-3 short questions. Transfer student who have earned more than 10 credits will not have to answer the additional questions.

The university explained that this is a four year pilot program and while students can opt not to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process, students will be required to submit them once they have been accepted. The scores will be used to assess the success and future of the pilot program.

For details go to Bryant University's Test Optional Policy.

Help Available for College Students and Borrowers Affected by Natural Disaster

2011-06-09T21:17:00.000-05:00

In recent months the country has been battered with floods along the Mississippi,fires in Arizona, and tornadoes from Missouri to North Carolina and to Massachusetts, making this “The Spring of the Natural Disaster”. As communities begin to recover and return to normalcy, so too will students and colleges. For college students and those repaying federal student loans from those affected areas, there are steps that can help them get back on track.

The Higher Education Act of 1965, provides college financial aid administrators with the ability to use Professional Judgement, commonly referred to as PJ, or Special Conditions Review, to use updated and new information to revise a student’s eligibility for federal financial aid. Typically, PJ is used when there is a loss of employment, divorce, death of a parent/spouse or other unusual circumstance. The financial aid administrator will require documentation relating to the event or reason for the request, such as documentation of unemployment or a divorce decree.

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 (Stafford Act), provides additional regulatory relief to students and parents who receive federal financial aid, expands financial aid administrators’ PJ authority and provides additional guidance to institutions, lenders, guarantee agencies and loan servicers, that are located in or whose students/ borrowers are located in a federally declared natural disaster area. Here are some of the segments of the Stafford Act that relate specifically to college students and federal student loan borrowers.

Any college financial aid applicant from a region hit by a declared natural disaster can request a PJ review. The college financial aid administrator will require documentation related to the disaster and the impact on the student and his or her family. Such documentation may include unemployment compensation and the official declaration of the natural disaster status. See the chart below for further examples of documentation. As a victim of a declared national disaster, any state or federal aid received as a result of the disaster is not counted as income on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This would also apply to returning students.

For any student awarded financial aid and enrolled in college at the time of a natural disaster, in addition to being eligible for PJ and the special treatment of certain income, there are other aspects of the Stafford Act that will be of assistance. If a student does not meet the college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress standards, due to the disaster, the college may waive the requirement. However, the college must document the reason for the waiver. A college’s Leave of Absence policy can be waived as well for a student in this type of situation. Requests for a leave of absence may be made without the required written request and after the absence starts, if related to a declared natural disaster. Again, the college must document the circumstances for the waiver of this requirement.

The US Department of Education selects FAFSA applications for a process called Verification. The college will not be mandated to perform verification of student financial aid applications if verification records are damaged or lost due to a declared natural disaster. Also, any student who had a federal workstudy position at the time of a declared natural disaster and is unable to continue performing that job may be eligible to still receive workstudy payments. Students in this situation should contact the financial aid office for clarification of their eligibility to continue receiving workstudy payment.

General federal financial aid regulations provide borrowers with assistance when they are having difficulty making student loan payments. Deferment allows borrowers a temporary suspension payment for a specific situation including economic hardship. During a Deferment period interest payments are not required for subsidized Federal or Direct Student or Perkins loan. Interest payments are required for other Federal and Direct Student loans.

Federal regulations also offer borrowers the option of Forbearance, is temporary suspension of loan principle payments for a specific time. Borrowers are required to make interest payments during Forbearance.

Both student and parent loan borrowers of federal student loans and PLUS loans are also provided some additional protections under the Stafford Act when having difficulty making payments due to a natural disaster. These borrowers may request an Administrative Forbearance based on their status as a victim of a declared natural disaster. In the case of Unsubsidized Stafford, Unsubsidized Direct Stafford or PLUS loans, interests payments may be required. A borrower who has been affected by a disaster and whose federal student loans are in “Collection “ at the time of the disaster may request that the collection activity be suspended for up to three months. The request may also come from a member of the borrower’s family or another reliable source that the student was affected by a disaster. Also, a missed payment will not be held against a borrower in default who has a loan in “Rehabilitation” or a repayment arrangement while they are still affected by the event.

Listed below are examples of the documents that may be requested by the financial aid office, student loan guarantee agency or student loan servicer.

