Posts Tagged ‘college admissions process’

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5 Tips for Creating A Glowing Admissions Letter and Statement

Saturday, November 5th, 2011

The odds are you are concerned about getting into one of the colleges or universities of your choice.  There are many areas to focus your attention upon, ranging from SAT preparation to grades to applications.  Let’s take a look at a few of the factors you need to consider when writing your admissions letter and statement.  As you will see, some of the considerations are less obvious than others, but all of the factors we will cover can have a major impact on your final product.

Tip One – Begin Your Work Well In Advance

Just as you should begin your work on college and university applications early, the same is true for working on your admissions letter and statement.  Rushing rarely yields good results.  Plus, it almost always ensures a sense of panic.  Avoid all of this by starting your work in advance; you will be very glad you did!

Tip Two – Create an Outline

By beginning to work on your admissions letter and statement early, you will have time to do things like create an outline.  In this part of the process, you will be forced to think about what you want to convey in very clear terms.  Take your time to create your outline, and don’t be afraid to revise your outline at a later date after you’ve had time to think about it.

Tip Three – Don’t Be a Mind-Reader

When it comes to your admission letter and statement, don’t try to read the mind of a stranger.  Instead create a letter and statement that is a reflection of you.  If you want to be believable and sincere in your admissions letter and statement, then you shouldn’t try to figure out what others want to hear.  After all, admissions officials see thousands of statements and letters over their careers, and they can sniff out a phony better than you might think. They’re older than you, but not necessarily brain dead!

Tip Four – Have Several Trusted People Read Over Your Work

You may be pretty confident that you have a great letter and statement, and you may be correct in your assessment.  But you should have several different people, preferably of different ages and backgrounds, read your materials.  By getting a wide range of viewpoints, you will gain perspectives and insights that may help you with your final draft.

Tip Five – Rewrite, Rework and Rethink

The time that you spend rewriting, reworking and rethinking your admissions letter and statement is likely to be time very well spent.  Having time to gather input and feedback from other people is a valuable part of the process, as is sitting on your letter and statement aside for a few months, so that you can look at it with fresh eyes later.  Of course, all of the tips that we’ve listed here can be done in a rush, but you will likely not achieve optimal results if you handle them in this fashion.

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Posted in Choosing a College, College Admissions, College Applications, College Interview, Personal Statement, Preparing for College | 1 Comment »

4 Ways To Reduce Stress When Applying to College

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

There are many important steps to applying for college.  Getting into the college or university of your choice can be a complex process.  This is especially true when you are applying to numerous schools.  As a result, you may at times feel overwhelmed and stressed by the process as a whole.  This is why it is extremely important to keep your focus.

When you get stressed out, you stop thinking clearly.  The end result could be that you begin making mistakes.  Whether its studying for your SAT, trying to ace as many classes as possible, or filling out your college applications, you need to keep your stress levels at a minimum.  Let’s take a look at a few of the ways that you can keep your stress levels low and increase your chances of getting into the college of your choice in the process.

#1 Realize that the World Will Not End

One basic step that you can take to keep your stress levels low is to realize that it is not the end of the world if you don’t get into your “top pick.”  Lots of pressure can be put on your shoulders, as older people just assume that you can “take it.”  Yet, if you feel totally stressed out it may impact your performance.  Now this isn’t an excuse to fail or not try, but you should keep in mind that life will go on even if you get into your fifth choice instead of your first college of choice.  No matter how others may act the world will not end, and you will not be destined to a future of poverty and failure.

#2 Walk Away and Take a Break

If all you do is study and deal with SAT preparation, you may actually be increasing your odds of failure both in the short term and in the long term.  Some students may ace the SAT, but they end up so exhausted and overwhelmed that they avoid studying all freshmen year.  This route isn’t a good plan for long term success!

#3 Short Breaks, Meditation and Stress Reduction

Stress can actually kill you.  Prolonged exposure to stress hormones, such as cortisol, can result in a decrease in the strength of your immune system.  If your immune system is weakened, your odds of getting sick, of course, go up.  If you’re sick, you won’t be studying for your classes or the SAT.  Part of staying healthy is keeping your immune system strong.

