INFORMATION FOR HOME SCHOOLED STUDENTS APPLYING TO COLLEGE

 In general, home–schooled students follow the same college admission process as students in public or private schools. However, they may have to fulfill some extra requirements. For example, some colleges may request additional application materials — such as several SAT Subject Tests™ — from home-schoolers. Some colleges admit many home-schooled students; others do not.

Find out in the link below what "home school kids" need to know about applying to college!

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/the-application/56.html

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE, WHEN STUDENTS NEED TO START THE PROCESS

One question that many anxious parents ask is when do you start the college process, and the answer is around the 9th grade. When you start in the 9th grade it allows a student the time to think through what they want to accomplish, look at colleges, and prepare.  Students must start the college preparation process no later than the start of or middle of the 11th grade.  It allows a consultant to help a family prepare for the financial aid process and to assist a student find not only the right schools, but tour the schools, and have time to think about the essays they will write, as well as their brag sheets and resumes. 

We sometimes see junior high touring college fairs, which is a good start to the process, but it is really too early for both the family and student to start tying down decisions to college admissions process.  There is no need to start molding a 13-year-old's love of computers into an activity that will help him get into Yale.  But it's not too early for junior high students to develop habits that will help them be successful once they get to high school.

Here are five suggestions for the parents of junior high school students to work on:  

1.  Help your student to become independent. 
Parents should raise a high school student to be responsible and accountable for their tasks.  Kids need their parents, but when Mom or Dad makes all the decisions, you raise a student that is too dependent on his parents and ultimately not well-prepared for college.  We’re not suggesting you need your 13-year-old to open and maintain a savings account or get a credit card, but you can have them get themselves up in the morning, organize their own school assignments, and maybe even assume some responsibilities for helping around the house. 

2.  Encourage kids to approach their teachers with questions or concerns.
If your junior high school student has questions or is struggling in a class, encourage them to on their own contact the teacher and to seek help.  Its very important that you encourage your student to approach his teacher himself  because the teacher will not only appreciate the student's ability to do so, but it will teach a student how to confront other issues down the road.  This is a good time for kids to start taking some responsibility for their own education.  They need to learn how to advocate for themselves, and how to seek help when they need it.

3.  Help kids to follow their passions.
Colleges love students who are passionate about what they do, whether that's doing scientific research or riding dirt bikes.  Teach your kids that interest is a good thing.  Don't assign value to the interest based on how you think it will translate into an admission to college someday.  Kids who have the capacity to enjoy something tend to seek out that enjoyment even when their interests change.  That's a good trait.  We don't care if your student likes making jewelry, walking dogs in the neighborhood or just playing basketball with his friends.  As long as it isn't covered by the criminal code, it's probably an interest you want to encourage.

4.  Help kids find a love of learning.
When you ask a successful college applicant what his or her favorite class, subject or teacher is, she's got an answer.  Grades are important, but they are not the only measure of a student's academic potential; nor are the test scores.  A sincere interest in learning goes a long way with teachers and with colleges.

If your student thrives on a math class and even joined the math club, share your student's excitement with them, and encourage them to pursue their she love for math.  SHARE in the enjoyment.  If your student is fascinated with , ask her how she might be able to learn more and decide together whether to buy some books, take a class, or maybe just do some bird-watching.  If your son raves about his history teacher, let him know how lucky he is and ask him to tell you more.  Don't tie academic enjoyment to grades alone.  Curious learners are always appealing to colleges, and that intellectual love of learning is something you can foster in your kids. 

5.  Relax.
Much of the information you hear about seemingly 'perfect kids' being rejected from college  and is usually exaggerated because no one is "perfect".  There are more than 4,000 colleges in this country and there is a school for every student. When the school is right, the money will follow.  Good kids who work hard, even if they aren't "A" students, still get into plenty of colleges.  So let your kids be kids.  They don't need to spend all their time maximizing strengths, fixing weaknesses and molding themselves into future college students.  Let them play and hang out with their friends and maybe even goof off a little. 

When your kid is 12, 13 or 14, you're not going to make a mistake that will keep your child out of college someday.  So relax, and encourage your kids to do the same.

DIVISION 1 SPORTS IN COLLEGE

Tonight, CBS Scott Pelley talks about gang members in Division I sport athletes and the impact it has on teams, schools, etc.  See his report!

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31727_162-57334216-10391695/violent-gangs-impact-college-sports/?tag=contentBody;cbsCarousel

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SUBMIT UC AND CSU APPLICATIONS FOR FALL, 2012

Today,  November 30th is the final day to submit both of your UC application    and CSU applications   (http://www.csumentor.edu/AdmissionApp/) for the fall 2012 term.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you hit submit:

1. If you have any technical problems or questions about the application (including how to change submitted information), contact the University of California, or Cal State University.

2. Provide an email account that you will check regularly and keep until you enroll in a college. Email addresses must be no more than 50 characters.

3. The personal statement is your opportunity to give us information about your achievements that you have not provided elsewhere in the application. Speak in your own voice and use specific examples to give us the picture of who you are.

If you are thinking about applying to the Fall of 2013, perhaps you will want to get some assistance and guidance. We are available to help you with both your application and financial aid.

