The Common Application, a universal college application used by over 300 colleges and universities is scheduled to "go live" on July 1st.
Click here to see the changes being made to this year's application. Yellow highlighting indicates changes to the paper (and online) application, and pink highlighting indicates new "dropdown menu" choices will be available online.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Seniorisits can cause rescinded acceptances
It's not uncommon for high school seniors to want slow their pace and let a grade or two slip now that college acceptance letters have been received. After four fast-paced years of studying, it seems fair to relax a bit.
Think again.
At the University of Colorado at Boulder, about 50 acceptances get rescinded per year. Click here to read the full article and watch the side video. And in case you're still not convinced, here's an article from the Washington Post
Think again.
At the University of Colorado at Boulder, about 50 acceptances get rescinded per year. Click here to read the full article and watch the side video. And in case you're still not convinced, here's an article from the Washington Post
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Standardized Tests: Which one to take? How about neither!
Not sure if the SAT or the ACT is more suitable to your learning and test-taking style? Check out this recent posting from Ellen Richards that charts out the key areas of the SAT and the ACT.
Did you know that there are hundreds of colleges that are standardized tests optional? One in particular is Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY (notable alumni: broadcast journalist Barbara Walters, producer/creator of "Fringe" and "Lost" J.J. Abrams, and fashion designer Vera Wang - to name a few). Here is a list of test optional colleges compiled by Fairtest.org
Did you know that there are hundreds of colleges that are standardized tests optional? One in particular is Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY (notable alumni: broadcast journalist Barbara Walters, producer/creator of "Fringe" and "Lost" J.J. Abrams, and fashion designer Vera Wang - to name a few). Here is a list of test optional colleges compiled by Fairtest.org
Sunday, April 19, 2009
It takes a community to educate a child
They say it takes a village to raise a child. I'd go even further to say it takes a community to educate a child. Education is vital in keeping our country and its people a powerful force in this world. Education should not be a privliedge for those who can afford it but rather an opportunity for all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
After reading this article about nine universities receiving over $45 million in anonymous donations, and am reminded that even in the worst of economic times, there are people in our communities who continue to believe in the power of education and in the belief that ALL should have the opportunity to pursue higher education.
We'll probably never find out who these donors are (or perhaps it was just one donor?), but think of the impact they have made to these nine campuses and to the students who will benefit from their generous donations.
As an advocate for education, I can only hope that others will be inspired and give back to their local universities and to their communities. Not all donations need be monetary. Volunteering your time is just as valuable and every community needs help.
After reading this article about nine universities receiving over $45 million in anonymous donations, and am reminded that even in the worst of economic times, there are people in our communities who continue to believe in the power of education and in the belief that ALL should have the opportunity to pursue higher education.
We'll probably never find out who these donors are (or perhaps it was just one donor?), but think of the impact they have made to these nine campuses and to the students who will benefit from their generous donations.
As an advocate for education, I can only hope that others will be inspired and give back to their local universities and to their communities. Not all donations need be monetary. Volunteering your time is just as valuable and every community needs help.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Good School
"I WANT TO APPLY TO A "GOOD SCHOOL"
I'm always baffled by this statement. What does "good school" mean?
Is there such a thing as a bad school? I doubt it.
Is there such a thing as a bad fit? Absolutely.
How does one define "good school"?
To some, defining a "good school" is solely based on rankings and reputation. Oftentimes if a school is well known students will apply. In 2008, UCLA received over 55,000 freshman applications. They admitted 12,660 freshman and about 4,700 enrolled. Why is it that historically UCLA is the most popular college to apply to? Look at their reputation: great weather, great sports, great academics. If these criteria are important to you, why wouldn't you apply?
For others a "good school" might be the unique academic curriculum. For example, Colorado College offers block scheduling (e.g., you take one class at a time. Each class is about 3.5 weeks long). Students that are in block scheduling programs would agree that it works for their style of learning. If your learning style is similar, this might be an important academic fit in your college search.
Not sure where or how to start? College Match: A Blueprint for Choosing the Best School for You is loaded with worksheets and exercises to help you define your interests. The book will not tell you where to apply, but that is where a college counselor can help.
I'm always baffled by this statement. What does "good school" mean?
Is there such a thing as a bad school? I doubt it.
Is there such a thing as a bad fit? Absolutely.
How does one define "good school"?
To some, defining a "good school" is solely based on rankings and reputation. Oftentimes if a school is well known students will apply. In 2008, UCLA received over 55,000 freshman applications. They admitted 12,660 freshman and about 4,700 enrolled. Why is it that historically UCLA is the most popular college to apply to? Look at their reputation: great weather, great sports, great academics. If these criteria are important to you, why wouldn't you apply?
For others a "good school" might be the unique academic curriculum. For example, Colorado College offers block scheduling (e.g., you take one class at a time. Each class is about 3.5 weeks long). Students that are in block scheduling programs would agree that it works for their style of learning. If your learning style is similar, this might be an important academic fit in your college search.
Not sure where or how to start? College Match: A Blueprint for Choosing the Best School for You is loaded with worksheets and exercises to help you define your interests. The book will not tell you where to apply, but that is where a college counselor can help.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Shhh, I have a secret that could reduce your college costs.
After reading this article and learning that more than 70% of prospective college students will be altering their college plans this year because of the economy, I felt compelled to spread some hope by sharing in on my little secret. Well, it's not much of a secret to college counselors, but I'm always surprised by the response of students and families - they had no idea!?!
There are a handful of 4-year colleges in the United States that offer FREE tuition! In most instances, the college guarantees tuition but will require "other" fees such as room and board. Many of the colleges are specialized (e.g., Engineering, Music, Military, or all-male), some have mandatory work-study programs, and others offer free tuition in exchange for five years of service (military) after graduation.