Meditation is a relaxation technique that serves to reduce stress hormone levels.  Recent medical studies have actually shown that meditation has a variety of medical benefits including the reduction of stress.  So if you are feeling upset and anxious, meditation stands as a great way to deal with this stress.

#4 Find a College Admissions Counselor

Believe it or not, utilizing a College Admissions Counselor can take a real load off your mind. Why run around worried about what you’re forgetting, or what opportunities you are missing? Start smart with a college admissions counselor who can sit down with you and your family to figure out your wants and needs and outline a plan for you to follow. Why go it alone, when you can have a partner?

Remember that any edge you can give yourself is one you should take.  However, at the same time, you should never allow yourself to become so stressed out and worried about what colleges you get into that you become miserable.

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Posted in Choosing a College, College Admissions, College Applications, College Search, Paying for College, Preparing for College | No Comments »

SAT Preparation-Should You Take a Class?

Saturday, October 22nd, 2011

The SAT test is plays an important role in the lives of students across the nation, and taking the time to prepare for this test is a no-brainer.  You may know someone that claims to have not studied for this test and still “aced” it, but such an approach and attitude is really not the best way to go.  Given the importance of this test, studying for it well in advance is your smartest move.  If you want to get into one of your top college or university picks, then you most definitely want to study for the SAT.  Often students struggle with the questions, “Do I study for the SAT on my own or do I opt for a class?”

The fact that so many students take the SAT every year means that there are many different options as well.  When it comes to deciding whether or not you should take a class to study for the SAT, it is important that you take time management into consideration.  Let’s face it; being in high-school can be time consuming.  This is especially true if you are aiming for great grades and have extracurricular activities.  This means that you need flexibility when it comes to studying for the SAT.

Taking online courses is one way that you can get the flexibility that you need.  By choosing online courses, you can study when you like and at your own pace.  Plus, you will find that online courses tend to be a lot less expensive.  There are additional benefits to studying online as well.  For example, other students will not be able to distract you when you study online.  (Plus, there will be no meeting people from other schools you might want to date!)

Another key benefit of studying for the SAT online is that you save valuable travel time.  Travel time adds up, especially over the course of many weeks.  By choosing an online SAT class instead of one that you need to attend in person, you can save a great deal of time.

An online SAT class also means that you can study on your computer whenever you like.  This will make “cramming” for the SAT feel a little more organic and a little less forced.  Being able to study when you like and wherever you like is a major plus in favor of studying online.

This is not to say that there are not benefits to studying in a traditional classroom setting.  Most of the benefits of studying in a traditional classroom setting will largely depend on your own personality and whether or not you need the direct guidance.  If you feel that you can’t get motivated to study on your own, then perhaps a traditional classroom setting is better suited for you.

There is no denying the benefits of online SAT preparation.  Being able to study whenever you like and how you like is a significant plus.  In addition, there are considerable cost savings as well.  The bottom line is whether you opt for a traditional classroom setting for you SAT prep or choose the greater flexibility of studying online, you need to study for this important test far before the month of your test date.

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Posted in College Admissions, Preparing for College, SAT/ACT Test | 1 Comment »

Four Steps to Make the Most Out of Your Scholarship Searches

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

Finding the money for college has become a very tricky game with many potential pitfalls.  This cautionary statement isn’t designed to discourage you from following your dreams and pursuing higher education.  Instead this statement reflects the simple reality of today’s ever escalating education price tag.  The price of college is rising at a rate that far exceeds the rate of inflation, and these rising costs make finding a scholarship more important than ever.  In this article, we will examine some of the ways that you might be able to find the funds for higher education.

Step 1 Begin Preparing and Searching Early

Beginning your search for scholarship money well in advance is of great importance.  There are a simply staggering number of scholarships available, and knowing which ones you are eligible to apply for alone can take a good deal of research.  In addition, the application process must be taken seriously as well, as applications can be time consuming.  This is especially true if you are applying for numerous scholarships.

