BE PREPARED FOR COLLEGE APPS IN THE FALL, SIGN UP FOR THE "APPLICA-PHOBIA BOOT CAMP" THIS SUMMER!

The College Admissions Consultant, Inc. is going to put on a total of four (4) college admission  "APPLICA-PHOBIA BOOT CAMP"®  workshops in Southern California this summer starting the week of July 9th.  These boot camps will run through August 27th.  If you are looking to prepare for applications, get an idea of what schools are right for you, and make a head start on your applications, THIS IS FOR YOU!.

Space is limited, so don't let too much time pass.


The 5 day program will include:

• Working one-on-one and in small groups to complete the Common /UC/CSU Applications,

• Preparing essays that can be used for colleges and universities using our  "Applica-Phobia Boot Camp" strategies,

• Developing strategies to use on your applications to increase the college acceptance possibilities,

• Personalized one-on-one counseling with each student on the college search and  the odds at top colleges within their range,

• Complete a Brag Sheet summing up their high school awards, activities, and achievements,

• and more. 

Space is limited so SIGN UP early.    The workshops will be held in Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and California City, California   We are making a special workshop for those in the hi desert cities.

Check out website
THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT, Inc

REMEMBER, if you don't have time this summer to participate in one of our boot camps, we still have our hourly and comprehensive programs to assist you the rest of the year.

STUDENTS PROTEST OVER TUITION HIKES AND CLASS REDUCTION AT CALIFORNIA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

As many states have had to re-evaluate their budgets, so has California taking one of the hardest hits in the country.  Over the past decade, tuition in the state overall has seen an increase of 300 %, with tuition doubling over the past five years, to $13,000 for resident undergraduates at UC schools (and private school rates for those out of state); $6,400 at California State University schools, and Community College fees are to $46 per unit by this summer, up from $20 per unit in 2007.  (Keep in mind that these numbers do not include room and board, books, fees, etc).

As the world already knows, California Universities are excellent with all 9 undergraduate campuses at the University of California, Stanford, USC, The Claremont Colleges, and others scoring  in the top 100 every year by US News. Demand to come to one of these schools each year is world wide; with a 1 in 13 chance of getting into a UC.

Subsequently, high school students today in the state of California are looking to colleges and universities across the country in fear of not being able to get into their own state schools. This thought is now putting pressure on students in other states to elevate their standards because of the shear number of California Students looking to attend college.  In addition, all admissions recruiters know what the state of affairs in California is, and they want part of the action. For the past few years California has been large target on their radar, and subsequently, they are visiting the state intensely each year to recruit for their school. Most schools will tell you they have had an increase of 15%- 20% in applications.

Looking at school choices is now putting a greater demand on all students across the country now. Those who thought they had an easier chance of getting into their own state's colleges and universities are now finding the demand is going global with New York and California students pushing to other states.

In addition, many schools are trying to recruit international students.  In some cases, while some students think that the reasons they did not get accepted to a certain school is due to racial profiling or other socio-economic reasons;  the true reason for them  not getting into the schools of their #1 choice is that the admissions officers had their work cut out for them in carving out a new incoming class and that some students assumed that just because they have high graders or strong SAT/ACT scores that it is enough to get accepted,  failing to understand that they had to do a lot of creative thought to stand out from the rest of the country or world.

Since January 2012, everything has gone up -- Cable, Phone, Utilities, Food, Gas, etc--- now, so is tuition in California.  These tuition hikes are forcing all the public colleges and universities across the board in California to raise not only tuition, but to reduce class size and dismiss classes once needed by some students. 

It is easy to see why California Students in colleges and universities today have to worry. In the UCs, a 4-year long education is now taking up to 6 years to now complete, and many students hope they can cope with the luxury of staying in school that long.  As I tour the UC campuses periodically I hear this comment often. 

Today, tuition hikes in California are raised on average at least once a year with the public College and University levels sometimes being increased as much as twice in just a year.

The protest you see today is because students worried on how they are going to cope, and so their fight to get an education has begun.  At the University of California, Santa Cruz, last week, the campus had been shut down by students in protest.   Students who have part time jobs to make ends meet face salaries being cut and cost of going to school going up is creating a major gap between the two and they are frustrated.

For those in High School or Community Colleges looking to transfer, note that this is where a good college admissions consultant comes into play, they have the resources to point students toward success being able to help them with financial aid.

Here at The College Admissions Consultant, we are able to work with families to assist them not only in getting in, but staying in. 

