How can you help low-income students through the admissions process?

Many low-income students face barriers and challenges when applying to college, such as lack of information, guidance, financial aid, and support. As an educational leader, you can play a vital role in helping them overcome these obstacles and access higher education opportunities. In this article, you will learn some practical strategies to assist low-income students through the admissions process and increase their chances of success.

1 Identify and reach out

One of the first steps you can take is to identify the low-income students in your school or community who have the potential and interest to pursue college. You can use data from standardized tests, grades, attendance, and surveys to find them. Then, you can reach out to them and their families through various channels, such as emails, phone calls, newsletters, social media, or workshops. You can inform them about the benefits of college, the requirements and deadlines, the available resources and support, and the success stories of other low-income students who made it to college.

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Shanique Missick

Owner @ BC Hospitality | Hospitality, Concierge Services, Vacation Services
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One thing I would suggest can be student work or internship programs that applies credits towards their overall school fees. This program will allow them the opportunity to gain experiences, increase hire potential and salary increase based upon work performance.

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2 Provide guidance and mentoring

Another important step is to provide guidance and mentoring to low-income students throughout the admissions process. You can help them explore their college options, choose the best fit for their goals and needs, and complete the application forms and essays. You can also connect them with mentors who can offer advice, feedback, encouragement, and inspiration. Mentors can be college students, alumni, faculty, staff, or professionals from similar backgrounds or fields of interest. You can also create peer groups or clubs where low-income students can support each other and share their experiences and challenges.

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Jami Black

Director of Admissions at Alzar
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Connecting students with older alumni that have graduated but came from similar backgrounds is a really valuable step for low-income high school students. Being able to hear from someone that is outside of the family, school, and not just another adult, holds so much value.

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3 Facilitate financial aid and scholarships

One of the biggest barriers for low-income students is the cost of college. You can help them overcome this barrier by facilitating their access to financial aid and scholarships. You can help them fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is the main source of federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. You can also help them search and apply for scholarships from colleges, foundations, organizations, or businesses. You can also educate them about the net price of college, which is the actual cost after deducting financial aid and scholarships. You can also help them compare financial aid packages and make informed decisions.

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4 Offer academic and emotional support

Another step you can take is to offer academic and emotional support to low-income students during the admissions process. You can help them prepare for standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT, by providing tutoring, materials, or test waivers. You can also help them improve their academic skills, such as writing, reading, or math, by offering remedial courses, workshops, or online resources. You can also help them cope with stress, anxiety, or self-doubt by providing counseling, coaching, or referrals. You can also celebrate their achievements, recognize their efforts, and motivate them to persist.

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5 Foster college readiness and transition

The final step you can take is to foster college readiness and transition for low-income students. You can help them develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will help them succeed in college, such as time management, study habits, critical thinking, or communication. You can also help them learn about the college culture, expectations, and norms, such as academic integrity, diversity, or campus life. You can also help them plan and prepare for the practical aspects of college, such as housing, transportation, or budgeting. You can also help them connect with the college staff, faculty, and students who can assist them during their transition.

By following these steps, you can make a positive difference in the lives of low-income students and help them achieve their college dreams. You can also contribute to the educational equity and diversity of your school and society.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Joshua Paul Schmidt

Helps your child succeed on purpose with purpose - live a life of significance and meaning. The Santa Clause of college planning.
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Don't judge a school by its price tag! Example: School A Cost of Attendance = $30,000 - SAI = $2,500 Need for Financial Aid = $27,500 % of Need Met = 50% ($13,750) - Average amount of self-help = $7,000 Anticipated Gift Aid = $6,750 Anticipate Net Cost = $23,250 School B Cost of Attendance = $60,000 - SAI = $4,500 Need for Financial Aid = $55,500 % of Need Met = 100% ($55,500) - Average amount of self-help = $7,000 Anticipated Gift Aid = $48,500 Anticipate Net Cost = $11,500 Think of the cost in terms of ROI. Will you graduate in 4, 5, or 6 years? What will be your cumulative debt. If total debt > anticipated annual salary, then it's not a good financial fit. If your total debt < your annual salary, then it's a good financial fit.

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How can you help low-income students through the admissions process?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify and reach out

2 Provide guidance and mentoring

3 Facilitate financial aid and scholarships

4 Offer academic and emotional support

5 Foster college readiness and transition

6 Here’s what else to consider

Educational Leadership

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How can you help low-income students through the admissions process?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify and reach out

2 Provide guidance and mentoring

3 Facilitate financial aid and scholarships

4 Offer academic and emotional support

5 Foster college readiness and transition

6 Here’s what else to consider

Educational Leadership

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