Step 2 Talk to Your Counselor and Other School Resources

Your counselor, in theory, has resources pertaining to scholarships and which ones you might be eligible for, and you should consult with him or her well before your graduation date.  However, you absolutely should not depend on your high school counselor for advice regarding scholarships.  Even the hardest working counselor may miss an important option for you, and that means you need also to explore on your own!

Step 3 Try to Get Appointments with Officials at Colleges and Universities

Educators generally like it when young people show planning and initiative.  They also appreciate it when their opinions and knowledge is valued.  In short, you might be able to get a great deal of information regarding finding scholarships from college admissions officers and others.  Reaching out to them is a savvy move, and you should do more than send an email.  Picking up the phone and politely asking for an appointment is a good idea.

You also may want to consider showing up in person to ask for an appointment.  You will be very surprised how far this type of action will go with many in the education field.  It says volumes about your character and your dedication.  Anyone can send an email, but few people are willing to follow up a phone call with a visit!

Step 4 Invest in Books on Scholarships, Research Online and Visit Libraries

You might think that all information is online; however, even the cleverest of web searches may fail to give you a complete picture of your scholarship options.  There are still times in your life that thumbing through a book makes sense, and this is definitely the case where finding scholarships are concerned.  There are many good books written on this topic.  A few minutes with a good book on scholarships could literally be worth thousands of dollars.

Ultimately, it is up to you to begin your scholarship search early and to be proactive about finding the money you need.  Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and to be persistent.

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Posted in College Admissions, Preparing for College, Scholarships | 2 Comments »

An Overview of the Importance of SAT Preparation

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

Every year millions of people take the SAT exam for admissions to colleges and universities nationwide. This exam has become a key mechanism in determining who goes to what colleges and universities. Regardless of whether or not you like the idea of a standardized test determining what educational opportunities you will have after high school, the fact of the matter is that if you want to go to college the SAT is impossible to ignore. Further, if you want to get into the school of your choice or a top tier university or college, you will also need a good score on the SAT.

By now you probably realize that if you want to pass almost any test you need to study, and there are tools to help you with this, starting with test preparation courses. In this regard, the SAT is simply no different. There is no magic involved in getting a great score on the SAT. While many people have cheated on the SAT or even paid someone else to take this all-important test for them, this is not the route that you want to take. Cheating is, of course, unethical but it is also extremely dangerous, as there is a very serious and substantial risk of being caught. Your best option by far is to prepare for this pivotal test far before the test date.

SAT preparation has two major parts. The first part is to begin your preparation work as early as possible. The longer you wait to prepare, the more stress and pressure you will feel. This issue will likely impact the effectiveness of your study time and perhaps even your study habits.

Secondly, you must, of course, study. Knowing how to study is a major part of the equation. Finding the right study tools and using them can make the difference between a decent score and a fantastic score! Proper SAT preparation means finding the best SAT preparation tools. You should look for tools that have been specifically designed to greatly increase your test scores and help you maximize your final test score. Studying hard and working hard is obviously an important part of the process, but so is working smart. That means employing the best tools that you can possibly find. A variety of tools are available including flashcards, games, test preparation books, SAT courses, and practice exams.

The SAT exam plays a tremendous role, perhaps the greatest role, in determining what institutions will ultimately accept you for enrollment. Investing the time to find the tools that will help you the most is a savvy and worthwhile investment in your future.

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Posted in SAT/ACT Test | No Comments »

From The Vault: How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

We know you’re still deep in the college search process, but since it pays to look ahead, we’re bringing you a previously published post that we think you’ll find very helpful! The topic? Deciding how many colleges should apply to. So what’s the answer? Read on to find out.

While you may know of a college-bound student in your class who plans on filling out 22 college applications, we’ve got a better answer – both for your peace of mind and your parent’s wallet.

The classic college campus: is this the in-the-middle school for you?

How many colleges should you apply to? Photo Credit: anne.oeldorfhirsch / Anne Oeldorf-Hirsch

If you’ve taken a look at the price of submitting college applications, well, some are definitely more wallet-friendly than others – but it all adds up (you can check out our Apply to College Without Paying a Fee article for ways to get out of that one!). So, just how many college apps should you fill out? Easy – well, sort of.