Minutes ago, World News has just released this article which for those who will be applying to colleges and universities in Fall 2012 should note.

California School Protest on Tuition Hikes and Reduced Classes

ACADEMY MOUNT HOLYOKE IS A RESIDENTIAL CAMP FOR GIRLS, GRADES 7-11

Summer Programs for Teens are a very important as it will lead to helping students define themselves when it comes time to apply to colleges across the country.

The Summer Academy Mount Holyoke (SAMH) is a summer academic program for girls from across the country and around the world. Located on the campus of Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts.   This two-week program offers girls in grades 7–11 an opportunity to immerse themselves in a subject they love. Classes include creative arts, veterinary science, fashion design, forensic science, documentary filmmaking, equestrian studies, and leadership and service.

Check this out.

TIPS ON HOW STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES CAN FIND THE RIGHT COLLEGE

Each year, more and more colleges and universities are adjusting their campuses  to accommodate students with a diverse array of needs.  Unfortunately, students with learning or physical disabilities may have to do a little bit more research and browsing before finding the college that best suits their individual needs.

One question that we constantly are asked is, How do students with disabilites  find the right school for them?

As we tell all students, Be your own advocate anduse the your difference in a positive way to separate yourself from the rest.

It seems like those students who are "angular" have a distinct advantage in the college application process, especially amongst highly selective and elite institutions. Athletes, males, females, musicians, leaders, minorities,international students, US students living abroad all have a  little advantage depending upon the "current" needs of the specific college or university, which is why a student's research on colleges is so important. 

Students with learning or physical differences should regard themselves in this category, because they, too, will bring a slightly different perspective to the academic table as well as to the formation of a community.  These students have so much to teach your peers about character, perseverance, flexibility, and patience, and so it is important for these students to evaluate themselves from a positive light,  advocate themselves   as the glass half full, not half empty.

Secondly, when a students with these issues fall into and finds the right college fit, they will be expected to do all the same work as their counterparts in addition to the extra category of accommodations. Not every campus will address these needs as well as others.  All campuses across America are required today by federal mandates to do so, but most will only do the minimal required to meed the state and federal requirements imposed on them.  If you are in need of more assistance, they much more work is required to find the right school.  One place to start your research is to locate the campuses which will excel in addressing the needs of students with either the learning or physical differences, like your counterparts, visiting the campuses will be very important.  Students should try to arrange an overnight stay (preferably with a student who shares your differences), and then shadow that student in a "typical day." on that campus. 

Here is a link where you might start the process.--  http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges       If you feel overwhelmed, contact our office as we work with students who face these issues, and a trained consultant can make your journey of finding the right school a little less stressful.
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WATCH OUT FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID SCAMS

After months of worry,  college acceptances are going to be soon arriving in mail boxes.  Some will say "accepted", some will say "rejected" and some might say "wait listed".  If you are accepted to at least one of your top three choices, you don't have a lot to worry about.   If you are rejected from schools in your top three, you might want to consider an appeal, and if you are wait listed,  you should try to see what you to get into the school in the fall.

Seniors are tired about now, "senioritis" is setting im after all the application stress, as are their families, and to just get that letter of acceptance is such a relief.  Don't let your hair down just yet though... we know applying to and getting to college can be a challenge for many students, you need to see it through till you graduate.  We know you are excited about what you future holds and you want to take a break.

But wait, there is the financial aid issues that are now going to have to be addresses, and those award letters will be coming as well if you filled your FAFSA and remember your verification by March 2, 2012 ( just make sure you get a proof of mailing or send it certified mail so you have proof of mailing it).

As these letters begin to arrive, so will the college admission and financial aid phone or mail scams running around.   The process of getting to your chosen college just gotten a little trickier. Whether you choose a typical brick-and-mortar school or "For Profit schools" * ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_for-profit_universities_and_colleges )  the risk of getting caught up in these scams is just as high.

In order to protect yourself from such things, it’s important to arm yourself with information. To help you, here are some of the most common college admissions scams to look out for.

College Application Fee Scam

This is one of the most popular college application scams. . Students are asked to pay a processing fee on their college application.    The truth is it’s rare for colleges and universities to request for any processing fee over the phone since all fees are already declared on their application form. Students are either required to visit the school for payments or send the money directly to the school admission council.

