AdmissionsAdvice.com

Time To Prepare For Financial Aid Applications

2009-11-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

For most high school seniors, December is often "push month" for finishing up college applications. In the rush to meet application deadlines, however, don't forget that financial aid deadlines will quickly follow. Here are five things you should be doing this month if you will need financial aid to attend college:

1. Make certain your college list includes at least one financial safety. A "financial safety" is a college that you would both be happy to attend and that your family is almost certainly going to be able to afford, either because of its overall cost or because the college's financial aid policies are likely to work in your family's favor. Not sure if you have a financial safety on your list? Start by reading this article which includes a list of important questions to ask every college.

2. Plan ahead. Each year, I hear from students and parents who have missed important financial aid deadlines because they didn't look at what was required until it was too late. Don't let this be you! If you haven't already done so, take a few minutes this month to put together a list showing the financial aid deadlines and application paperwork required for each college on your list.

3. If your parents are divorced or separated, let each parent know what to expect. Divorce and separation can add an extra layer of complexity to the financial aid process. If your parents are divorced or separated (or you're a parent who is divorced or separated), make sure you understand how divorce and separation can affect financial aid and have a clear understanding of the policies of each of the colleges on your list. If your non-custodial parent needs to submit financial information to a college on your list, now is the time to let them know, not the day before the college's financial aid deadline.

4. Get your FAFSA PIN now. Although you can't submit your FAFSA (the application required by most colleges) until after January 1st, you can apply for FAFSA Personal Identification Numbers now on the FAFSA PIN website. You'll need a PIN for both the student and a parent.

5. Get organized. The process of applying for financial aid will go smoother if you have all of the information you'll need on hand. Here's a list of most of the information you'll need for the FAFSA and the CSS Profile - but, check with each college on your list as well, since some colleges ask for additional information.

- Your social security number
- Your driver's license (if you have one)
- The student's 2009 tax return OR 2009 W-2 Forms and other records of other money earned by the student in 2009.
- The parent's 2009 tax returns OR 2009 W-2 Forms and other records of other money earned by parents in 2009. (Note: For the FAFSA, financial information for the custodial parent and step-parent is required; for the CSS Profile, financial information from the non-custodial parent is often required as well).
- 2009 untaxed income records for parent(s) and student, if applicable, including veterans benefits, child support, and worker's compensation.
- Current bank statements
- Current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records, if applicable
- Your alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

Three Websites For College Research

2009-11-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

I am constantly amazed at how little real research some students do about the colleges where they're applying. Often, a student will tell me that they "know enough" about a particular institution because "my friends all say it's a good school." Yet, when I ask them about how they think their grades, class rank, and test scores stack up against the typical admitted student, what's unique about the school's academic program, the college's application process, or the availability of much-needed financial aid, their eyes tend to glaze over. "Finding out all that stuff is too hard!," these students tell me.

Don't let this be you.

Whether you're a senior already slogging through the application process, or a junior (or sophomore) just getting started thinking about your college options, the decision of where to apply - and attend - college is too important to leave solely up to the advice of friends. You must do your own research.

Luckily, finding the facts, information, and data you need to make well-informed decisions doesn't have to be too time-consuming or difficult. You just need to know where to look. Here are three websites where students and parents can get quickly get up to speed about individual colleges and admissions policies:

1. The College Portrait. This is the place to go if you're looking for reliable information on public colleges and universities. Sponsored by two nonprofit higher education organizations - the Association of Public and Land-grant Colleges and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities - College Portrait offers detailed information on the admissions statistics, academic programs, and financial aid opportunities at more than 325 public colleges and universities. The website will be adding new profiles regularly over coming months.

2. U-CAN Network. U-CAN is the private college equivalent of the College Portrait website. Sponsored by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, this site offers detailed profiles of over 800 non-profit private institutions. This site is a terrific resource for quickly comparing facts and data in standardized form.

3. College Navigator. The U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator website is designed to give students and parents a quick and easy method for quickly gathering and comparing data on every institution of higher education in the United States. In addition to data about admission rates and average test scores, College Navigator provides useful information about institutional financial aid, disabilities services, graduation rates, and even campus crime. You can even pinpoint data on the number of majors in different disciplines. The College Navigator site also has useful links to Federal government sites for financial aid and career planning.

Of course, don't forget that colleges all have their own websites, which can provide a wealth of information and insights to students who look beyond the pretty pictures on the admissions website. No college website visit is complete without searching for at least these three items: the freshman admissions profile for the most recent freshman class, courses required for graduation beyond your major, and the student newspaper.

Good luck in your college information hunt!

Seven Rules For College Admissions Success

2009-10-31T12:29:00.000-07:00

Applying to college is a stressful time, filled with details, deadlines, and yes, even a little dread. Just like any complex endeavor, however, having some basic rules to follow can help. Here are seven rules to follow for college application success:

Rule Number One: Build In A Safety Net Every college list needs a back up plan. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that adding more reach schools is a back up plan; it isn’t. A true safety net means having at least two colleges on your list that you would sincerely like to attend and which are highly likely to admit you and be financially possible for your family. That safety net is what will help you sleep well each night between now and next April. If you don't yet have a safety net in place, get one. Pronto.

Rule Number Two: Get and Stay Organized Applying to college is stressful enough as it is. You don’t want to add more stress because you can't find some vital piece of information or suddenly realize at 11 p.m. that an important deadline occurs at midnight. If you haven't already done so, make it a priority to set up a "command central" for all of your application materials and supplies, and be diligent about keeping track of every item that goes in or out. Make a checklist of all important application deadlines, and check it at least once a week. File folders can be a college applicant's best friend. Save yourself stress later: Get organized NOW.

Rule Number Three: Give Yourself Plenty of Time Most students are surprised by how many tasks are involved in completing college applications. As a result, the job almost always takes longer than students expect, especially when the inevitable last minute questions and snafus pop into the picture. A certain amount of procrastination time should also be added into your time estimate. And, let's face it, senior year is busy and demanding in and of itself. The bottomline: don't plan on getting started the week before deadlines are due. Allow as much leeway time as possible.

Rule Number Four: Never Assume Just because one college wants something done a certain way doesn't mean all of the colleges on your list will want it done the same way. Just because your friend or a stranger on an internet discussion forum who seems to know a lot about colleges told you it was OK to do something doesn't mean that it is. Just because your recommendation writers said they'd get your recommendations in the mail by last Friday doesn't mean they did. And, just because you hit "send" on your application, doesn't mean that everything has arrived safely and been put into your admissions folder at a college. Never assume. Verify.

Rule Number Five: Read The Fine Print When it comes to applying to college, the devil is in the details. Before you dive in and begin filling out applications, read ALL of the instructions and information carefully. In your rush to get applications finished, the fine print may seem unimportant, but it's usually where the most unpleasant surprises lurk for applicants who haven't taken the time to read it. Pay attention to the details.

Rule Number Six: Don't Be Shy About Asking For Help Some students seem to feel they need to shoulder everything themselves. Others simply don't want to appear dumb by asking questions when they're confused. You should, of course, make sure that your application is, in the end, your work alone. But, this is a complex task and nearly every student will need help or advice at some point. And, here's an important point to remember: your school counselor, your teachers, your parents, and even college admissions and financial aid people want to see you succeed, and that includes being willing to help you find the answers you need. There is always someone you can ask for help! Ask for help when you need it.

Rule Number Seven: Don't Stress (Too Much)! Everyone applying to college will feel stressed at some point. It's a normal part of the process. However, don’t let college application stress consume your life. Take the process seriously, but also allow time for a little rest and relaxation along the way. Remember: you're not going to be applying to college forever. This too shall pass.

Best of luck with your applications!

Advice for Writing the University of California Personal Statement

2009-10-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

If you're planning to apply to one of the University of California campuses this year, be sure to spend a few minutes watching the a new video from the University of California about writing the personal statement.

The video is filled with excellent advice from UC admissions officers and currently UC students on how to write effective personal statements. Some of the highlights:

Don't procrastinate! Writing an effective personal statement takes thought, time and effort. Admissions readers can tell when a student has written the personal statements the night before the deadline.

Focus on "adding clarity, richness and meaning" to the information in the rest of your UC application. Don't just repeat the same list of extracurriculars you have provided elsewhere; add depth.

Review your accomplishments. Think about the accomplishments you're most proud of, and how you can bring them to the forefront in your personal statements

Be true to yourself. It's called a "personal" statement for a reason.

Keep things in perspective. "No student is admitted or denied based on the personal statement alone," says a UC admissions officer in the video.

The University of California application period runs from November 1 to November 30. If you're planning to apply to one or more of the UC's, you should already be working on your personal statements.

One last tip: It's not uncommon for the UC application system to experience "technical difficulties" on November 29 and November 30 due to the volume of applications students are trying to cram through the system at the last minute. Take this into account, and, if possible, plan to submit your UC applications a few days before the deadline. After all, you really don't want to spend Thanksgiving weekend writing your UC personal statements do you?

Best of luck!

Link: Video: Writing the University of California Personal Statement

How To Answer "Why This College?" Essay Prompts On College Applications

2009-10-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

One of the most perplexing essays for many students is the one that asks the most important question of all: Why do you want to attend this college? Here are some tips for handling this essay.

First, let’s talk a bit about why colleges ask this question in the first place. These days most colleges, especially highly selective ones, get many more applications than they have places for in their freshman class. Obviously, the admissions office does not want to waste an admittance on an applicant who is not likely to attend – and they also want to make sure that every student who does attend next fall has thought through their reasons for wanting to be there. In short, they are looking for evidence that you didn’t just toss in an extra application on a whim, but that you truly are interested enough to have thought through your decision to apply.

They’re also looking for clues to your personality, interests, and goals, and how you will contribute to or participate in all that the college has to offer. So, this question isn’t just about why the college is a fit for you, but why you’re a fit for the college. It’s a subtle but important difference to keep in mind as you work on this sort of essay. Don’t just tell the college why they are right for you – also tell them why you are right for them.

Here are some tips to help you tackle “Why This College?” essays:

1. Brainstorm before you start writing. Make a list of the five or ten most important things you are looking for in any college, not just this one. Next, write a list of your most important goals and interests. Then, brainstorm how this particular college might meet those needs, desires, and interests.

2. Do your homework. Learn everything you can about the college and its programs. If you’ve visited, think back over your visit and jot down anything that particularly struck you during the visit. Try to remember conversations you had with faculty or students, and places on campus that particularly resonated with you. What made you decide that this college was worth considering during your visit?

College websites are also loaded with information. Use them! Ignore the pretty pictures and catchy slogans in the admissions section this time around. Read the descriptions of departments you’re interested in, explore a few faculty bios, find out the details of graduation requirements and advising for freshmen, examine the school’s mission statement, read the online archives of the student newspaper, and scroll through recent press releases issues by the college news office.