SAT and ACT Test Dates To Register for

For Juniors who are looking to take their SAT and/or ACT tests here are some dates to note

ACT

12/10/11

Standby Testing

 

SAT/Subject Tests

12/3/11

Standby Testing

 

1/28/12

Register

THE ON-LINE VERSIONS OF THE COMMON APPLICATION, WHY IT IS DISLIKED

The feedback that we have both experienced and heard back from students is that almost everyone has learned to dislike the Common Application and even more so now that the rules, forms, and procedures have changed without helpful guidance. 

The complaint that we hear from students is that they continue to struggled with the online application and high schools are unclear about their policies and adapt to the new rules in differing ways.  That leaves everyone in a quandary.

 

When we asked the college admissions administrators to answer some of the questions that students have about the Common Application, they denied our requests and referred us to the creators of the Common Application.   HOwever, after searching, we did come up with some answers to the questions asked with the following: “Students can find detailed instructions on how to create alternate versions of their application in the ‘Application Versions’ section of the main instructions page.” For all follow up questions, the response was, “Again, I will direct you to the instructions regarding alternate versions.” Helpful? Nope! The “detailed instructions” make us dizzy.

 

The Common Application's values are "integrity, equity, reliability, access, service." We would like to add to that "confusion." 

 

While working with our students, we always instruct them to customize their application to the specific school to which they are applying so they can ensure that they are showing WHY they specifically want to attend that school. The Common Application does not make that easy. They encourage students to dutifully follow their guidelines and submit one Common Application to all of your schools. We reject this approach. Fortunately, you can create up to 10 different versions. The Common Application does not want you to do this, so it makes it difficult, but it’s well within the rules. Some students make different versions if they decide to write a new essay or want to add an accomplishment. As well, many students make different version so that they can customized essays. Some students will send entirely different essays to different schools, especially if school-specific supplements compel them to mix-and-match. (For instance, you might write a great ‘in the nation’s service’ supplement for Princeton that then becomes your main essay for other schools.)  The only catch is that the Common Application lets you make only 10 versions (it was 20 in previous years).

 

Some students apply to more than 10 schools and might want to create more than 10 versions of the Common Application in order to include customized ‘why’ essays appended to their personal statements or additional information essays. The Common Application will not allow this. However, because many schools ask for separate ‘why’ essays in their supplements, it’s highly unlikely that you’d submit more than 10 customized personal statements. Therefore, you can make one version with your generic essays and submit that version to all the schools with separate why essays. You then make customized versions for those schools that do not ask for separate ‘why’ essays.  Please note that the decision to ‘why’ essays to schools that do not ask for them is entirely up to you. We recommend doing so. However, if you choose to go with all generic essays, then you don’t need to worry about different Common Application versions.

 

Are you still confused?  Look at the demo presentation provided for by the Common Application.  We are still assisting students with their application through December 15th.   The Class of 2013 should take note, we are signing up students now.

Watch the DEMO of the Common Application here ---

https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/CommonAppDemo.aspx?src=S

NOW THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED APPLICATIONS, ITS TIME FOR FINANCIAL AID

 Financial Aid is one of the biggest, if not THE largest concern any student or their family have when looking at where a student should attend school.

Many times, parents right off at the start give us a list of where their children can go to school because of the way they perceive the financial aid process to be, not taking into account that IF the school is the right place the money WILL follow.

If you are applying to colleges this year, go with the school that feels right, not the cost of the school.

As the financial aid season starts its kick off on January 1, 2012, families and students will want to know where to start.  Here is a list of where to begin----

• Submit Your FAFSA

The FAFSA must be completed if you want to qualify for any financial aid.  Do not minimize the importance of completing this form properly.  The US Department of Education said the majority of people fill out the FAFSA form in such a way that they do not receive all the aid for which they are eligible.

• Register for and Submit the CSS Profile
Many private schools require the Profile form, which includes additional financial and personal information.  This is due on March 2nd.

• Complete Any Institutional Form
Many schools have their own forms that need to be completed in addition to the ones already mentioned.

Many of you will think this is where it ends, but it only the start.

When we work with students, one of the first questions we ask families is whether or not they plan to file a FAFSA, and we encourage everyone to do so, even if your salary is $500,000 per year.

While our counselors are guiding your child into the schools which are right for them, our financial aid experts are busy working with you or your family at

• Confirming the Accuracy of the SAR and Make Adjustments, if any.

• Analysis of Financial Aid Awards


• Direct Appeals Process

 • College Loans

• Recommendations to Reduce Your EFC

• Implementation of Strategies to Reduce Your EFC


• College Tracking List


• College Statistics



and they keep an


• College Payment Plan• On-going Communication so that you can get through all 4 years.


While there are a lot of computerized programs that do an excellent job, it is a real balance to match students with schools and then with a strategy work out the money issues.




If you feel you need assistance, please feel free to contact our offices for additional details.

CALIFORNIA ISTATE UNIVERSITY TO RAISE TUITION AGAIN!

Today, several news agencies have reported the the CSU Board of Trustees will meet in Long Beach, California to discuss a tuition increase if "Plan A" does not work.

The CSU system to ask the State of California for an additional sum of $138.3 million to help keep all 23 campuses functioning.  If the state turns down the request,  that sum will be passed on to student in the amount of an additional $498. 00 per student, bringing the in state tuition rate to approximately $6,000.00 per year.

For many students, it will hurt, but in comparing it to its sister university system,THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA,  it is still a wonderful bargain to many students.

