About the Authors: Anne’s & Dan’s two daughters both moved away from home this fall to start college–one as an upper division transfer at University of San Francisco and one as a freshman at Baylor University. Their experience helping both daughters’ pay college expenses was featured, along with Creative Marbles, in the October issue of Comstocks…
Tag: Private universities
“My Student is Average. Where Can She/He Get In?”
First, “average” doesn’t mean “not admissible to any college, anywhere.” What is important for an “average” (and I use “average” loosely) student and their family is the college selection process–just as important as for EVERY student wanting to go to college. The selection process for the “average” student may include a different scrutiny of…
“OMG! I Have to Write a Common App Supplement Essay, Too?!? How?”
Essays can be one way for applicants to distinguish themselves and present their case for why s/he should be admitted. But, they require some effort. Often, the Common Application Supplements–which are a series of questions specific to the individual college submitting in addition to the general Common Application–provides the applicant the opportunity to tell more…
Why Are College Applications Stressful?
“Do you think I can get in?” is a common question Seniors (and their parents) ask us at this time of year. The idea of competing for admissions, as well as the judging eyes of an unknown admissions officer, can create anxiety for the most qualified applicant. Often, the highly competitive applicant can be…
SAT & ACT Prep: How? How Much? When?
The concern behind the questions in the title is “what do I have to do in order to get a score that will get me into college?” Both parents and students share these concerns. However, the answers to their concerns are varied–not standard–which can both alleviate and increase concerns.
Guest Post: Where to Start on the College Essay
Rohan is a current Freshman at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He offers the following essay drafting suggestions, after his experiences last fall writing several dozen college application essays from October through January. ______________________ The best advice I could give is just to start writing, whether that be in the form of a…
College Selection: It’s an Imperative
College selection. College selection. Let me say it one more time…College Selection. College selection is the foundation of the college application process. It sounds so basic and simple, that families may not invest as much effort into this step–relying on a few campus visits and a short browse through a website. Yet, taking the time…
‘Tis the Season for College Fairs…
College Fairs are the trade shows of higher education. 100’s of colleges’ admissions officers standing behind long rows of tables, set up in a high school gym and everyone’s got shiny, thick papered brochures with 1000’s of parents and students wandering around, wrinkled maps in hand, waiting in lines for one, maybe two minutes of…
Only 4% the Class of 2012 SAT Takers Scored 2100+
Ok. Ok. Mention the SAT to any senior and their parents, then take a step back. The anxiety of a 3 hour and 45 minute test, on top of the concerns about being accepted to a college or not, with the effort of 16-17 years worth of homework and driving all over the state for…
More About: To Seek Early Admissions or Not, That is the Question
Admissions rates may be higher for early applicants; however, look closer at the applicants and their qualifications for admissions. The applicants may be more competitive on test scores, grades, leadership activities and classes, thus a greater fit for the university and therefore more “admissible.” Also, beware of applying Early Decision as a strategy for hedging…
Financial Aid Myths: Fact & Fiction
Soccer field sidelines are filled with parents sharing their college expense stories and sometimes “nightmares” that can create misinformation circulating through the community. Depending on the listening parent’s effort to validate or debunk the information gleaned can determine how useful the shared experience will be in guiding their own children. Here’s a few common myths:
Huh? A School Profile? What’s that Got to Do with My College Application?
The school profile comes through the counseling office and is sent as part of the counselor’s recommendation to private universities, as part of a senior’s college application. Often, its included alongside the Secondary School Report, as part of the Common Application. Why does this matter?
MAAAAIL CALL: ‘Tis the Season for College Brochures
This time of year glossy, thick papered brochures in big 8.5″ x 11″ envelopes, with personalized letters from colleges in far off places–like North Dakota and Ohio–as well as more known places, like Los Angeles or Seattle, begin arriving by the mailbox full to high school seniors all over the country; not to overlook the…
What?!? Colleges Possibly Going Bankrupt?
The changes to higher education and its price in California are partially in response to the recent state funding cuts. Students (and their families) are being asked to shoulder more of the costs of their education–in the form of increased tuition and fees, parking costs, per campus student activity fees etc. At the same time,…
Student Debt = Future Income Spent Today
Know the terms (i.e. repayment, interest rates) and possible consequences of taking student loans for college–essentially bringing future income into the present. (FYI: colleges are not obligated to disclose the terms of the loan BEFORE accepting them as part of a student aid package. Students MUST ASK. Also, students are not forced to accept student…