Then, refer back to your list of what you are looking for in a college and match up the data points you’ve uncovered in your research with the most important things you’re seeking in any college. What makes this school a particularly good match?

3. Make it personal. Don’t write about things that any applicant can say about the school. Tell the admissions committee why everything you mention relates specifically to you. Instead of “I like University XYZ because it has a wonderful science program” say “I have a lifelong interest in zoology and the opportunity to work in University XYZ’s on campus primate research center in Professor Smith’s undergraduate research program will allow me to get hands on experience working with chimpanzees."

4. Don’t comment on the obvious. The admissions office already knows they have a beautiful campus, a world-renowned faculty, rank high in U.S. News & World Reports, and are located in an exciting city. If you keep it personal, and focus on why this college or university and you truly are a match, your essay will stand out.

5. Be specific. Don’t just say, “I was impressed with your library when I visited.” Look up the name of the library, and tell them exactly what impressed you (beyond, of course, the coffee bar in the lobby.) Sometimes little details can speak loudly. I once read an excellent essay from a student which began, “When I entered the drawing and painting studio on the third floor of Smith Hall, felt the warm sun streaming through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, and smelled the pungent aroma of fresh turpentine, I knew that I had found a place where I could not only create art, but live it.” Here's the litmus test to know if you've been specific enough: Try changing the name of the college in your "Why this college?" essay. If you can drop in the name of a different college, and the essay still makes perfect sense, it's a sign that you've written too generic of an essay.

Finally, if you find yourself struggling with explaining why this school is a unique match for you, it may be time to sit down and consider whether this college or university is truly a good match for you. If, after doing some additional research and thinking about your college expectations and dreams, you still can't explain why you want to attend this particular college, you might want to think twice about applying.

College Admissions Scams To Avoid

2009-10-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

U.S. News & World Reports' education blog has a great article today about 6 scams that target college students. Actually, four of the six don't just target students who are already in college, but also students (and parents) who are still in high school.

Those four are:
- Fake scholarship scams
- Dodgy student loan offers
- Untrustworthy counselors
- Diploma mills

The article is worth reading, but here are three more scams that wise high school students and their parents need to be on the look out for during the college admissions season:

Essay writing services. You're busy. You're stressed. You have no idea where to begin when it comes to writing your college application essays. While searching the Internet for ideas, you stumble across a company that promises to write your college application essay for you, for a fee of course. Sounds great - no more stress, no effort on your part. But, if there's one piece of advice I can give you it's this: don't let anyone else write your college application essays for you. No matter how busy, stressed or clueless you feel, YOU are the only person who should write your college application essays. By reading your essays, colleges are hoping to get a clearer picture of who you are, what matters to you, and why you are a good match for them. If you buy an essay, the "you" part of the personal essay will be lost. Worse, there's a good chance that the essay you buy will be very familiar to college admissions people. Several admissions officers have mentioned to me that it's not all that uncommon for them to not only easily pick out the essay-writing service essays, but also that they often get several applications from different students with the same essay from a service. So, while you might be busy, stressed, and clueless, don't waste your money buying someone else's essay. Write your own.

Misleading test prep firms. Some test prep firms serve a very real purpose: they can give you a good overview of the test and some strategies for preparing. But, not all test prep firms are cut from the same cloth. If a test prep firm promises you a 100+ point increase on your SATs with a minimum amount of effort on your part, be very cautious. Preparing for any exam - not just the SAT or ACT - can't be done for you; YOU have to put time and effort into preparation. And, no test prep company or tutor can guarantee a specific point increase on the day of the exam. Period.

College 'advice' from Internet discussion forums. If you've spent much time looking for college admissions information on the Internet, you've undoubtably stumbled upon a college admissions discussion forum or two (or more!). On the surface, these forums seem like a great place to get advice and information --after all, here's a whole group of people who are just as panicky and scared about college admissions as you are! What could be better? The trouble is that very few college discussion forums are moderated for accuracy, so mis-information and misconceptions abound. More importantly, in cyberspace, no one really has to tell the truth about their (or their children's) grades, test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments, so it's easy to get a very skewed perception of what it takes to get into college from reading these boards. That only serves to ramp up student and parent anxiety at a time when stress levels are already high. Finally, would you trust a stranger on the Internet to give you advice about what to wear, which house to buy, or whether you'll be a good candidate for a job opening? Then, why trust strangers who don't know you and who don't have your application in front of you to "estimate" your chances of admission? While crumbs of good information can be found here and there on college admissions discussion forums, they should be visited sparringly. And, don't let the information and "advice" on discussion forums replace doing your own research, talking to colleges directly, and seeking advice from your school counselor and other adults who know you personally in "the real world."

Help! My Parents Are Driving Me Crazy About College Applications!

2009-10-09T14:55:00.001-07:00

A few years back, at just around this time of year, I received an email from a young woman asking a very important question: What is the best way to go about the college application process without getting into huge arguments with my Mom? I know that it is a very stressful time for both of us and especially me, but the fighting is not helping my stress level at all.

Since I know that other students (and parents) are probably asking themselves the same question again this year, I thought I'd re-post the response I wrote to her here in this blog. By the way, all turned out well for this young woman. She was admitted to almost all of the colleges she applied to (and yes, she DID get her applications in on time). Here is my reply to her question:

I laughed out loud when I read your email just from imagining how hard my daughter will laugh when I tell her someone asked me for advice on getting along with your parents during the college application process. My daughter and I have always had a great relationship, but I would be lying if I didn't admit that at this time in her senior year, we were both really annoyed with each other a lot of the time. There was an evil word lurking between us, the "A word": Applications. I was convinced she was doomed to a life of failure if she didn't get them done right this minute, and she was convinced she was doomed to hear me nagging about them for the rest of her life. And, it wasn't even October yet!

A very strange thing happens to a lot of parents - especially mothers - when the time comes for their children to apply to college. Maybe it's that we can see the door closing on our being needed as our kids prepare to leave the nest, or maybe it's that we have this burning Mom (and sometimes Dad) drive to want to protect our babies from the sting of rejection, or maybe it's just our menopausal hormones going wacky at the same time our babies are applying to go. But a lot of us go plumb crazy for a while.

Of course, this is totally unfair to you kids. You're facing what is the first major step in your adult life. It's normal to feel scared and excited and just a little doubtful about how it will all turn out. The last thing you need is this crazy woman (or sometimes crazy man) hovering over you as you try to stretch your wings and find the courage to fly. It's no wonder that a lot of kids go plumb crazy for a while too.

What helped at our house was that, in early October, my daughter sent in her first application, to a rolling admissions "safe bet" college. Seven days later, she was admitted. Now that we knew that she could definitely go somewhere the following year, she made me swear - and I am not making this up! - that if I mentioned the "A word" again, I would eat nothing but Cheerio's for a week. I hate Cheerio's, so this was no idle threat. With the threat of the Cheerio's diet hanging heavy, I gradually learned to keep my mouth sh...uh...thoughts to myself. It wasn't easy. The large carton of duct tape I bought for my mouth helped a bit though.

Seriously, the best advice - aside from invoking the Cheerio's diet yourself - is to try to separate out the fear, anxiety, and unhappiness of the application process itself from the feelings you have towards your mother. Sure, your Mom may be trying to help too much, and no one likes to be nagged, but she isn't the source of your true anxiety, and realizing that might make it easier to step back and respond calmly when she is keyed up herself.

Moms also need LOTS of reassurance when they're half-insane. Keep her in the loop, let her know that you are working on your applications (assuming you are), and tell her that you definitely will need her help for some things. One thing my daughter assigned to me is addressing and stamping all of the recommendation envelopes. She even had me write out postage paid cards from the post office with her name and address on them for the schools to send back when the recommendations arrived. It was a very simple thing but it made me feel like I was contributing in some way and that got me off her back for a few weeks at least. So, try to find some simple things like this to make your Mom feel like she is helping you out and relieve some of her anxiety about letting you control the process. We parents really do need to feel needed, so the more "dumb" tasks like that you can give us, the better we'll behave. (Making copies at Kinko's can burn up time too!)

And, try to find some time to do something fun together that doesn't involve the "A word." Go to the movies, go shopping, go out to lunch. Feel free to invoke the Cheerio's diet if necessary.

Anyhow, hope this helps with your question, even if just a bit. Just remember, this too will pass. If you and your Mom generally get along, you will get along just as well once the applications are in the mail. Just take deep breaths when she's really driving you nuts, try to keep your sense of humor intact, and feel free to tell her to email me if she needs to vent some anxiety. I've been there. I understand. I will stock up on the Cheerio's.

Now, I need to go call my daughter. It will be great to hear her laugh.

Haverford makes "small change" to its standardized test policy

2009-10-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

Jess Lord, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, has announced that Haverford is making what Lord referred to as a "small change" to its standardize test score requirements. All candidates will now have the option of submitting the results of the SAT Reasoning test and two SAT Subject exams OR the ACT with writing. Students who choose the ACT option will no longer be required to submit two Subject exams. A few other colleges have made similar changes to their policies in recent years.

Are You Ready To Apply Early Decision?

2009-10-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I answeredsome of the most common questions students and parents have about how the Early Decision admissions process works. However, since Early Decision is a binding commitment to attend if admitted, it's important to make sure that you also answer the most important question of all, namely:
Is applying Early Decision the right choice for me?

Here’s a self-quiz to help you decide if you’re ready to apply Early Decision.

Answer Yes, No or Not Sure to the following questions:

1. Is your main reason for applying Early Decision that you have decided that one particular college is your clear first choice?

2. If the college you're considering for Early Decision suddenly became less prestigious, or its ranking dropped 50 points, would you still want to apply Early to this particular college?

3. Would you still want to apply Early Decision to this college if your chances of being admitted Early Decision were the same as if you applied Regular Decision?

4. Have you visited your prospective Early Decision college at least once, and did your visit include taking a formal admissions tour rather than just walking around on your own?

5. Have you visited several other colleges, including taking their formal admissions tour rather than just walking around on your own?

6. Have you had some form of personal contact with the admissions office at your prospective Early Decision college?

7. Have you had some form of personal contact with a current student at your prospective Early Decision college?

8. Have you done an overnight stay at your prospective Early Decision college?

9. Have you sat in on at least one class at the Early Decision college, or had some form of personal contact with at least one faculty member there?

10. Do you understand the academic distribution requirements for graduation at your prospective Early Decision college?

11. Do you understand any entry requirements for your prospective major at this college?

12. Do you understand the graduation requirements for your prospective major at the Early Decision college?

13. Can you describe this college's academic mission and approach to education?

14. Do you know what the average class size of introductory courses is at this college?

15. Do you know what the average class size of courses in your prospective major is at this college, and how many majors typically graduate in that department each year?

