As Black youth start to prepare for college, they might bump into some easily avoidable obstacles. Due to this, all high school students must equip themselves with efficient solutions. In turn, this will allow them to enjoy college life and focus on academic achievement. For that, ScholarPrep Nation steps in as a trusted ally and resource provider.
Statistics have shown that white students are 2½ times more likely to graduate in comparison to Black students. Furthermore, white students are also 60% more likely to graduate than Latino students. As you might have guessed, this has nothing to do with academic achievement. However, it has everything to do with how students prepare for college.
In today’s article, we’re going to give you the 3 must-haves for a smooth sailing college journey. We hope that this list will motivate high school seniors, parents, school counselors, and leaders to join forces and get a better idea of what the college admission process implies.
Must-Have #1: Prepare for College By Becoming Financially Literate
According to The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), 71% of children who experience poverty are children of color. This is a heart-wrenching statistic that can stifle academic success before the kids begin preparing for college. Consequently, 86% of Black students take out federal student aid in the form of loans to pay for college.
Here is a brief list of financial details you need to be aware of:
This results in prolonged student debt and financial struggle. As we all know, both the college admission and scholarship application processes necessitate powerful financial literacy. High school seniors and their families need to be properly and efficiently engaged so that they become aware of basic budgeting techniques and achieve college success.
- Calculate the cost of college ━ Become aware of the total and net costs of education. The sticker price is the yearly cost of college, which includes various campus expenses. You should focus on the net price, which is the result of the subtraction of scholarships and grants. This is what you’ll be paying.
- Look for funding ━ Not every parent established a 529 Saving Plan for their child and that is alright. Future college students must be aware of the ways in which they can fund their education. They should fill out the FAFSA and based on personal preference, either search for scholarships, grants, or a part-time job.
- Start to budget ━ Always keep track of the main sources of income, such as the job, scholarship, grant, or loan, and try to regularly compare the income to the cost of life on the college campus.
Must-Have #2: Consider College Preparation as Early as Eighth Grade
A high school student with promising dreams of the future needs to consider college preparation as early as eighth grade. Why? Because the college admission and scholarship application processes are complex and require you to get accustomed to their requirements.
Here are the usual requirements that college admissions officers look for:
In the case of first-generation college students, it’s imperative that they start preparing for college long before senior year. College admissions counselors should also advocate for early preparation, such as during freshman year.
- Extracurricular activities
- Internship programs
- Life skills
- College essay
- Community involvement
- Leadership experience
- Academic honors
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
Before you start to visit campuses, make sure that you become aware of the college requirements during your freshman year. Start pursuing some relevant extracurricular activities for your major as early on as possible and ensure that you won’t be rushing to check all the boxes during your already busy senior year.
Must-Have #3: An Afrocentric College Access Program to Prepare You for College Life
We know how overwhelming it can be to focus on academic achievement, college entrance exams, financial aid, and college majors, all at once. It’s a lot. You’re going to need the right guidance to help you along the way.
Chances are your school counselor is not a person of color. Why is this relevant? Because Black youth need Afrocentric guidance and culturally affirming support in order to succeed. ScholarPrep Nation is a Black-owned, Afrocentric college access program that aims to nurture Black excellence and usher in a new era of college success.
Let’s face it, the scholarship application and college admission processes have been confusing for decades. The necessary steps are not obvious. For example, financial aid comes across as too complicated and scholarships seem like a dream that is too good to be true.
It’s no wonder that Black youth admission rates struggle to increase. In fact, most families and students are currently unaware of the importance of early college preparation. Post-high school opportunities are not in plain sight. It’s time to shed some light.
Here is what ScholarPrep Nation, your Afrocentric college access program, has to offer:
- Unlimited access to an online, nationwide network
- On-demand academic mentorship
- Expert advice from certified educational consultants
- Personalized scholarship search & college essay writing
- Being paired with a ScholarPrep Navigator (coach)
- Completion of a personality assessment
- ACT/SAT prep & tutoring
- Monthly webinars
- Accountability Meetings
- …and much more!
Prepare for College Efficiently with ScholarPrep Nation!
Higher education shouldn’t be considered a privilege or a luxury in 2023. In fact, it should be accessible for all, regardless of socio-economic status. Anti-racism and equity are needed now more than ever before.
ScholarPrep Nation answers the call and brings you an Afrocentric college access program that helps teens and their families to stay engaged, boost academic achievement, become knowledgeable, and achieve college success with flying colors.
Contact us now and learn more about what makes our college access program so unique. We’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have for us and we hope to see you in our nationwide network.
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