ATTENTION INCOMING 11th & 12th GRADERS---

For those of you who will be entering the 11th grade this fall... prepare and rest up as this will probably be one of your MOST difficult years. To help you prepare, we suggest that you consider taking the SAT or ACT or Both if you wish as early as possible so that you can start to work on preparing for your applications a year from now.

If you are an INCOMING 12th grader, you might be thinking to yourself (in the event that you have NOT taken your standardized tests several of times already)that you want to take the SAT or ACT one more time to see if you can get a good score.

We have the date information right now, and we want to share it will you so you can pace yourself out over the next few weeks of summer.

UPCOMING TEST SCHEDULE


ACT
9/10/11
http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html


SAT/Subject Tests
10/1/11

http://shttp://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.htmlat.collegeboard.org/register?s_kwcid=TC|7002|sat test||S|e|6986195564

Click on our links to go to the test site information center so you can register today!

ENVIRONMENTALISTS vs. RENEWABLE ENERGY

This is a little out of what we focus on in college admissions, but California City, Ca. is the home to the tortoise habitat, a place I have personally fallen in love with.

I see the argument of both sides and hope that some of you will post your comments on your take of this story. It is rocking national attention, and weather you like the tortoise like it or not, solar energy is coming and accommodations need to be made. I personally think that measures should be taken immediately to move the tortoise out of harms way and make for a win-win situation.... Both Sides can win on this!

Environmentalists vs. Renewable Energyy

SO, YOU THINK YOU WANT TO GO TO AN IVY LEAGUE SCHOOL

What is the one trait that Ivy League students all share who have been admitted to one of the schools?   What is the  “something” they have that when coupled with their perfect GPAs, top test scores and multiple national awards makes them that much more appealing to Ivy League admissions officers.  Well there is no exact formula.  It is a matter of putting people in each application pool who when put together will deliver the personality the school is looking to create.

 The “Ivy League” Schools are made up eight SMALL schools —Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale.   The term “Ivy League” actually refers to the athletic conference the schools belong to, just as UCLA , USC, Stanford, and Berkeley all belong to the Pac 10’ or Michigan or Ohio State belong to the Big 10. 

Why are the Ivy Leagues considered the best schools in the country?  Well it depends on your perception of what is “the best”.  Harvard usually is seen as the #1 school in the country, but that title has been stolen away by Cal Polytechnic in Pasadena, California which is a rival of MIT a couple of times.  

Perhaps the reason these schools are recognized is because they are willing to go out on a limb and be the first to create new ideas.  In the 1940s, these eight schools met and ultimately agreed to standardize their athletic eligibility requirements and financial aid practices for athletes, and maybe because they are such small schools their popularity increased due to their atheletic programs making the demand higher than the room available.   Even more interesting, most students who attend these schools never actually said the words, “I want to go to an Ivy League school”, unless there are legacy students 

Students who quickly advertize, “I want to only go to an Ivy League school” have either

1)      heard that this is where they should go

2)      care more about how famous these colleges are than about  the unique learning environment will be like, and/or

3)      is demonstrating  symptoms of name-brand glitz.      

These colleges are not looking for name-brand seekers.  They want ambitious, passionate, intellectually curious students who want to make valuable contributions in and out of the classrooms, and demonstrate that they are confidence.

Brown University for example is a school that puts the liberal in “liberal arts”.   Students who are drawn to this school to apply and  accepted there are because they want to embrace the academic freedom Brown offers to explore a wide range of intellectual interests.  They appreciate the uniqueness that is Brown.

If you are considering attending a college like Brown or other Ivy League school, show them that you’re mature and confident Demonstrate that you care more about what your experience will be  in college than you do about how famous a college’s name is.  When you are asked “Why do you want to attend their college?” have a better answer than, “It’s a great school”, or worse, “I am name dropper”.

If you are serious about a school like this, contact us for a FREE ½ hour consultation to find out how we can assist you reach your dreams.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SHOULD TAKE PUBLIC SPEAKING CLASSES IN HIGH SCHOOL

I read an article this evening I thought I would share with you all.... colleges as well as employers see public speaking as a vital skill applicants should have. For those with stage fright, it is a hard chore to over come, but with practice you can make it easier.

Read this article!

JOIN US ON LinkedIN

Check out THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT on LinkedIN.....

CAMPUS VISITS, WHY THEY ARE A MUST

Many students are heading off to visit colleges this summer. Before you and your family actually go to the expense to travel, take some time to do some research on each school before you arrive on campus –

Spend time on each school’s web site, read about schools on College Prowler’s web site, look into research opportunities, strong departments, well known professors, etc… Remember that professional marketing companies are hired to promote schools to potential students and it may not be as it appears.

Here are some things to do during your college visits to make the most of your time: visit a class:

Talk to students

Visit the library and see if you feel comfortable there.

See a dorm, if possible

Talk to a professor about your interests and find out about specifi departments

Visit any special places that correspond to your interests (music studios, art museums, etc...)

Take Notes!


Make these visits work for you! Don't just take the tour/info session route -- venture out! Talk to students, stop by your favorite academic department and speak to a professor, observe a class, see a dorm, do an overnight visit.

This will help you later when you write why you are choosing a particular school.

Following these simple rules will give you a better feel for the school so you can figure out where to apply. Participating in "targeted visits" will also be useful in your application when you take time to describe WHY you are applying and why you consider yourself a good match for the school.

