College Research

Learning Target: I can evaluate the financial feasibility of my college list by drafting an evidence-based defense of my top-choice school.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJoyn_KXVX0

Objective: Synthesize quantitative data (Net Price Calculators, salary projections) and qualitative research to construct an evidence-based argument for your post-secondary pathway.

Directions: Using the data tracked in your College Project Spreadsheet, answer the following prompts in complete sentences. You must cite specific data points (costs, salaries, credit policies) to support your answers.

Part I: Data Corroboration & Classification (DOK 2)

Focus: Understanding concepts, identifying patterns, and comparing sources.

1. Source Corroboration: When researching AP exam credit (for scores of 4 or 5) and merit scholarship requirements, you looked at both aggregator sites (like Niche/CollegeVine) and primary sources (the colleges' official websites). Identify one specific instance where relying on the college’s primary website provided crucial information that a general search did not.

2. Institutional Strategy: Review your 9 chosen schools. Identify one "buyer" school and one "meets-needs" school from your list. Based on your research, explain the fundamental difference in how these two specific institutions allocate their financial aid to students.

Part II: Strategic Analysis & Cost Projection (DOK 3)

Focus: Justifying choices, analyzing cause-and-effect, and drawing conclusions from data.

3. The ROI (Return on Investment) Check: Look at your research regarding your intended major. Does your field require a Master's degree to practice or work with patients/community? Compare the cost of an undergraduate degree at one of your "Reach" schools with the starting salary for that field in NY State. Based on these numbers, is taking on debt for this specific undergraduate program a sound financial strategy? Justify your answer with your data.

4. The NPC (Net Price Calculator) Stress Test: Compare the Net Price Calculator results for the $67,000 and $100,000 income brackets at one of your "Comfy" or "Safety" schools. Explain how a shift in household income changes your eligibility for aid at this institution. Does this school remain affordable under both scenarios?

Part III: Extended Thinking & Argumentation (DOK 4)

Focus: Synthesizing multiple variables to make a complex, defensible decision.

5. The Pathway Defense: Formulate a thesis identifying your single strongest college option out of the 9 you researched. Your defense must explicitly synthesize at least three different data points: (1) your projected net cost, (2) the alignment with your major/graduate school requirements, and (3) specific funding opportunities (e.g., NY STEM incentive, separate merit applications, or AP credit savings).