Top Ten Things Rising Seniors Can Do This Summer to Get a Jump on the College Search
1. Write a generic admission essay
Applying for college can take up as much time as a regular class during the senior year. By preparing a generic essay in advance that can be tailored to different applications, the student can spend more time on studies and extra curricular activities once school begins.
2. Complete one college admission application
This application can serve as the prototype for all other applications. The Common Application is accepted by hundreds of colleges and may be a good place to start.
3. Collect reference letters
Normally reference letters come from junior year teachers who have taught the student for the last full year. Teachers usually appreciate having the extra time over the summer to write a reference when the memory of the student’s achievements is fresh.
4. Visit (or plan to visit) campuses
While summer is not the ideal time to visit campuses because there aren’t many students there, this is the time high school students are free and parents’ schedules are usually more flexible. These visits can also be made in the early fall and should include sitting in on a class, looking at the dorm rooms, eating in the cafeteria, and meeting with coaches and professors in areas of interest.
5. Develop preliminary list of colleges
Call, write or use the Internet to request information. Some colleges may even give out names of alumni in the student’s neighborhood who may be willing to share experiences. Use this information to create a list of colleges to which to apply.
6. Participate in interesting activities
Summer is a time to act on interests through internships, volunteer work, clubs or paid positions. Try something productive and creative, preferably in an area of interest.
7. Keep a summer journal
A journal can help students chronicle their activities as well as determine what they want and need for the next few years. Journals also serve to help improve communication skills, critical for later success.
8. Plan to take SAT, ACT, SAT II
Rising seniors should have taken SATs and ACTs at least once by this point but may want to look at when they’re offered again in the fall. Those taking SAT II subject tests will need to decide which subjects to take. If SAT prep courses are planned, sign up now for early fall.
9. Begin scholarship search
Use books and web-based services to begin a search for private money.
10. READ!
IECA experts point to reading as the best way to improve vocabulary and prepare for standardized tests. While reading, have a dictionary handy to look up unfamiliar words.
In a May 2002 survey, the members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) listed the top things rising seniors can do to get a jump on the college search.
IECA is a professional association of full-time experienced independent educational consultants who work with families on school placement issues. For more information on IECA, visit www.IECAonline.com or call 703-591-4850.
Best Wishes,
A2Z College Planning Team
www.a2zcollegeplanning.com
Follow us on Facebook: plan-for-college-a2z-collegeplanning
Friday, July 2, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Managing Expectations for Successful Outcomes
(Source: theadmissiongame.com)
Expectations. Everyone has them. In fact, they are such a part of our daily lives that we rarely stop to think about how our expectations influence the choices we make. When we expect certain outcomes, we tend to think and act accordingly as though those outcomes are certain to become reality. They are our manifest destiny.
Consider, for example, a college education. For many, going to college is a long held expectation. If not an end in itself, it is regarded by many as a means to a greater end. The choice of a college, then, is regarded as critical to leveraging desired outcomes and quite often holds greater significance than the fact of college attendance itself.
Across the spectrum of credentials presented by more than two million graduating high school seniors each year reasonable expectations with regard to admission outcomes should enable them to gain entrance to appropriately “fitting” institutions.
The key word in this assessment is “reasonable.” It’s not surprising that many students and parents have high expectations with regard to college outcomes. However, at a time when extraordinary competitiveness and economic uncertainty frame college access, outcomes don’t always match the expectations. Having the requisite credential to compete for admission—being “qualified”—at selective colleges is not enough to secure admission for many students who will find themselves in competition with thousands of other applicants who share their ambitions—and their credentials.
Finding happy—and appropriate—outcomes, then, is a function of managing expectations. Having the “goods” academically is no longer a guarantee of admission at selective institutions that are bound by increasingly complex admission agendas—agendas that cater to special interest groups and students with unique talents as well as agendas related to yield (who will show up if admitted?) and ability to pay.
The implications of these agendas are especially impactful for students who may require financial assistance. While colleges are awarding tens of millions of dollars in financial assistance, they are directing it strategically at students whom they value most.
If you are a student, then, you need to be thoughtful and deliberate in your decision-making so you can put yourself on “competitive playing fields” that make sense for you when applying for admission. For example, focus on schools where your chances of getting in are least 50-50 rather than applying to high profile places where you think you might have a chance of gaining admission. If cost is a factor, focus on places where your credentials are likely to put you among the top 25% applicants—places where you will be valued for your potential contributions. Those schools are more likely to admit you and give you what you need financially.
That said, I would urge caution with regard to three tendencies I have observed among applicants. One, they often succumb to the notion that the more applications they submit to “reach” schools the better the chances of getting in—and getting financial assistance. Before you buy in to this notion, think logically about what is likely to happen. If you are a good but not superior candidate for schools that admit 20% of their applicants—or fewer—applying to more of them doesn’t increase your odds of getting in.