For students who participate in overnight college visits to be very careful and stay safe. Not only will their decisions impact their health and well-being, but colleges will not be excited to admit a student who was drunk and disorderly when visiting.

The moral of the story is, don't just be led down the boring propaganda road of info sessions -- target your visits to get more mileage out them and to make an informed decision about which school is best for you!

HOW COLLEGES USE TEST SCORES

I thought I would share this article with families so that they can see what material is being broadcasted to students and their families.

Unfortunately, the conscience among high school counselors and independent consultants is much the same----- the core curriculum is weighed a little heavier than the SAT or ACT test scores

Counselors and Admissions Reps all concurred pretty much on the same idea that "test scores are not weighed that heavily. Curriculum and grades are the biggest piece of the package, with essay and recommendations, students' interests and commitment to an extracurricular project or activity being highly considered."

It is an article worth reading, but as I have tried to point out in this blog.... couselors and consultants who are well trained and familiar with the process can shift through all the material that you are being shown and introduced to, and cut through it and point you in the right direction--- into the right schools so that down the road, when you get to the school and become a part of the campus, you realized you made a $30,000 to $60,000 mistake.

I can not tell you HOW MANY students have to go to Princeton, Brown, Vassar, UCLA, or USC and then when they get their realize they HATE the school.. so they move home, go to a local community college until they can get into another school, usually closer to home and finish up their degree some 5-7 years after they graduate from High School.

College Admissions Consultants can help you make the right choices. While College Counselors in the High Schools want to matriculate a student, Consultants are looking to have the students attend a school where they will graduate from in 4-5 years.



http://blog.howtogetin.com/college-admission/how-colleges-use-test-scores-in-admissions/

COLLEGE FAIRS, THEY WILL START IN JULY!

As students are winding down from a LONG school year, they need to start thinking about the college fairs that will be coming to their town starting as early as July.

Take time to relax for the first week or two, enjoy your family and friends, and then start to look at when the fairs will be arriving in your town so you can mark your calendars.

Every year, more than 500,000 students attend The National College Fairs. Some students who are in 7th and 8th grade come to take a sneek preview, but 7th and 8th grade is a little early to start the actual college prep. However, starting to think about college is not a bad idea. Students who attend these fairs will be seeking information about colleges, universities and other post-secondary institutions.

These events are "free" and open to the public. There are the "Schools that Change Lifes", "National College Fair" and "Performing and Visual Arts College" Fair. Each of these fairs allow students to interact with admission representatives from a wide range of postsecondary institutions to discuss course offerings, admission and financial aid requirements, college life in general, and other information pertinent to the college selection process.

The fairs span across the US from coast to coast and visit every major metropolitan area nationwide.

Most college fairs will be in the fall---- and counselors as well as consultants will advise you when to attend, however, the Colleges that Change Lives program is usually run over the summmer, and so you need to check out on your own when they will be in town.

"The Colleges That Change Lives" will be start their tour in July and will include an Asian Tour. Thix program starts every event promptly at 7:00 p.m. The program includes a 30-minute information session, and the college fair begins immediately afterwards, lasting approximately 1.5 hours. Students who have learning disabilities may enjoy attending this fair.

For students in the Los Angeles Area the fair will be at:

Tuesday, Wednesday, August 2 - 3, 2011, 7:00 p.m. ( pick one day only!)
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Sierra Ballroom
555 Universal Hollywood Drive
Universal City, CA 91608

(pre-registration is not required)

For those in Indianapolis, the fair will be held at:

Tuesday, August 30, 2011, 7:00 p.m
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
Marriott Ballroom 6-10
350 West Maryland Street
Indianapolis, IN 46225

(pre-registration is not required)

Other 2011 locations will be at:

Albuquerque, NM
Atlanta, GA
Austin, TX
Bethesda, MD/Washington, DC
Boston, MA
Chicago, IL
Columbus, OH
Dallas, TX
Denver, CO
Houston, TX
Kansas City, MO
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
Memphis, TN
Nashville, TN
New York, NY
Orlando, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Portland, OR
Raleigh, NC
San Francisco, CA
Seattle, WA
Washington, DC Area
ASIA Tour

Call Colleges That Change Lives at 410.857.8748

REMEMBER: THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT offers a FREE 1/2 hour consultation to families to determine how we can best assist you with the college choice

PICKING THE RIGHT COLLEGE, CAN BE LIKE PICKING OUT A FINE WINE

Finding the right school is as I just heard is like picking out a fine bottle of wine for the "right" occasion. Worse, when you finding that right bottle of wine, it may not be the most expensive bottle on the shelf.... and then it depends on your taste, not to mention that education today is far more expensive than a fine bottle of wine, with costs ranging from as low as $16.000 for a midwest instate public school to
$ 60,000 for a private school, and if you are out of state going to a public school, the cost can be as high as a private school.

The attached article is out of the New York Times, and well put. Take a moment to read it, and then you will know why having a consultant that is trained in this area can benefit you and your family.

http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1162&bih=509&q=NY+times&gbv=2&oq=NY+times&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=2052l3340l0l8l7l0l3l3l0l195l620l0.4l4

PLAN AHEAD BEFORE TAKING THE PLAN, PSAT, ACT & SAT

It seems that one of the most stressful parts of the admissions process for students (and their parents!) is standardized tests.  Though some colleges are “test optional” in their admissions process, others still require it.  Either way, if you’re college-bound, it’s likely that you will need to sit for at least one standardized test.  Most families find that a little early planning will go a long way in alleviating some of stress brought on by these tests.  Take these steps to ensure that your test-taking experience is as stress-free as possible:


Know The Options:

Colleges that require standardized testing accept either the ACT or SAT; in addition to the SAT subject tests.  They are all very different tests, so it’s best to do practice tests for both to see if there’s one you’re more comfortable with than another. 

