Category Archives: admissions

admissions, college planning

The Common Application

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On August 1st, the NEW and IMPROVED online version of the Common Application goes live! Here’s a sneak peak for you and your college-bound teen:

2010-2011 Common Application

If you’re on Twitter and would like to get some more information, you can attend a chat TODAY at 3PM PST for “Everything Common App”. Just use the  #collegejoin twitter chat hashtag and follow along. If you can’t make it, you can always review the tweets at a later time.

The Common Application is used by 391 member institutions. The benefits? You can fill out ONE application and submit it to any participating college. The same is true of the School Report, Midyear Report, Final Report and Teacher Evaluation forms. This saves your college-bound teen time and that translates into more time available for the other important college admissions tasks.

admissions, test prep

Test Optional Colleges

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What is a “test optional” college?

It is a college and/or university that deemphasizes the use of standardized tests by making admissions decisions about substantial numbers of applicants who recently graduated from U.S. high schools without using the SAT or ACT. Some schools exempt students who meet grade-point average or class rank criteria while others require SAT or ACT scores but use them only for placement purposes or to conduct research studies.

“Testing hall of shame” proposed by FairTest.org

This week at the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools, Mr. Schaeffer, public-education director for FairTest, described his plans to compile a “testing hall of shame” — a list of colleges that use cutoff scores in their evaluations of applicants. According to a recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education:

He hopes that the list will persuade such institutions to stop relying on minimum ACT and SAT scores, a practice that the National Association for College Admission Counseling, among other groups, has condemned. Mr. Schaeffer predicted that more and more colleges would go test-optional as the “demand” for such policies grew among future applicants. If nothing else, the “testing hall of shame” would make for a memorable press release in a world of bland press releases. Mr. Schaeffer, who hopes to publish the list in the fall, said it would include only colleges that explicitly state their cutoffs (some institutions use them without saying so). This would be one distinction that colleges probably won’t tout on their Web sites.

The controversy over the benefits of using tests and not using tests for admission standards will no doubt continue. However, if your college-bound teen’s SAT scores are less than stellar, you might want to check out the list of colleges at FairTest.org. The list is growing with Colorado College and Marist College adding their names to the list.

admissions, college guidance, college planning

Top 10 Questions parents ask about college

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Over the years, parents have cornered me and asked me questions about the college admissions process and their college-bound teens. While those questions are varied, and sometimes specific as they relate to their own circumstances, here is my list of the Top 10 most asked questions:

  1. What can I do to help my “average” student stand out and get accepted to college?–The good news is that the admissions application is not all about grades. They look at the overall picture: grades, SAT scores, essay, student resume, and interviews. There will always be a college that recognizes value and potential. Grades are important, but they aren’t the ONLY way to sell yourself.
  2. Should I fill out the FAFSA even though I think we make too much money to qualify for financial aid?–YES. YES. YES. The FAFSA is what colleges use to determine your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) which is used to determine the financial aid package. This package is NOT just federal aid. It’s composed of grants, scholarships and loans (much of which is merit-aid directly from the colleges themselves). If you don’t fill it out, your teen can’t get ANY of that money.
  3. My teen isn’t motivated to make good grades, how can I motivate him/her to try harder?–They need to be invested in the process. If they want to go to college, grades are part of the process. Encourage them to talk with current college students (they can do this online) or consider finding them a mentor–someone who can motivate them to do their best. Nagging won’t work. Punishment won’t work. Reward and encouragement from you and others will produce much better results.
  4. Is it really worth spending hours and hours of time looking for scholarships?–Yes and no. A large portion of scholarships/grants come from the colleges themselves. But, there are also thousands of other scholarships available to college-bound teens. It’s worth registering on some scholarship sites and applying to those that are a good fit. You can also use the College Potential Calculator for some help. Don’t neglect LOCAL scholarships–these are often the easiest to win.
  5. We can’t afford to pay for college, does that mean our teen won’t be able to go?–There are all kinds of ways to finance a college education: student loans, work-study, college grants and scholarships. Everyone qualifies for parent and student loans. But be wise about your borrowing and consider the best options. Paul Hemphill with Pre College Prep has come up with a GREAT way to attend college on the cheap!
  6. How many colleges do you think my teen should apply to?–Here’s a good formula: 2 reach colleges (colleges that might be a reach but still attainable), 3 good fit colleges (colleges that are a good match for the student), 2 safety colleges (colleges that the student will be at the top of the applicant pool). Having choices also means the colleges are in competition, which translates into negotiation for you with the financial aid package.
  7. What’s the most important tip you could give me about the college admissions process?–Find those “perfect fit” colleges. Do the research and evaluate choices based on student body, academic programs, college visits, location and financial aid awards. If the college is a good fit, they will value the student for his/her contribution to the student body. Those are the colleges you want in your application pool.
  8. My son/daughter has just been wait-listed; what should we do?–Be proactive. Send a letter to the college and let them know how much you want to attend. If there is more information you can provide that didn’t make the application, send that as well. Let them know that, if given the chance, you WILL attend.
  9. My teen’s SAT scores aren’t that great; will it affect their admissions chances?–The bottom line is that most colleges do look at those SAT scores. But, it’s just part of the overall picture. The best advice I can give is MAKE CONTACT with an admissions representative from EVERY college your teen is applying to. This PERSONAL contact can and will make a difference when the admissions application is reviewed. Do this by visiting and making an appointment to speak with them. Then hang on to their card and stay in contact until acceptance letters arrive.
  10. My teen is so scatter-brained and we keep missing deadlines–how can I help them get organized?–Set up a landing zone for college material. Use a desk, a file cabinet, a bulletin board, and a wall calendar to keep track of deadlines. Start this freshman year and remind them that their floor is NOT the landing zone. Once they get used to bringing everything to that one spot, it will be easier to find, file and locate all the college related materials.