16. Can you explain what some of the strengths and weaknesses of this college's academic approach or curriculum requirements might be for you personally?

17. Can you explain what some of the strengths and weaknesses of the department where you hope to major might be for you personally?

18. Do you strongly believe that this college will be an academic fit for you?

19. Have you read back issues of the Early Decision college’s student newspaper (often available online), and could you summarize some of the key "hot button" issues for students from your reading?

20. Do you feel that you will fit in socially at the Early Decision college?

21. Can you list both five potential strengths and five potential weaknesses of the Early Decision college?

22. Do you know what the average GPA, class rank, and test scores of students admitted students to your prospective Early Decision college were last year?

23. In comparing your grades through the end of junior year and your current test scores to those of last year’s admitted class, do you believe you are a solid candidate for admission, regardless of whether you apply Early Decision or not?

24. Do you know how the percentage of students admitted last year through Early Decision at this college compares with the percentage of students who were admitted in the regular decision round?

25. Do you feel confident that you will be able to effectively complete all of the elements of an admissions application (essays, recommendation letters, standardized testing, etc.) before the Early Decision deadline?

26. If asked, could you describe in detail why the Early Decision school is right for you and why it is your top choice over other colleges?

27. If asked, could you describe in detail why you are right for the Early Decision college?

28. Do you already have a list of other colleges that you plan to apply to and would be happy to attend if you are not admitted to your Early Decision choice?

29. Have you begun your applications to other colleges besides your Early Decision choice?

30. Do you know if your Early Decision college is need-blind in admissions and guarantees to meet the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students?

31. Have you and your parents used an online EFC calculator to determine what your family’s Estimated Financial Contribution is likely to be?

32. If you need financial aid, have you researched the financial aid policies and application procedures of your Early Decision college to get an idea of what the college might expect your family to pay?

33. If you need financial aid, have you researched what the average amount of student debt students at your Early Decision college typically graduate with, and would you and your parents be comfortable if you ended up with a similar amount of student loans?

34. If you need financial aid, are you and your parents fully comfortable with the idea of not being able to compare other financial aid offers if you’re admitted Early Decision?

35. Regardless of whether or not you need financial aid, have you researched merit scholarship opportunities at both your Early Decision and other colleges?

36. Regardless of whether or not you need financial aid, are you and your parents willing to forgo any merit scholarship opportunities that you might have at other colleges if you're admitted Early Decision?

37. Regardless of whether you need financial aid or not, have you and your parents considered all financial implications of applying Early Decision -- not just whether you can afford the school, but the opportunity cost of giving up the chance to compare financial aid and merit scholarship offers from other schools?

38. Have you reviewed the Early Decision contract with your parents and school counselor?

39. Do you and your parents understand that Early Decision is a binding commitment, meaning you are promising to attend if admitted, except in the case that the college is unable to meet your demonstrated need as determined by the college’s financial aid policies?

40. If you are accepted Early Decision, will you feel any jealousy or doubts when your friends are receiving multiple acceptances next spring?

41. If you are accepted Early Decision, will you have any regrets about your choice of college?

42. Are you 100% certain that you will attend this college if you are admitted through Early Decision?

Give yourself:

1 points for every "Yes" answer
0 points for every "No" or "Not sure" answer

Are you ready to apply Early Decision? If your score is…

Over 35 points: you appear to have done your research about both the Early Decision college and other college options, and have made a well-thought-out decision. You are ready to proceed with an Early Decision application.

Between 25 and 34 points: Early Decision may be right for you, but you need to do more research and thinking. Over the next few weeks, carefully weigh whether Early Decision is right for you and your family’s circumstances.

If you scored below 25 points: You are not ready to apply Early Decision, or may be applying Early Decision for the wrong reasons. You should do more research on both the Early Decision process and your college options, and only then consider whether a particular college is a good Early Decision choice.

Should You Apply Early Decision?

2009-10-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

With the first Early Decision deadlines a month away, many students (and parents) have questions about whether Early Decision is the right choice for them. Today, I'm going to answer some of the most common questions students ask about applying Early Decision. Tommorrow, I will post a self-quiz to help you decide if you are truly ready to commit to Early Decision.

What is Early Decision? Early Decision is an application plan offered by some colleges that allows students to apply and receive an admissions decision early in the year. When you apply Early Decision, you will sign a contract promising that if you’re admitted you will attend the college and immediately withdraw all of your applications from other colleges.

Who should apply through Early Decision? The best candidates for Early Decision are students who have carefully researched a variety of colleges and decided with certainty that one particular institution is their top choice. Additionally, since colleges will only be considering your grades through the end of junior year, students considering Early Decision should have solid grades and test scores by the Early Decision deadline.

Will applying Early Decision make it easier to get in? It depends. Early Decision isn’t a “miracle cure” for students who have lackluster grades and test scores, or grades and test scores far below the average of the typical admit for the college where they are applying. If you wouldn’t be a good candidate for the college during the regular admissions cycle, it’s unlikely that you will get admitted simply because you apply Early Decision. However, students whose grades and test scores put them within the range of the college’s previous admitted students can sometimes have a better chance of admission during the Early Decision cycle. Keep in mind that the acceptance rates for Early Decision vary greatly from college to college. At the most selective colleges, the acceptance rates for students applying Early Decision are still very low. No student should apply Early Decision simply because they’re hoping for an admissions advantage – the main reason to apply Early Decision should always be that the college is your top choice.

I’m 100% sure that my Early Decision school is the only college for me, and I’m pretty confident that I’ll be admitted. Do I still need to make a list of other colleges to apply to? Absolutely. In fact, no one should apply Early Decision unless they also have a list of other colleges where they would be happy to attend, including some “safe bets” where you are highly likely to be admitted. You should spend just as much time researching the other colleges on your list as you do your Early Decision college, and you should also give the application process just as much attention at those schools. While your Early Decision college may be your “dream school,” everyone needs a backup plan.

Additionally, since there is very limited time between when Early Decision replies are sent out and the deadlines for applying to other colleges, it is never a good idea to wait to prepare your applications until you hear from your Early Decision college! Use the time between sending your Early Decision application and the response date to complete your other application materials, so that they are ready to send as quickly as possible if you don’t get the news you’re hoping for from your Early Decision college. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

Will applying Early Decision affect my financial aid package? If you’re admitted to a college via Early Decision, you’ll typically receive the same financial aid package that you would have received if you applied in the regular admissions cycle.

However, one of the main disadvantages of applying Early Decision is that if you’re admitted in the Early Decision round, you’ll be unable to compare financial aid offers from other colleges. You won’t know, for instance, whether another college may have offered you less student loans, or whether you might have received a significant merit scholarship elsewhere. Because you’re giving up the opportunity to compare other financial aid offers if you’re admitted Early Decision, you and your parents should ask the financial aid offices of a number of colleges some hard questions before making the Early Decision choice. If you ask for it, some colleges offering Early Decision will also provide a preliminary financial aid estimate to families who are considering Early Decision.

What if I am admitted Early Decision, but the financial aid package they offer isn’t enough for my family? If this happens, you should immediately talk to the admissions and financial aid departments of the college. In some cases, colleges may be willing to work with you and your family to adjust your financial aid offer. However, it’s important to note that your family’s definition of what you can afford to pay may differ from the college’s definition of what your family can pay. If an agreement can’t be reached, this is the sole instance where the binding nature of the Early Decision agreement may be broken.

Can I apply Early Decision to more than one college at the same time? No. You can only apply Early Decision to one college at a time. However, for colleges that offer Early Decision II programs, once you’ve been rejected during the first Early Decision I round, you can apply to a different college during Early Decision II. This is one of the reasons why it is important to have a backup plan should the news from Early Decision not be what you hope.

Can I also apply Early Action at other colleges if I have applied to one college through Early Decision? In many cases, yes. However, some colleges have a requirement in their Early Decision agreement that prohibits Early Decision applicants from applying Early Action to any other college. Additionally, some colleges offering Early Action plans prohibit Early Action applicants from applying early anywhere else, whether through Early Decision or Early Action.

What if I change my mind about attending the college after I’m admitted through Early Decision? Early Decision is a binding agreement between you and the college. In exchange for receiving your admissions decision early, you are promising that you will not change your mind about attending the college if you’re admitted. Colleges take this promise very seriously, and reserve the right to rescind their Early Decision admissions offer if they discover that a student has not withdrawn their other applications from other colelges. So, it is very important to be absolutely certain that you won’t have any second thoughts if you are admitted in the Early Decision round.

Tommorrow: Are you ready to apply Early Decision?

Tips For Getting Started With College Essays & Other College Questions

2009-09-29T08:26:00.001-07:00

If you're struggling to find just the right topic for your college application essays, you might want to check out the tips for writing college essays put together by members of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), a professional association for college admissions consultants. HECA members have also compiled suggestions for paying for college, researching colleges, and finding the right college.

Thinking about working with a college admissions consultant? Be sure to also read HECA's advice on what to look for when hiring a college admissions consultant.

Another College Goes Test Optional

2009-09-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania has
announced that it has made submitting standardized test scores optional in its admissions process. With the addition of Washington & Jefferson, there are now 839 colleges and universities on the list of colleges that are test-optional. A complete list can be found on the FairTest website.

Tips On Teacher Recommendations For College Applications

2009-09-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

"Please write whatever you think is important about this student, including a description of academic and personal characteristics, as demonstrated in your classroom. We welcome information that will help us to differentiate this student from others." -- 2009-2010 Common Application Teacher Evaluation

Which of your teachers will answer this question for your college applications? What insights will they share about you with college admissions officers? How convincing will their words be?

If you haven't yet thought about the answers to these questions, now is a good time to do so, especially if you are planning to apply Early Decision or Early Action. Teacher recommendations are a valuable opportunity to give an admissions committee a deeper glimpse into your potential to contribute and succeed on their campus, both inside and outside of the classroom. A strong recommendation can support and even uplift your entire application while a luke-warm one is an opportunity lost. In the worst case scenario, damning words from a teacher can raise just enough doubt in an admissions committee's mind to get your application tossed into the "deny" pile. So, in choosing who to ask to write your recommendations, it pays to choose wisely.

One common misconception students have about teacher recommendations is that they should focus on the student's extracurricular accomplishments. While it is fine for your teacher to briefly mention some of your activities outside of the classroom, colleges can already gleam most of that information from the rest of your application. What they're really hoping to uncover in teacher recommendations is who you are inside the classroom. How strong are your writing and analytical skills? Do you make valuable contributions to classroom discussions? Are you a creative thinker or someone who just dutifully parrots back information? How do you react when a subject is particularly challenging to you? Do you work just for the grade, or out of the sheer joy of learning for learning's sake? What is your intellectual potential? Will you be able to handle college level work?