High schools typically offer practice tests during the sophomore year – the PLAN & PSAT.  It is important to note the while the PLAN and PAST tests are considered “Practice”. They do count toward “MERIT” Scholarships.

Spend your time focusing on preparing for the test you’re most comfortable with and forget about the other option.  This will ultimately save you time preparing for two different tests, and should free up some additional Saturdays to do more interesting things other than testing! Colleges and Universities WANT to see that you do more than study for the SAT and ACT tests.


Plan Out WHEN to Test:

The ACT is typically offered 6 times a year, and the SAT 7 times a year.  In addition to submitting one of these standardized tests, many schools require that students also take SAT Subject Tests.  Here’s the catch,

you can’t sit for the subject tests the same day you sit for the SAT.  For this reason, it’s important to make a testing plan to determine how you will space out the tests in order to have your testing complete by the time you need to apply to colleges.


“Your” Best Bet:

Most students find the most success when they take SAT Subject Tests soon after completing the coursework in those classes – even as early as freshman year!  SAT conveniently offers testing dates in May & June for this reason.  Plan on using these dates for subject tests and focusing on taking either the SAT or ACT in the dates offered in the fall and spring.

“Prepare, Prepare, and Prepare”
Whichever test you decide to take, be sure to prepare through practice tests.  This will help you get used to the tests’ format, questions, and timing.  Knowing what to expect is half the battle and can greatly reduce your anxiety, in turn boosting your test performance. 

If you have questions, give us a call.  We are happy to assist you and will offer you a FREE ½ hour consultation.

IN CASE YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT FILM SCHOOL

 I recently wrote about how many opportunities there are out there for students who are looking to go into the film industry.  Anyone I know will tell you it is a tough business and they would recommend you NOT do it, but then there are someone of you with a burning itch, and so not to do it is a crime.

California City Studios opened about 6 years ago, and has recently contracted to assist Cerro Coso Community College with teaching film classes.  I thought I would let you see a fraction of what they are about with their "YOU TUBE" presentation in the event you are looking for something to do over the summer.

http://www.youtube.com/user/filmschoolreality

10 CLASSICS TO READ BEFORE TAKING THE SAT

If you are preparing  to take SATs,  have already taken them, or your are  waiting  for results or to hear from colleges, it will always be a benefit to read the classics ahead of time because many of what the SAT tests for comes from these readings.

A high school student should make themselves a reading list of each of  the “10 CLASSICS" that should be read in high school, but if not, make a point to read them over the summer and holiday breaks.

Most students arrive to even the top colleges with little knowledge of the classics. There are many fine versions available nowadays to help students understand tough literature.  Some of these editions are the Norton Critical Editions or Twayne's Masterwork series.  Both of these series offer an in-depth historical look into these special works, as well as essays about the book and other useful information. College students should invest in these as well as they will provide many tips for strong papers and background information.

Here are some suggestions that  not only will you build your vocabulary, but will prepared  you for  not only the SAT, ACT  but better enable you to discuss literature in your college interviewers.

This list should include the following Classics:

• Charles Dickens’ novels
• Homer's Odyssey and Iliad
• Ulysses
• Dante's Divine Comedy
• Virgil's Aeneid
• Cleopatra 
• Moby Dick
• The Passages of HM 

  

The more mature level books you read over summer, working the vocabulary as you go, the higher your critical reading SAT score will be. 

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT GOING TO FILM SCHOOL? HERE IS SOMETHING TO DO THIS SUMMER

If you are thinking about going to L. A. to study film at USC, Loyola-Marymount or Santa Monica College, or to NYC to Film Camp, you might want to look at a new option in California City, California.  As of this year,  California City Studios is lining up with Cerro Coso Community College to expose High School and Community College Students to the world of film.

California City is located just northeast of the Los Angeles/Kern County line.  It is roughly 25 north of Lancaster, 10 miles in from Hwy 14 on the west side,  and Hwy 395 on the eastside.  Because it is the HIGH desert, the heat is not quiet as hot or cold as the lower deserts like Palm Springs.

There is a lot of open space in California City and not the traffic problems of the city.

Check out their article below.

http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x1008889197/Film-studio-working-with-community-college

ARE YOU CONSIDERING A "GAP YEAR" DECISION ?

Some Students when they finish high school feel they want to take a "gap year" to enhance their ability to seek and retain knowledge and understand the complexities of contemporary global issues before entering college. While it sounds like a good idea for some, it often is seen as a "risky maneuver". How will colleges view this alternative decision? Will the student continue to be academically challenged? Of course, if your time off consists of nothing but watching soap operas and eating potato chips, all you'll have at the end is a wasted year. But with research and planning, you can design a semester or year that is both a great learning experience and a lot of fun.


Maybe you're tired of the academic grind. Maybe you're not sure why you're going to college or what you'll do when you get there. Maybe you yearn to explore far-away places or a career that interests you. If this sounds like you, perhaps now is the time to consider taking a gap year between high school and college.

Maybe you are thinking that taking time off before college gives you the gift of time to learn about two essential things: yourself and the world around you.  or maybe you are facing significant peer pressure, parental pressure, and/or school pressure and need to take a break for a while and not go right on to college.



