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Help is available in your state!

North Dakota has free programs and resources to help you plan and pay for college: 

1. Connect with a mentor or tutor
2. Visit a college information center to get help with the FAFSA and college applications
3. Attend a financial aid/college information event
4. Learn about college entrance exams 
5. Find out about other resources in your state

School-based mentor and tutor programs

Mentor and Tutor Programs
Schools, guaranty agencies, and community organizations offer special programs, generally targeted to underserved students, which help prepare students for the academic challenges of college. These programs include TRIO, GEAR UP, I Have A Dream Program, Project GRAD and others. Below are some resources for locating the programs in North Dakota:

Dickinson State University

Lake Region State College

North Dakota State University

Turtle Mountain Community College

University of North Dakota

Dickinson State University

Student Loans of North Dakota (SLND)'s College Information Service (CIS) provides a centralized source of free information about various colleges, the admissions process, and understanding financial aid. You can call CIS toll-free at (800) 554-2717; locally at 328-5835; or e-mail to bndsl@nd.gov. 

The North Dakota Collage Access Network (NDCAN) Web site allows you to research individual college costs and information, learn about scholarships and other opportunities, and get answers to some of your financial aid questions.

Life 101, a newspaper publication, provides readers with information about financial aid, credit card tips, and how to start a budget. It also profiles famous college graduates and the impact higher education had in their lives.

The College Bound Family Calendar is a step-by-step guide for students and their parents with helpful tips and advice about going to college, important test deadlines, financial aid, and scholarship information.

High school juniors and seniors in North Dakota receive these important materials. If for some reason you did not, please contact College Information Service at (800) 554-2717. 

 Financial aid/college information events

Financial Aid/College Information Events:
Student Loans of North Dakota (SLND) takes a proactive approach to raising awareness about financial aid and post-secondary education, reaching thousands of new students and families on an annual basis. High school counselor workshops, financial aid information sessions for parents and students, lending institution updates, and public presentations are given throughout North Dakota on a regular basis and as requested. 

For specific information about these events, contact College Information Service (CIS) at (800) 554-2717.

• North Dakota Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NDASFAA) holds Financial Aid Saturdays in January of each year. These sessions are geared towards educating students and parents about the financial aid process through individual high school sessions throughout the state of North Dakota.
• North and South Dakota Career Fairs are held in September and October of each year. 

• Receive free on-site professional assistance filling out the FAFSA.
• Talk to a financial aid professional about financial aid resources and how to apply.
• Receive information regarding statewide student services, admission requirements, and more.

To find out more information on College Goal Sunday including locations and what students and parents should bring to the event, access North Dakota College Goal Sunday.

 Information on college entrance exams

ACT
The ACT is America's most widely accepted college entrance exam. It assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete with breaks or just over four hours if you are taking the Writing Test.

1. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.
2. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skills in planning and writing a short essay.

For information including test dates, access the ACT Web site at http://www.act.org/.

SAT
Many colleges require the SAT for admissions or to award scholarships. Students earn a Critical Reading, Math, and Writing score.  Each section is scored on a 200- to 800-point scale. The national average score per section is 500. The SAT includes 160 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete.

1. The Critical Reading section includes sentence completion and reading comprehension. Calculator use is allowed, but not required.
2. The Writing section includes grammar, usage, and word choice.

For more information including test dates, access The Princeton Review Web site at www.princetonreview.com.

The Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The TOEFL is a test for non-native English speakers to evaluate their ability to read, write, speak, and listen to English.  The test is divided into four sections that integrate all four of these English language skills:

1. Reading: 60 minutes, 3 passages, 12-14 questions per passage
2. Listening: Up to 60 minutes, up to 72 questions
3. Speaking: 6 tasks with 15-30 seconds to prepare and 45-60 seconds to speak
4. Writing: 50 minutes, 2 writing tasks

For more information including test dates, access The Princeton Review Web site at www.princetonreview.com.

Additional resources in your state Detailed information about the local college access programs in your state is available through the National College Access Program Directory. The Directory is a resource provided by the National College Access Network and Pathways to College Network .