To hear more on this topic view this video.  Tell us what you think!

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/11/16/cal-state-trustees-to-vote-on-ninth-tuition-hike-in-9-years/

NEW ALTERNATIVES TO A 4-YEAR COLLEGE

This past week, we visited several different schools.  These are not schools that are considered "top tier" within a traditional college or university, but they are top notch in what they do.

These schools were:

• Vidal Sassoon Academy
• Toni and Guy, and 
• LA Music Academy

A traditional college is not necessarily cut out for every student.  Some student are looking for the "TRADES" as they are known.  These schools are in the top tier levels within their profession and students come to these schools from all over the world.

Vidal Sassoon and Toni and Guy are schools hair salons specializing in specific hair coloring and cutting techniques.  The L.A. Music Academy is a state of the art school which specializes in assisting students interested in playing guitar, drums, piano or going to voice to have a chance to advance to amazing levels of expertise.

There appears to be a common thread that all these schools has.....  they all focus "intensely" on the topic that wants to be learned by students.  If a student is in college and wants to specialize in one of these fields, they can go into these programs to perfect their training.  If they are in high school and want to pursue a different way of life, that is available too.

Vidal Sassoon Academy has the mission to share the knowledge that we gain in the development of our craft.  From the heart of their creative system in London, the Sassoon courses are developed, honed and delivered around the globe through their schools, academies and education centers.

Sassoon courses are developed and designed to be contemporary, relevant and forward thinking and are delivered with passion, commitment and technical excellence.  Students will be inspired, with real commercial skills and receive an insight into the unique culture that is Sassoon.

The Sassoon in-salon seminars are ideally suited to small audiences and can last from one to five days, depending on the depth or level of education required.  The environment allows for a high degree of detailed instruction, where every day begins with a demonstration, and the afternoon is devoted to hands-on learning.
. The optional addition of 'walk on presentation models can provide impact in illustrating the finished looks. The in-salon seminar format can be delivered in an alternative venue, should your salon not be spacious enough.

At TONI AND GUY, the focus is a little different.   The schools philosophy is that if you have got a creative flair, passion for people, and the desire to be a leader in the fashion industry, this is the school for you.

This school has built a reputation as a leader in the hairdressing industry. What began 40 years ago as a single, small salon in London has evolved into a worldwide brand synonymous with fashion, quality, and innovation.

An education at TONI& GUY HAIRDRESSING ACADEMY feels more like working in a salon than taking classes in a beauty school because of their unique student experience and our commitment to preparing students for successful careers in hairdressing.  Students don’t just complete Cosmetology State Board exams with confidence; they graduate and leave ready to embark on successful, exciting careers in a vibrant, sizzling industry.

The LA Music Academy building was originally built in the 1940’s for a school of NASA scientists to build satellites. The announcement in 1969 that "the first man on the moon" came out of an office in this building.   The schools is small with an average of 150 students attending each year.   There are over 40 faculty members on-staff, with a student/teacher ratio of 4 to 1.

The building’s facilities include large, modern classrooms equipped with Mackie Sound Systems, Yamaha drumsets with Zildjian cymbals, and Tech 21 guitar and Gallien-Krueger bass amps.
Through the school, students can have resources to apartment style living at a small discounted rate.  Most students live close to the campus, and can find activities and a fun life style close to all the schools, but there are no dorms.

The LA Music Academy was founded in 1996 as a consortium of musicians and instructors who wanted to create a unique learning environment for talented students. Many faculty members had taught at other Los Angeles schools and on the East Coast.   These musicans wanted to combine what they felt were the best attributes of these schools into a one-of-a kind curriculum.

Pasadena was chosen as an ideal location because of its safe streets and neighborhoods, still relatively close to the LA music scene with its nightclubs, concert venues, recording studios and entertainment companies.

The Recording Lab is a 625 square-foot studio-quality “floating construction” room that includes three iso-booths and a neighboring drum room. The Computer Lab is outfitted with ten 20” iMacs® and a 52” LCD monitor for instructor demonstrations. Each computer has Digidesign ProTools LE® software and an MBox2® recording interface. Ten fully-equipped practice labs are for drummers. Five practice labs and several practice stations are for guitar and bass players, as well as vocalists. The performance hall has room for 25 players onstage and holds an audience of 160.
Starbucks coffee shop is just a half a block away and Saladang Restaurant, a favorite with students.  Pasadena's Old Town is within walking distance.

Financial Aid is available to all students, and the LA Music Academy has scholarships available in addition to federal funded grants.  One of their famous alumni is David Archuleta from American Idol.

http://lamusicacademy.edu/jm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=141&Itemid=10


What comes across in these schools is that a great education is give in a a non traditional college.  It  is important to remember that  a traditional college is not necessarily cut out for every student.  Some student are looking for the "TRADES" as they are known.  These schools are in the top tier levels within their profession and students come to these schools from all over the world.

Both, Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy are schools hair salons specializing in specific hair coloring and cutting techniques.  The L.A. Music Academy is a state of the art school which specializes in assisting students interested in playing guitar, drums, piano or going to voice to have a chance to advance to amazing levels of expertise.

What ever your passion is, follow it!  It may not be in a traditional college.  A traditional four year college is a well rounded program, but if you want to focus on specifics, this might be a good choice.   Tuition at each of these school ranges around $ 20,000 to $ 25,000 for tuition only. Living expenses are an additional expense.