While this may sound like a great idea, it is important that students before deciding on and signing up for a gap year program should seiously consider and look at the desired outcome. Does it promise personal growth?, Will you be forced to reflect on their goals? Is it based around community service? Does it offer a rich academic experience in a foreign land?   These are questions you should ask yourself.

Students who have participated in "gap year" programs often have found most interesting aspect of doing a program like this is how all of their daily activities directly contributed to their lives.   Some students travel to a country where an  issue they were interested in was relevant, and they lived and worked with the people it was affecting, talk to local experts and innovators about their perspectives, and read articles and books about the issue.

Many times the decision to take on a gap year and explore life is supported by parents.  Some students, however, may need to acquire voluminous information on the subject in order to convince their families that the decision to postpone freshman year of college has merit. One important factor to remember early in the planning process is that the application process should not be postponed.

What ever your reason is for exploring the idea of taking a gap year is, it is really important to apply to college during the normal application process, during the senior year, then think about your year off.

Once you are sure you want to take a year off and you have thought it through, contact the college you plan to attend and ask that your admission be deferred for a semester or a year. Most colleges are very receptive to students who want to defer their admission. Admission people across the country encourage the idea of time out before matriculation.

HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE -ATHLETE RECRUIT

Many high school student athletes with the ability and the desire to play at the college level are never recruited by the college coaches.  Why?  Because the coaches and their recruiters don't know that they exist.

To be successful in being an athlete recruit gaining to seek admissions into the college of your choice, students have to willing to be pro-active in the college recruiting experience and process.  They first need to ask themselves two questions in an honest way.  "Do I have the ATHLETE ABILITY to play in college sports? "and "Do I have the DESIRE to play my sport for more than 4 years?"  If you determine you do you need to move on to the following steps.

The next question you need to ask yourself is " Will I be attending college and playing sports for  scholarship funds?"  This is important question because while Division I and Division II schools offer scholarships, Division III schools do not, and Division III school have the greatest number of College Athletic Organizations.   There is also NAIA, which has a few more College Athletic Organizations than Division II schools.

Examples of Colleges in Each Division are as follows:

Division I                                                                                 

• UCLA                                                                              
• Stanford                                                                                 
• U of Washington                                                      
• Penn State                                                                                          
• Harvard U.                                                                                             

Division II                                                    

• UCSD 
• Chico State  
• Seattle University 
• Merrimack 
• Queens 

Division III  

• UC Santa Cruz    
• Chapman  
• Menlo College  
• NYU  
• Vassar    

NAIA

• Westmont
• Biola  
• Dominican
• Bluefield
• Spring Arbor

There is a maximum number of scholarships that are available to athletes by the NACC, so it is important to start early and be on top of your admissions process, and only the Division I and Division II schools will offer scholarships.  No atheletic scholarships are offered at Division III schools. Letters of intent to athletes start as early as the Junior year.  There is the first round of offers, and then the late offers.

Athletic Recruiting starts September 1st of an athlete's Junior Year in High School and College Coaches start to watch students play and may contact you.  But what if a coach does not contact you?  Does that mean you are out of a dream to play college sports?  NO.  It means you have to be pro-active and develop a strategy on how to get on a team, at the school you want to attend.  At Division III schools this process is not as critical, nor do you have to go through the NCAA process.

If you are looking to play sports in college,  you need to contact your school's college counselor, not your athletic Director or Coach, and let them know you are interested in playing sports in college.  These people are the people who are responsible for making sure your registration with the NACC is timely and proper... especially if you are looking at going to a  Division I or Division II school.  The NACC in turns reviews your background through the Clearinghouse, is an organization that performs academic evaluations for the NCAA which will evaluate your academic record, and they then determine if you are eligible to participate at a Division I or II school as a freshman student-athlete.

For more information on the NACC, contact the Clearinghouse Customer Service Reps at (877) 262-1492 for students in the U.S. or if you are an international student, call (319) 337-1556.  The NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. (PO Box 7110, Indianapolis, In 46206)

If you need assistance with preparing a portfolio of yourself to introduce to schools to play sports,  we can assist you.  Feel free to contact us for a free 1/2 hour consultation to see how we can help you in your search.

A READING LIST FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS

Whether you're about to take  the SAT's or have already taken them and are waiting to hear from colleges, it will always be a benefit to make a reading list of the "10 classics" that you have never had the time to read in high school. How about Homer's "Odyssey and Iliad" Dante's "Divine Comedy", Virgil's "Aeneid", or any Charles Dickens' novels?  Not only will you build your vocabulary, you will be better prepared to discuss literature with your college interviewers or college professors.  What about books like Herman Melville "The Passages of HM" . Moby Dick, Etc.?

The more advance level books you read over summer and do vocabulary on, the higher your critical reading SAT score will be.  You should also note this amazing list of summer reads…we are so excited at the idea of being able to read, read, read, this summer! 

Here is 10 books sites that you should read just for the fun of it over the summer!

Summer reading: The big list—Los Angeles Times
Books to Bury Yourself In—The New York TimesThe Ten Hottest Prospects From This Year’s Book Expo—New York Magazine

Indie Booksellers Target Summer's Best Reads—NPR
10 Essential Books for Thought-Provoking Summer Reading—The Atlantic
10 Must-Read Summer Books—Newsweek
11 excellent novels for summer reading—Christian Science Monitor

Tweeting Joyce—Salon

Top 10 Short Stories of All Time—Hotwire

Have fun!

