Posts Tagged ‘college admissions’

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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 »

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 »

Especially For Parents: What Type of Parent Coach Are You Part 2.

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

Are you a good parent college coach?

Find out what kind of parent college coach you should strive to be. Photo credit: malenga

By Suzanne Schaffer

Last week, we introduced four of the most common Parent College Coach types – and their strengths and weaknesses. Today, we’ll discuss the last three types of parent coaches.

By identifying your parent coaching style, you can help reduce the stress in your household and assure your senior will have a positive college admissions process. Read on to find out more!

5. The “I’ll think about that tomorrow” parent college coach

This is the worst time in your teen’s life for you to model or encourage procrastination. The next four years can be daunting and even overwhelming, but if you approach them without planning and organization, you will never survive.

The problem with this philosophy is that it won’t work with deadlines, and the college maze is all about the deadlines. If you miss them, there are no second chances or do-overs. Not only do you risk missing the deadlines, as this type of parent you add extra stress to an already stressful time. Preparation and organization are keys to overcoming procrastination.

Thinking about it tomorrow will only lead to frustration, disappointment, and regret.

6. The “uninvolved” parent college coach

Your teen still requires your input. They may protest greatly and say loudly, “I can do it myself.” But what they really mean is I want to do it with your support and help.

If you make the mistake of turning the whole process over to your teen, the odds are great that they will become overwhelmed and frustrated to the point of giving up.

There are so many decisions to be made and things to keep track of during senior year. If you have a tendency to be an uninvolved parent, your teen will most likely feel abandoned in a sea of forms, applications and deadlines.

It’s great to expect them to be responsible, but you and I both know that teenagers will be teenagers. Their minds and lives are headed in hundreds of different directions and staying on task can sometimes be inconceivable. It’s your goal to steer them back on course and help them reach their final goal.

7. The “well-balanced” parent college coach

The well-balanced parent utilizes the best organizational tools to help their college-bound teen stay
focused and on track. This is the type of parent coach we should all strive to become.

You balance coaching, encouragement and guidance with information gathering, organization and goal setting. Your teen does not stress about deadlines because you have sat down together and created a calendar of upcoming scholarship applications, college entrance tests, activities, and school related events.

You and your teen are confident and aware of the course you have set together and assured that because you are prepared and organized, the end result will be that your senior is able to reach their goal of college acceptance.

You have planned ahead concerning the financial process and have utilized all the tools available to assure an impressive financial aid award package from the colleges where applications are submitted. You coach without pushing, pressuring or stressing out and your teen knows that they have your support and can look to you for positive feedback.

These are the most common types of parent college coaching styles. Do you recognize yourself? If so, good! After all, knowledge is power – and now you know what your strengths and weaknesses are – and how to make the most of them.

We’ll be bringing you tips on how to help your child get into college all year long. Don’t miss out -  subscribe to our blog now!

About the author

Suzanne Shaffer counsels parents in the college admissions process and the importanceof early college preparation. Her Parents Countdown to College Coach blog offers timely college tips for parents and provides parents with the resources necessary to help their college-bound teens navigate the college maze. She is also a member of the Unigo ExpertNetwork, a College Money Insider Expert and the College Coach for Galtime.com.

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

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 »

Especially For Parents: What Type of Parent College Coach Are You? Part 1.

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011
What kind of parent college coach are you?

What kind of parent college coach are you? Photo Credit: ajschu

By Suzanne Schaffer

Each of us has a unique personality that will influence the way we coach our teens about college. The key is to find yourself, recognize your weaknesses, identify your strengths and adapt to provide your college-bound teen with the best coaching possible.

Senior year can be a very stressful time for both parents and students. Identifying your parent coaching weaknesses can help you reduce the stress in your household and assure your senior will have a positive college admissions process.

1. The “let me do it for you” parent college coach

If you are this type of parent, you’ve most likely been doing everything for your child over the years: making their bed, cleaning their rooms, preparing their snacks, all in the name of parenthood. But part of being a parent is teaching them to do things for themselves. We taught them to tie their own shoes, ride a bike, go to school on their own, and hopefully budget their money by giving them an allowance.

As they get older and the tasks become more difficult, like driving and preparing for college, we tend to want to take back the reins, fearing they might make mistakes that are life altering. Always remember, the college search and application process is a teen project. You can help, but don’t do it all for them.

They need to be involved and when those admissions letters arrive they will own that accomplishment.

2. The “over-anxious” parent college coach

It’s natural to worry and fret about something you do not understand, or have never experienced.

Parenthood definitely has its over-anxious moments. Teenagers are by nature over-anxious. They worry about everything: will they be accepted; will they make the cheer squad; will they pass their finals; will they be asked to the dance. Senior year presents numerous opportunities for anxiety and the last thing they need is added anxiety over their preparation for college. Be careful not to pass your anxiety on to your teen.

3. The “pushy” parent college coach

Are you a “type A” personality? Do you push everyone around you to succeed? Do you strive for the best in everything? If you answered yes to those questions, you might be a pushy parent. There is a fine line between being pushy and being a cheerleader. If you push too hard, you will overwhelm your teen.

You can encourage them by helping them to achieve their potential. Harping about deadlines and asking them constantly if they have completed their scholarship applications will only produce rebellion. The best way to handle your over-achiever personality is through organization. If you work with your teen to get them organized and they are aware of the deadlines, you won’t have to be that pushy parent.

