College Planning Resources

KSU TRIO Student flying Drone

Interested Students

If you are a student who is interested in joining KSU TRiO Upward Bound Programs, you're in the right place!

Before completing the steps to join, fill out this interest form here, whereafter KSU TRiO staff will contact you shortly.

After completing the interest form and providing your information, if you qualify for KSU TRiO and there is an opening, you will begin the onboarding process. If you have any questions, please contact us for assistance.

We wish you the best of luck, and we hope to hear from you soon!

Planning for College

Below are links to some websites that all college-bound students should explore when planning how to fund their education.

My College Options Information for Parents

My College Options is an online resource for students and parents applying for postsecondary education. The website allows students to search for colleges, research majors, review popular college essay topics, and more. Visit www.MyCollegeOptions.org for more information. 

Source content provided by: My College Options (www.mycollegeoptions.org)

 

ACT - College Planning Information

The ACT is a national college admissions examination developed by The ACT Corporation and is used to measure English, mathematics, science, and reading skills. Many colleges and universities utilize this tool when deciding on applicants as a supplement to high school transcripts to help assess a student's ability to complete college-level work. The ACT website allows students to register for the test, take practice tests to prepare for the exam, search for colleges and careers of interest, and more. Additionally, the website has tools specifically for helping parents and guardians aid their children in the college application process.

The ACT website offers students tips on applying to and choosing a college, a college planning checklist, and more. Visit www.ACTstudent.org/college for more information.

Source content provided by: The ACT Corporation (www.act.org)

 

SAT - Plan for College

The CollegeBoard website allows students to search for colleges of interest, offers action plans for juniors and seniors, and more. Visit www.CollegeBoard.com and click on the Plan for College link in For Students for more information

Source content provided by: CollegeBoard (www.collegeboard.com)

The SAT is a national college admissions examination developed by CollegeBoard and is used to measure critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills. Many colleges and universities utilize this tool when deciding on applicants as a supplement to high school transcripts to help assess a student's ability to complete college-level work. The CollegeBoard website allows students to register for the test, take practice tests to prepare for the exam, search for colleges of interest, and more. Additionally, the website has tools specifically for helping parents and guardians aid their children in the college application process. 

Source content provided by: CollegeBoard (www.collegeboard.com)

The College Board has made content, format, & scoring changes to the college entrance exam, the largest change in 30 years! BestColleges.com has compiled a guide that offers students and parents a look into the logistics & style of the new SAT as well as preparation resources!

To aid you in starting your college search, here is a list of links to some of the postsecondary institutions in which area students most frequently enroll.

Financial Planning for College

Below are links to some websites that all college-bound students should explore when planning how to fund their education. ACT - Financial Aid Information The ACT website has information regarding the different types of financial aid, how to apply, a dictionary of general terms regarding financial aid, and more. Visit www.ACTstudent.org/finaid for more information.

Source content provided by: The ACT Corporation (www.act.org)

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA is a document that students complete every year that they are enrolled in postsecondary education if they want to receive a portion of the $80 billion dollars that the Federal Student Aid program disburses each year through grants, loans, and work study. Additionally, most colleges and universities use the results of the FAFSA to determine the amount of financial aid that they award to their students. The application can be completed on paper or online. Visit www.FAFSA.ed.gov for more information.

Source content provided by: FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov)

FSA ID

An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. Your FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on ED websites.

Source content provided by: The FSA ID (https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/)

FAFSA PIN

A FAFSA PIN allows students to complete the FAFSA online each year that they are enrolled in postsecondary education. The PIN serves as an electronic signature and provides access to your personal information. On the website, students and parents can apply for a PIN, change a PIN,  update personal information, and more. Visit www.PIN.ed.gov for more information.

Source content provided by: The PIN Site (www.pin.ed.gov)

Fastweb.com

Fastweb.com is the largest source of scholarship information available. This website matches its members with scholarships based on their profiles. Additionally, new scholarships are added daily. Visit ww.fastweb.com for more information.

Source content provided by: Fastweb.com (www.fastweb.com)

SAT - Pay for College

The CollegeBoard website offers information regarding different types of loans, a scholarship search service, a financial aid calculator, and more. Visit www.CollegeBoard.com and click on the Pay for College link in For Students for more information.

Source content provided by: CollegeBoard (www.collegeboard.com)

Scholarships.com

Scholarships.com is a complete source of college and national scholarship information. This website matches its members with scholarships based on their academic interests and talents. Additionally, the website is updated regularly with new scholarships. Visit www.scholarships.com for more information.