 

CALIFORNIA CITY, CA GRADUATES THEIR FIRST CLASS -- CONGRADULATIONS TO THEM

The Article heads the headline of " From Blue Prints to Foot Steps" and nothing could be more true.


  California City, Ca is located just north of Edwards Airforce Base, the 2nd home of the Aerospace Shuttle.  For years,  I had heard about California City but never knew it was.  I was driving by it, and had no idea.  One day,  I decided to drive out to this place in the unknown only to be blown away first by its beauty, and second to digest its motto of The "City of Opportunity" The best kept secret in Southern California real estate, no smog, low crime, affordable housing, adult living, come and see why we think California City is a great place to live, work, play, invest and raise our families!

California City had its origins in 1958 when real estate developer and sociology professor Nat Mendelsohn purchased 80,000 acres of Mojave Desert land with the aim of master-planning California's next great city. He designed his model city, which he hoped would one day rival Los Angeles in size, around a Central Park with a 26-acre artificial lake. 

Growth did not happen anywhere close to what he expected. Maybe if the city was started either on Highway 14 or Highway 58, instead of 10 miles east of Highway 58 and 10 miles north of Highway 58 the city may have developed faster.   The population was 8,385 at the 2000 census,  and estimated in July 2006 to be 12,659.  Today it has near 16,000 residences.


Although the growth of the city has not met its founders' expectations, Nat Mendelsohn projected a population of 1,000,000 people by the turn of the century, California City has seen substantial population growth over the past several years. 

These students graduating this year need to be very very proud, as they are the pioneers of what is to come of this amazing city.  It may not be Los Angeles, but I expect within the next 20 years that this city will be well placed on the map and if Nat Mendleson could look back and what he created back in the 1950s, he would be proud. 



http://www.desertnews.com/news/article_1d408b5c-8d69-11e0-96ae-001cc4c03286.html

        CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2011 CLASS OF CALIFORNIA CITY HIGH SCHOOL!

Financial Aid: Understanding Award Letters and Communicating with Colleges

With reports of steep losses of personal fortunes, market instability and other gloomy indicators of a nationwide economic downturn, financial aid offices at colleges and universities around the nation are preparing for the anticipated torrent of requests from worried students and families.

But despite the downturn and continued interest in federal grants and loans, financial aid offices stress that money will continue to be available and students should seek out assistance as soon as they are admitted.
To help simplify the application process and encourage all potential aid recipients to explore their options. 

In part two of this discussion provided by NACAC,  on one of the most popular admission topics was "Understanding the Financial Aid Awards" and "Comunication with Financial Aid Offices", the presenters introduced ample amounts of instruction for bridging the gap between student aid applicants and the office of financial aid, while reinforcing important concepts from the first Webinar.

One important fact for college students to remember is that there is no shortage of federal student loans for eligible applicants, despite the slumping economy. Students looking to supplement college costs with loans should always seek out opportunities like scholarships, grants and federal loans before applying for a private loan. Private loans carry higher interest rates and less room for forgiveness.

Of course the first step to finding out about available federal financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but many students and families may still have more questions once they receive their aid status.

“Always ask the financial aid office if you’re unsure of whether or not an award is a loan and what type of loan,” said Cedrick Andrews, Policy Associate at the Institute for College Access and Success.

According to Andrews, Congress and the Department of Education are pursuing ways to standardize the structure of award letters and enhance comprehension of the documents.   Currently, the award letters are not standardized, but many contain variations on the following components:

• Cost of Attendance (COA): a figure based on tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, health insurance/fees, transportation, and personal expenses.
• Expected family contribution (EFC): This number is generated from information you fill out on the FAFSA. It should remain generally consistent from school to school. Loans and work-study earnings are also a contribution from the family.
• Financial Aid: This number consists of both gift aid and self help aid (need based and non-need based federal loans, work-study employment, and private non-need based loans).

Barbara Hall, a senior consultant at Murray and Associates and the National Center for College Costs, said that students should seek out financial aid offices even before they are aware of their aid award. “We strongly suggest, long before the student fills out the FAFSA, to contact the financial aid office,”.


One reason to contact the school quickly is to determine the actual award money available. “Just because the federal form gives the family an estimated family contribution, that doesn’t mean every college can honor that calculation and fully fund their financial need,” Hall said.

The expected family contribution (EFC) consists of the available amount to be paid by the family’s income and assets, the amount the student can contribute and any scholarship funds.

Open communication with a financial aid office allows students to learn the details of their particular institution. Since all schools have different aid capacities and rules and regulations, the student should never assume anything until contact is made with the office. Especially in this economic climate, Hall said, because colleges are making tougher decisions about where to inject funding: into new programs or into the aid office.
Even if a student has a firm grasp of the information contained in the award letter, there could still be more information to obtain. For instance, most letters do not include information on future aid packages, like renewability and possible changes in the proportion of grants vs. loans in subsequent years.

Youlonda Copeland-Morgan, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Director of Scholarships and Student Aid at Syracuse University.  She has outlined some basic principles for communicating with financial aid offices. One of the recommendation is to contact the Financial Aid Office early in the process.  In addition to contacting the office early on, Copeland-Morgan said students should feel comfortable to contact the office via email, but should never send confidential information electronically.

Students should also notify the office of any changes to their financial status. And if the student is making an appeal for additional aid, documentation that outlines the additional need is always necessary.

