COLLEGE
OFFICE

   

FINANCIAL AID

Since over one third of all Hill School students receive financial assistance from The Hill, many families have concerns about the financial aid process at the college level. In short, the best advice we can give you is to adhere to all deadlines. By completing forms promptly and thoroughly, you will have the best chance of collecting the necessary funding.

Both the National Aid Association and PHEAA have internet homepages where families can calculate their Expected Family Contribution (EFC). There are also several financial aid links accessible via The Hill School home page.

The form for eligibility for federal aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available in the College Advisersí Office early in the fall, but may not be submitted before January 1.

Another commonly used form, the CSS Financial Aid PROFILE, can be accessed in the College Advisersí early in the fall. This particular form requires a processing fee. Although it is possible to request billing at the time of registration, students should be prepared to provide a credit card number when filing their information over the phone or electronically.

Many institutions also require their own forms which are normally included with the application for admission.

Questions to ask college financial aid officers:

  • Will applying for aid have any impact on admission decisions?
  • What about students placed on the Wait List?
  • What costs are covered by the college budget?
  • Are transportation and personal expenses included?
  • How is financial aid awarded to students?
  • Based on need or merit?
  • Are all students need met completely? If not, what percentage of students have their need met, and/or what percentage of their need is met?
  • What happens after freshman year?
  • Do special groups (athletes, legacies, minority students, musicians) receive special treatment?
  • What are the institutionsí policies regarding divorced/separated families?
  • How many students receive financial aid? Scholarship aid?
  • What are the financial aid application procedures and deadlines?
  • What forms must be submitted (FAFSA, PROFILE, institutional forms)?
  • What are the procedures for Early Decision applicants?
  • Do early applicants receive special consideration in the process?
  • When do students learn about their financial aid package?
  • How and why might extensions be granted after the May 1 Candidates Reply Date?
  • What employment opportunities are available for students who do not receive aid?
  • Does the institution have an installment payment plan? Are there other financing options?

    The College Scholarship Committee

    Comprised of the College Advisers and faculty members from every academic department, the College Scholarship Committee makes nominations to colleges offering merit based scholarships. Through a review of academic and extracurricular performance, students are identified for these prestigious awards. The following is a summary of the scholarship monies awarded to Hill School students during the last four years (figures represent sum of awards over four years):

  • 1993 - $306,000
  • 1994 - $595,100
  • 1995 - $311,840
  • 1996 - $587,400

    NCAA ELIGIBILITY AND ATHLETIC RECRUITMENT

    In order for a student to play Division I, IAA, or II college athletics, he must be certified as academically eligible by the NCAA Clearinghouse. To gain eligibility, a student must file the registration form with the NCAA before enrolling in a college, and meet minimum standards established by the NCAA. Those standards are listed in the registration packets available in the College Advisersí Office.

    In an effort to provide the best possible service to students, the College Advisersí Office has adopted a policy regarding our work with recruited student-athletes. Although the majority of college coaches are well-intentioned, past experience has proven that students can sometimes be misled. In the hopes that we might prevent complications and help student-athletes obtain a better understanding of the recruiting process, the College Advisers' Office urges all student-athletes to abide by the following procedures: Any student interested in playing Division I, IAA, or II college athletics must be certified to do so by the NCAA. The NCAA Clearinghouse Eligibility form is available in the College Advisers' Office in early September and should be completed and submitted in the fall of the sixth form year. All students should discuss your course selection with your college adviser to ensure eligibility. In all cases, students must have transcripts sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse.

    Please note:

  • Faxed transcripts are not acceptable.
  • Students that attend multiple high schools must submit a transcript from each high school.
  • Test scores must be directly from the testing agency. The Hill School does not include test scores on the transcript.

    Nonstandard tests must be approved by the Academic Requirements Committee. The following documents must be received in order to review and ultimately approve the nonstandard test score:

  • A. Copy of all test scores;
  • B. Copy of application to take the nonstandard test;
  • C. Copy of medical/psychological documentation indicating the learning disability and signed by an authorized professional (i.e., medical doctor, licensed psychologist, etc.), AND
  • D. Verification that the individual administering the test was not an employee of the athletic department of the school or an NCAA institution. Be aware of the guidelines set forth by the NCAA which regulate recruiting. Student/athletes are responsible for knowing what is, and isn't, permissible in a recruiting relationship. A copy of these regulations is on file in the College Advisersí Office.

    Please bring a copy of all correspondence that you receive from a coach into the office. It is important that your adviser be aware that you are being recruited, and that he/she have the opportunity to determine the degree of that recruitment. Please enter into all recruiting relationships with cautious optimism. We do not believe that coaches will intentionally deceive or mislead students into believing that they have been admitted. However, from time to time there have been breakdowns in communication, leading to a student's false impression of the situation. Remember, the admission decision rests ultimately in the hands of the respective admissions offices. Coaches generally do not wield as much influence in these offices as they would sometimes like to have prospective student-athletes believe.

    All Hill School students should make certain to notify the College Advisers' Office whenever a contact has been made with a college recruiter. Be certain to communicate to your Hill School coaches your aspirations for college athletics. Students should coordinate with their coaches to facilitate an information exchange with the college advisers.

    Know that your college adviser is available for consultation on this matter, and any other matters, concerning the college admission process. Please feel free to make use of the services provided.

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