There's relief in knowing that there are affordable colleges out there; you just need to find them. And if you're reading this blog posting, eureka! You just found them.
Let me warn you though, these are not easy institutions to get into. Your academic profile is carefully reviewed, as it would be at any college you apply to. Treat this application as you would any other. Additionally,with some of these colleges, a desire to become a teacher, possessing an artistic talent, or having a committment to serve in the military is required. Explore your personal and academic goals to ensure the school(s) listed below are a fit before applying just to apply because of the free tuition.
Here is the list of 4-year colleges that offer guaranteed or heavily reduced tuition:
Alice Lloyd College
Berea College
There are a handful of 4-year colleges in the United States that offer FREE tuition! In most instances, the college guarantees tuition but will require "other" fees such as room and board. Many of the colleges are specialized (e.g., Engineering, Music, Military, or all-male), some have mandatory work-study programs, and others offer free tuition in exchange for five years of service (military) after graduation.
There's relief in knowing that there are affordable colleges out there; you just need to find them. And if you're reading this blog posting, eureka! You just found them.
Let me warn you though, these are not easy institutions to get into. Your academic profile is carefully reviewed, as it would be at any college you apply to. Treat this application as you would any other. Additionally,with some of these colleges, a desire to become a teacher, possessing an artistic talent, or having a committment to serve in the military is required. Explore your personal and academic goals to ensure the school(s) listed below are a fit before applying just to apply because of the free tuition.
Here is the list of 4-year colleges that offer guaranteed or heavily reduced tuition:
Alice Lloyd College
Berea College
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
I'm not a senior. What should I be doing right now?
Just because you're not a senior in high school doesn't mean you shouldn't be planning ahead. Here are some tips on areas you can concentrate on right now that will help you prepare for your college application process:
* Are you taking challenging courses in school?
Speak with your school counselor about your course load and find a realistic yet challenging balance in your academic schedule.
* Will you apply to a UC or CSU?
Visit the University of California's A-G website or California State University Mentor to cross-reference class requirements.
* Do you have any extra curricular activities?
Any type of activity you do outside of the classroom will help you learn more about your personal interests. So not only are you gaining an understanding of your self, but when you fill out your college applications and write your essays, you can speak about your activities and why they are meaningful to you. Some examples of extra curricular activities are:
- Working a part-time job
- Volunteering in your community
- Getting involved on campus in various clubs or activities
- Club or high school sports
- Taking personal growth classes (e.g., art, music, etc.)
- Starting a club on campus
- Starting a campaign to raise awareness for a cause/issue that is important to you
* What are your summer plans?
Because your summer schedule is typically less hectic, concentrate on other activities you find interesting but might not have time to participate in during a normal school year. For example, you could volunteer or find a part time job in your community. Or, you could take a class for either academic or personal enrichment. Some students even participate in pre-college programs. Regardless of what you decide, plan in advance. Now is the time to begin speaking to organizations about volunteer work, applying for pre-college programs, planning summer school schedules, and applying for summer jobs.
* Visiting Colleges.
College may be the furthest thing from your mind right now but the sooner you can determine what kind of college is a good fit for you, the easier your college application process will be. If you have local colleges in your area, check them out. For example in the Bay Area, you can visit UC Santa Cruz, UC Berkeley, San Francisco State University, San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, Notre Dame de Namur, Menlo College, Foothill College, Canada College, and Mills College, to name a few. When on these campuses, look at their size (30k students, 10k students, 2k students, etc.) the location (city, suburban, rural, etc.) and type of college (public, private, religious affiliated, all women's, etc.). With over 3,000 colleges in the United States, determining the size, location, and type of college that works best for you will help narrow your search.
* Are you taking challenging courses in school?
Speak with your school counselor about your course load and find a realistic yet challenging balance in your academic schedule.
* Will you apply to a UC or CSU?
Visit the University of California's A-G website or California State University Mentor to cross-reference class requirements.
* Do you have any extra curricular activities?
Any type of activity you do outside of the classroom will help you learn more about your personal interests. So not only are you gaining an understanding of your self, but when you fill out your college applications and write your essays, you can speak about your activities and why they are meaningful to you. Some examples of extra curricular activities are:
- Working a part-time job
- Volunteering in your community
- Getting involved on campus in various clubs or activities
- Club or high school sports
- Taking personal growth classes (e.g., art, music, etc.)
- Starting a club on campus
- Starting a campaign to raise awareness for a cause/issue that is important to you
* What are your summer plans?
Because your summer schedule is typically less hectic, concentrate on other activities you find interesting but might not have time to participate in during a normal school year. For example, you could volunteer or find a part time job in your community. Or, you could take a class for either academic or personal enrichment. Some students even participate in pre-college programs. Regardless of what you decide, plan in advance. Now is the time to begin speaking to organizations about volunteer work, applying for pre-college programs, planning summer school schedules, and applying for summer jobs.
* Visiting Colleges.
College may be the furthest thing from your mind right now but the sooner you can determine what kind of college is a good fit for you, the easier your college application process will be. If you have local colleges in your area, check them out. For example in the Bay Area, you can visit UC Santa Cruz, UC Berkeley, San Francisco State University, San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, Notre Dame de Namur, Menlo College, Foothill College, Canada College, and Mills College, to name a few. When on these campuses, look at their size (30k students, 10k students, 2k students, etc.) the location (city, suburban, rural, etc.) and type of college (public, private, religious affiliated, all women's, etc.). With over 3,000 colleges in the United States, determining the size, location, and type of college that works best for you will help narrow your search.
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