Colleges can also change their aid amounts from year to year, so be sure to follow up with the office annually.
If a financial award letter arrives with a lower number than expected, students still have additional funding resources. The student still has the opportunity to finance college with unsubsidized and Plus loans to fill the gap. Students should also consider work-study programs which are not subject to taxes, and  allow the student to pay for college with valuable on-campus employment experiences.

If you have situations or feel you can not afford college, contact our office and we can put you in touch with our highly trained financial office staff who can assist you.

ARE YOU AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SEEKING ADMISSION TO A U.S. COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY?

International students and domestic students share the same access to the multitude of academic institutions in the U.S., but students coming from abroad require more permission from the federal government before they begin classes.

The article below describes the details of applying for student visas, including information on the necessary documents, qualifications, and the interview process.

Students from outside of the United States experience much of the same college search and application processes if they decide to study at a U.S. college. But international students must not only be accepted to a U.S. college; they must also obtain permission from the U.S. government to live and study in the United States. Although the process is relatively straightforward, getting that permission requires good planning and preparation. Read on for the basics of applying for a U.S. student visa.

The College Admission Process
Before you can apply for a visa, you must know what college you'll be attending. So, much like students living in the United States, international students must research their college options, apply to several colleges, and be accepted to at least one of them. Unlike U.S. students, international students must also prove to the college of their choice that they can pay all college fees and living expenses while studying in the United States. Some financial and merit aid may be available to international students, depending on the college you choose, but you still must have a well-thought-out, documented financial plan for your years in the United States.
Once you've been accepted and the college is satisfied that you can support yourself, the college will send you an I-20 form. This form documents that you have been offered admission to the college and that the college is satisfied that you can afford to study there. It also gives you a "report date," or the date when you're expected to arrive at the college to begin classes.

The I-20 is one of the main documents you'll need to apply for a student visa.


Documents and More Documents
Once you receive your I-20 from the college, it's time to put together the other documents you'll need to apply for the visa. Students who plan on attending a four-year or two-year academic program should apply for the F-1 visa.
You need several main documents to apply for a visa:

• Form I-20, which you receive from the college.
• Form DS-156, which you can get from the U.S. State Department's Web site, and Form DS-158 and Form DS-157 (for males only),  which you can get from your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
• A passport that is valid for at least the next six months (preferably longer).
• A passport-sized photo of yourself.
• A receipt that shows payment of the visa processing fee. How you pay the fee differs in each country, so make sure to check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate for details. In some countries, you may not be able to pay the fee at the consulate.

Although these documents are the only official ones needed to apply, you also need to gather documentation to support certain aspects of your visa application.


The Big Three Questions
Your visa application, supporting documentation, and your interview with a consular officer (see below) must work together to answer the following questions:

• Are you a real student?
• Do you intend to return to your home country after college?
• Do you have enough money to support yourself while in the United States (without getting a job, which is illegal for nonimmigrant students)?

Remember, by U.S. law, it is the consular officer's job to find reasons to deny your visa. The officers are required to assume that you're trying to immigrate to the United States permanently. It's your job to prove differently.

The documents needed to answer these questions may be different depending on your country and your situation, but they may include any or all of the following:

• Your academic record to date.
• Copies of scores from any standardized tests you've taken (SAT, TOEFL, GRE, etc.).
• Letters of admission and financial aid awards from your U.S. college.
• Financial documents, such as your and your family's bank statements, tax documents showing your/your family's income, and statements from any investments that you plan to use to finance you education.
• Documents showing any scholarships or financial help from other sources (college financial aid, governmental or organizational grants, outside scholarships).
• Business registration or licenses and other documents if you or your family owns a business.
• Evidence that you intend to return to your home country, such as a statement from an employer that you'll be considered for a job or have been offered a job after you complete your U.S. study; evidence that you own assets in your home country; anything else that shows that you have strong ties to your home country.

If you're not sure what documents you should bring, talk to your high school counselor, the college contact for international students, or someone at the U.S. consulate.

The Interview
All visa applicants must have an interview with an officer at their country's U.S. embassy or consulate. Different consulates may schedule interviews differently, so check with the consulate ahead of time.
Also, U.S. embassies and consulates in some countries are very busy and may have a long waiting list for visa interviews. It's a good idea to check with the consulate early in the college application process, even before you receive an I-20, just in case your consulate has a waiting period. Some countries may have a months-long waiting period; others may be able to schedule interviews fairly quickly.
During this interview, consular officers will ask you a variety of questions about your plans for your education, finances and career after college. Again, they are looking for any reason to believe that you're not a real student, that you may be planning to stay in the United States illegally, or that you won't be able to support yourself financially in the United States.

The best way to succeed in your interview is to arrive well-prepared. Think through your answers to some of the following questions:

• Why do you want to study in the United States?
• Why did you choose this college?
• Why did you choose this major? What jobs does this major prepare you for?
• How will studying in the United States prepare you for a job here at home?
• What have you been involved in that shows your commitment to your home country?
• How will you pay for the college fees and living expenses in the United States? (Remember, students with F-1 visas are not allowed to get jobs in the United States except under special circumstances. So you cannot plan on any job income to pay for your studies or expenses at colleges.)
• Other questions about the United States, your educational plans, your career plans, and your finances.

You may wish to practice your answers with a counselor or friend. Be polite, and make your answers short and to the point. Most interviews are less than five minutes, so short answers are best.