Professional Judgment Required Documentation List

Documentation of Loss of Earned Income
*Documentation of the date & reason for loss of income
* Documentation of unemployment compensation
* Last pay stub
* Employer’s written notice of termination
* Documentation of all sources of income

Documentation of Medical expenses or Disability
*Documentation of medical expenses
*Attending physician's statement of disability
*Documentation of Worker’s Compensation

Documentation of Natural Disaster Status
*Documentation of Official Declaration of Natural Disaster status

Other Documentation
*Letter of explanation regarding your situation

It is always advisable for a college financial aid recipient to contact the financial aid office, when any change in the student’s family situation occurs or a natural disaster is declared, to ensure the Aid Office is aware of the situation and to receive guidance on the steps needed to be taken by the student or parent. If a borrower has any private student loans, it is important to also contact the lender or loan servicer directly to determine what assistance may be available.

Resources For Students and Borrowers
www.federalstudentaid.gov
www.dl.ed.gov

NACAC's Annual Space Availability Survey for 2011 is Out

2011-05-15T17:38:00.000-05:00

Haven't applied to college for fall yet? Thinking you missed out and will have to wait until January or September of 2012? You may be in luck. Each May the National Association of College Admissions Counseling publishes its annual Space Availability Survey. The survey provides information on the colleges and universities that are still accepting applications for admissions for the fall semester for incoming freshmen and transfer students. College information is updated throughout the summer. What is nice about the survey is that it also provides information on the availability of on campus housing and financial aid.

So check it out and see if the colleges you are interested are still accepting applications. Good luck with your college search!!

My Chat with Edward Manzi, Jr CEO of Fidelity Bank

2011-05-15T17:21:00.000-05:00

Earlier this spring I was asked to guest on Fidelity Bank's show, Life Design & You, to discuss the college planning and financial aid process. Edward F. Manzi, Jr, chairman and CEO of Fidelity Bank hosts the show. Fidelity's show is seen on Charter TV Channel 3 in Worcester. This was my television debut and a fun experience!!

Here is the link to the YouTube videos.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2O8nos3Pks

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXvXFXKQLvI&feature=related

Enjoy!

Wait Lists: A Good Idea?

2011-04-03T20:43:00.000-05:00

Earlier this weekend I receive an email from a client with questions about the wait list option as part of the college admisions process. Agreeing to be placed on a college's wait list can be a good idea, if that college is the student's first choice. Here are questions to ask the college as you consider the wait list:

1. How many students are on the wait list?
2. Where are you on that list?
3. Were students on the wait list offered admission in the last two years? How many in each year were offered admissions?

It is important to know that you are not obligated to accept an admissions offer from a college that places you on the wait list. Typically, colleges go to the wait list after May 1st, the day students need to tell colleges, if they have accepted a college's admissions offer. So most students on the waitlist have already accepted an admissions offer from their second choice college. Schools pull students off the wait list throughout the summer, even as late as August is some cases. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. You lose the non-refundable deposit at the college you have accepted an offer from in May. Deposits are typical $500.

2. You need to see what the financial aid award from the wait list school will be. It may not be as desirable. The bulk of the funds will have already be awarded. However, there may be funds as a result of students turning down the first run of admissions acceptances.

3. If the offer comes in late July or early August that could be cutting it close for getting a choice student housing assignment.

4. You could be rushing to get placement testing scheduled and registering for classes.

5. Available class offerings may not be the desired courses/days/times. (For example: student may be stuck with early morning or late afternoon classes or classes on Friday afternoon.)

If you do accept admissions from a college that waitlisted you, know that you will have more choices available to you when you register for spring semester.

The wait list can help you get in to your top choice college. Just make sure you ask questions to reduce the stress and prevent any unexpected issues.

Take An Inside Look At The Admissions Decisions

2011-03-30T15:50:00.001-05:00

NPR's Morning Edition did a segment earlier this week titled, Behind The Scenes: How Do You Get In To Amherst? It brings the listener into the Admissions Committee's meeting as they review the final round of applications for the incoming fall class. For those outside of the college admissions world it is an eye -opener. Not all colleges have an Admissions Committee. Many have a single admissions officer review a caseload of applications, consulting with colleagues within the Admissions Office on some individual applications. At all colleges there are similar concerns when reviewing applications: level of difficulty of high school courses and grades,personal essay or personal statement, GPA, SAT/ACT test scores, honors & awards, and recommendations. The student's extracurricular activity is also examined: leadership roles, commitment- level, and time management skills. It is also possible the the college may be looking for a specific skill or talent, whether it is an oboe player or possible member of the debate team. To listen to the report or read the transcript click on the link. (I suggest you listen to it.)