My College Guide recommends that you fill out between 6 –10 college applications. Don’t just apply anywhere, we’ve got a handy system to the college application madness. Don’t worry – it’s not as complicated as it sounds! Basically, you should apply to the three basic types of colleges: reach schools, in-the-middle schools, and safety schools.

We know that handing over college application fee after college application fee is less than fun, so we want you to know that we are here to help! Check out the three types of colleges that we believe just about every student should apply to – and why! Of course, these schools will vary with the stats of each student, so your BFF’s safety school may match your in-the-middle school. Do your research to see where you fit in and to avoid making college application mistakes!

Apply To A Couple of Reach Schools

So you don’t fit the exact college requirements for admission criteria due to your GPA, your test scores, or some combination of the two. It doesn’t mean that something else about your application won’t make college admissions take a second look! Maybe you’ve got that certain something they are looking for. Don’t sell yourself short – but don’t apply to every hard-to-get-into college, either. Fill out one or two applications and do be aware of the college admission rates. Be hopeful, but realistic – college admissions has their own reasons why a student is in or out.

Apply To A Few In-The-Middle Schools

Are you in or are you out? With these schools, it can be hard to tell if you will be accepted into college or not. Sure, you have the grades to get in to college and the rest of your college application matches up to their admission guidelines (you’ve even got a couple awesome letters of recommendation) but they can’t accept everyone! Apply to two or three in-the-middle schools that you would be happy to attend (hopefully you’ve visited at least one of them!) and see what happens.

Don’t Forget To Apply To Safety Schools

These colleges will jump for joy to have you! Not only do your standardized test scores, GPA, and your extracurricular activities set you apart from the average students that college admissions normally accepts — which means that you will most likely be “in” (although it goes without saying that even then your chance at acceptance isn’t set in stone). Of course, this is still a college that you are interested in and can see yourself enjoying and loving for four years (even if it isn’t your first choice). Being ahead of the pack has its perks so, safety school or not, your high school accomplishments could net you a nice little scholarship prize.

For more tips and tricks for making the most of the college application process all year long, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog!

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Posted in Choosing a College, College Admissions, College Applications | 1 Comment »

Your College Application Timeline: What To Do This Month.

Thursday, September 8th, 2011
College Application To Do List

Don't let the college application process overwhelm you. Stay on track with this helpful college application timeline! Photo credit: john.schultz

Whether you’re just starting your high school career or you’re finally beginning your senior year, you should always be thinking about the college application process. You’ve only got four years to make your college dreams come true – its up to you to make the most of them!

But don’t worry, you don’t have to go it alone. Throughout the school year, we’ll bring you monthly tips and pointers for meeting your college application goals – for every stage of your high school career!

September College Application Timeline For Freshmen

College might seem like it’s a long way off, but it’ll be here before you know it. It’s best to start preparing now! This month, you should:

  • Meet with your guidance counselor. It’s important to make a game plan for the next four years now, so you know what courses to take and areas to focus on.
  • Experiment with extracurricular activities. Try out a bunch of different clubs and sports to find the ones that fit your interests.
  • Hit the books. When it comes to college applications, grades count. Establish good study habits now!

September College Application Timeline For Sophomores

You’re another year closer to filling out those college applications. It’s time to start getting serious. This month you shoud:

  • Meet with your guidance counselor again. You’ll want to fine tune the plan you made last year and get help choosing your subjects for the year.
  • Focus on a few core activities. Extracurricular activities are important, but you don’t want to burn yourself out. Choose the clubs and sports that mean the most to you and dive in deep.
  • Register for the PLAN test. Otherwise known as the Pre-ACT, taking this test now will help you prepare for the real exams coming in the next two years.
  • Study hard. By now you should have good study habits established. Put them to good use and make this another stellar year!

September College Application Timeline For Juniors

Senior year is right around the corner. Make sure you’re ready for college application season! This month you should:

  • Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss college options. While it’s a little early to start visiting colleges, you’ll want to think about what kind of college you’re looking for. Your counselor can help!
  • Try to score a leadership position. Colleges love to see you not only participating in extracurricular activities, but leading the way.
  • Register for the PSAT. Like the PLAN test, the PSAT will prepare you for the real SAT later.
  • Keep studying. The junior year is one of the most critical in terms of grades. Make sure yours shine!