Start the Process Early
Since the terrorist attacks in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, the student visa process has been scrutinized by the media (several of the hijackers had visas to study in U.S. flight schools). The U.S. government now evaluates applicants more carefully than in the past, and some applications require additional security screening. With these changes, advance planning is very important for international students.

This is only an overview of what international students can expect from the U.S. visa application process. For more detailed information and help, talk to your high-school counselor or the advisor to international students at your college. In addition, the U.S. State Department has placed quite a bit of information on their Web site.
If you have questions about the visa process, it's best to call your local U.S. embassy or consulate directly, or to check their Web site for information. It may seem intimidating to call the consulate, but it's the best way to get good information about the visa process in your country.

If you are overwhelmed by all of this, contact us to set up an appointment for a FREE 1/2 consultation.

WHY PARENTS SHOULD CONSIDER HIRING A COLLEGE CONSULTANT IN ADDITION TO WORKING WITH THE HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELORS

If you had to describe adolescence, how would you define it?  Would your definition address the music adolescents listen today, or would it be about  the clothes they wear?  Perhaps your description would include the changes that occur at this time of their lives. 

This is  a “curious phenomenon” that almost all adolescents experience and at the same transitions.   These transitions occur earlier for some, and later for than  others.   The period of Adolescence starts at the on-set of puberty and lasts generally through high school or a little longer as some late bloomers take their adolescence with them to college.  Some are so late in maturing that they party themselves right back home because they have not transitioned yet.. This group of individuals is a breed all unto their own

One of the main characteristics of this stage is peer pressure.  The effect that peer pressure on a student who is preparing for or is starting the college application process is this: the student overlooks the real reason they are going to college and fail to consider what kind of college would best meet their needs and desires. 

It becomes more an issue of to them of who else is applying where and what will others think of this or that college? If a counselor, consultant  or parent recommends a particular institution, the student’s reaction will often be predicated on what the "group" will think. An "in" school activity will be more quickly accepted in the eyes of a student rather than an unknown one. 

As a consultant working with students from all over the US, I get to enjoy the different experiences and levels of maturity that students this age bring to the table.  I love working with the student who is open-minded and independent enough to be unconcerned with the opinions of others. 

I have had a few students not only apply to, but attend, small liberal art colleges less familiar to students, especially those students in California, who this past year have been more than willing to look outside the box, and look to schools such as Occidential, Holy Names, or Manhattanville . IIn this time, I have found this attitude especially and  most pronounced in the Greater Los Angeles area where the students who attend the private “independent schools” are more likely to be receptive to less well-known liberal arts colleges than public school students who you sense walk on egg shells. 

Certainly there are exceptions, but the scope of peer pressure influences such areas as: clothing, hairstyles, automobiles and movies. Most noted in the public schools is the issue of drugs and alcohol usage . I have known many students, as I am sure you have, who, left alone, would not become involved in alcohol or drugs, but who do not have the self-confidence to be the only one not drinking at a party. 

To exacerbate this problem, many parents have a great deal of difficulty on being able to say “NO” parents,  and in turn become their child’s friend, using the rationale that “it ‘keeps the communication lines open”. 

I’ve had parents even provide tagging boards in their garage for graffiti artwork or alcohol related parties at a their homes, saying that "they are going to do it anyway" and "I would rather it be here than somewhere else". Interestingly enough, these are the same parents we work with in the transition to college process.  (There are also the "Prescription Pill" parties where students and their friends during any given week go through parents medicine cabinets and take a hand full of this or that and then drop them in a large bowl at any party  At these parties students pop them in their mouths as though they are M & Ms, but this topic is for anther time)

Another way these teens exhibit their adolescence is by making decisions are made by their group of friends rather than individually.  They shop together, go out to eat together, select and go see movies together, even make prom plans together. Too often, these teens want to make college plans together and that is where we as consultants ( as well as school counselors)  must intervene. 

I use a shopping analogy when I discuss this issue. Two best friends go clothes shopping together. What looks good on one won’t necessarily look as good or fit as well on the other. The issue of colleges needs to be treated in the same light. When I present it that way to parents and students together, it seems to hit home. Students need to find the schools that will fit their personalities, goals, talents, and embrace them to flourish so that they can become young thriving adults.

The issue of independence is a major factor in the lives of teenagers. As soon as they go through puberty, they think they are adults.  Subsequently, they believe they should be treated as such. The topics of curfews, parental pressure, and freedom to do what they want –when they want – and with whom they want - are the central focus of their lives. This gets progressively worse as they get older and as their bargaining and reasoning skills advance. It becomes increasingly difficult to win arguments with teens without using the old "because I said so" response.

The transition to college is a rite of passage that receives a great deal of attention in our society. Many think it is greatly overemphasized. The subjects of where a child got in, where he/she is going, whether he/she got scholarships become the main discussion topics of parents of seniors. At times, the college application process seems more like a competition between parents than the educational experience it should be. Some teens do not feel ready to leave the nest and choose to begin at the local community college or small 2 year liberal arts college close by. Others feel the need to conform to the “going away to college” trend not looking to see is it “is” or it “is not” what they truly desire.   The selection of schools next to the essay(s) is the most important part and most time consuming of the entire college application process. 

The college admissions process is the official start of the separation between child and parent, and it becomes the paramount issue within the life of a family.  It usually commences at the middle to end of the 10th grade year.  It is especially important if you child has to deal with physical limitations or learning differences, is an athlete that was not recruited but wants to play a sport they love, or has taken a year or two off and is coming back to the process.