Source content provided by: Scholarships.com (www.scholarships.com)

*When applying for financial aid, remember to differentiate between need-based and merit-based awards. Need-based awards are determined by your family income in comparison to the cost of your education. Merit-based awards are given for achievement in some area or fitting some criterion other than income.*

OnTrack Scholarship Opportunities

Students in KSU TRIO Programs who use the OnTrack online tutoring program are eligible to apply for scholarships from the program. There are many different ways to apply. To see the full list of requirements for the scholarship, click here.

 KSU TRIO Drone Program Students

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Kennesaw State University TRIO Programs consist of three different programs- Polk Upward Bound serving Rockmart and Cedartown High Schools, Hiram Upward Bound serving Hiram High School, and Upward Bound Math Science serving East Paulding High School. KSU TRIO provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. Guided by the belief that education should be available to all persons with the potential to succeed, the program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in high school academic performance and subsequent higher education pursuits. The goal of KSU TRIO is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education, enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

  • There is absolutely no cost to participate in the Upward Bound program. As a federally funded program, all costs are paid. However, the program does not cover personal purchases (i.e. souvenirs). 

  • Individuals are eligible to participate if they are in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade during the enrollment period and attend Hiram High School, Rockmart High School, Cedartown High School, or East Paulding High School. Students must reside in households in which their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not earned a Bachelor's Degree and/or meet federal income requirements.

  • Kennesaw State University TRIO Programs are funded to serve 60 students per program (180 total).

  • All prospective students must complete an application for admission:

    A completed application, if in the 9th grade, includes the submission of the following documents: copy of your 8th grade standardized test (Milestone/ITBS/CRCT) scores, copy of 8th grade report card, recommendation from middle school counselor, recommendation from middle school teacher, and personal essay.

    A completed application, if in the 10th grade, includes the submission of the following documents: copy of your most recent standardized test (Milestone/ITBS/CRCT) scores, copy of high school transcript, recommendation from high school counselor, recommendation from high school teacher, and personal essay.

    A completed application, if in the 11th grade, includes the submission of the following documents: copy of your most recent standardized test (Milestone/ITBS/CRCT) scores, copy of high school transcript, recommendation from high school counselor, recommendation from high school teacher, and personal essay.

    In addition, applicants are interviewed by members of the Upward Bound staff.

  • The Kennesaw State University TRIO enrollment period begins in March and ends in September of each year. Individuals selected begin actively participating in the program in October.
  • Applicants are selected based on a combination of factors: completed application, essay, recommendations, grades, need, and interview. However, all applicants must meet the income and/or first-generation status requirements to be considered for the program.
  • Applicants will be notified by the end of September. If admitted to the program, students and parents are required to attend a New Student Orientation (failure to attend will forfeit your acceptance). Following the New Student Orientation, students will begin active participation in the program.
  • Applications will be rated and placed in priority order.  The highest 60 applicants will be accepted.  Applicants not accepted into the program will be notified.
  • Participants are expected to commit to KSU TRIO until they graduate from high school. In committing to the program, students should attend all mandatory sessions and turn in all required documents at the time they are due. Additionally, students are required to exhibit appropriate behavior at all KSU TRIO sponsored events and respect KSU TRIO staff, peers, and themselves at all times. Students and parents sign a contract pledging their agreement to uphold KSU TRIO standards upon entering the program.

  • KSU TRIO offers an Academic Year component in which students receive supplemental instruction in academic, cultural, and social areas, as well as a Summer Non-Residential component-an intensive six-week instructional program requiring students to experience a college-like experience live on campus during the summer. All services are provided through a federally funded grant and are free to the participant.

    Academic Year Component

    Students receive numerous services that enhance their social and academic development, including:

    • Instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, foreign language and other subjects necessary for success in high school
    • Academic, financial, and personal counseling
    • Exposure to cultural events
    • Mentoring
    • Tutoring
    • Assistance with postsecondary opportunities

    Summer Non-Residential Component

    During the Summer Non-Residential component students receive the services offered during the Academic Year in addition to:

    • Career work-study and exploration
    • On the campus of Kennesaw University-Paulding Campus for six weeks
    • Enrollment in courses taught by college instructors to receive a true college experience
  • No. However, KSU TRIO will provide resources and materials to help students/parents pay for their postsecondary education. For example, but not limited to, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

  • Some of the benefits associated with joining our program include:

    • Access to a personal Academic Advisor/Success Coach geared to help you succeed in high school and beyond
    • Exposure to a range of cultural and college activities
    • Participation in an intensive 6-week academic experience
    • Preparation for standardized tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT)
    • Assistance with the admission and financial aid processes
    • Receipt of summer stipends

  • No. Once accepted into KSU TRIO, you are in the program until you graduate from high school. 

  • No. KSU TRIO is a federally funded program and cannot guarantee admission to any postsecondary institution. If a student is interested in attending Kennesaw State University, we can help facilitate the process. However, the student must meet the basic requirements of the university admission's office.

 

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