To get at the answers to these questions, most colleges either require or strongly prefer recommendations from teachers who have had you in class in either 11th or 12th grade and who have taught you in core academic subjects: English, math, science, history, or foreign language. While your broadcast journalism teacher might have fabulous things to say about how comfortable you are in front of the camera and your P.E. instructor may be able to wax poetic about your speed on the track field, colleges mainly want to know how you perform in the classes that most directly relate to your readiness for college.

Don't automatically assume that your recommendations must come from the teacher who gave you the best grades, however. In some cases, it may be better to ask the teacher in whose class you struggled for a "B" but who knows and respects your determination to succeed than the teacher who gave you an easy "A" but probably won't have much to say about you beyond that. You may also want to consider the teacher's teaching style. Sometimes a teacher who encourages class discussion and uses a great deal of originality and creativity in the classroom can have more to say about your performance than the teacher whose class is taught by rote. In all cases, however, do think about which teachers seem to be the most thoughtful and to write best -- they are likely to also be the ones who will take the job of writing your recommendation most seriously.

In many schools there are one or two "popular" teachers who everyone asks to write their college recommendations. If a teacher like this is on your list of possibilities, do make sure to verify that they will have enough time to devote to each recommendation, and that they have valuable and important insights into your academic performance. In some cases, you may be better off asking that less popular teacher down the hall who never minds if you stop in to chat about a topic that intrigued you, then the "popular" teacher who knows you only superficially. If you are truly stumped about who to ask, consider brainstorming with your school counselor or parents.

Whoever you decide to ask for recommendations, approach your teachers in a polite and tactful manner. A good question to ask is, "Would you feel comfortable writing my college recommendation?" If you sense any hesitation, don't be insulted. Just move on to another teacher who is immediately enthusiastic about writing your recommendation.

Make your recommendation writers' jobs as easy as possible. First, give them plenty of lead time. You know how hard it is to write an essay or paper -- don't expect your teachers to be able to write a thoughtful and thorough recommendation for you the day before application deadlines. A good rule of thumb is to get everything they need to them at least six weeks in advance of the deadline.

If you're applying to Common Application colleges, teachers can choose to submit their recommendation letters online. Some teachers, however, still prefer to send recommendation letters by mail. So, when your teacher agrees to write your recommendation for a Common Application college, it is a good idea to ask which method they prefer.

If your teachers prefer to submit electronically, you will need to provide their name and email on the Common Application. The Common Application will then send your teacher an email with instructions for submitting their recommendation. The teacher can still decide to send paper recommendations, however, so even if one teacher decides to submit electronically and the other one wants to use mail, you will be OK. An important note: if you are planning to send your Common Application by mail, all of your recommendations must also come by mail.

If your teacher indicates a preference for sending recommendations by mail, don’t just drop a bunch of forms on their desk and expect them to do a good job. Provide a folder or envelope that has everything the teacher will need to complete your recommendations including a stamped envelope addressed to each college. One tip: put four sheets of paper in the envelope you plan to use and ask your local post office to weigh it and tell you the exact postage necessary. While you’re at the post office, purchase post-paid postcards. They will be blank on each side, except for the postage. On the postage side, write your own name and address. On the other side, write something similar to this: "Dear XYZ College Admissions: Please drop this card in the mail when you receive this recommendation. That will allow me to track whether all of my application paperwork has arrived safely. Thank you."

Finally, many students ask me if it is OK to send additional recommendations beyond the number specified by each individual college. Supplemental recommendations should be used sparingly, if at all. They should not merely repeat what the main recommendations say about you, but, rather, add important information or insights that the main recommendation writers cannot. For example, if you are applying as a studio art or music major, sending a supplemental recommendation from an art or music teacher that discusses your talent, or from your direct supervisor at the job you've held for the last two years, may, at times, provide useful insights for an admissions commitee. However, supplemental recommendations from people who barely know you, additional recommendations from teachers beyond what the college asks for, or from alumni of the college who have never met you but know your grandmother, will not add much, if anything to your application, and may, in some cases, backfire. Keep in mind that college admissions officers are busy, with thousands of applications to read. Each additional piece in your application file dilutes the amount of time that can be spent on the pieces that matter most. So, before you add a supplemental recommendation, make sure it is going to say something important enough to risk taking the focus off of the main recommendations from your teachers.

Making Conversation: How To Ace Your College Interviews

2009-09-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

Students spend hours writing college application essays, worrying about college lists, and putting the final touches on their college applications. But, many students overlook the important role college admissions interviews can often play in admissions decisions. I recently asked interview coach, Peggy Wallace, founder of Making Conversation, LLC, for some tips on preparing for successful college interviews.

What’s the most important thing students need to know about college admissions interviews and their role in admissions?

The college interviewer wants to like you! The interviewer is looking for the undiscovered "gem," the student who will "complete" their class and come to their school. It is a mutual sale, i.e., they want to sell you on the school and you want to sell them on you.

In-person or webcam interviews put a face to the paper application. A phone interview will add a person's voice to compliment the written application. It is harder to say "no" to someone with whom you have met and established rapport, especially if you liked them. View the interviewer as your advocate in front of the admissions committee. They are looking for reasons that they can use to persuade the committee to accept your application. Even if nothing new or supplemental is discovered, the very fact that you made the effort to interview (and hopefully to prepare) indicates interest. Admissions offices are concerned about yield. If they accept you, will you select them? Show them that you want them!

What are the most important steps students should take to prepare for their college interviews?

Prepare, prepare, prepare and then, prepare some more. Practice with family, friends, an objective adult or an interview coach. You want your responses to be well-considered, clearly thought out, responsive to the question asked and most certainly not memorized.

You may be uncomfortable talking to a stranger about how terrific you are, but realize that they don't know about anything about the real you, unless you tell them. Informing them is not boasting. Be grateful that your hard work has paid off! Pretend that you are your best friend telling someone else about you.

A good interview feels like a good conversation. It is an easy exchange of information; one person supplies sufficient detail to get the ball rolling, and the ball rolls back and forth, making sure that one does not steamroll the other. Practice becoming a better conversationalist and an active listener. The ability to "make conversation" can be learned. Chat with new people each day so you become skilled in "winning with words." An interviewer does not want be placed in an adversarial position, "pulling teeth," or getting responses on a "need to know" basis.

Take the college's perspective. What might they be looking for in an applicant? What qualities do you bring? How did you affect your high school/community and how will you benefit their school/community?

Have some memorable "strengths" stories about yourself ready - actual examples which show your attributes, interests or activities told in clear, concise, effective, persuasive and relevant stories. Know yourself. Spend time understanding what your unique selling attributes might be. If you were a brand, how would you market yourself? What are your talking points? It is a campaign to help someone understand you and why you would benefit their school.

Research the school. Don't ask questions that are obvious. "How far are you from Boston?" or too obscure, "How late is the gym pool open weeknights?" (Yes, I was asked.) Ask questions which show that you have given serious thought to being a student there next fall.

Are there any social etiquette rules that students need to keep in mind for college interviews?

Social etiquette is essentially showing respect for the other person. It can be as simple as waiting for someone where you can be easily located, i.e. not facing a wall, making eye contact, smiling or standing up until they sit down.

Be an active listener showing that you are "in the moment," totally engaged in the conversation. Respect the value of the interviewer's time. Be on time, which means a few moments early. Or, better yet come 5-15 minutes early so you can go to the bathroom, get a sip of water etc.

Finally, write a thank you note. Send it by e-mail or snail mail, if you have the time and want it to land in your application file. Make specific reference to the topics discussed during your interview. Use the thank you to confirm your interest and refresh their recollection of your "fit."

How should students dress for college interviews?

Dress as if you were attending your conservative grandparent's birthday party at a nice restaurant: men, collared shirts and nice shoes; and women, avoid those plunging or questionable necklines and short skirts. Nothing you wear should detract from your message. If you are squirming or pulling at what you are wearing, most interviewers will get distracted by the motion and lose track of your content. Road test your clothes beforehand: sit, stand and check yourself out in a full length mirror. Of course, if you are applying to an arts or fashion school, showcase your personal style.

Some colleges only offer interviews for "information purposes" or say that they are optional. How should students approach these interviews?

Every contact with the school is an opportunity to make a good impression even if the school says interviews are only for information purposes or that interviews are optional. Remember, it is optional that you get admitted to the school, their option. Even if they don't offer interviews, the student tour guide could be asked by the admissions office (responsible for the tours and making the tour guides feel what they offer is of value), "How was the tour? Any good ones?" If you impressed them, your name (and maybe even the reason why) will become familiar to the admissions office and you can always correspond with the student tour guide later on.

Again, if they meet you in person (or even through G-talk or Skype, which some schools now do for interviews), it benefits you. Take the plunge; take a chance on yourself. Seek out the interview opportunity.

Do you have any other tips for dealing with the stress so many students feel about college interviews?

Relax and enjoy the opportunity to meet new people. Divert your nervous energy into positive enthusiasm. Show your excitement about this momentous step. If not now, when? The thank you note is a bit too late to express your enthusiasm.

They really just want to find out all about wonderful you. So get yourself a rousing theme song and psyche yourself for the interview! Establish a routine to relax your body, and clear your mind except for your key talking points. Then, Focus!

Oh, and get a good night's sleep the night before! Yawning in front of empathetic people is contagious and you don't want them thinking that they are bored, or worse yet, that you are!

Related link: Making Conversation, LLC

College Essays: Advice From Real Admissions Officers

2009-09-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Struggling with your college essays? Here's a repeat of an article I previously published here on AdmissionsAdvice.com about what real college admissions officers are hoping to find when they read your essays:

Admissions officers from Yale University and Kenyon College spoke about what they look for in successful college essays during the annual College Board Conference last weekend.

“We’re looking for a match between the student and the college as much as anything when we read essays,” said Beverly Morse, Kenyon’s Associate Dean of Admissions. “Students need to use their own voice in order to let us find that match. We don’t expect Pulitzer Prize winning essays or essays that sound like they’ve been written by adults. Perfection is not necessary, but having your own voice come through is. It’s called a personal statement because we want it to be personal.”

Jeremiah Quinlan, Yale’s Director of Outreach and Recruitment, agreed. “I’m interested in this person as a 17-year-old. The best essays are not the ones with perfect punctuation or that cool Ayn Rand quote that they think makes them sound like an intellectual, but ones that are honest and real because that’s how we get a sense of who the student is.”

“Yale receives over 21,000 applications. Of those, 14 or 15 thousand have high grades and high tests scores,” noted Quinlan. “We know most of our applicants can do the work. However, great test scores and a terrific GPA only put you in the pool. What separates you out is personality, and one of the major ways we find out about your personality is through your essays. Unfortunately, many times the student’s personality gets edited out, especially if they have too many people read and comment on their essays.”