TAKE A MOMENT TO GIVE THANKS THIS THANKSGIVING

As we approach the holidays, please enjoy this like and give thanks, no matter how difficult things are for you this year!

http://us.mg4.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?.rand=0gc2kqv05b3og

THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

The California State University (CSU) is a public university system  in the California. It is one of the three public higher education systems in the state, the other two being the University of California (which has 10 campuses, 9 for undergraduates) system and the two year California Community College  system ( which has 109 schools statewide).





The CSU system is composed of 23 campuses and has over 400,000 students supported by 47,000 faculty members and staff.   It is the largest senior system of higher education in the U. S.
CSU prepares about 60% of the teachers in the state, 40% of the engineering graduates ( Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Pomona always have a float in the Pasadena New Year's Day Parade made by students), and more graduates in business, agriculture, communications, health, and public administration than all other California universities and colleges combined. Altogether, about half the bachelor degrees and a third of the master degrees awarded annually in California are from the CSU.

Since 1961 nearly 2.5 million alumni have received a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from the university system. CSU offers more than 1,800 degree programs in some 240 subject areas.  They are open to those who want to go to a college and not interested in taking the SAT or ACT tests.

These schools depending on the campus, cater to all types of students, including those who are seeking to attend school in the U.S. as a resident from abroad or international student.

If you are interested in attending a Cal State School, it is important to remember some facts.

1)  The CSU system is a non test school

2)  The CSU entrance requirement to attend the school is 2.0 in all subjects!

3)   Foreign Students are required to take a proficiency test in English

4)   Like its sister system the University of California, while all schools are the same, they all have different personalities, so it is important to to know about each campus

5) CSU Long Beach is the #1 campus with almost 75,000 applocations each year, and very difficult to gain admissions to.s

6) The tuition is much less than the University of California Schools.

The CSU is a leader in high-quality, accessible, student-focused higher education. With 23 campuses, almost 412,000 students, and 43,000 faculty and staff, we are the largest, the most diverse, and one of the most affordable university systems in the country.

If you want additional information go to www.csu.edu   APPLICATION MUST BE FILED BY NOVEMEBER 30, 2011 AT 11;59 P.M. IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FALL 2012 ADMISSION.

THE COMMON APPLICATION -- ONE APPLICATION TO ALL THESE SCHOOLS

If you are like most students, you will be completing the common app to at least one school you are applying to.  This past year, 48 schools joined the common app process bringing the total number of school to 456, out of the 4,000 schools nationwide ( not including the "for profit" schools like Kaplan, Phoenix, etc)

Here is a list of the schools that are on the common app.  Most of them will be around come college fair time...    There are now 456 Common Application members in 46 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in France, Germany, Italy, Scotland, and Switzerland. They represent an enormously diverse variety of institutions: small and large, public and private, coed and single-sex, highly selective and relatively open enrollment. However, they all share a commitment to the mission of promoting access through holistic admissions

Adelphi University Agnes Scott College Alaska Pacific University Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Albion College Albright College Alfred University Allegheny College American University Amherst College Arcadia University Assumption College Augsburg College Augustana College (Illinois) Augustana College (South Dakota) Austin College Babson College Baldwin-Wallace College Bard College Barnard College Bates College Belmont University Beloit College Bennington College Bentley University Berry College Birmingham Southern College Boston College Boston University Bowdoin College Bradley University Brandeis University Brown University Bryant University Bryn Mawr College Bucknell University Burlington College Butler University Caldwell College California Institute of Technology (Caltech) California Lutheran University Canisius College Carleton College Carnegie Mellon University Carroll College (Montana) Carroll University Case Western Reserve University Castleton State College Cazenovia College Cedar Crest College Centenary College (Louisiana) Centenary College (NJ) Centre College Champlain College Chapman University Chatham University Christian Brothers University Christopher Newport University Claremont McKenna College Clarkson University Clark University Coe College Colby College Colby-Sawyer College Colgate University College of Mount Saint Vincent College of the Atlantic College of the Holy Cross College of William & Mary College of Wooster Colorado College Colorado State University Columbia College Chicago Columbia University Concordia College Concordia University Connecticut College Converse College Cornell College Cornell University Creighton University Curry College Daemen College Dartmouth College Davidson College Denison University DePaul University DePauw University DeSales University Dickinson College Dominican University of California Dowling College Drake University Drew University Drexel University Drury University Duke University Earlham College Eastern Connecticut State University Eckerd College Elizabethtown College Elmira College Emerson College Emmanuel College Emory University Fairfield University Fisk University Flagler College Florida Institute of Technology Florida Southern College Fontbonne University Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College Franklin College Switzerland Franklin Pierce University Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering Furman University Gannon University Gettysburg College Gonzaga University Goshen College Goucher College Green Mountain College Grinnell College Guilford College Gustavus Adolphus College Hamilton College Hamline University (Minnesota) Hampden-Sydney College Hampshire College Hanover College Hartwick College Harvard University Harvey Mudd College Haverford College Hendrix College Hillsdale College Hiram College Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University Hollins University Hood College Hope College Howard University Husson University Illinois College Illinois Institute of Technology Illinois Wesleyan University Immaculata University Iona College Ithaca College Jacobs University Bremen John Cabot University in Rome John Carroll University Johns Hopkins University Johnson State College Juniata College Kalamazoo College Keene State College Kenyon College Keystone College King's College Knox College Lafayette College Lake Erie College Lake Forest College La Salle University Lasell College Lawrence Technological University Lawrence University Lehigh University Le Moyne College Lesley College Lewis & Clark College Linfield College Lipscomb University List College The Jewish Theological Seminary Long Island University Brooklyn Campus Long Island University - C.W. Post Campus Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Maryland Loyola University New Orleans Luther College Lycoming College Lyndon State College Lynn University Macalester College Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marietta College Marist College Marlboro College Marquette University Marymount Manhattan College Maryville University of St. Louis Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences McDaniel College Menlo College Mercyhurst College Meredith College Merrimack College Miami University (Ohio) Middlebury College Millsaps College Mills College Moravian College Morehouse College Mount Holyoke College Mount Saint Mary College Mount St. Mary's College Muhlenberg College Naropa University Nazareth College Newbury College New College of Florida New England College New School - Eugene Lang College New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) New York University Niagara University Nichols College Northeastern University Northland College Northwestern University Notre Dame de Namur University Notre Dame of Maryland University Oberlin College Occidental College Oglethorpe University