On the other hand, managing expectations—applying to 4-5 colleges where you are in the top of the applicant pool—means you are likely to see very compelling opportunities financially.
The second worrisome tendency is that many students will target elite institutions with the understanding that, if things don’t work out, they’ll go to local state universities. What this suggests is that the decision-making is destination-oriented rather than student-centered—it’s not about what’s best for you.
Focus instead on your academic priorities and apply accordingly. When you do this, you should see consistency in the types (size, shape, selectivity) of institutions you are considering. In this case, managing expectations can produce huge dividends in terms of learning opportunities you might not have otherwise considered.
Finally, an increasingly popular assumption is that “we can find comparable value (to private colleges) academically at state universities for much less the cost.” The good news: this is true. The bad news: it seems like everyone is coming to the same conclusion! State universities, especially flagship programs, have seen record levels of interest over the last two years. As a result, their enrollments are pressing their institutional capacities to meet students’ programmatic needs.
While you might be able to get into these schools, you need to be alert to the pressures they are feeling to accommodate their students academically in four or even five years. As you visit their campuses, be sure to inquire about graduation rates—in general and in your intended field of study. In fact, ask the same questions of all colleges, public and private. Make sure the likely outcomes meet your expectations.
As you proceed through your college search and selection processes, you are in a much stronger position to influence the outcomes than you might imagine. Take the time to reflect carefully on what you want to accomplish during your college years—and how you can best accomplish it. Set your expectations accordingly and be prepared for happy outcomes!
Best Wishes,
A2Z College Planning Team
www.a2zcollegeplanning.com
Follow us on Facebook ! Plan for College-A2Z College Planning
(Source: theadmissiongame.com)
Expectations. Everyone has them. In fact, they are such a part of our daily lives that we rarely stop to think about how our expectations influence the choices we make. When we expect certain outcomes, we tend to think and act accordingly as though those outcomes are certain to become reality. They are our manifest destiny.
Consider, for example, a college education. For many, going to college is a long held expectation. If not an end in itself, it is regarded by many as a means to a greater end. The choice of a college, then, is regarded as critical to leveraging desired outcomes and quite often holds greater significance than the fact of college attendance itself.
Across the spectrum of credentials presented by more than two million graduating high school seniors each year reasonable expectations with regard to admission outcomes should enable them to gain entrance to appropriately “fitting” institutions.
The key word in this assessment is “reasonable.” It’s not surprising that many students and parents have high expectations with regard to college outcomes. However, at a time when extraordinary competitiveness and economic uncertainty frame college access, outcomes don’t always match the expectations. Having the requisite credential to compete for admission—being “qualified”—at selective colleges is not enough to secure admission for many students who will find themselves in competition with thousands of other applicants who share their ambitions—and their credentials.
Finding happy—and appropriate—outcomes, then, is a function of managing expectations. Having the “goods” academically is no longer a guarantee of admission at selective institutions that are bound by increasingly complex admission agendas—agendas that cater to special interest groups and students with unique talents as well as agendas related to yield (who will show up if admitted?) and ability to pay.
The implications of these agendas are especially impactful for students who may require financial assistance. While colleges are awarding tens of millions of dollars in financial assistance, they are directing it strategically at students whom they value most.
If you are a student, then, you need to be thoughtful and deliberate in your decision-making so you can put yourself on “competitive playing fields” that make sense for you when applying for admission. For example, focus on schools where your chances of getting in are least 50-50 rather than applying to high profile places where you think you might have a chance of gaining admission. If cost is a factor, focus on places where your credentials are likely to put you among the top 25% applicants—places where you will be valued for your potential contributions. Those schools are more likely to admit you and give you what you need financially.
That said, I would urge caution with regard to three tendencies I have observed among applicants. One, they often succumb to the notion that the more applications they submit to “reach” schools the better the chances of getting in—and getting financial assistance. Before you buy in to this notion, think logically about what is likely to happen. If you are a good but not superior candidate for schools that admit 20% of their applicants—or fewer—applying to more of them doesn’t increase your odds of getting in.
On the other hand, managing expectations—applying to 4-5 colleges where you are in the top of the applicant pool—means you are likely to see very compelling opportunities financially.
The second worrisome tendency is that many students will target elite institutions with the understanding that, if things don’t work out, they’ll go to local state universities. What this suggests is that the decision-making is destination-oriented rather than student-centered—it’s not about what’s best for you.
Focus instead on your academic priorities and apply accordingly. When you do this, you should see consistency in the types (size, shape, selectivity) of institutions you are considering. In this case, managing expectations can produce huge dividends in terms of learning opportunities you might not have otherwise considered.