September College Application Timeline For Seniors

You’ve made it! It’s time to get started on those college applications. This month, you should:

  • Work on your college essays. After all, they’re the most important essays you’ve ever written!
  • Ask for college recommendation letters. Chances are, your teachers will be thrilled to help you out!
  • Make a list of colleges you want to visit. Try to stay focused on your core choices so you don’t exhaust yourself in the process.
  • Register for the ACT, SAT or SAT subject tests if necessary.
  • Don’t stop studying! Your senior year grades still count for college admissions.

And that’s what you need to do this month to get ready to shine on those college applications. Come back in October to see what you should be doing next! Better yet, subscribe to our blog now so you don’t miss a thing!

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Posted in College Admissions, College Applications, Preparing for College | No Comments »

How To Speak Financial Aid: A Glossary of Terms

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011
Dictionary of Financial Aid Terms

Having trouble deciphering financial aid-speak? We're here to help! Photo Credit: greeblie

If you’re like most college freshmen-hopefuls, chances are you’ll be looking for some financial aid to help foot the bill. The problem? The terms used in financial aid forms aren’t exactly words you throw around in casual conversation.  It can seem like they’re speaking another language!

But never fear. We’re here to help. Below you’ll find a few of the most commonly used financial aid terms – along with their definitions.

Financial Aid Application Terms

Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – This is the official application for federal financial aid. Colleges and universities will require you to fill this out in order to apply for any kind of financial aid.

Award Letter – This is the official document you’ll get from colleges listing exactly what financial aid has been, well, awarded to you. It will tell you how much your family will be expected to pay (expected family contribution) and how much it will cost to attend that school when all is said and done (cost of attendance), as well as list the terms and conditions of your financial aid.

Financial Aid Package – Picture all your financial aid – all of the scholarships, grants and loans awarded to you from both federal and private sources – put into a box and tied up with a pretty bow on top. That’s your financial aid package.

Types of Financial Aid Defined

Grants – Grants are considered “gift aid.” They give you money for college and don’t have to be paid back. They can come from federal sources (such as Pell Grants), but are also available from states and private organizations.

Loans – Student loans are just what they sound like – money given to you to pay for college that needs to be repaid. Eventually. There are many different types  – both federal student loans and private loans. You’ll want to read the terms for your loan options very carefully.

Scholarships – Scholarships are also considered “gift aid,” so you don’t have to pay them back. They are awarded for a variety of reasons, some simply because of merit or academic excellence, others because you’re pursuing a certain major, have specific interests, have financial need…the list goes on and on.

These are just a few of the many financial aid terms you’ll need to know. We’ll go more in-depth in a future post. Have a specific financial aid term you’d like defined? Leave it in the comments! And don’t forget, we’ll be bringing you great advice about financial aid all year long, so subscribe to our blog today!

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Posted in College Applications, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Student Loans | 1 Comment »

Five Steps To Getting Great College Recommendation Letters.

Monday, August 8th, 2011

By Ellen Bremen, M.A.

Get your favorite teachers to write college recommendations.

Which teachers will you ask for a college recommendation?

Have you ever seen one of those circus acts where an acrobat jumps on a trampoline and then lands on another acrobat’s shoulders? Then yet another acrobat (we’ll call this one #3) jumps and flips himself on to the shoulders of acrobat #2. Before the act is over, the “anchor” acrobat might carry up to four others on his back!

The teachers who know your work, who believe in you as a person, who support your goals and success are the ones you want to carry on your shoulders. Picture letters of recommendation from those teachers like the acrobats: The teachers may not be there in person when you are mailing off college applications or sitting in college interviews, but you will carry their positive words about your character and your work on your shoulders.

But how do you start the conversation and ask for those college recommendations? Follow these five steps:

1. Pick teachers who know you well, whose classes you’ve excelled in, and whose assignments gave you not just “work”, but specific experiences the teacher can speak about.

2. Ask early. You want to give your teacher no less than two weeks to write your letter, and, if possible, more time is always appreciated.