Students don’t have much time to stand out with Yale admissions readers. According to Quinlan, Yale admissions readers can read 50 or more essays a day, six days a week, during the admissions season. However, Quinlan was careful to note that Yale admissions officers “always start with the transcript. If the student isn’t a fit academically, we won’t spend much time on the essay.”

Quinlan suggested that students ask themselves three questions before sending off their essays. “First, ask ‘who am I?’ The essay has to be about you, and convey your personality. In order to do that you have to have a sense of yourself. They should also remenber that we don’t want to read about who you were or what you did back in eighth grade. We want to find out who you are now.”

The second question? “Does this essay resonate with the rest of my application? Students should ask themselves what their activities will say about them, what their recommendations will say about them, even what their high school grades and course choices will say about them, and then make sure that the essay resonates with everything we’ll read elsewhere in their application. This doesn’t mean that they should only tell us things we already know, but rather, they should make sure that the essay doesn’t make us wonder just who their teachers were talking about in their recommendations.”

As an example, Quinlan used an essay about a student’s first voting experience, relating it to the political situation in Dafur. “I would expect that that student’s teacher recommendations would talk about her concern for others, her leadership skills, or her passion for politics, and that her extracurriculars might highlight similar things. If the teachers don’t mention any of these things, and her only extracurricular is some minor club, the essay wouldn’t resonate with the rest of her application.”

A second example was a humorous and off-beat essay about the student’s family. “We’d expect the recommendations to talk about the student’s great sense of humor, or how much other students enjoy his presence in class, how he’s an out of the box thinker with excellent writing and speaking skills. If we didn’t pick up on any of that in the recommendations or elsewhere in the application, the essay wouldn’t have that same resonance.”

Finally, Quinlan suggested that students ask themselves if the essay is reflective. “We’re looking for evidence of growth and resolution, a sense of how they’ve come to be who they are, or why they believe what they do.”

Morse suggested that students start with some pre-writing exercises before they begin to write the actual essay. “Write down six or seven adjectives you would use to describe yourself. Then write down something that you’ve done in the last six months or so that has made you proud or surprised yourself. Merge these ideas and just start writing. Don’t edit too much at the beginning. Just let your ideas flow.”

Morse highlighted some pet peeves of admissions readers. The number one peeve? What Morse called the “overblown” essay. “Don’t use big words just because you think they’ll impress us. If you don’t normally write or speak that way, we won’t learn who you really are.”

Quinlan picked up a similar theme. “We get a lot of essays about music and drama because kids and parents think, ‘It’sYale, they like music and drama there.’ Well, if you love debate, telling us about music and drama misses the chance to tell us about what really matters to you.”

Both admissions officers stressed that students should be cautious about getting input from others, especially, in some cases from parents. “Parents want to protect their children. They want to hold their hands and make sure that the child doesn’t fail,” said Morse. As a result, parents can often try to “fix” essays, destroying the student’s true voice in the process. “Sometimes, when I’m reading essays, I wonder who the real writers are because they don’t sound like a 17-year old wrote them.”

Is there a “wrong” essay topic? “There really isn’t,” said Quinlan, with a caveat. “As long as the essay shows growth and resolution.”

Morse, however, noted that some topics are better than others. “Students should remember we’re looking at both the academic and social fit. If an essay makes us think that a student is just going to hole up in the library and not be a part of the Kenyon community, we’re going to think he isn’t a match.”

Divorce Can Complicate College Financial Aid

2009-09-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

Children of divorced parents sometimes face some thorny issues when it comes to financial aid. If your parents are divorced – or you’re a divorced parent – it’s particularly important to understand the process of applying for financial aid and how it may affect your situation.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the main application for financial aid asks students to supply information about the household income and assets of their custodial parent. For FAFSA purposes, the custodial parent is the parent you’ve lived with the most during the past 12 months. If you’ve divided your time equally between each parent, the custodial parent is the one who has provided the most financial support to you. The FAFSA asks for household financial information, which means that if your custodial parent has remarried, the income and assets of your stepparent as well as your custodial parent will be considered for financial aid purposes, even if your stepparent has no intention of contributing to your college expenses.

Many private colleges also require the CSS Profile. Unlike the FAFSA, the CSS Profile asks for financial information about both parents, and it’s here that many students of divorced parents run into trouble. Non-custodial parents are often leery about providing information about their income and assets to their ex-spouses, yet that information is required to complete the CSS Profile. For this reason, many colleges ask the non-custodial parent to complete a form called the Noncustodial Profile (NCP) that gives the parent an opportunity to use a unique password to ensure that his or her information remains private. Still, there are times when the non-custodial parent refuses to comply, leaving the student unable to complete the application. In other cases, the student may no longer be in contact with the non-custodial parent and therefore be unable to complete the information. Some colleges are willing to grant waivers for non-custodial information in certain circumstances; others will not.

Here are some tips for avoiding potential financial pitfalls if your parents are divorced, or you are a divorced parent:

Start early. Don’t wait until financial aid deadlines are looming to identify and address potential issues for your family.

Get educated. The more you know about how the financial aid process works, the less likely you’ll be to run into surprises. Websites like the Student Financial Aid Portal, Finaid.org, and the College Board website are good places to start. Pay particular attention to potential financial aid application issues that might arise for your family. Once you learn and understand the basics, research the financial aid policies of every college you are considering. Do not hesitate to contact financial aid offices with specific questions about how their institution's specific policies. It is better to know upfront what colleges require and how your family's circumstances might affect your financial aid package, then it is to apply blindly hoping everything will somehow miraculously work out on its own.

Try to keep the lines of communication – and information – open. While it may be impossible for some divorced spouses to communicate openly and honestly, making the effort can help smooth the financial aid process. Even if students can’t get their parents to talk with each other about college planning and financial issues, they can talk with each parent individually about paying for college and the financial aid application process. If you’re a divorced parent, try to put your personal feelings aside if you can; there’s never been a better time to be civil to your ex.

Get help. School counselors and financial aid offices are a valuable resource. Use them. If your non-custodial parent is refusing to provide necessary information, ask your counselor to call them and explain why it is necessary. Again, don't be shy about calling college financial aid offices and asking about their policies regarding uncooperative parents. Some colleges will simply ask you to supply whatever information you can provide, and others may waive certain requirements if you can provide additional documentation, such as a letter from your school counselor certifying that you no longer have contact with a parent.

Admission Matters: Surviving College Admissions

2009-09-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Back in 2005, I interviewed Sally Springer, who had just co-authored an excellent book about the college admissions process, Admission Matters. Over the years, I have repeatedly recommended this book to students and parents looking for common sense advice on college planning, so I was delighted to hear that a new edition of Admission Matters: What Students and Parents Need to Know About Getting into College was being released. This time around, Sally Springer and her original co-author Marion Franck teamed up with Jon Reider, director of college counseling at San Francisco University High School and a former admissions officer at Stanford University. Recently, I asked Jon to share his advice for students about college applications, essays, and surviving the college admissions process.

Over the next few months, high school seniors will be finalizing their college lists. Any advice for them on how they can determine if their list is realistic?

The key thing in a college list is having what I call “likelies,” schools where you are likely to be admitted and which, most importantly, you actually like, rather than are resigned to going to. This is why I avoid words like “backup” and “safety.” They are demeaning to the schools. I think in the book we call these schools “Good bets,” but I don’t like the gaming theme that suggests, so I actually prefer “likely.” If you have the right likelies, anything else is OK. But you should also not have too many difficult schools. Kids do get into the most selective schools, but if you have too many, it becomes brutal at decision time. It’s hard to limit yourself because you want to think that your odds are going to be better if you just add one more, but the truth is they aren’t. Prudence is a real virtue at this stage.

Admission Matters devotes an entire chapter to explaining how college admissions people make decisions. You’ve worked on both sides of the desk, as both an admissions officer and a school counselor. What is the most important thing that students need to understand about what goes on in the admissions office after their application is received?

Students need to realize that admission officers are human. They have families, often including teenage children, in fact, and the younger ones were teenagers themselves not very long ago. They come in different shapes and sizes, with different values, so don’t try to write for a particular admission officer, even if you have met the officer responsible for your geographical area. There will always be other people reading your file too. In the end, you have to write for yourself.

What role do essays play in the admissions decision? Do students over or under estimate the importance of essays? What are some common misconceptions students (and parents) have about college essays?

Essays can play a vital role in distinguishing you. It is through the essay, most often, that the file comes alive, and the admission officer decides she really likes you and wants to fight for you in the committee. They won’t fight because you have a strong transcript or super test scores. They fight for you because they like you for some reason.

At the same time, a great essay cannot rescue your file if your numerical credentials are not competitive for the college’s applicant pool. Among the common misconceptions are that there are good and bad topics. In reality, any topic is OK, even summer camp, or the church mission to Mexico. It is the honesty of the treatment than matters more than the topic. In the end, there are no original topics. They have read them all before, even the shocking, tragic, and funny ones. Polishing is vastly over-rated too; the essay needs to be correct and easy to read but it doesn’t have to be an imitation of Dickens or Philip Roth. It is common to see overwritten essays where the purple prose draws attention to itself as writing and away from the subject: you.

Do you have any tips for students to help them get started with brainstorming ideas for their college essays? Are there any essay topics you suggest that students avoid?

What is the first thing you would tell a new Pen Pal in Paraguay about you? (The alliteration is intentional. You will remember this phrase.) When did you learn something very important about yourself or the world, the exact moment? Don’t write an introduction – just dive in. Or talk it out with a teacher or friend, to get the juices flowing, and then write down what you were saying. Avoid being critical of your parents; avoid sex; be very careful with humor – it is in the eye of the beholder, and doesn’t always transfer from your witty mind to the reader’s. Do not use vulgar language – respect your reader’s possible values.

How important are recommendation letters in the college application process? What’s the most important factor students should weigh in deciding which teachers to ask for recommendations? Do you have any tips on how students can help their school counselor write a better recommendation letter?

99% of recommendation letters are wholly positive, but not much more than that. So they often don’t matter much. But when they are exceptional, they can help a great deal. It is not getting a good letter that matters, but one that enhances your case. Too often, kids just ask a teacher who they think likes them. That is a minimal but not a sufficient condition. Have you shown this teacher your best stuff in class, whether it is in class participation, writing, problem-solving, independence in lab work, helpfulness with other students, asking for something extra to work on, or anything that shows your mind at work? You can’t tell a teacher what to write, but you can tell them how much their class meant to you in retrospect. Be genuine about this; too much apple polishing gets corny, but you should be able to be honest about this.

What do high school juniors and their parents need to know about making the most of the coming year in terms of college planning?