If you liked this article, you might also like:

Finding the perfect “fit” (for college)

Motivating an underachiever towards college

Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts of Parenting a College-Bound Teen

admissions, college planning, test prep, Uncategorized

Is the SAT just a test?

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Preparing for the SAT/ACT tests cause panic and stress for college-bound teens and their parents. Why? Because colleges use those test scores as part of the college admissions evaluation process. Some parents are willing to shell out massive amounts of money to assure that their teens do well on those tests. But controversy around the “cost vs return” swirls.

I had a Twitter conversation the other day with Elizabeth King, an SAT coach and author of “Outsmarting the SAT” and she made a profound statement:

I’m just ideologically opposed to test prep without educational value.

She makes an excellent point. As parents, we worry and fret about those scores and often nag our teens to “study” for the SAT. Is it all about the score? Or are we concerned that they improve their vocabulary, writing and math skills? Do we worry that they might not have that high score or worse yet, fall into that “average” category. Are we so concerned about the score that we forget there is little value in any test prep that has no educational value?

Jenn Cohen of Word-Nerd.com, a free SAT vocabulary prep site, makes a valid point in her recent blog: The SAT and Me, Me, Me. She proposes that it’s not the test itself that is flawed, but the inability of parents and students to accept the concept of being “average”:

…a test that generates primarily average scores must be a bad test in the culture of narcissism, so it’s roundly criticized for its inability to capture the “unique” abilities of average students.  The SAT awards scores that separate students from each other, and trophies are certainly not awarded to everyone.  Tests that might make our children feel less than extraordinary are awful, and should be eliminated… Accepting the test as an opportunity, rather than an act of persecution, can open doors and motivate students to live up to their actual potential.

Let’s look at the big picture here. As parents, we have a tendency to demand and expect the best of our children. That “best” often translates into indulging them and often overlooking their failures and faults. We will do just about anything to see that they get into their first choice college. But will we encourage learning? Or will we drop a bundle on test prep as a means to an end–a high test score? Will we criticize the test because it levels the playing field and gives those students with poor grades a chance to shine? Or criticize it because it says that our college-bound teen is “average”?

The bottom line–Promote learning and not just your version of success. Remember that even “average” students excel in life. Encourage your teen to read and expand their vocabulary. The benefits will produce more than just a good test score.

If you liked this post, you might also like:

Creating an SAT Study Plan

Outsmarting the SAT

admissions, college guidance, college planning

The importance of academic advising

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Last night, parents, college professionals and college students got together for a Twitter chat (#CampusChat) to discuss the importance of academic advising during the college years. I felt the consensus and topic of the chat was important, and something all parents should know BEFORE their teen jumps into the college advising confusion.

