So you hit the “SUBMIT” button, sent in your application fee, transcripts and ACT / SAT scores, along with your recommendation forms. All set? Maybe not. Most schools will not even look at your application until all of the components are received. And, if anything is missing by the final deadline, you may be denied [...]
Advice
PSAT Kicks Off College Planning
October 30, 2009
Juniors (and some sophomores) at high schools across the country take the PSAT exam each October. For many college bound students, it is the beginning of the “college planning process”. It is the catalyst for exploring colleges, thinking about reasonable prospects, and considering additional testing (SAT, ACT and Subject Tests) and related preparation.
College Blogs Offer Admission Advice & More
October 2, 2009
You can read students’ perspectives about dozens of colleges – including MIT, Amherst, Bates, Carleton, Colby, Haverford, Johns Hopkins, Oberlin, Vassar, Wellesley and and Yale — by checking out student blogs on the schools’ web sites.
Student blogs are a valuable tool for prospective applicants seeking “behind-the-scenes” information about admission and student life.
SAT Score Choice and the Common Application
October 1, 2009
For high school seniors completing the Common Application, and wondering about self reporting SAT scores (pursuant to the College Board’s new Score Choice policy), here’s some helpful information for you.
Common Data Set: A Hidden Gem for Researching Colleges
September 16, 2009
The Common Data Set (CDS) presents frequently requested institutional information for each participating college or university in a consistent format. It summarizes characteristics of incoming students, demographic and high school preparation data, ACT and SAT statistics, and financial aid data.
Admissions Secret: Character Counts
July 24, 2009
Most college admissions officers have a preference for “givers” — applicants who contribute to the world around them. There are two key reasons. “Givers” generally are considered more likely to positively contribute to the experience of other students on campus, both in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities. Also, many admissions people consider themselves to be “givers” and are more comfortable with people with similar values.Both candidates were “qualified”. Now, check out the application essays.
College Admission Essays: Think Like A Marketer
July 23, 2009
Looking to craft a college application essay and hitting a mental road block? Put on your marketing hat and think “Snap, Crackle and Pop” Apply that lesson to your college application essays. Essays are the key opportunity to convince the admissions committee that you are an exciting person and would be a genuine asset to the school.
Free “Can’t Miss” Programs to Boost SAT & ACT Scores
May 18, 2009
Here are some can’t miss FREE on-line programs to improve your scores. Since building your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills is a cumulative process, it is recommended that you get started as early as possible.
Tour Colleges on the Internet with Unigo and YOUniversitytv
May 18, 2009
Learn about 2 new web sites that let you tour colleges on-line and hear the opinions of current students. It’s a great way to narrow down your college list. Two favorites are YOUniversitytv and Unigo. YOUniversitytv.com offers video tours of more than 400 colleges. Unigo.com, features about 250 colleges.
Overcoming Tough Times: College Cost Cutting Tips
May 18, 2009
Students and parents are focused on college affordability, educational quality and value. These 11 tips that can help preserve your budget and improve your candidacy. Here are a few: A strong academic record can lead to merit scholarships. Completing college in 3 years instead 4 can be a 25% savings. When it comes to winning scholarships, impressive activities where you have demonstrated passion and commitment, can significantly improve your chances for success. Strong scores not only improve your chances of acceptance, they can also lead to significant scholarship money. Hold off booking your flights and use the Internet to learn about colleges. In addition to the school web portals, there are a host of great sites offering everything from on-line tours to rankings. With billions of dollars awarded annually, it is worthwhile to research and pursue scholarship opportunities. ScholarshipRoadMap.com is a good place to start. Many families who could receive assistance don’t pursue the financial aid process because they assume they won’t be eligible. Many factors are considered in aid eligibility, and it is not unusual for families with relatively high incomes and assets to qualify for aid and scholarships. Keep track of deadlines and submission requirements.
About Lynn Lubell
Lynn Radlauer Lubell is the Publisher of InLikeMe.com, an internationally renowned website for college-bound students, parents and guidance counselors, and the Founder of Admission by Design, an educational consultancy.
A graduate of MIT and Harvard Business School, Lynn completed the IECA's Principles and Practices Institute for Educational Consultants and has broad expertise in college admission strategy and planning.
Lynn served on the MIT Educational Council for ten years interviewing hundreds of undergraduate applicants.
Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Admission by Design, consults with students and families in South Florida and beyond.