Take it a step at a time. It is not a race, and you can overplan too much in the beginning by picking a first choice college too early, for example. This is not a race. Don’t be swayed by brand names; be aware that colleges are to a great extent businesses and a lot of their admission work is not that different from selling cars or toothpaste. Be alert that you are being marketed to.

Recent economic events have added to the anxiety and stress many families feel about college admissions. What questions should students and parents be asking, both of themselves and of colleges, in light of concerns about the economy?

How much is an education worth? Not an easy question to answer. Except for a house, it is the biggest ticket item you will purchase. Yet, what is more important than education? It never goes out of style and never wears out. Sure, you will forget what the professor said about mitochondria or the Gettysburg Address, but you won’t forget your love of science or history, so it is always a good deal in that sense.

In light of the recession, you should ask colleges how they have adjusted to leaner times. What programs have they trimmed or cut? This will give you a sense of their priorities and values.

Do you have any advice for this year’s seniors and their parents about keeping their stress levels down during the college admissions process?

Where you go makes much less difference than what you do when you get there. Keep your eye on the goal, and the bumps on the road will seem much smaller. In particular, play down having a clear first choice, even if you decide to apply early. I wish I had a nickel for every student who didn’t get into what was supposedly their first choice early on and then comes back to see me much later and tells me how happy they are at their third choice.

Above all, keep a sense of humor. The whole process has become so ridiculous: wasteful, lengthy, and tedious. It is hard not to laugh at it. How can so many smart people mess this up? You can’t change that, but you can change your attitude. You don’t have to let it get to you. The most important thing about where you go to college is the eye color of your future children: i.e., it is likely to determine whom you will marry. In the long run, happiness matters most. A college can’t provide that; the rest is up to you. Be of good cheer, and go get it.

Organize For College Applications Now To Avoid Stress Later

2009-09-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

If you're a high school senior or the parent of one, now is a good time to get organized for college applications, even if you are still finalizing your college list. As the fall prgresses, the pace of life will quickly pick up steam, and between school work, extracurriculars, and dealing with applications, so can stress. A few minutes now spent getting organized for the college application process will pay dividends in terms of reducing stress later.

Every student will have their own way of doing things, of course, but here are six suggestions to help you get started:

1. Designate a spot in your home as your "College Center." This will be the place where you keep everything related to your college applications so you can find them quickly and easily. You could use a drawer in a file cabinet, a bookshelf, an expandable file folder, or even just a cardboard box. What your College Center should not be, however, is the bottom of your backpack.

2. Gather application information and supplies. You'll need to use the following information again and again when filling out college and scholarship applications: your social security number, your school address and phone number, your counselor's email and phone number, and passwords for sites like the College Board, the ACT, and the Common Application. Write all of this information down now, and keep a copy in your College Center to avoid having to search for it every time you need it. Stock your College Center area with the following supplies: a calendar marked with important deadlines,envelopes and stamps, thank you cards, pens, and postage-paid blank postcards (available from your local post office.)

3. Set Up a College Filing System. As you add colleges to your final list, start a separate folder for each school. Put the name of the school on the folder, as well as contact information for the admissions department: address, name of the admissions officer for your region, their email, and the admission office phone number. Also list each college's admissions and financial aid deadlines, and their application requirements (i.e., do they ask for one teacher recommendation or two?). A number of colleges now require or recommend that recommendation letters and transcripts to be sent electronically, so be sure to verify each school's requirements for this as well.

4. Start a College Calendar. Although you'll note the important deadlines for each college on your files, it is helpful to have a calendar where you can quickly spot what is due and when. A calendar is also useful for plotting when you'll find time to work on your applications and essays in between school assignments and extracurriculars. Some families decide to also make spread sheets showing all deadlines and application requirements. If this is your choice, my advice is: keep it simple. There is enough to do with applications without worrying about keeping a complex spreadsheet up-to-date as well. Often, just noting deadlines on your College Center calendar can be enough to keep you on schedule.

5. Register for electronic application accounts. If any of the colleges you plan to apply to use the Common Application or the Universal College Application, register for an account at those websites as soon as possible. If the school uses its own application, register now if necessary. Download a complete copy of all application materials -- the application, any supplemental materials required, and teacher and school recommendation forms. Place a copy in each file. Spend a few moments reading through the essay prompts for each school and adding to your information list. Tip: If you will be using the Common Application, once you have entered your name and some additional information, the system will allow you to print out teacher and school recommendation forms with all of your identifying information automatically included.

5. Check with your high school on their policies for sending transcripts and recommendation letters. These policies vary from school to school, and to avoid delays and mixups, it is important to know and follow your school's policy to the letter.

6. Make your recommendation writers' jobs easy. For each teacher who will be writing recommendations, as well as your high school guidance counselor, purchase an expandable file folder with individual storage sections. In the first section, put a copy of your transcript, a description of the schools you are applying to and why you have chosen them, a list of your activities, and any other information you feel will help your teachers and counselor write your recommendations. Label the other sections for each college, and include the relevant recommendation forms, a sheet listing the application deadline and address of the college, and, if your recommendation writers will be mailing your letters of recommendation, a stamped envelope addressed to the college admissions office. Tip: to make sure you have put enough postage on the envelope, put a copy of the recommendation form, plus two sheets of paper in the envelope and ask your local post office to weigh it for you.

To make sure that your mailed recommendations arrive, you may also want to include a postage-paid blank postcard in each envelope. These can be purchased from your local post office. Write your name and address on the postage side of the postcard. On the other side, write something similar to the following message: "Dear College X Admissions Office, I want to make certain that all of my application materials have arrived. Please drop this card in the mail when you have received this (teacher/school) recommendation. Thank you." Place the card in each of the envelopes.

7. Set aside "College Time" each week. At the beginning of each week, spend a few moments at your College Center reviewing your calendar and setting your priorities. While it may seem like there's plenty of time before deadlines loom, working just a bit on your applications each week will break the process into smaller, more manageable chunks and hopefully help avoid the stress of missed deadlines, misplaced items, and last minute scrambles to find important information.

Secrets Of Paying For College

2009-09-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Worried about paying for college? You're not alone. Most families today are struggling with how to find college options they can afford. Here's a helpful resource to help you get started: a new FREE e-book 20 Insider Strategies to Save Money on College NOW.

The e-book, just published by Cappex.com a college admissions web site portal, explains the basics of choosing the right college list, applying for financial aid and merit scholarships, and making smart financial decisions about where to attend college.

“This e-book is ideal for anyone seeking help paying for college. It sheds light on the top approaches,” said Chris Long, President of Cappex.com, about the new e-book. “Among the approaches are a revealing look at merit scholarships, special strategies for saving on public and private colleges, and getting money that you don’t have to pay back.”

Link: 20 Insider Strategies to Save Money on College NOW

Inside View: the University of Virginia

2009-08-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

With a long and storied history, the University of Virginia is often referred to as a “Public Ivy” due to its outstanding academics. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1809, today the University is home to just over 20,000 students. Admissions is highly competitive, with just 29 percent of applicants accepted for the class of 2013. I asked Pratik (Tik) Patel, who is a junior studying Neuroscience, for his inside view of what life is like at UVa.

When you were looking at colleges, what were the three most important things you were looking for?

My college search process was kind of laid back. I never visited a single school (including UVa!) and applied to UVa through early decision so I never had to look elsewhere. (Note: UVa has since abolished its early decision program). I wanted a school that was large enough so that I never got bored of the place but not so large that I would never be noticed by professors and classmates. I wanted to attend a school where the students partied as hard as they studied even if I wasn’t going to be one of those students. Lastly, I wanted a school that would be affordable as I have medical school debt to look forward to so I didn’t want to be burdened with too much debt leaving undergrad. Now, after experiencing these last two years as a Wahoo, I’ve fallen in love with the place. I truly believe we have the best combination of academics, athletics, and social life that any college can offer.

How would you describe the “typical” UVa student?

If there was one thing that could tie together all UVa students, it’s their passion for whatever they are pursing, whether it be academically, athletically, or socially. There will be geniuses who take 30 credits per semester, triple major, and still have a 4.0. The next NFL star could be sitting right next to you in history class. And then there are those who probably party every single day of the week. Now these are superlatives but the typical UVa student would probably be a nice mix of any of the 3, if not all. UVa students never take a back seat which can sometimes seem like a bad thing, but it really isn’t. It makes students always stay on their toes and not stay cooped up in the dorm all day.

What has been your biggest surprise about the University of Virginia – something you either didn’t know before you started, or that you expected that didn’t prove true?

The geographic diversity of the student body. Even though we are a public school with about two-thirds of our class from Virginia, the Virginians are not clones. Within Virginia, there is beach life in Virginia Beach, city life in D.C. and Richmond, and then rural areas scattered all over (and I mean straight country). The remainder of the students come from all 50 states and there are even international students that have sweet accents!

I am from Virginia but I can tell you, we love the out-of-staters because they bring a fresh perspective to the student body and discussion. They have exciting stories about where they are from and what they have experienced which makes for an interesting discussion. UVa makes sure there is no divide between in-state students and out-of-state students by requiring all first-years to stay on Grounds for housing and the selection is done randomly unless you request a roommate. My first year, there were six different states represented on my dorm floor alone.

How would you describe the academic environment at UVa?

I have been truly surprised by these two things: professors are accessible and classes are hard. In high school, I was top of my class and didn’t really need to do too much work to excel, but here, everyone was me in their high school so things aren’t as simple. Most people will probably study after dinner till about midnight or later Monday through Thursday and the libraries are packed on Sundays as everyone is making up for the time they goofed off on Friday and Saturday.

In terms of contacts with professors, it is tremendously easy to get to know professors especially through our Take Your Professor Out to Lunch program. It is funded by the school and you basically get to take your professor along with a friend to eat in a Charlottesville restaurant or even in the faculty dining room, which is 10 times better than the student dining hall. I’ve taken two professors every semester out to lunch and now when I pass them in the halls, they will call me out and might even stop to chat with me for a bit.

How have your class sizes been – what is the largest class you’ve had so far? The smallest?

Class sizes are mixed. Most of them have been terrific and some have even been taught by professors who wrote the textbook for the class! The largest I’ve had was my Intro to Chemistry class which probably had around 300 to 350 students. The smallest was my University Seminar which had 15 students.

What has been your favorite part about academics at UVA so far?

I like how easy it is to take classes in other schools. UVa has 7 different undergraduate schools and the nice thing about them is that they are not restricted. Therefore, I, as a Neuroscience major in the College of Arts and Sciences, can easily take classes in the Commerce school, Education school, and Architecture school without jumping through any hoops and hurdles. I know many people who will major in two radically different things like Finance and Art History, Studio Art and Pre-Med, or even Psychology and Arabic. To me, it shows how diverse the student thinking is here and how easy it is to explore any and all interests you may have.