Ohio Northern University Ohio Wesleyan University Oklahoma City University Otterbein University Pace University Pacific Lutheran University Pacific University Pepperdine University Philadelphia University Pitzer College Plymouth State University Polytechnic Institute of New York University Pomona College Presbyterian College Prescott College Princeton University Providence College Quinnipiac University Ramapo College of New Jersey Randolph College Randolph-Macon College Reed College Regis College Regis University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island College Rhodes College Rice University Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Rider University Ringling College of Art and Design Ripon College Rochester Institute of Technology Roger Williams University Rollins College Rosemont College Russell Sage College Sacred Heart University Sage College of Albany Saint Anselm College Saint Francis University Saint John's University (College of Saint Benedict) Saint Joseph's College of Maine Saint Joseph's University Saint Leo University Saint Louis University Saint Martin's University Saint Mary's College of California Saint Mary's College of Indiana Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Saint Michael's College Saint Peter's College Saint Vincent College Salem College Salisbury University Salve Regina University Samford University Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College School of the Art Institute of Chicago Scripps College Seattle Pacific University Seattle University Seton Hall University Seton Hill University Sewanee: The University of the South Siena College Sierra Nevada College Simmons College Skidmore College Smith College Southern Methodist University Southern New Hampshire University Southwestern University Spelman College Spring Hill College Stanford University St. Bonaventure University St. Catherine University St. Edward's University Stephens College Stetson University Stevens Institute of Technology Stevenson University St. John Fisher College St. John's College (MD) St. John's College (NM) St. Joseph's College - Brooklyn Campus St. Joseph's College - Long Island Campus St. Lawrence University St. Mary's College of Maryland St. Norbert College St. Olaf College Stonehill College St. Thomas Aquinas College Suffolk University SUNY Binghamton University SUNY Buffalo State College SUNY College at Brockport SUNY College at Geneseo SUNY College at Old Westbury SUNY College at Oneonta SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry SUNY Cortland SUNY Fredonia SUNY Institute of Technology SUNY Maritime College SUNY Morrisville State College SUNY New Paltz SUNY Oswego SUNY Plattsburgh SUNY Potsdam SUNY Purchase College SUNY Stony Brook University SUNY University at Albany SUNY University at Buffalo Susquehanna University Swarthmore College Sweet Briar College Syracuse University Texas Christian University The American University of Paris The American University of Rome The Catholic University of America The College of Idaho The College of New Jersey The College of New Rochelle The College of Saint Rose The George Washington University The University of Scranton The University of Tulsa Thiel College Thomas College Towson University Transylvania University Trinity College Trinity University Tufts University Union College University of Chicago University of Connecticut University of Dallas University of Dayton University of Delaware University of Denver University of Evansville University of Findlay University of Great Falls University of Hartford University of Kentucky University of LaVerne University of Maine University of Maine at Farmington University of Maine at Machias University of Maryland, Baltimore County University of Mary Washington University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Massachusetts Boston University of Massachusetts Dartmouth University of Massachusetts Lowell University of Miami University of Michigan University of New England University of New Hampshire University of New Haven University of New Orleans University of North Carolina Asheville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Portland University of Puget Sound University of Redlands University of Rhode Island University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California University of Southern Maine University of St Andrews University of Tampa University of the Pacific University of the Sciences University of Vermont University of Virginia Ursinus College Utica College Valparaiso University Vanderbilt University Vassar College Villanova University Wabash College Wagner College Wake Forest University Wartburg College Washington and Lee University Washington College Washington & Jefferson College Washington University in St. Louis Webster University Wellesley College Wells College Wentworth Institute of Technology Wesleyan University Western New England University Westminster College (Missouri) Westminster College (Pennsylvania) Westminster College (Utah) Westmont College Wheaton College Wheeling Jesuit University Wheelock College Whitman College Whittier College Whitworth University Willamette University William Jewell College Williams College Wilson College Wittenberg University Wofford College Worcester Polytechnic Institute Xavier University Xavier University of Louisiana Yale University

BELOIT COLLEGE HAS SCHOLARSHIP MONEY TO GIVE OUT

Beloit College,  a member of the "Schools that Change People Lives" is a school which sits on a hill, overlooking a river, in a city “full of decent, goodhearted, salt-of-the-earth people, who are free of pretension and just want to have a good time”  This is how the Indie-Punk Band Titus Andronicus, in a 2010 Pitchfork Magazine Interview characterized it.