Financial Aid Scam

Both online and offline, there’s no shortage of scams related to financial aid  ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student_financial_aid_in_the_United_States)   These scams entice students with their lucrative offer with several financial benefits that will solve all their school-related financial worries. Here the catch is - students must first pay some fees before you get the aid, or they are sent a letter with a code and number to call.   Stay away from this offer at all times, and report these scams to either the US post master or your local police dept)

College Scholarship Scam

Just like what mentioned above, offers of lucrative or free college scholarships that are too good to be true are most likely scams. One of their  "modus operandi"  is to call up students and say that they won scholarship from some organization. If you’ve never heard or applied in that organization, don’t deal with them because they’re most likely a scam.  If you do talk to them, get their name, the organization, the address, and call back number --  they might hang up on you.  Beware as they may try to call a second or third time

College Application Redemption Fee Scam

A college application redemption fee  ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutual_fund_fees_and_expenses)   is another phone scam that students should be aware of. These scammers sometimes quote legit information to convince you they are from the college and then ask for a processing fee when you decide to avail of it. Keep in mind that schools usually release their usual application fees outright for the student’s benefit.  When you ask questions, you will see that they break down.




*  We do want to make a comment about for profit schools.  I have nothing against them, however, you need to be VERY VERY careful before you sign on,  We get a lot of horror stories once the student signs on and is in the program.  


1.  If the school goes belly up, and it does happen, you are not only out of pocket the money, but there is no paper to go with it either.


2.  These schools have "admissions directors", but they are really "sales people".  They are not apart of any educational organization, they have no training, and they make promises long enough to get you into the school.  


3.  These schools will have you fill out financial aid papers like a regular school, and then you find that a parent or other person must CO SIGN...... this should be a BIG RED FLAG.  The only person who signs legitimate financial aid papers is the school and the student.. there is no co-signers, unless your parents are taking a loan to cover their contribution share. 


4. For profit schools can be more expensive that a 4 year private school, and the degree is on a 4th tier level.  You never make enough to compensate yourself on these plans.




SENIORS, COLLEGE TRANSFERS, and THOSE LOOKING TO VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS...  get a college consultant to assist you.  We are trained.  We know the scams and programs, we visit the schools, and while we all have fees, they are a lot less and can save you thousands of dollars in financial mistakes.

YALE IS TO ARGUE BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT THAT RACE MUST BE A FACTOR IN THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

"In the 2003 matter of Grutter v. Bollinger, the United States Supreme Court held that colleges and universities could consider race and ethnicity in their admissions decisions.  . However, the court on recently moved from that previous position which could ultimately reverse that decision — ending race-based affirmative action policies at Yale and other higher education institutions across the country." reports the Yale Times


Last Tuesday, February 21, 2912,  the Supreme Court announce that  it would hear Fisher v. University of Texas — a case filed by a white student, Abigail Fisher, who said she was denied admission to the University of Texas’s Austin campus because of her race.

Since the ruling on Grutter v. Bollinger ruling in 2003, education experts said the argument over affirmative action policies at colleges and universities has calmed, but news of the court’s decision to hear another affirmative action case has reignited debate between supporters and opponents of the policy.

To read more on this controversy,  go to 

http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/2012/feb/24/supreme-court-to-rule-on-race-in-college/

TO SENIORS LOOKING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Many Student who feel that they can not get funds for school because their families make too much money, or at least the government feels they make too much money,  should look into EACH school that they are are applying to.

Sometimes within the department where a student is applying to their are scholarships available or within alumni/ae groups and individual alumus cab make some significant donations because they have made far more than they can ever spend and they have the need to give back----------  or perhaps they want to make a bet!

Several years ago, George Lucas, maker of some amazing pictures, and Steven Spielberg . an owner of "Dream Works Pictures" made a met.  The loser was to buy the winner'scollege a building --   USC or Cal State Long Beach.    Lucas won, so today when you visit USC, you will see the Spielberg School of Television and Film.


This past month, there have been some significant donations. to some of the larger schools, and so we would like to share these stories so seniors who are looking for additional funds to pay for college might have a new place to explore.

Here are some stories about major donations where students should look for scholarships:

 

 

 

Harvard University:

 Student organizations receive vital financial support from alumni/ae and private contributors as well as corporate donations each year.

April 27, 2011

John Mork, a USC alumnus and trustee who made a fortune in the oil industry,donates $110 million for USC undergraduate scholarships and says the gift will 'allow the very best kids to get a degree at USC, whether they can afford it or not.' 

February 14, 2012

'Simpsons" creator,  Matt Groening has donated $500,000 to the University of California, Los Angeles' (UCLA) School of Theatre, Film and Television to enable professionals to teach students in the educational facility's animation program.

Check out the school you select for additional financial aid opportunities!