3. Ask directly both with your words and the way you make your request: Make direct eye contact and say, “Mr. Jones, you have given me many opportunities to succeed in this class and my grades have been strong. I feel that you really know me and my work. I would so appreciate it if you’d write a letter to support my admission to Chosen University/College.” (You can also ask for letters of support for scholarships).

4. If the teacher agrees, take charge of your next steps:

a. Say, “I will give you the addresses and requirements for the letter, along with who it needs to be addressed to tomorrow.” Also include a pre-addressed envelope or special mailing requirements, such as if the letter needs to be sealed with the teacher’s name across the back—some colleges require this to make sure you haven’t tampered with the letter. You can also ask, “What else do you need from me to
write the letter?”

b. Then say, “My goal is to mail this letter by February 24th. Does this date work for you?” You may also need to tell the teacher when he/she needs to mail the letter. You may want to set the teacher’s deadline slightly ahead of yours in case the teacher forgets.

5. It is acceptable for you to check in with the teacher a few days before your deadline. Say, “I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you writing the letter of recommendation for me. Are we still on track for my submission on February 24th?”

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to getting the college recommendation letters you need to get into the college of your dreams. For more advice on getting into your first choice college, check out these tips for rocking the college application. And remember, we’re bringing you college admissions advice every week, so subscribe to our blog today!

About the Author

Ellen Bremen, known as the Chatty Professor on her blog, is tenured faculty in the Communication Studies department at Highline Community College (since 2004), outside of Seattle, Washington. She is currently finishing a book called Say This, NOT That to Your College Professor:  42 Talking Tips for College Success.

Photo courtesy of Old Shoe Woman.

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Posted in College Admissions, College Applications, College Search, Guest post | No Comments »

Practice Makes Perfect: 4 Tips For Writing A College Essay That Rocks.

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011
College essay draft

Have you practiced writing your college essay?

College application deadlines might be months away, but now is the perfect time to start writing your college essays. After all, these are quite possibly the most important essays you’ve ever written. You want to make sure they’re perfect!

And the best way to achieve perfection? Practice, of course. So take a little time during these last few weeks of summer to write a draft or three of your college essay. The effort will pay off in the long run.

Some tips to keep in mind while you’re writing your college essay:

  1. Put some thought into what you’re going to write before you start. You’ll fill out plenty of forms listing your accomplishments and extracurricular activities. That’s not what your college essay is for. This is your time to shine as an individual. To show those college admissions officers what you’re really about. So spend a little time brainstorming. Come up with a topic that captures the real you – the part that doesn’t show itself on standardized forms.
  2. Focus, focus, focus. It’s tempting to try and cram as much information as possible into those college essays. Don’t. Choose one topic and one topic only. Maybe something you’re proud of. Or a challenge you’ve had to overcome. Write about something you’re passionate about. Or an interest you hope to pursue in college. There are no wrong ideas. Just make sure yours is well defined before you start writing.
  3. Be yourself. This is not the time to try and sound like you’ve memorized the encyclopedia. Or like you’ve already gotten your master’s degree and are writing a doctoral dissertation. Let your own voice shine through. Remember, those college admissions officers want to get to know the real you. Show them.
  4. Clean up your mess. When you’re writing the first draft of your college essays, feel free to let the words flow. Don’t worry too much about grammar, or punctuation, or any of the other rules that might trip you up. But once you start polishing? Make sure that essay gleams. Correct any capitalization errors. Make sure you’re using proper punctuation. And, please, please use spell check. It’s there for a reason.

Above all, don’t forget that the people reading your college essays? Are actually people.

They’re not gray-bearded bureaucrats sitting in an ivy tower somewhere. They’re regular people who are working hard to find the best applicants for next year’s freshman class. So show them your best self. As the admissions staff at the College of William and Mary said, “you aren’t telling us who you are, you’re giving us a sense of who you’ll become.”

Want to get more of the best tips and tricks for getting into the college of your dreams? Subscribe to our blog today!

Photo courtesy of yaili.

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Posted in College Admissions, College Applications, College Search, Preparing for College | 2 Comments »

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