Today an email message came to us that they want to remind students of their merit scholarship opportunities.


Recognizing that the highest levels of student talent and preparation provide a foundation for overall academic excellence, Beloit College has a long-standing tradition of rewarding students for their accomplishments and potential through their merit scholarship program.

We invite you to consider the scholarships for which you are qualified and encourage you to apply for admission under our non-binding Early Action deadline of December 1.

All of Beloit's application and scholarship details are available online with complete instructions. Please note that the Music Scholarships require a separate online application process.

If you are interested, go to www.beloit.edu or contact Jim Zielinski,  Director of Admissions. admiss@beloit.edu

The Office of Admissions is located at  700 College St., Beloit, WI 53511    Phone: 608-363-2500
1-800-9BELOIT   FAX: 608-363-2075

CAN A STUDENT WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES SUCCEED IN COLLEGE?

Every year, I get the same question.  "I have a child who has ADHD,,,,  can they succeed in college? Is there a school for them?"

The answer is YES.  There are lots of colleges for students who are confronted with ADD, ADHD, Aspergers, and Autism.  Because they suffer with a learning issue of how they process the information does not mean that they are not capable of handling college work.

Depending on the level of disability, the number of schools available to these students will vary, but there will be a school for your child.  All Schools in the US are required by Federal Mandate to have a minimal standard set forth by each state in the union for those who suffer with learning disabilities.  For students who are mild with the difference, the choice may be wilder.  For those who need assistance and counseling, special testing centers, and connection with their families,  those schools while more limited are available.  What is more interesting is that these students many times go on and obtain graduate degrees.

Learning disabilities, or learning differences as they are now called, are an umbrella term for a wide variety of learning problems. A learning disability is not a problem with intelligence or motivation. Kids with learning disabilities aren’t lazy or dumb. In fact, most are just as smart as everyone else. Their brains are simply wired differently. This difference affects how they receive and process information.

Simply put, children and adults with learning disabilities see, hear, and understand things differently. This can lead to trouble with learning new information and skills, and putting them to use. The most common types of learning disabilities involve problems with reading, writing, math, reasoning, listening, and speaking.

If you have a child who is bright, witty, and has talent, do not let them go by the wayside because you are fearful.  There is a school for your child.  If you suspect or know that your child's learning difficulties may require special assistance, please do not delay in finding support. The sooner you move forward, the better your child's chances for reaching his or her full potential.  The College Admissions Consultant is able to assist you.  Starting early is the key to success for these people!

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

Southern Methodist University, founded in 1911 by what is now known as the United Methodist Church. SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and is committed to the values of academic freedom and open inquiry.  Today, with a student body of over 11,000 students from every state in the U.S. and over 90 foreign countries, SMU is a university for students of all faiths, as well as a school where open discussions of faith are welcomed.  Many resources are available for students who wish to pursue a spiritual path.

The "University Worship" is a community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends in the United Methodist tradition and is open to all. In addition to a convenient and student-friendly worship service, there are many opportunities for you to be actively involved in the service if you wish.

The School offers over 180 different organizations.   Located in Dallas, Texas,  it is a vibrant community and unbridled thinking that make SMU such an innovative and exciting place to live and learn. You can also benefit from the internship and employment opportunities found in Dallas.

Scholarships are available and all diversities are encouraged to apply. Some of their website is in Spanish!

SMU is on the common app.... and they also have their own app if you wish to go that route.

  If you have any questions or wish to get additional information on this school. go to http://www.smu.edu  or contact  Wes Waggoner,  Dean of Undergraduate Admission, Southern Methodist University,  6185 Airline Road,  Dallas, TX 75275-0181

TOURING ADMISSIONS OFFICES

As we tour colleges this season,  we are going to start a new series on our blog.....  this series is going to give you an overview of some of the colleges and universities which we visit in hopes that it will assist those of you now looking at colleges across the country to reach out and embrace what different community and areas of the country have to offer.

In this series we are going to point out some of the highlights which we learn about as we tour schools.  Our first school on this series will be the LA Music Academy located in Pasadena, California.

We met them when we were mingling at the National Associations College Admissions Counselor ( NACAC) "Fine Arts"  College Fair.

CHATHAM UNIVERSITY IS AN ALL WOMEN'S COLLEGE, INTERESTED?

Are you looking for a women's college?   Chatham University  is an all women's college located in Pittsburg, Pa,   They provide their students with the social consciousness, environmental awareness, leadership abilities and communication skills to make a difference in their futures and the lives of those around them.

Some of the highlights to note on Chatham are that they have these unique qualities to offer:

• Student-to-faculty ratio of 10-to-1
• More than 40 academic majors
• Internship and experiential learning opportunities
• Ability to create your own major
• Accelerated Graduate Program – earn a Bachelor's and Master's degree in as few as 5 years
• Tuition assistance, grants and scholarships available
• A thriving and exciting city location – Pittsburgh, Pa.

STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR EARLY DECISION TO CANISIUS COLLEGE

There are 3 days left until the November 15^th application deadline. How would you like to know your plans for next year before the holidays? If you apply to Canisius by November 15^th, you’ll have admission and scholarship notification by December 15^th – just in time to enjoy the season with your friends and family. 