How does UVa help freshmen get acclimated academically?

During summer orientation, first-years will come on Grounds and select their classes for the fall with the help of upperclassmen orientation leaders as well as faculty advisors. The College of Arts and Sciences, which is the most popular school, has two types of classes that are specifically catered towards first-years. There are University Seminars (aka USEMs) which are taught on a faculty member’s individual interest and are only open to first-years. The classes have limits of 18 so you really get to make a strong connection with your professor as well as your peers. I took one called the American Health Care System and the class was amazing because it was actually taught by a doctor who walked over once a week from the hospital to teach to us, first-year undergraduates. I loved it so much, a couple weeks ago I went over to the ER and shadowed him to experience what we had learned in class. We also have COLA classes which are also small and restricted to first-years. These have regular class for about half the time and the other half is spent on advising since the professor will also be your faculty advisor.

Are there any special highlights about your major or department that prospective students should know about?

I love Neuroscience. My major is selective so to be a Neuro major, you have to apply after taking prerequisites. This helps keep the size small as well as create excellent opportunities to do one-on-one research with professors and graduate students.

How are the dorms at UVa? What was your dorm like in freshman year, and where do you live now?

I like the way UVa sets up the dorms. You can choose to live in all first-year housing which is the most popular option but then you can also choose to live with upperclassmen as well in residential colleges. I lived in first-year housing which was awesome cause it was a hall of 20 guys who did not know each other. Even my roommate was random! It made getting adjusted to college life a little easier knowing you were doing it with everyone else in the dorm. The only negative for the dorms is that they are not air-conditioned but before you freak out, just know that A/C is not really necessary with Virginia climate during the school year. I absolutely loved my roommate and next year I will be living with him, a guy from my hall, and another guy from my Calculus class in an apartment.

How’s the food on campus?

I’m not going to lie, the dining hall food isn’t one of UVa’s perks. It is much better than high school food but not exactly terrific. I did love how we had the option of three different dining halls as well as having PLUS dollars which you can use at a sushi place, Chick-Fil-A, Pizza Hut, Sbarro’s, coffee shops, and many other little cafes that serve delicious food. I also love the Chalottesville dining scene because the city has close to 200 restaurants for a population of 42,000 residents, including about 20 on the Corner, within walking distance, and 50 on the Downtown Mall which is a free trolley ride away.

What is your favorite place on campus?

I love the Lawn. It has this aura of tradition that surrounds it since it was the original University when it was founded in 1819 and it is gorgeous.

What’s Charlottesville, the town where UVa. is located, like?

Charlottesville is a quintessential college town. There is a town outside of UVa so it’s nice to go Downtown or up US 29 to watch a movie or explore an art gallery. We have a local ice rink, two movie theaters, outdoor pedestrian walking Downtown Mall, and the Blue Ridge Mountains only a 20 minute drive away. A car is not necessary as my first two years I survived without one. The University Transit Service has buses going from 6am to midnight or even 2 AM on the weekends and most of Grounds is never more than a 15 minute walk away.

What do people do at UVa do for fun?

UVa is a vibrant place with many things to do that rarely, if ever, do people go home without it being a holiday. We have popular artists like Jay-Z, Elton John, Dave Matthews, and Kelly Clarkson in just the past year, who have concerts at the JPJ arena. Sporting events are a blast to attend even though football and basketball having been doing so hot right now. There are parties as with any other school and we even have options when it comes to them in that you can go to frat parties, bars and clubs, or just hang out with a few friends at their apartment or house. There are movie theaters close by, a local ice rink, small town boutiques, and lots of shows and performances are always going on around Grounds or in Charlottesville. Joining clubs and activities are also a fun aspect of UVa since you definitely form lots of friends that way and do fun things as a group like go hiking in the Outdoors Club to raising money for Parkinson’s at Pancakes for Parkinson’s.

Are there any campus traditions unique to UVa. that prospective students should know about?

Well for one, we do not call ourselves freshmen or seniors; rather, we say “first-year” and “fourth-year.” This stems from Thomas Jefferson’s belief that there is no such thing as a “senior” in learning but learning is more of a life-long process. We also don’t use the word “campus” to describe our school but rather Grounds. Again, Jefferson believed that a University and its community should not be separate but rather a whole, one working with the other. This gives our school a more spread out feel as you can’t really tell when UVa ends and Charlottesville begins. And most famously, it is a popular tradition to streak down the historic Lawn.

What do you like best about UVa.?

The friends that I’ve made so far. These people are incredibly smart while also down-to-earth to an extent that before most tests, people will send out emails requesting to make a group study guide (even in classes as big as 300!). It amazes me to realize that not only are these students getting ridiculous grades, but they are balancing their schoolwork with outside work, whether it be a job, volunteer work, or leading student organizations.

What advice would you give to high school students about the college search and admissions process?

Just make sure you can envision yourself spending the next four years of your life there but that sometimes this realization will not come immediately as is played out in movies and books: definitely explore different options.

Want to know more about student life at UVa? Check out Hoo Stories.

Inside View: Pomona College

2009-08-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a top liberal arts college experience, but dread cold northern winters, take a look at Pomona College. Located near Los Angeles, Pomona offers a rigorous liberal arts education combined with palm trees and sunshine. Comparable east coast schools, both in terms of admissions competitiveness and academic rigor, include Williams, Amherst and Swarthmore. I asked Thuy Ly, a rising Pomona sophomore, to share her inside view on Pomona College.

When you were looking at colleges, what were the four most important things you were looking for?

Academic challenges as well as support, small classes taught by professors, research opportunities, and warm climate.

What other schools did you consider or apply to?

University of California – Los Angeles, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California – San Diego, California Institute of Technology, University of California – Irvine, Harvey Mudd College, Stanford

What were the main reasons you decided to go to Pomona College over other schools where you were admitted?

Location: Pomona College is forty-five minutes east of the bustling city of Los Angeles, a great place to visit on weekends, yet it is far away enough to have the peace and quiet needed for a good academic environment. The College is situated between various beaches and the San Bernardino Mountains, providing a large range of close-by enjoyment outside the college itself.

Consortium: A part of the Claremont Colleges, five colleges including Claremont McKenna College, Scripps College, Pitzer College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pomona College, the college provides the strong academic and personal support of a small liberal arts education alongside the facilities, including academic buildings and dining halls, of a large university.

Academic Stature: Pomona College ranks sixth among liberal arts colleges in the United States, as ranked by US News. It has a rigorous academic program that provides each of its students a well rounded education by the time the student graduates.

Financial Aid: Pomona College guarantees 100% need met with no loans given to the student.

What has been your biggest surprise about Pomona College, something you either didn’t know about before you started, or that you expected but that didn’t prove true?

The students at Pomona College are amazing! Outside the academic arena, of which all students seem to put forth their best effort, students know to balance work and play. The college seems to understand the importance of this balanced lifestyle. Every weekend, the college holds dance parties and other social activities for students to gather and meet new friends. These gatherings extend beyond the college onto the other four colleges of the consortium. In addition, there are multiple groups on campus holding off campus excursions such as skiing trips and going to see an Angel’s game.

There are several quirky traditions at Pomona College. One is a tradition called “fountaining” in which each student, on his or her birthday, is carried by their sponsor group from their dorm room to the hall mates’ fountain of choice on camps and gently tossed in. If their birthday occurs on a break, they are then fountained on their half birthday, quarter birthday, and so on. There is no escaping the fountaining!

How would you describe the "typical” Pomona student to a prospective student who hasn’t had the chance to visit?

These are not your typical nose-in-a-book students! Pomona students come from various backgrounds holding a wide range of hobbies. I’ve met students who are majoring in chemistry, minoring in performing arts, and yet every weekend, write software for nearby companies. Then, there are students who are skilled black belts that do ballet on the side as they complete their bachelor’s degree in economics. There is no exact category to place Pomona students in, but there are a few common traits. Every student at Pomona College is outgoing and friendly. We all help each other out, holding the door open for a fellow student to enter a building or recommending classes to an underclassman. At the same time, Pomona students can hold their own in intellectual discussions, in which a by-passer could hear occurring even in the dining halls on campus. Most importantly, every Pomona student knows when to be serious and when and how to have fun.

Can you discuss in greater detail what the environment at Pomona College is like for minority and students from low-income families?

Pomona College has a large endowment. The college is need-blind, so applications are read by admissions officers who do not see the income of the student’s family. Once accepted, Pomona College will cover your full need, minus the expected family contribution. During my year at Pomona College, I never once had to worry about how my peers thought of me because I couldn’t pay for a class – I’m never excluded from opportunities because of financial struggle. In addition, the college admits students from various backgrounds and has a high number of international students. Socially, students at Pomona College never consider another student’s background when making friends. Being a minority or coming from a low-income background, or both, has no drawbacks at Pomona College.

How would you describe the academic climate at Pomona?

Being a top-tier college, Pomona College professors, the only people teaching courses, expect a lot from students, challenging them to think beyond the class. Despite the extremely challenging courses, professors are there during office hours for all students who are willing to accept their guidance. In addition, they are available by appointment, through a lunch invite, or via e-mail. There is no shortage of academic support.

Each student at Pomona College has to fulfill five “breadth” classes from various topics such as creative expression and human behavior to help the student explore the various fields of study before settling down on a major.

What is your favorite place on campus?

My favorite places on campus alternate between the Coop, the organic farm on campus, and Sky-scape.

Do you have any advice for high school students about the college search and admissions process?

Determine what qualities you want in a college and do your research! Then, write an amazing personal statement, and I emphasize personal. Make it your statement and show a part of who you are in it! Once you get admitted, go and visit. Each college advertizes itself as amazing but amazing doesn’t always mean right for you. When you step on a college campus and feel “at home” right away, go with your instinct.

Rounding Out Your College List

2009-08-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

Every year at this time, I get some panicked phone calls and emails from rising high school seniors and their parents. They're worried because they haven't yet pinned down exactly where they'll be applying in the fall, and they fear they're hopelessly behind everyone else. If you feel like you still haven't perfected your college list yet, there's still plenty of time to round out your list with a few good colleges. Here are some suggestions for places to look for college ideas you may not have considered yet:

1. Work Colleges provide a unique take on college education. Students are intimately involved in helping the campus operate. A bonus: They cost significantly less than other comparable schools.

2. Religiously-affiliated colleges and universities provide a broad range of options. Even non-religious students can find a home at many of them.

3. If service to others is important to you, check out the colleges which participate in the Bonner Scholars Program. These schools offer scholarship opportunities and strongly support the efforts of students dedicated to helping others.

4. Honors Colleges are smaller schools within larger colleges and universities and they're geared towards the academic interests and needs of top students. They're a great option if you're looking for more academic challenge and special opportunities.