It is essential that parents who work with counselors and consultants understand that those of us who work with adolescents in the transition to college process understand the characteristics of our clients, and we have to be the ones who buffer many situations that will occur in this period of time. We must know what to expect in our interactions with students if our role is to be productive for the lives of our students, and to be able to readily identify those issues that may have not been brought to the forefront up to this point. 

As you and your family prepare for the college admissions process, know that your school counselors are wonderful, hard working individuals who are highly skilled and trained but who are also overworked and really don't have the time to devote to each student the amount of time which is required to effectively get through this process.  They really do their best to give your child some attention throughout the process, but as I have seen working with schools, sometimes a child needs more, even with the counselors working from 7 am to 10 pm several weeks in a row.  The students are not always able to immediately grasp the admissions process or even clearly understand it, and it is where we are trained consultants can bridge the gap, being trained as the high school counselors have been, belonging to recognized professional groups such as NACAC and/or IECA, and then going beyond where the school counselors go through that we can make a difference to the student.... such as working with students who have been struck with disease, serious injury or suffer with ADHD. Then there are the students who are looking to top tier schools or are looking at "legacy" situations where they have to cope with yet another different set of issues as well as all the demands placed on them.  Counselors just don't have enough time to deal with these specific issues, and passing the responsibility off to the honor students to peer mentor your child is not a complete answer.   

The quality of life you have as a family, identify issues prior to the start of college, can discover who your child is, and point them in the right direction to schools that will benefit them in significant ways, and set up plans to help you maximize your dollars as you go through the four to six years ahead of you, allowing your child to graduate and not end up with  a mountain of debt to start their young lives off with.

If you feel you need someone to guide you and your family through the admissions process,buffer the stress in your situation, and you see your child "caving in" under pressure contact us for a FREE half hour session to see how we can do to assist you and your family. have a positive college admissions experience. 

THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT PRESENTS ***** College Admissions --- 101*****: DO YOU NEED COLLEGE CONSULTING BUT FEAR THAT YOU C...

THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT PRESENTS ***** College Admissions --- 101*****: DO YOU NEED COLLEGE CONSULTING BUT FEAR THAT YOU C...: "Many families across America continue to suffer with finances, and the first thing we always hear is ' I want to do this, but I can not affo..."

DO YOU NEED COLLEGE CONSULTING BUT FEAR THAT YOU CAN NOT AFFORD IT?

Many families across America continue to suffer with finances, and the first thing we always hear is " I want to do this, but I can not afford to right now".  Everyone is in that position on some level, so here is what we recommend..

You are applying to college, or preparing to, right?  You need help but mom and dad are struggling...... what if you find 6-10 friends who need help...  we can make payment plans for parents, you bring your friends, and for pennies on the dollar, you can have a consultant who will still work with you and your family....  for a reduced rate.

Our goal is to help students! If you think you need help and you are trying to get into a good school, and find the ones right for your talents... check us out.   We are offering unique college programs for high school sophomores and juniors who will be juniors and seniors in fall, 2011

SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE!

With summer almost here,  one of the ways to make it count for something is to launch into "just for fun" reading..  There is an endless variety of material available in every imaginable genre. With iPads and Kindles, you no longer have to wait to get your hands on a book –they are always a click away, so take a few minutes each day to just read something for the pure and simple fun of it to keep you skills active. 
  
The students we work with have become extension of who the The College Admissions Consultant is,  and we encourage students to spend some of their time actively reading, especially with book titles that are connected with their interests.  

If you are a student who suffers with some type of learning disability  (ADD, ADHD, Asperger's or Autism), don't fear,  you can do this too... through audio tapes and television or the ways you best learn.

Vow to get reading this summer and we’ll be with you in spirit.  Many of you have schools that have a reading list of material for you to read over the summer, but try to do a little more than just "the basics".  You’ll never be able to read too much .

If you feel you need help in preparing for college, and want to get a head start on the application process, this is the time you should be doing this... Those entering their junior and senior years of high school should be preparing RIGHT NOW!   Don't put it off.

SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATIONS, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PREPARE

Supplemental Applications are applications that are required IN ADDITION to the application you are filling with the university.  In the event you are doing the common application, you will submit another application to the school and then a third application is a supplement application is required.

What is a Supplemental Application?

A Supplemental Application is used if as a freshman you are applying to a specialized school such as the School of Art and Architecture or the School of Music or Film.  The university will accept you  and also the school you will be attending.  Most students will be going to Letters, Arts, and Sciences, and your classroom grades and activities will dictate to the school how you might do at their school once you are accepted, but when you are applying to a more specific school such as Art or Music, the schools have no way to measure how you will do and so they will ask for a supplemental application which will be a collection of all of your work products up to date.


If you are applying to the school of art, you will want to keep track and have pictures to provide of your work.  It usually will include 10-15 photographs.  If you are applying in fall to a school as an art major, take this summer to put together a sample of your work so schools can see what you have created. It will take time, so give yourself enough time to prepare.  You should find out how schools want your presentation submitted -- ie: video presentation, DVD, Slides, etc.  Each school is different, and you need to remember that many of the companies that put these type of presentations together for you will be closed between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

If you are thinking about being a music major, you probably will have to put together a small presentation to audition for the department.

Use this summer to prepare.  The application process is stressful enough,  add on the supplemental application, and you will be going crazy if you have not organized yourself a head of time.