Canisius students are motivated, bright and in-demand. In fact, 92% of our students work or study in their fields after graduation.

 If you have any questions, please contact your admissions counselor, Mollie Strasser. We look forward to reviewing your application. Sincerely,
Molle Ballaro
Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Check it out --   http://www.canisius.edu/

WHAT DO COLLEGES LOOK FOR IN ADMITTING STUDENTS?

Every day people contact us to get a better idea of what it is that we do and the first question most of the time is " What does it take to get into this school or that school?".  There is no ONE answer to this questions, but we can look at what schools will look at to get in.  Every school is different. Some colleges are much more difficult to gain admission to than others.  As a general rule, you will want to be in the top 50% of your class.

What we can spell out for you is what schools look for.  They look for 3 main factors.  These factors are as follows:

1) Academic ( and the rigor of each class)

2) Test Scores

3) Extra-Curricular Involvement

ACADEMICS is the first thing that always stands out. Academics means specifically, what is your G.P.A. ( Grade Point Average).  One of the first things that a college admissions committee will look at is your G.P.A.  Your GPA or Grade Point Average is comprised of all the grades you’ve earned on your high school transcript and averaged together.  Another thing you may here is "class rank", however,  there are other factors that come into play as well.  For example if you are interested in Ivy League  the closer you can get to #1 in your class, the better.  If you are looking at some of the more Elite and Highly Selective Schools, students should strive to be the top 10% of the class.  If you feel that you don't want that type of pressure or you don't fit into these categories, the more traditional state universities may be a good choice as they will accept students ranging from the top 10% to 50%.  Additionally, not all state schools require test scores, such as the Cal State Universities.  However this all said,  this is a general guideline, not an absolute.  There are exceptions to the rule, and this is where a college consultant can be very beneficial. 

It is important to know that when colleges receive a transcript from you for evaluation, chances are they will want to see what courses you chose to take in college.  Did you challenge yourself, or did you take relatively easy courses that you could get an easy A in or did you try to challenge yourself?

A  rigorous case load is important in demonstrating to your prospective college that you are capable of handling college level work.  Those students who earning a high GPA, but didn’t take any challenging courses in high school run the risk of being denied admission based on their weak course selection. 

Next, is test scores. Here, we are talking about the ACT and SAT scores .  If you are an International student,  you will be looking at the TOEFL.  People get very anxious at these tests, and this needs to be put into perspective.  These tests should be taken in their sophomore and junior years.  

Because most schools work on a "sliding scale", the higher your GPA is, the lower the SAT or ACT test score can be to gain admission. On the other side of the coin, the lower the GPA the higher the SAT or ACT test scores must be.   Almost all schools today accept both the SAT or ACT.  

The ACT test is a curriculum based test which means they test you on what you should have learned in the classroom.  The SAT test is based on experiences you should have been introduced to by the time you are 15 or 16.  Most of the Elite and Highly Selective schools will require you submit an SAT score for admission, so if you are looking at the Ivy League plan on taking the SAT test.

 

The next two admission factors are little more involved, but lesser known than the obvious grades and test scores.  First,  when a college admissions committee receives a transcript from you for evaluation, chances are they will want to see what courses you chose to take to get  into college.  The questions they will want to ask are "Did this student challenge themselves?", or "Did this student take the easier road traveled and takecourses that would give them an easy A?

 

The second variable that a college admissions committee look are what student does outside of the classroom.  Some Colleges are moving to a more holistic approach when they are evaluating potential students.   Having strong, passionate, and involvement in extra-curricular activities is a major plus.  These actiyities can be work, classes, community service, etc.  Today, colleges and universities want to see that  the students they welcome are well-rounded and not just top grades and scores.

There are other factors which also going into the process, and discovering what those factors are a soul searching quest.   

College admissions is getting more competitive every year.  When asking the question: What Do Colleges Look For In Students?, know it is not a simple answer.  We are all different. Every incoming freshman class is different, and trying to get any clue as to how you will fair as you try to gain admissions into a college or university is one no one can answer until those acceptance letters are sent out.

If you feel you are having problems in connecting the dots and are looking for a very polished presentation, consider contacting us.  We point students and their families toward college success.

COLLEGE RANKINGS AND MORE; HOW TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS

Every year, we hear kids tell us they want to go to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, USC, UCLA, Stanford, and many more top tier schools.  We hear it over and over again.   After a student rambles off a list of schools they plan to attend. We then quietly ask the student why  they have chosen these schools on there list.  Usually, the student stops a moment, looks around the room, and then in a blank stare states in one way or another  "that it is a good school",  "it has a great football team",  " my parents went there", or better yet, they have no specific reason as to how they came up with their list. 

Colleges today, want to know WHY you are applying.   Are you impressed by their world-famous architectural and fine art program?  Have you researched their well-known Biology department?   Have you connected the dots with their abroad programs?  Legacy counts, but not like it used to.

Most of the time, students with particular interests do themselves a very big disservice by not bothering to check out all the schools available to them, and then look to see if in fact the schools on their list match their academic interests ( and beyond).   

What do we mean by this?  Let's say you like interior design.  You want to apply to a school such as the University of San Diego because of its beauty, but it does not offer anything in interior design----  the school can not meet your needs, and you will get a reject letter rather quickly.  Perhaps you are looking into being an Language Major with a minor in ancient history.  If you don't do the research properly, you most likely will miss a school that ends up being top in the country in that particular area.

