college admission information, how to get into college, how to get into the college of my choice, college admissions tips
Learn how to choose which type of college application type and plan is best for your teen.
Updated for 2020 and the Constraints of the Coronavirus Pandemic Most college applications require two teacher recommendations. It is important to ask two teachers who know you well to write this letter. Preferably, the teachers you choose will be ones who taught you during your junior year. Usually, when asking a teacher for a recommendation, it is best to ask IN PERSON and at the beginning of the school year. Since many high schools will open the school year online, EMAIL your preferred teachers with your request. Many teachers will commit to writing a specific number of recommendation letters, and [...]
Get tips for getting into college, new application process, no more SAT/ACT testing for some college admissions, check college admissions for new application rules, summer internships and how to get them.
When to Apply for Scholarships The earliest deadlines for scholarships hit in October – well before any college application is due. Almost all are due before March – before many students will have heard from the majority of their schools. If you really want a private scholarship, you should think of the money separately from the academic application process. Scholarship money will follow wherever you go – if you’ve got it in place. To that end, make sure you know the due date of each scholarship you’re applying to – and try to get your application in early. Scholarships [...]
The biggest benefit of applying to college early action or early decision is knowing early if you have been accepted or not to a top choice school. Nothing is more frustrating than being deferred. Getting deferred means the college is postponing its admission decision and will review your application with the regular decision applicants. You will find out in the spring if you’ve been accepted or rejected. You are in “application limbo.” Is there something you can do to increase your chances of getting accepted the second time around? Here are ten suggestions that might tip the scale in [...]
6 Myths about College Admission Myth #1: Only Top Tier Schools Prepare People for Success The most pervasive myth is if your teen doesn't attend one of the top 20 Newsweek-rated colleges (aka Ivies), then they won’t have an opportunity for jobs, promotions and influence. Over half of our U.S. Senators graduated from public universities. 43 of the top 50 CEOs in the world graduated from schools other than Ivies. Part of the fabric of the American dream is the opportunity presented to you and what you do with it, not where you went to college. Myth # 2: A [...]
A few years back I published this article on my website. It is still relevant today, so I am publishing it again for my current readers. Enjoy! Getting an early jump on college prep is the key to getting ahead in the competitive field of college applications. Each year, the number of applications at a wide range of institutions have increased over the previous year and the acceptance rate has dropped. Prior to starting writing, construct the materials you'll need. It really is rather a flexible sort of writing, but there are a few common principles that you must follow. [...]
Each year, families find themselves completing at least one, if not two, financial aid forms for college scholarships. The forms may seem daunting but without them, no aid will be forthcoming. To apply for federal student aid, you need to complete the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and quick, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA [...]
If you are a senior, this is the time of year you are finalizing your college list and applying to these colleges. If you are a junior in high school, you are beginning to investigate colleges and majors of interest. Most high school students (and their parents) are unaware of Cooperative Education Programs available in multiple majors at many colleges and universities throughout the United States. There are many benefits to getting involved in a co-op program. Below is a blog I posted several years ago, discussing co-op programs. Enjoy! Andi These days, the “college internship” can often be viewed [...]
Most families do not realize there are several types of application plans offered by colleges and universities. Deciding which is best for your child, will help determine what schools to apply to, and the timelines that need to be adhered to when applying to specific schools. Before deciding on which type of application plan is right for your child, you need to thoroughly understand the difference. There are two types of application plans, Non-Restrictive Plans and Restrictive Plans. Non-Restrictive Applications Plans allow students to wait until May 1 to confirm enrollment. These include: Regular Decision is the application process [...]