5. If you're looking for something a little different from your education, look at the opportunities available at progressive colleges. These schools often let students personalize their educational experiences.

6. The 40 members of the the Colleges that Change Lives Consortium are private liberal arts colleges with a mission of providing a life-changing, personalized eduational experience for students. If they sound interesting, be sure to check if a Colleges That Change Lives college fair will be coming to your local area.

7. Want a small school but worried about paying private school prices? Here are some suggestions for public liberal arts colleges.

9. Are you dedicated to saving the environment? If so, search for colleges that share your passion at GreenReportCard.org.

10. Feel your college entrance exam scores don't reflect your true potential? Find over 800 colleges and universities where submitting test scores is optional at FairTest.org

11. Will you be the first in your family to attend college? The Center for Student Opportunity website has searchable database of college programs specifically for students who will be the first in their families to attend college and/or students who come from low income backgrounds.

12. If your home state's public university system doesn't offer the major you want, a good alternative might be found through a tuition exchange program. Tuition exchange programs allow one state's residents to pursue their degree at the public institution's of neighboring states while paying reduced tuition.

Inside View: Harcum College

2009-07-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Not sure you're ready to commit to a four year college? The two-year college option might be worth considering. Attending a two-year college doesn't necessarily mean heading over to your local Community College, however. There are a number of private two-year colleges, many with on-campus housing, to choose from as well. That's the route Kathryn Lynn decided to take. Kathryn received her Associate of Science in Fashion Merchandising from Harcum College near Philadelphia this spring, and liked it so much that she is planning to continue at Harcum this fall to earn her Associate's in Fashion Design as well. I asked Kathryn to share her inside view about attending a two-year college.

When you were looking at colleges, what were the three most important things you were looking for?

The three most important things I was looking for were location, price, and whether the school had my specific major with a good reputation. I am very close to my family so I also did not want to go far away from home. The price of the school is always important to know. For me, knowing what kind of financial aid/scholarships the school offered was a must on my list. It was hard for me to find a school that offered my specific major (fashion merchandising) in my general location. I had my heart set on finding a school that offered my field of interest. Luckily, I came across Harcum College which to my surprise had both specific fields I wanted (fashion merchandising and design).

What other schools did you consider or apply to?

Some of the other colleges I considered were Penn State, Immaculata, and Rosemont College. Much to my surprise, Harcum ended up being the only school I applied to because I was accepted right away!

What were the main reasons you decided to attend Harcum?

The main reason was because Harcum had the specific majors I wanted. I also really liked the fact that Harcum is only forty minutes from my house, and only minutes away from most of my relatives. I figured that if I enjoyed my first two years there, then I could continue at Harcum for my Fashion Design degree as well. Another selling point for me was that Harcum has a smaller class setting. I was looking for more of a personalized class setting and hands-on training which is exactly what Harcum College has. I felt like a large university would be too overwhelming for me and just not what I was looking for.

What has been your biggest surprise about Harcum, something you either didn’t know about before you started, or that you expected but that didn’t prove true?

My biggest surprise about Harcum has been the teaching staff. I was very surprised to find out that the teachers are so devoted to what they do. They are actually concerned about their students and their performance. I did not expect this because I had always heard rumors about people going to college and the professors not caring if you showed up to class or not. I liked how the Harcum staff really pushed every individual student to achieve their best. Plus, the teachers at Harcum have real life experiences in the field they are teaching so students can trust their advice and lessons.

How would you describe the "typical" Harcum student?

The “typical” Harcum student differs from major to major but all have one characteristic in common: they are fully devoted to the carreer path they chose. It seems to me as though the students at Harcum College know what they want and how they want to get there. Every student has a different and unique story as to why they chose the major they did. Nevertheless, every student has a goal set as to what they want to do with that major in the future.

How would you describe the academic climate at Harcum? How intense is the workload?

The workload varies from professor to professor. Depending on the class some professors like to give big projects, essays or even just plain old homework. Some professors give more work than others but it is always manageable. The professors are always there for you if you need help. Sometimes teachers will give their students their contact information so you can contact them if you are ever in a bind or need assistance with your academics. I really believe that college is what you make of it. If you want to work hard and take advantage of the learning experience, then you can learn so much. However, if you are not a motivated person the professors will do a very swell job at trying to get you to that point of interest. Therefore, the academic climate is very intense yet there is always someone there to help you if you need assistance.

Why did you choose a two-year college, and, in your opinion, what have been the advantages and disadvantages in starting at a two year college versus going straight to a four year college?

I chose a two year college because I knew that I probably wanted to go into the fashion design field but I still wanted a taste of the business side of the fashion industry. I have found that there are many advantages of starting at a two year college. For me, it was nice having a smaller class setting to really get the most out of my degree. The two year college was perfect for me because I was able to finish my fashion merchandising degree fast. Now, I will be able to continue and have both majors (merchandising and design) under my belt by the time I’m finished. The only disadvantage of going to a two year school is that you do not get to spend the full four years with the friends you make. But, in all it was a great experience.

How are the dorms at Harcum ?

I was close enough to home so I did not have to dorm at Harcum College. However, the dorms are very nice and no one seems to have a problem with them. There is a supermarket directly behind the school which is great for the students, and there is also the cafeteria two buildings away from the main dorm room building which makes it exceptionally convenient for the students to get their meals in.

What is your favorite place on campus? How would you describe the surrounding community?

My favorite place on campus is the gym. I like the gym because there are usually not many people in it and I can workout for as long as I’d like. It’s free and it is just about always open. The surrounding community is very nice. The college is located on the Main Line which is reflected in the affluent surrounding communities. The great part about Harcum is that the train station is directly behind the school so a car is not necessary. Plus, there are plenty of surrounding colleges/universities, and shops nearby so there is a lot to do within walking distance.

What do people do at Harcum do for fun on the weekends?

Harcum hosts many events which the community coordinators (students) create. There is also Harcum basketball and volleyball games that may students go to watch. Many students go home for the weekends to visit friends and family. Harcum students also hang out with students at nearby colleges as well.

Do you have any advice for high school juniors and seniors trying to decide where to apply or where to attend?

My advice to high school juniors and senior trying to decide where to apply or where to attend is to try to find a school that suits you best. For instance, if you are looking for the stereotype college life at a huge university where you can meet loads of people, then go for it! But, if you are more interested in personalized settings and hands on work, then a two year college like Harcum can be a good choice. Always go to visit the school and try to see if you can picture yourself going there. Also, do not settle for a college that does not have the specific major you are looking for. Otherwise, you won’t thoroughly enjoy learning and you might regret not doing what you love best. Just always remember, college is what you make of it!

The Economy & Private Colleges: Some Surprises

2009-07-20T10:48:00.001-07:00

As the recession hit full force, students and colleges wondered how admissions, financial aid, and enrollments would be affected, particularly at private colleges and universities. A newly released study suggests that colleges and universities may have fared better than many expected.

The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) surveyed 284 private colleges from May 19 to June 19 about how the economy had affected their admissions policies, student enrollments, and financial aid during the 2008-2009 admissions cycle just ended.

Key findings from the study:

Admissions: More than half (52.1 percent) of private colleges surveyed accepted a higher number of applicants this past year. Thirteen percent reported they took more students off of their waitlists this year. Just over 32 percent also extended their application deadlines or accepted late applications this year.

Cost of Attendance: Fifty-four percent of the private colleges surveyed said that they had increased tuition for the 2009-2010 school year at less than historical averages for their institution. Twenty-seven percent of the colleges said that they have increased their tuition for the coming year by a smaller than anticipated amount, and just under 5 percent froze their tuition levels.

Financial Aid: Although financial aid applications are up at many colleges, 82 percent of private colleges reported that they increased their financial aid budgets. Fifteen percent reported a "substantial" increase in the financial aid (15 percent or more increase) offered. Fifty-eight percent of colleges also reported they responded more favorably to aid appeals this year.

Fifty-five percent of the colleges increased the size of their institutional aid awards (grants that do not have to be repaid). The colleges reported that 54.5 percent increased the amount of Federal loans in their financial aid package as well, but only 31.5 percent said they increased the use of private loans in their packages.

Enrollments: Over half of the colleges surveyed said that they haven't seen any change in the number of enrollment deposits they've received for the fall over the previous year. Over two-thirds (67.9 percent) say they project either an increase or no change in the number of freshman they'll enroll in the fall, and over three-quarters (76.5 percent) said that they expect either an increase or no change in the number of transfer students that will enroll in the fall. Almost three-quarters of the private colleges surveyed (74.3 percent)expect no change in their overall undergraduate enrollments for the fall.

If you're a rising high school senior (or the parent of one), I'd be cautious about using these numbers to predict what might happen in admissions this year at any particular college. Much can change over the next year, both for students and their families, and for individual colleges and universities. However, the survey does give an indication of how applicants and students fared during the initial economic downturn, and, in some areas, shows that the procrastinators who predicted doom and gloom for private college enrollments may have been off-base.

Link: NAICU Fall 2009 Economic Impact Survey

Checking Out College Cuisine

2009-07-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

If you're visiting colleges this summer, one question you might want to ask is: how's the food?

While the phrase "college dining hall" may conjure up images of tasteless, mass-produced "mystery meat" meals, many colleges and universities have made a concerted effort in recent years to beef up (pun intended) their dining hall menus. Even students with unique or unusual food preferences can find something to eat at most colleges these days. An Associated Press article notes that many colleges have added exotic menu choices, special food items, and even organic vegetable gardens to their meal plans. Some colleges are even offering cooking classes and in-dorm kitches to allow students to customize their meals. However, there is still wide variety amongst colleges when it comes to dining hall fare, so it's a good idea to ask about the food as well as the classes when you visit colleges -- After all, it's hard to think on an empty stomach!

Some questions to ask:

1. What are your meal plan options? Do they include unlimited food, or do students pay by the item?

2. Where can your meal plan be used? (Some college meal plans let students eat in certain local restaurants or in the campus food court.)

2. What hours are your dining halls open during the week? On the weekends? What are the options if you miss a meal?

3. Ask several students: What's your favorite item in the dining hall? How often is it offered?

4. Ask several students: What's your least favorite item in the dining hall? How often is it offered?

5. How much variety is there in the day to day fare in the dining hall? Are there special meals from time to time to break up the routine?

6. Does the school try to use fresh local ingredients?

7. Can the school meet your individual food needs (i.e., kosher meals, vegetarian meals, health concerns)? How complicated is the process of having your individual needs met? (For instance, some colleges say they offer kosher meals, but in reality what is offered are frozen meals. Most colleges say they offer vegetarian options, but the salad bar can start looking pretty old quickly if that is the school's only definition of "vegetarian food.")