If you are choosing a college solely based on its overall US News and World Report ranking you might find that this is very often misleading. Many students do do this, and then the problems begin!  Sure, US News has spent a lot of time devising a precise formula for what they believe are the most important factors on which to evaluate a school, but schools pay services like the college board and US News to keep them in top tier positions.   

Publications like the US News or College Board, use a formula that is used by these types of publications that “uses quantitative measures that education experts have proposed as reliable indicators of academic quality, and it's based on [their] researched view of what matters in education.” This formula when applied separates colleges by their mission and region.  It then evaluates them on sixteen indicators of academic excellence, including assessment by administrators at peer institutions, retention of students, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving. 

Therefore, while a school may rank high on its scores in each category, one issue that will not be important to you as an entering freshman is whether or not alumni give to the school, nor is it likely to tell you whether that school has a fabulous planetary science program, with the most distinguished professor in the country in the area of Martian cratering studies. 

If you are a student who might be interested in the sciences and engineering,  you might originally be gung-ho and even dead set on attending Harvard, MIT, or Princeton.   However, by not exploring all options available to you, or by not keeping an open mind about the schools they you are applying to, you might not realize that the number one ranked school in the country at the moment is actually the California Institute of Technology, and that the selection of students is different than that of other similar schools.   (The weather is also nicer all year round too.)  You will miss out on an amazing school with a unique campus!

How do you decide on which schools might meet your needs?   There are several places to initially search, and a consultant can often focus you in the right direction much faster.  It is often helpful to consult the graduate rankings in a publication like US News and World Report, keeping in mind that sometimes graduate programs and faculty are separate from the undergraduate, sometimes shared. 

What you have to keep in mind is that once you have that list of schools which are of interest to you, look through their web sites, marketing packages they send to you, their course guides and other  published information to see if the schools you are considering are in fact strong in your area(s) of interest, and make notes....  then start to reduce your list.   Take a tour of the school, and visit the dorms, the food courts, and libraries.  Visiting a school is very valuable to your decision.  See how it feels to you... you will know rather quickly as you tour different schools.  A good consultant can assist you will all of your needs and questions.

Make an INFORMED decision about where you are applying and why.  If you feel you need help in making your college choices, developing your essays or brag sheets, or planning out your program to prepare yourself for college applications or to make a transfer to another school, contact us for assistance. THIS IS YOUR 4 YEARS!

A MESSAGE TO ALL SENIOR APPLYING TO COLLEGE THIS YEAR

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The College Admissions Consultant hopes that this message finds all  of you seniors are feeling great about the Early Decision and Early Action applications you’ve submitted. The statistics coming out indicate a surge in the early round this year. It’s been reported, for instance, that Duke DUKE had 2,716 early decision applications, a 23% increase over last fall. Johns Hopkins said it had received 1,440 applications to its binding program, an increase of nearly 8 % increase, and   nearly 1,800 applied through Dartmouth’s Early Decision program, a 2 % increase.  The competition this year is KEEN!

As we are working with students to help them  "perfect"  their applications, even as the 2011 application year draw to a close, it is still not to late late to let us assist you in reviewing your application(s) or offer you some Essay Guidance and Editing help. 

For those who have made an early strategy should still be honing your applications for the regular round in the event you get deferred or rejected, and regular applications are even MORE important for those of you who didn’t choose an early school. 

We are pleased to be able to continue offering our exclusive Application Review and Essay/Resume Guidance combined program.  We’ll only be offering this until December 15, 2011; so don’t delay. This is the perfect solution for those students who weren’t able to join us for our four-day Application Boot Camp in August.

For juniors, registration is now open for   our one on one individualize consultation and Summer 2012 Application Workships.  We are offering four sessions in Summer 2012. The sooner you sign up, the sooner we write your comprehensive evaluative report so you can use our strategies for the remainder of the year.

HARD DECISIONS FOR THOSE WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES

This is an article for anyone who has a child with learning differences to read.  We want to call them "Differences" instead of "Disabilities" because truthfully, they do not have a disability, they just learn in different ways.

When a family has hopes for a child, yet has to face those hopes  with learning differences, it makes for anxiety with all involved, but with the assistance of a good consultant that learns about different programs and travels around the country to visit these schools and what they have to offer, it can often help a family overcome a lot of issues.

If you have a child with ADD, ADHD, Aspergers or high functioning Autism, you may want to entertain the idea of your child going to a school where they can excell,  consider a college consultant who understands these issues.  We are here to assist you and your family.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/education/edlife/hard-decisions-for-learning-disabled.html

FROM COLLEGE APPLICATIONS TO THE PROM -- YOU ARE BECOMING AN ADULT!

During any given day,  I try to keep current with the events of the day within the confines of college counseling, but today,  I came across something a little different and I realized that with college applications comes in the back of most high school student's minds "THE PROM".  Prom Night is what separates you from child and adult as you begin to think about graduation and entering college.

The PROM is probably one of the most important nights as well as one of the MOST important events in your life.  You will always look back one these days for better or worse.  It will rank some there with the day you get married for the first time.

FOR FUN  take a moment out to relax and "Watch this video"!

http://screen.yahoo.com/father-daughter-dance-medley-27138015.html