4. The “my dreams are your dreams” parent college coach

Did you dream of going to Harvard or Yale? Do you wish you had joined a sorority or fraternity during college or played college sports? Did you always want to be a doctor or a lawyer?

We all had dreams that might not have been realized. But the worst thing you can do as a parent is to try to achieve those dreams through your children. Your teen will never be happy pursuing YOUR dreams. Their satisfaction is achieved from their own accomplishments. Their happiness comes from pursuing their own passion. The quickest way to ensure failure in college is to send your teen off to a place where they feel pressured to succeed at something they never truly wanted to pursue. Encourage your teen to walk their own path.

These are just a few of the many types of parent college coaching styles. Do you recognize yourself? If not, stay tuned for Part 2 next Tuesday! In fact, do yourself a favor and subscribe to our blog now so you don’t miss it!

About the author

Suzanne Shaffer counsels parents in the college admissions process and the importanceof early college preparation. Her Parents Countdown to College Coach blog offers timely college tips for parents and provides parents with the resources necessary to help their college-bound teens navigate the college maze. She is also a member of the Unigo ExpertNetwork, a College Money Insider Expert and the College Coach for Galtime.com.

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Posted in For Parents, Preparing for College | 2 Comments »

How To Earn Money For College (and Still Have A Life).

Thursday, August 18th, 2011
McDonald's isn't the only place to earn money for college.

Think beyond the burger joint for ways to pay for college. Photo credit: The Consumerist.

So you need to earn money for college. Think the only way to do it is by putting in years of hard labor at the local McBurger restaurant? Think again.

The number of ways you can earn money to pay for college is limited only by your imagination. So before you head off to the local fast food joints and grocery stores to put in an application, put on your thinking cap instead.

Put your artistic side to work to earn money for college.

Do you have a crafty side? Think about how you can harness your talents to earn money for college. Consider making jewelry, sewing purses, crocheting hats, creating eReader cases out of old books… the possibilities are endless. Once you have a product perfected, you can open an Etsy shop, sell on your own website, or just make the rounds of the local craft shows!

Are you a shutterbug? If you have a talent for photography or videography, consider opening “studio.” You could try to get work photographing school and community events, special occasions for family and friends, or even offer senior photo sessions!

Offer a little help to earn money for college.

Think about the adults around you. Your family. Your neighbors. Your parents’ coworkers. What could they use help with? Figure out what that need is and then try to fill it!

Are you the outdoorsy type? If so, you could offer to mow lawns or shovel snow, do yard work or even chop firewood in the wintertime. You could even set up a dog walking business!

Got a soft spot for kids? Then you’re about to become everyone’s favorite teenager. If you like spending time with the pint-sized set, ask your parents to spread the word about your babysitting prowess. With average rates starting at $5 a kid, that money could add up fast!

Prefer the company of Fido? Let it be known that you’re available for pet sitting—either on a daily basis after school or for longer time periods like vacations and holidays. Add in tasks like plant watering and mail gathering and you’ve got yourself a business!

These are just a few of the ways you can earn money to pay for college. Spend a little time brainstorming and you’re sure to think of an option that sounds like fun to you! And remember, when you open a Upromise account, you can save money for college just by, well, spending money!

Want to learn about more great ways to save money for college and get into your dream school? Then subscribe to our blog. We’ll bring you new tips and tricks for making the most of the college admissions process all year long!

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

4 Tips For Creating A Killer Video College Essay.

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011
How to create a college video essay

Want to create a memorable college essay? Try an admissions video! Photo credit: Ezalis

If there’s one thing college admissions officers can agree on, it’s this: your college essay should be as unique as you are. So if you’re more comfortable behind the camera than in front of the keyboard, why not give a video college essay a try?

For most colleges, these types of essays are considered supplemental, meaning you’ll still have to type something up. However, schools like Tufts actually give students the option of completing an admissions video in place of the traditional essay! It pays to check with the colleges you are applying to.

But whether your video is supplemental or not, you’ll want to put just as much thought into it as you would a traditional college application essay. Here are some tips for creating a video college essay that rocks.

Be original. While it might be tempting to search YouTube  to find the best of last year’s video applications, try to resist the urge. Just like with a regular college essay, admissions officers want to see video essays that reflect who you are as a person. And mimicking someone else’s ideas? Simply won’t fly.

Write a script. You don’t have to write down what you’re going to say word for word, but it’s a good idea to have a basic outline. Spend some time thinking about what exactly you want to accomplish with your video essay, then plot out how you’re going to do it. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, you might even consider creating a storyboard for your video.

Get help. While there’s nothing wrong with simply setting your camera up on a tripod and speaking directly into it, if you want to try anything more complicated than that, you’ll probably need to enlist the aid of a friend or family member.

Edit yourself. Just as you wouldn’t send in the first draft of a college essay you’d written, you shouldn’t hand over raw video footage and call it a finished essay. There are plenty of cheap video editing programs available for PCs and Macs that require minimal editing skills to use. Or, try one of the online options, like PhotoBucket. YouTube even has its own editing capabilities!

Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be well on your way to creating a college video essay that will blow the college admissions reps out of the water. And don’t forget, we’ll be bringing you tips and advice for getting into college all year long, so subscribe to our blog today!

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Posted in College Admissions, College Applications | 4 Comments »

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