Searching for colleges…

Many criteria factor into a college search….location, size, majors, Greek life, clubs, the list goes on and on.  One thing most people put far too  much emphasis on is rankings.  Every year we see the new US News and World Report rankings, and  Forbes has started to rank schools with their own methodology, which differs quite a bit from US News.  Even though Forbes is using student input, the students they are taking the data from are a very “self-selected” bunch, certainly not a cross section or a general college population.. (more…)

Class of 2011: do you have your college list ready?

If you are a rising high school senior of the Class 2011 I hope you have put together a college list. Optimally you have visited one or two colleges on the list, and you’ve planned visits for the summer and into fall. Most students will start senior year classes during August so a finalized list of colleges that you plan to apply to will help the application process flow smoothly. Your senior year is NOT the time to be researching schools! Your sophomore and junior year is best utilized for college research. (If you are a rising junior in high school, pay attention and start planning!) (more…)

There is still space available at many colleges!

With all the hype and news reports about the new low acceptance rate, one would think that there is nary a space left. The truth is, there are many wonderful colleges and universities who are still looking for students. NACAC (National Association for College Admissions Counseling) has a survey available so you can see which schools still have spaces. You can see it HERE. You can search by school or by state. Many of the colleges on this list are excellent schools, so if you are still looking for a spot….take a look. (more…)

Using a College Admissions Consultant

There are many reasons families use college consultants, but I believe the most important one is finding a college that truly fits the individual student. The college admission process has become so challenging, confusing and competitive that most parents don’t even recognize it! It is certainly not the experience we had fifteen or twenty years ago. The 2010 Admission Season has been the craziest yet with students averaging 12 applications! The Ivies and the “elites” have reached new record low admission statistics. But that isn’t the whole story….most students do not apply to those colleges and universities, and do not need to apply to 12 colleges. (more…)

So….you have been waitlisted….

Many students have been waitlisted….in an uncertain economy, an unprecedented application year, many colleges have waitlisted more students than they will admit. Here are some waitlist facts and suppositions: first, why were you waitlisted? Well, who really knows? It could be so many, many things….maybe too many viola players applied this year so you ended up waitlisted, a back up in case one of the accepted ones declines. One just never knows….but in this admission climate, colleges have put thousands on the waitlists because when students are accepted to numerous colleges one never knows where they will go. Chances are that some of the waitlisted students will get a shot at clearing the waitlist.

Second, what to do? IF you want to stay on the waitlist, let them know ASAP. If you DO NOT want to stay on the waitlist, let them know that ASAP as well. If you are turning down a spot on a waitlist, that might be helping another waitlisted student who is anxious to clear. If you are responding that you want to stay on the waitlist, you might send a letter explaining why you think the university is such a perfect fit for you and how much you want to be in the incoming class. Interest counts.

Remember, though, you do have to make a decision by May 1. If you haven’t cleared the waitlist by that time, you do need to deposit somewhere! Also, remember that students from the waitlist almost never receive merit aid, only financial need. Something to consider!

The Results are In!

Seniors have waited for months to hear whether or not they were accepted to the colleges they applied to. Most students will be happy with their acceptances, but we know there will be a few students who did not get in to their “number one” choice. There is good news for those students, though: now they can choose a new “first choice” out of the group of colleges that accepted them! New and different opportunities are available. (more…)

Application Results are coming in….

The next few days will tell every applicant what they need to know: accepted, waitlisted, or declined? Whichever result is yours, know this: you can be successful at any college, it is up to YOU. (more…)

College Graduation rates

Did you know that the United States used to be number one in college graduation rates around the world? Did you know that we are now 10th? “For the first time in American history, there is the risk that the rising generation will be less well educated than the previous one,” states an article in Newsweek. The reason? (more…)

The Top Ten Application Mistakes

Higheredmorning.com posted an article listing the ten most irritating application mistakes according to college counselors and admission representatives. Ready? Here they are: (more…)

Here come financial aid offers….

Remember, you have room to negotiate. Learn the 10 things you should ask about when you talk to the college financial aid office. The US News has a good article listing factors you need to know.