Finally, an increasingly popular assumption is that “we can find comparable value (to private colleges) academically at state universities for much less the cost.” The good news: this is true. The bad news: it seems like everyone is coming to the same conclusion! State universities, especially flagship programs, have seen record levels of interest over the last two years. As a result, their enrollments are pressing their institutional capacities to meet students’ programmatic needs.
While you might be able to get into these schools, you need to be alert to the pressures they are feeling to accommodate their students academically in four or even five years. As you visit their campuses, be sure to inquire about graduation rates—in general and in your intended field of study. In fact, ask the same questions of all colleges, public and private. Make sure the likely outcomes meet your expectations.
As you proceed through your college search and selection processes, you are in a much stronger position to influence the outcomes than you might imagine. Take the time to reflect carefully on what you want to accomplish during your college years—and how you can best accomplish it. Set your expectations accordingly and be prepared for happy outcomes!
Best Wishes,
A2Z College Planning Team
www.a2zcollegeplanning.com
Follow us on Facebook ! Plan for College-A2Z College Planning
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
College Tours
For additional information and registration, please call 919-460-4965
Campus Cruisin' 101 (age 15-17)
Are you a rising high school sophomore, junior or senior? Have you started visiting colleges and universities? If not, a week is already planned for you to visit area colleges and university campuses to 'get the feel' of a fantastic campus life for you! For more information call (919) 460-4965.
Daily schedule will vary depending on location of visits. Depart from HYCC each day.
Location: Herbert C. Young Community Center , Cary, North Carolina
Fees: $65-Cary Resident $84-Non Cary Resident (4 classes)
Dates: Mon-Thu Aug 2-5 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (this will vary each day depending on the schedule)
Course Number for registration: 46285
Best Wishes,
The A2Z College Planning Team
www.a2zcollegeplanning.com
info@a2zcollegeplanning.com
Follow us on Facebook: Plan for college A2Z College Planning
Campus Cruisin' 101 (age 15-17)
Are you a rising high school sophomore, junior or senior? Have you started visiting colleges and universities? If not, a week is already planned for you to visit area colleges and university campuses to 'get the feel' of a fantastic campus life for you! For more information call (919) 460-4965.
Daily schedule will vary depending on location of visits. Depart from HYCC each day.
Location: Herbert C. Young Community Center , Cary, North Carolina
Fees: $65-Cary Resident $84-Non Cary Resident (4 classes)
Dates: Mon-Thu Aug 2-5 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (this will vary each day depending on the schedule)
Course Number for registration: 46285
Best Wishes,
The A2Z College Planning Team
www.a2zcollegeplanning.com
info@a2zcollegeplanning.com
Follow us on Facebook: Plan for college A2Z College Planning
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Free College Planning Tips
Sign up to receive "Free" College Planning Tips by following us on Facebook at: plan-for-college-a2zcollegeplanning.
Best Wishes,
A2Z College Planning
www.a2zcollegeplanning.com
919-450-0171
Best Wishes,
A2Z College Planning
www.a2zcollegeplanning.com
919-450-0171
List of Colleges still looking for students
The annual NACAC Space Available list of colleges that say they are still looking for students was released this afternoon, Wednesday, May 5, 2010.
http://www.nacacnet.org/PublicationsResources/Research/SpaceAvailabiltySurvey/Pages/SpaceSurveyResults.aspx
Best Wishes,
A2Z College Planning
www.a2zcollegeplanning.com
919-450-0171
Follow us on Facebook: plan-for-college-a2zcollegeplanning
http://www.nacacnet.org/PublicationsResources/Research/SpaceAvailabiltySurvey/Pages/SpaceSurveyResults.aspx
Best Wishes,
A2Z College Planning
www.a2zcollegeplanning.com
919-450-0171
Follow us on Facebook: plan-for-college-a2zcollegeplanning
Monday, April 26, 2010
Harvard University Announcement
***** FOR MORE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT HARVARD UNIVERSITY******
Harvard University Announcement
No tuition and no student loans
Harvard University announced over the weekend that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families will pay no tuition. In making the announcement, Harvard's president Lawrence H. Summers said, "When only ten percent of the students in elite higher education come from families in the lower half of the income distribution, we are not doing enough. We are not doing enough in bringing elite higher education to the lower half of the income distribution."
If you know of a family earning less than $60,000 a year with an honor student graduating from high school soon, Harvard University wants to pay the tuition. The prestigious university recently announced that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families can go to Harvard for free... no tuition and no student loans!
To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $60,000 a year, visit Harvard's financial aid website at: http://www.fao.fas.harvard.edu/ or call the school's financial aid office at (617) 495-1581.
