2012 Admissions Decisions at The Top Universities Across Americas

As we are preparing to meet the Presdential Debate Activities in Denver,. Colorado later today on the eve before the National Association of College Admissions Consultants starts their annual convention,  we have found a New York Times article that outlines  the numbers of applications verses the number of acceptances of the class of 2012 to some of the Top Tier Schools across America.

While we endorse the idea that students should do your best and know there is a school for you out there, you will note that weather you are looking to a top tier Ivy League School or a California School,  the chances of getting in are on average, 1:6, and for UC Schools it can be as high as 1:13.

This why college choice is so very important.  If you know the schools you are applying to, and they define you,  there is a strong chance that admissions officers will see it, and offer you a letter of acceptance.

So. How does and can an Independent College Consultant help you?  They can help you with curriculum choices, give ideas for essays, or review an application to make sure you have not left anything out.  Additionally, because they attend Conventions like the one we are attending tomorrow, it allows them to not only keep us up to date on all the new changes through continuing educational classes, but it allows us to talk to many of the admissions officers from all over the country and learn what is going on in their respective communities.  It also gives us a chance to introduce the current students we are working with to these officers or  let them know  that we think we have  a great fit for their schools0 (admissions officers do listen).

If you are struggling with the preparation for, or are struggling with your applications, contact us for a FREE 1/2 Consultation on how we can help you or visit our website at www.thecollegeadmissionsconsultant.com



 NY Times list of Top School Admissions Rates

COLLEGE ESSAYS ARE NOT ENGLISH CLASS COMPOSITIONS

It is at this time of year as students who are applying to college are looking at the college essays for the first time. Some are in shock with how broad the questions are and have no idea about what to write about.

College Counselors and English Teachers will spend some time with the students and help you remember how to form a 3-point essay.  Your family and friends may be happy with what you write and cheer you on, but the one thing they all forget is who this essay is for.

College Admissions Officers are looking at your essay to get to know about you.  It is the only thing that is not scored. It is the only human part of your application.  The essay that you write for your college application is not the same as you would write for your high school english teacher.  It is different.  This is where students and families get stuck.

Admissions officers read thousands of essays each and every year. Their job is to create the next incoming class of freshman.  They are trying to create a common thread among a lot of diversity.
It is not necessarily always about grades, or scores, it is a combination of who you are that gets you a yes, no, or maybe that becomes waitlisted.

If you are struggling with your college applications, check out some of the videos we are posting on our site to help students get a sense of what college admissions officers are looking for.  Why some get in and others don't.


THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT'S EDUTAINMENT

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY?

If Vanderbilt University is a school on your college list, take note!  Vanderbilt University is having a road show in Northern and Southern California

If you are interested in attending, sign up.

You can visit their website at    VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS ROADSHOW

For those taking September or October ACT or SAT – register soon for those tests even if you’re not sure you’re going to take any – give yourself the option if you don’t like your spring scores!
SAT: Registration for fall will be out shortly
ACT: http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html

Start your college research by going to www.CollegeProwler.com and each school’s web site to find out specifics. Research the departments in which you have a specific interest! Also, go to the school’s website and sign up on the admissions office page so you are in their data base. Go to the department page for the academic area you are interested in and note specific professors, collections, etc.

COLLEGE APPLICATION ERRORS

High School Students are realizing hat the time has come to submit their applications.  Many are just beginning to think about taking their SATs or ACTs.  Some are thinking about Scholarships and Financial Aid as the place to start, and some are so overwhelmed that they are just quitting before they begin.

This is not the best way to start the senior year, however, we take a student from where they are to bring them forward.

If you have not taken the SAT or ACT, better sign up now and have it done by NOVEMBER, 2012.  We recommend that students have all of their SATs and ACTs done by the end of the Junior Year to allow time to take an SAT or ACT again if they want to, or to concentrate on their college applications.

