CEC CEC College Admissions & Transition Planning 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which standardized test score reporting policy allows students to share only their highest scores with colleges?
- Score Choice (Correct answer)
- Super Score
- Score Send
- Score Merge
Correct answer: Score Choice
Score Choice is the College Board policy that lets students select which SAT test date scores to send to colleges.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of the Common Application (Common App) in US college admissions?
- To standardize financial aid calculations
- To allow students to apply to multiple colleges with one application (Correct answer)
- To rank colleges by selectivity
- To certify high school transcripts
Correct answer: To allow students to apply to multiple colleges with one application
The Common App is a centralized platform that lets students complete one application and submit it to over 1,000 member colleges.
Question 3: A student applies to a college under Restrictive Early Action (REA). Which of the following is TRUE?
- The student must attend if accepted
- The student may not apply early to other private colleges (Correct answer)
- The student cannot apply to public schools early
- The student must submit financial aid forms by October 1
Correct answer: The student may not apply early to other private colleges
REA (also called Single-Choice Early Action) restricts students from applying early action or early decision to other private institutions.
Question 4: What federal form must families complete to be considered for need-based financial aid at most US colleges?
- CSS Profile
- FAFSA (Correct answer)
- IDOC
- SAR
Correct answer: FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required by virtually all colleges to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Question 5: When counseling a first-generation college student, which transition support strategy is MOST important to address early?
- Selecting a college major immediately
- Understanding application deadlines and financial aid timelines (Correct answer)
- Limiting college list to Ivy League schools
- Avoiding community college options
Correct answer: Understanding application deadlines and financial aid timelines
First-generation students often lack family guidance on deadlines, so proactively mapping out application and aid timelines is critical to prevent missed opportunities.
Question 6: Which metric best indicates a college's financial generosity relative to demonstrated need?
- Graduation rate
- Acceptance rate
- Average net price for students receiving aid (Correct answer)
- U.S. News ranking
Correct answer: Average net price for students receiving aid
Average net price (total cost minus grants and scholarships) for aided students directly reflects how much a college subsidizes attendance for those with demonstrated need.
CEC CEC College Admissions & Transition Planning 1
Which standardized test score reporting policy allows students to share only their highest scores with colleges?