Following are some points to remember when choosing a college:

  • The academic plan is critical in assuring a 4-year graduation from college. Why is that important? The longer your child attends the greater the cost. And the longer your child attends they will be losing income because they won’t be able to enter the job market.
  • When visiting colleges, ask about their graduation rate and if they have a plan to improve it if their 4-year figures are low.
  • Study abroad programs, while appealing, may wreak havoc on the academic plan. If you attend a study abroad session, ask questions about the courses offered abroad and whether or not they will satisfy your degree requirements. Ask other students from the college who have studied abroad to get some input on how it affected their 4-year plan.
  • Testing out of courses by receiving AP credits  can shave a year off your 4-year degree plan. If the college is agreeable, check into summer community college courses at home, especially in your core subjects. These classes are always less expensive and even one can help save thousands at a 4-year college.
  • Do some research when choosing your college and check out the advising section on the college website.
  • If your child is not happy with the adviser that the college assigns, they can always switch. Advisers are an important part of the college process. They should be a part of your academic team.

Bottom line, do the research, map out a degree plan, and adjust as necessary. Attention must be paid each year to credits and graduation requirements. If something interrupts the degree plan (study abroad,  military service, illness), try taking winter break or summer sessions to stay on track.

If you’re interested in learning more about academic advising, you can check out this service BecomeAlum.com, guiding students to plan all their degree requirements.

admissions, college guidance, financial aid

Checking the "no financial aid needed" box

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Last week, while participating in a #CampusChat on Twitter a question was asked by a parent about college financial aid. Since none of us participating were sure of the correct answer, I wanted to provide the parent with the correct answer and get some clarification myself on the subject.

Question: If you check the box that says, “no financial aid needed” on the college application, does it improve your chances for acceptance?

I immediately sought the answer from the two admissions representatives I have connections with on Twitter: Chip Timmons (@ChipTimmons)  of Wabash College  and Gil Rogers (@GilRogers) of the University of New Haven.

Chip responded by saying, “If the student is on the margin it may help provided they are prepared academically (i.e demanding curriculum, strong in high school). My guess is more schools are going to take that into consideration in the coming years as it gets tougher to fill classes”.

Gil responded by saying, “Not at the University of New Haven. With that said, at some schools it may if the student is on the wait list and the school is trying to control discounting.”

If you weigh both these responses, it appears that it’s not a determining factor unless other considerations are in place. The best advice would be to check with the colleges your teen is interested in and ask them if they use it as a factor. However, I wouldn’t plan on it being the card in your pocket to assure acceptance. And honestly, if you have a college-bound teen with an impressive high school record, you should make an attempt to get some merit aid; even if you can afford the entire tuition. It just makes sense to fill out the FAFSA and take your shot at grabbing a piece of the financial aid pie.

If you’re an admissions officer or college admissions expert, please leave your comments here and share your experience with us. We value your input.

admissions, college guidance, college planning, essays

The College Essay Demystified

Today’s guest blog post is from Brenda Bernstein, founder and senior editor of TheEssayExpert.com. Her team of trained writers, editors and coaches offer expert essay help and advice for college-bound teens. Parents–pass this post along to your teens as they struggle with that all-important college application essay.

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essay

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START THINKING ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE ESSAYS

 

If you are heading toward Senior year of high school, it’s time to start thinking about your college essays.  If you’re about to be a Junior and you’re reading this, it’s not too early.  The point is, start thinking of topics *now*!  You can even do it while you’re lying on the beach.

Why now?  Because the best college essays go through many lives.  You will write, re-write, and re-write again, over a period of weeks or even months.  Inspiration can hit at any time.

You want to have lots of time for your essays to percolate, to have those magic light bulb moments, or maybe even to wake up in the middle of the night from a dream and write a brilliantly creative essay (this really does happen!).

If you start thinking about your essays in November, you won’t have time for the process to work on you.  Instead of waking up with inspiration, you will wake up panicked or worried that you’re on the wrong track.  You don’t want that.

POSSIBLE ESSAY BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS

Here are some things to think about – it’s not a complete list by any means.  Be creative!

  • What’s my favorite school subject and why?
  • What’s my favorite extracurricular activity and why?
  • What character in a book inspires me and why?
  • What’s a story of how I went from a simplistic understanding of how the world works to a more complex, nuanced understanding?
  • What’s an object that’s important to me and why?
  • What’s a place/location that’s important to me and why?
  • Who are the most important people in my life and what have I learned from them?

Notice that many of these questions ask “and why?”  It is important to think deeply about the meaning of things in your life.  Determine what about your experience is unique to you.  That’s what will make your story about your grandmother, trip to Israel or soccer practice different from the one sitting under it in the pile.

JUST DO IT.

Don’t sit around just thinking about these questions – start writing!  Designate a journal for your college essay ideas.  You will be surprised how quickly it fills up with great content.  Keep filling it up, and when you go back to what you wrote several months before, you might be happily surprised by some of your thoughts.