Many are starting to fill out their applications.  Here are the BIG 4 College  Appliication mistakes

Here are the common errs:

1)  Not Following the Instructions on the Application

2) Sending in an IN complete application

3) Redundantct

4) Sending too many letters of Recommendation

Today,  there is about 1 counselor for each 810 students,  With Education cuts,  this number could go higher.  There is not the time to give a student the true time they need for this process, and with busy parents working each day, the stress is increased.

Students are stressing out!  Parents can help their students by letting them complete the applications on their own, and writing their own essays and create their own resumes.  Colleges expect that someone will edit the material and double check grammar and spelling.  Parents can help in watching deadlines, (and there are plenty),  create a calendar and keep messages or a calendar book along with everything else in one area of the house.  

Don't. t add stress to a child, and take a moment out for some fun now and then.Many kids are burning the candle at both ends and at some point there is going to be a break.  Minimize this!

If you need help.. Call US (800) 591-5706.   We are trained professionals who can minimize the stress level in you and your child and get you to where you need to be.

THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT

High School Students need to be aware of powerr of social Medi

Are you preparing to apply to colleges of your choice?  

Well , take note!  According to  kcbs newsl  college admissions offices are now looking at facebook pages of applicants.

CBS news today reports that college admissions officers are now looking at the facebook page of an incoming class.  Your ON LINE reputation could put you at risk of not accepting a student.  10% of the admissions representatives are checking  is now being used evaluated a student .  Not all schools are using social media, but some do.

So keep these ideas in mind

Are you posting your grandmother would be proud of?

Are your old post cleaned up?.

Have you set your accounts to "personal"?

Have you set your accounts to private?

as you are submitting your applications this year, check what is out there by looking to see how y times you come up on social media! 

If you need help with your college essys,check ys out.

Worrying about College Essays?

I have been to a lot of informational discussions that talk about the "good old college essay", and I always come away feeling always  the same.....EMPTY---   no one REALLY can explain the core of the essay, and everyone wanted to hear something they could sink their teeth into.  For me,  it is really sad because it is the MOST important, Most Crucial, and MOST time consuming part of the entire process and worse, one essay is not enough!

The process of preparing for college  really needs to start in the 9th grade.  This is the time when a student should be mapping out their plans.  It might sound early, but it is not.  It does not mean you can not go if you dont start in the 9th grade, it just means that the longer you wait, the mose stress it will cost you and your family.

By the end of the 11th grade the ideal student should have taken all of their SATs, ACTs, AP Subject Tests, and be ready to look to college apps.  Doing this in the 12th grade like in the old days is too lateApplications start around the 15th of September if not a little sooner.

Right now, High School Seniors should be have their essays complete and be on the application process.  Schools have deadlines, and if you miss the deadline, you are our out till the next year, so deadlines are critical.

I can promise you that many students have not begun their essays, are not sure which schools are right.  I hear a lot of students say,  "I want to go to college, but I dont think I could get in".  Waiting is not going to help.  If you think you have learning issues, talk to someone.  If you are looking to play a sport and have not been recruited, talk to someone.  If you dont know what to do next, talk to someone.

If you are one of these students and you are beginning to sweat bullets about the admissions process, we are here to help you.  We work with students and create strategies on how to get in, and get through college.  Not every student is right for the big Ivy or California Schools, but that does not mean that college is out of the question, it means that you have to find the school that will meet your needs. But he is some advice... rule out FOR PROFIT schools.  They love to mislead you.

FOR PROFIT schoosls, like the University of Phoemix, National Univ ersity, etc. are schools to avoid because they costs more than the most expensive school in the country... George Washington University in Washington DC, and they offer you a 4th tier education.

Schools you want to look at are NON-Profits.  There are schools that have admissions officers who are in admissions, not sales reps.

If you need help and can not find the answers, consider talking to us.  We have fees too, but they are about 1% -2% of what a 4 year education will cost you.  We help you on different levels, and help to make your college experience a positive one.

Visit our website at www.thecollegeadmissionsconsltant.com if you feel you need guidance.  We are here to help you.  We offer a FREE 1/2 hour consultation.