How Many Schools Should You Apply To?

Each individual is unique; therefore, the number of schools the student chooses to apply to will vary. Most students will pare down their foundation list of colleges to the final five to seven schools. There should be a long shot — a stretch school — a reach — a college where the student’s chances of gaining admission are less than 50/50 based upon his or her academic profile when compared to the students the admission office admitted in the previous year.

A reasonable reach — 50/50 or better – colleges are likely to admit within the student’s range of grade point average, standardized test scores, and course curriculum. Other factors that could enhance admission status could include activities, an interview, special talents, recommendations, essays, etc.

Likely schools — sure shots —these are colleges where a student is confident that he or she will be admitted. However, be sure it is a school where your academic and personal needs will be met should you enroll.

The best way to create this list is to research colleges by visiting the campus, taking tours, and speaking with admissions representatives. Review what is required to apply to the colleges including grade point average, high school course requirements, standardized test scores, Resume of activities, essays, and recommendations.

The Common App and Fee Waivers…Do You Qualify?

The Common App and Fee Waivers…Do You Qualify? Students often ask about fees waivers and the people at the Common App shared this link with an explanation asScreenHunter 253 to how to know if you qualify.

Today, and for the last five years, students who meet any of the following criteria are eligible to qualify for an application fee waiver from The Common App’s more than 750 member colleges and universities:

* Enrolled in or eligible for Federal Free or Reduced Lunch Program

* Annual family income is within range set by USDA Food and Nutrition Service

* Received or eligible for a fee waiver for SAT or ACT standardized test

* Enrolled in federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families

* Live in federally subsidized public housing, in foster care, or is homeless

* Family receives public assistance

More than one million applicants, one third of whom are first-generation college students, submitted over 4.5 million applications through the Common App. Last year, nearly one million need-based fee waivers were granted. https://www.commonapp.org/whats-appening/news/common-app-members-awarded-more-55-million-need-based-college-application-fee

It’s College Application Time – Begin by Getting Organized!

Seniors – it’s that time of year. Summer has come and gone and you are about to embark the college application process. So where do you begin?  First of all, start early! Give yourself plenty of time to produce a stellar final product. You want a winning application, not one that looks hurried and rushed. Remember, there are plenty of people who can help you with the process including your parents, your school counselors, mentors, and teachers.

Have the following pieces of information on hand before you start to fill out your application. It’s not a bad idea to save this information on a card or in a computer file.  This information will be used over and over again in each application you complete. Click here to read list of items.

The 2020-2021 Common Application Essay Prompts are Here

Yes…the Essay Prompts for the Common App 2020-2021  are available. Juniors in high school can get a head start ScreenHunter_1478 Feb. 16 17.33now!

The Common Application has announced that the 2019-2020 essay prompts will remain the same as the 2018-2019 essay prompts. Based on extensive counselor feedback, the existing essay prompts provide great flexibility for applicants to tell their unique stories in their own voice. Retaining the essay prompts provides the added benefit of consistency for students, counselors, parents, and members during the admissions process.

Plus, with essay prompts remaining the same, students rolling over their existing Common App accounts have more time to plan and prepare their applications prior to the final year of high school.

Counselors looking to get a head start with application workshops this year can take advantage of Common App Ready, a suite of on-demand resources, training videos, and infosheets, details everything students, counselors, and families need to know about using the Common App. This resource includes details on application creation, detailed descriptions of each section, and submission requirements. The tool also includes Spanish language resources.

Read The Common App Essay Prompts Are Changing For more information on essay prompts, click here.

Start Your New Year Right! College Bound Now Available in eBook on Amazon!

It’s here! Over 1,200 active links now available in College Bound!

I wrote “College Bound: Proven Ways to Plan and Prepare for Getting Into the College of Your Dreams” as a guide to help parents and students prepare for what comes after graduation. “College Bound” is written so it will be like having a professional college counselor beside you every step of the way.

“College Bound” guides you through the college planning timeline, the search and application process, and campus visits, with additional tips and resources. It will show ways to approach counselors, teachers, or moderators to request an effective letter of recommendation, give tips on self-marketing through the essay, provide suggestions for a top-notch resume of extracurricular activities, and offer advice for taking standardized tests.

  • If you are a budding artist, a competitive athlete, or interested in a military career, or transitioning from being homeschooled to college, this book is for you.
  • If you have special needs or a disability, this book is for you.
  • If you are thinking about learning a trade or attending community college, this book is for you.
  • Interested in understanding the “nuts and bolts” of financial aid and where to find scholarships? This book is for you.
  • Looking for an extensive list of publications and internet resources that is beyond compare? “College Bound” is for you – giving you all these resources and more.
  • I hope you will find this must-read guide helpful and informative, and I wish you all the best as you plan a path to an exciting future.

I hope you find it helpful! Want the companion workbook, check out “My College Bound Plan“!

Other books available to help you with the college planning process include:  A Book of Questions to Jumpstart Your Career Search; Your College Planning Survival Guide – Tips from Students, Parents and Professional Who Made it Through; Paying for Collge Without Breaking the Bank — The Ultimate Student, Parent and Educator Guide to Over 500 Verified Links to Financial Aid and Scholarhip Resources; and How to Impress Your Instructor Online:  Quick Tips to Success for the Virtual Student

10 Tips to Help You Pick a College Major

collegemajor[1]Have you spent hours sifting through college websites, touring campuses (both in person and virtually), and deciding where to apply for college?  Have you thought about what you want to study before choosing a college? As you weigh the pros and cons of every college or university you consider, think about which institution would be the best fit for you.

So what will you major in? Don’t panic! This is your time to test the waters. There are no wrong decisions. Some students know what they want to study and while others must try to figure out what career track fits.  Many undergrads change their majors during college, and even more graduates change careers throughout their professional lives.

Here are some tips to help you sort through the major selection process. Click here!

College Visits and College Fairs

Visiting the campus is probably one of the most important steps in actually choosing your college. After all, you may be choosing where you would like to live for the next four years. A visit to the campus will indicate to the admissions representatives that you are interested in their program of study. If you do not have the opportunity to visit, you may have a chance to meet an admissions officer at a college fair in your hometown.

Either way, it will be important for you to: Do your research about the college ahead of time. Know your own goals and what questions you would like answered. Know your PSAT, SAT and/or ACT scores, and GPA. Be able to talk about your strengths in the academic arena as well as in extracurricular activities. Avoid the obvious questions – focus more on academic and student life opportunities. Be yourself, be honest, and be prepared. Never underestimate the value of the meeting. Learn more about college visits and college fairs.