SEND TO SOMEONE WHETHER THEY CAN USE OR NOT. THEY JUST MIGHT KNOW SOMEONE WHO CAN.
If you know of a family earning less than $60,000 a year with an honor student graduating from high school soon, Harvard University wants to pay the tuition. The prestigious university recently announced that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families can go to Harvard for free... no tuition and no student loans!
Harvard University Announcement
No tuition and no student loans
Harvard University announced over the weekend that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families will pay no tuition. In making the announcement, Harvard's president Lawrence H. Summers said, "When only ten percent of the students in elite higher education come from families in the lower half of the income distribution, we are not doing enough. We are not doing enough in bringing elite higher education to the lower half of the income distribution."
If you know of a family earning less than $60,000 a year with an honor student graduating from high school soon, Harvard University wants to pay the tuition. The prestigious university recently announced that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families can go to Harvard for free... no tuition and no student loans!
To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $60,000 a year, visit Harvard's financial aid website at: http://www.fao.fas.harvard.edu/ or call the school's financial aid office at (617) 495-1581.
SEND TO SOMEONE WHETHER THEY CAN USE OR NOT. THEY JUST MIGHT KNOW SOMEONE WHO CAN.
If you know of a family earning less than $60,000 a year with an honor student graduating from high school soon, Harvard University wants to pay the tuition. The prestigious university recently announced that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families can go to Harvard for free... no tuition and no student loans!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Crump Law Camp
*****For more information, please contact the National Bar Association.*****
The National Bar Association is seeking applicants for the Crump Law Camp which was established for students entering the 9th through 11th grades and between the ages of 14 and 17 to introduce them to the judicial system. The goal of the NBA camp is to encourage young people at an early age to become lawyers and seek legal careers in the future. By 2050 more than half of the people in this country will be of color. More than 90% of the nation's lawyers are white, as are more than 80% of the students enrolled in law school. Yet more than 30% of the United States is comprised of people of color. The NBA is seeking applicants to attend this camp from every
ethnic group and its selection process is non-discriminatory.
The first inaugural two week camp was held during the summer at Howard University School of Law through a grant by the Ford Motor Company Fund in 2001.
Campers were and will be housed on the Howard University campus and live in a protected camp environment. Open enrollment is available to students across the country but emphasis will be on enabling students from low income families to attend. Tuition for the camp will vary depending upon family income. The tuition covers transportation to and from Washington, D.C.; housing; meals; educational materials; and expenses for field trips. The camp provides students with an exciting academic and social agenda in the Washington, D. C. area. The competitive highlight of the camp is the Evett L. Simmons Mock Trial Competition. The four winners of this competition are invited to the NBA's Annual Convention.
Application deadline: April 30, 2010
Camp begins July 11, 2010. Applications are available on the NBA website is www.Nationalbar.org
National Bar Association Crump Law Camp
P.O. Box 1048
Washington, D.C. 20008
(301) 249-8355
http://www.nationalbar.org/lawcamp/index.shtml
Best Wishes,
A2Z College Planning Team
www.a2zcollegeplanning.com
info@a2zcollegeplanning.com
919-450-0171
The National Bar Association is seeking applicants for the Crump Law Camp which was established for students entering the 9th through 11th grades and between the ages of 14 and 17 to introduce them to the judicial system. The goal of the NBA camp is to encourage young people at an early age to become lawyers and seek legal careers in the future. By 2050 more than half of the people in this country will be of color. More than 90% of the nation's lawyers are white, as are more than 80% of the students enrolled in law school. Yet more than 30% of the United States is comprised of people of color. The NBA is seeking applicants to attend this camp from every
ethnic group and its selection process is non-discriminatory.
The first inaugural two week camp was held during the summer at Howard University School of Law through a grant by the Ford Motor Company Fund in 2001.
Campers were and will be housed on the Howard University campus and live in a protected camp environment. Open enrollment is available to students across the country but emphasis will be on enabling students from low income families to attend. Tuition for the camp will vary depending upon family income. The tuition covers transportation to and from Washington, D.C.; housing; meals; educational materials; and expenses for field trips. The camp provides students with an exciting academic and social agenda in the Washington, D. C. area. The competitive highlight of the camp is the Evett L. Simmons Mock Trial Competition. The four winners of this competition are invited to the NBA's Annual Convention.
Application deadline: April 30, 2010
Camp begins July 11, 2010. Applications are available on the NBA website is www.Nationalbar.org
National Bar Association Crump Law Camp
P.O. Box 1048
Washington, D.C. 20008
(301) 249-8355
http://www.nationalbar.org/lawcamp/index.shtml
Best Wishes,
A2Z College Planning Team
www.a2zcollegeplanning.com
info@a2zcollegeplanning.com
919-450-0171
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