If you’re struggling finding the right topic, don’t despair.  There are professionals at The Essay Expert who will help you recognize what is special about your experiences and support you to present those experiences in words.  By working with an expert, you will end up with truly great college essays — and have the best chance of getting into the college of your dreams.

admissions, college guidance, college planning, social networks

Upcoming Twitter #Chats

Since my readers are all about gathering the BEST college information, you might like to know about some upcoming Twitter chats. College-related chats are popping up on Twitter and it’s a great place to chat with some experts and ask those questions that you’ve been dying to have answered.

Here is a list of upcoming chats:

#CollegeBound

Monday, May 24 at 4:00 p.m. EST #CollegeBound events will offer higher education administrators, college media, education experts, and others a unique hour to connect with and engage potential and incoming students. The first #CollegeBound chat, “Preparing for College,” will provide potential students of all ages with an inside look at the college research process, including how to navigate the plethora of available information, make a school decision that’s right for them, and get their school questions answered. The CollegeBound Network’s blog, “U. Got It?”, features more information on the event.

#CampusChat

#CampusChat is an online higher-ed conversation that takes place on Twitter hosted by Z. Kelly Queijo, founder of SmartCollegeVisit. Topics center around college visits, college admissions, and aspects related to life as a college student. This week’s upcoming chat Wednesday, May 26 at 9PM ET features @EricYaverbaum, author of  Life’s Little College Admissions Insights.

#CollegeChat

Bestselling author and higher-education journalist Lynn O’Shaughnessy will share tips from her new book “Shrinking the Cost of College: 152 Ways to Cut the Price of a Bachelor’s Degree” during the first edition of #CollegeChat on Twitter on June 1, 2010 at 6 pm Pacific. During the live Twitter chat, Lynn will discuss how to become a smart consumer in cutting the cost of college and will describe how the college financial aid process works and where to find the money.

I’m looking forward to seeing you at these chats and to participating in the lively discussions. Mark your calendars!

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For more information about how to use these tools or how to keep up with or follow a chat, read Z. Kelly Queijo, founder of SmartCollegeVisit‘s  blog post on Handshake 2.0: 3 Easy Ways to Keep in Step with a Twitter Chat

admissions, college guidance, college planning, parenting

This week's #CampusChat on Twitter

Last week, several parents joined us for the FIRST #CampusChat on Twitter. This week, I’m the scheduled guest hosted by @collegevisit (Smart College Visit). Here’s all the info and I would LOVE to have you join us.

Hot Topic: When & How to begin the College Admissions Process

Curious about the College Admissions Process? When should it begin and how to stay on top of all the info?

Find out at #CampusChat on Twitter, Wednesday night, May 12 at 9 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. CT.

Our guest this week is Suzanne Shaffer, @SuzanneShaffer, founder of Parents Countdown to College Coach. She’s a parent who successfully completed the process and coaches other parents to do the same!

Who should attend?

College-bound teens and their parents, college admissions officers, counselors and anyone interested in contributing to the topic about when the college admissions should begin are invited to join the conversation.

Plus, there’s a Give-Away!

One lucky participant will win:

Organization: The Key to a Successful College Admissions Process – This CD provides parents and teens with a suggested filing system, along with templates and forms to help with the organization process.

A winner will be selected from the list of Twitter participants (those who contribute to the conversation).

admissions, college guidance, college planning

Campus Chat on Twitter

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Smart College Visit is hosting a chat on Twitter this Wednesday and it should be great advice and information for parents of college-bound teens. Here are the details from their website:

On Wednesday evening at 9 PM, Eastern, May 5, SmartCollegeVisit will host #CampusChat on Twitter.

#CampusChat is the hashtag phrase we’ve defined in Twitter-speak to track discussions related to college-bound students and their families.

#CampusChat is hosted and moderated by @CollegeVisit.

With the May 1 Candidate’s Reply Date having just passed, Wednesday’s #CampusChat welcomes three parents with teens who just accepted offers of admission as featured guests. The parents will talk about the college decision-making process for them and their children.

Any parents, teens, college admissions officers, counselors and anyone who is interested and passionate about college admissions are invited to join the conversation.

Here’s how:

Follow SmartCollegeVisit on Twitter, @collegevisit.

On Wednesday night, May 5, at 9 PM, Eastern, track the hashtag: #CampusChat using tools such as TweetChat or WhatTheHashtag. For more information about how to use these tools or how to keep up with or follow a chat, read: 3 Easy Ways to Keep in Step with a Twitter Chat.

I’m looking forward to participating in this chat–SEE YOU THERE!