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The importance of Back to School Night...

“You only get one chance to make a first impression,” is a quote I’m willing to bet runs through the minds of numerous teachers in preparation for Back to School Night each fall. It’s one of the few moments they can share their philosophy with a captive audience of parents. But how does Back to School Night relate to college planning?

Consistent academic success is something the majority of colleges and universities evaluate when first considering an applicant. Knowing what’s expected of your child during the year will give you an idea of how to support their needs. Remember-the teachers usually have ten to fifteen minutes to share a lot of powerful information so be ready to take notes on the key topics they discuss.

What happens when a student starts to struggle and their grade begins to drop? For example: the student has a low D in Freshman English, if that becomes the final grade at the end of the year, they have a problem. Before it reaches that point, the options for academic support are often shared at Back to School Night. Before or after school support, lunchtime tutorials, and even Saturday sessions are ways teachers make themselves available to students. Teachers want to help; knowing how to access the help is the first step in improving academic success.

Teaching your child to be a positive self-advocate is one of the most important life skills they need to be successful in high school as well as the postsecondary setting. It’s a team effort with the teachers and counselors.

Think of the example I shared above: what do we do when a student is not performing up to their potential or failing a course? Fast forward to the postsecondary setting: what steps must be taken to increase success when they are failing a class and must seek out the help of a professor, tutoring center, grad assistant or another form of academic support that is offered. During Back to School Night the teacher will outline their support system and with the help of the team we can begin to teach a high school student how to self advocate.

The college selection process begins the first day of school for every single ninth grader. While Back to School Night may seem like just another event to attend it’s much more impactful than one might think. So parents mark you calendar and don’t miss out on the opportunity to interact with some important people who help shape your child’s future.

Questions to consider at Back to School Night:

· Average amount of homework?

· Grade percentage breakdowns (HW, quizzes, labs, etc.)?

· Policy and willingness to write letters of recommendation?

· Classroom website or online portal?

· Tutoring and support?

· Preferred form of communication (email/phone)?

#@CollegeHuntMatt #@CollegeHunt

Understanding College Applications...

Ready Set Apply….wait a minute- what type of application does the college or university require? During the fall of senior year, students are faced with the time consuming task of completing their college applications. Warning To All Parents; your child’s mood most likely will continually bounce from eager worker bees to anxious and overwhelmed as they progress through the next few months. How can these feelings of anxiety be avoided? The most effective way is: conducting research about the individual applications beforebeginning the work.

The first step in the research of college applications is determining the type of application the college or university requires. Does the school use the Common Application? Do they have an application that is specific for just their school? Another type of application may be one that encompasses multiple schools for a statewide system. For example the University of California (typically referred to the UC’s), uses one application for all nine campuses in the system and state. Texas is another state that has a similar statewide application.

Once you have determined the type of application required, you may now get down to work. Things to consider: application due date, transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, supplemental questions. These five areas will give you the opportunity to create a task list and calendar for the specific components the application and school require. You may then begin to communicate with teachers and your counselor to request letters of recommendation, order your transcripts and most importantly open up the dialogue on areas where you’ll need some extra help and support.

Early Decision and Early Action admissions may be an option (depending on the school) a student considers when applying in the fall. It’s important to understand the differences between the two before deciding if you would like to take one of these options. Early Decision is binding; meaning you must attend that college/university if offered admissions. Early Action is non-binding which gives the student greater flexibility when making their final decision from multiple admissions offers. Both ED and EA applications are due and submitted in November. However, ED announces admissions offers in December while EA announces after the New Year. This could have potential impact on financial aid offers and packages because of the timing of the admission announcement. If you’re considering ED or EA, please consider the differences and make the best decision for you.

As you progress through each application remember to plan ahead, set a schedule, avoid procrastination, communicate (with teachers, registrar, counselor), and don’t be afraid to ask for help. What may start out as a daunting task will be effectively managed by creating and following a plan that leads to successful completion.

#@CollegeHuntMatt #@CollegeHunt

AP Courses: the pros & cons

“How many AP classes are you taking?” Is a question commonly spoken and heard throughout the year in high schools across the country, and it’s not just the students asking. Parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators are all involved in this topic. AP courses present students with a tremendous opportunity to experience the rigor and high expectations of a college course while in high school. The benefits are many; critical thinking, cooperative learning, potential for college credits, time management, and lets not forget the 5-point grading scale. However there are pitfalls a student can experience if not careful.

First a little history, AP stands for Advanced Placement, which is delivered and driven by the College Board. These courses are college level curriculum followed by an exam in May offered to high school students. High performance in an AP course can result in a higher GPA because of the 5-point scale and the possibility of earning college credit to be applied once accepted. In 2013 just under 4 million AP tests were given. Each year the College Board has shown positive growth in the amount of students enrolling into AP courses and those signing up for the tests.

How does taking an AP course(s) relate to college? Many schools will use the student’s performance in their AP courses as an indicator of potential success at the postsecondary level. When evaluating a student’s transcript, the colleges will ask, “did they take advantage of the curriculum offered?” Meaning did you enroll into the courses you’re interested in majoring in during high school? For example a student interested in studying medicine should strongly consider taking the highest science courses they have access to during high school. Also, earning an A in an AP course gives the students five points towards their overall GPA instead of the traditional four points, thus boosting the overall GPA.

Now, back to my original question, how do you decide to take an AP instead of a college prep course to avoid pitfalls? Always remember your strengths and weaknesses; if you are honest with yourself you will select the best fit. If you are an excellent student in English, wonderful push hard in those areas. Please do not enroll in an AP course because your friends are taking it, instead create a course schedule that best fits your goals, not someone else. Consider the time commitment and your extracurricular activities schedule. Balance is an important component to remember and instrumental to your sanity. Yes, colleges are looking to see if a student took and was successful in an AP course, however that means earning a grade of B or higher, otherwise you should have taken a different level.

There is a large amount of pressure on high school students these days. AP is one of the biggest stressors around, but it does not have to be. Remember balance is key, go with your strengths and last a most important if you decide not to take a single AP course and earn high grades throughout high school you will have numerous postsecondary options.

#@CollegeHuntMatt #@CollegeHunt

Decision time...

Congratulations, you’ve earned multiple admissions offers from the schools you applied to in the fall! This is a time in your life that’s filled with excitement, happiness, and I’m willing to bet a little confusion on the ultimate next step…where to enroll? With some careful planning you can lessen the confusion while increasing your confidence on which school is best for you.

Begin by revisiting your reasons for applying to each individual school. Is there a particular major or program that sparks your interest? Do they offer internship or co-op opportunities that could lead to a future career after earning your degree? Remember, while having a wonderful college experience is important the main goal is to come out prepared and ready to compete in the job market. If one of the schools provides something different and unique that you believe would provide incredible learning and training you may be able to eliminate a few off the list.

The cost of higher education continues to skyrocket every year. Do not underestimate the value of each individual financial aid package offered by the various schools. Now is the time to breakdown what each school is offering and compare and contrast those offers. One of the biggest misconceptions students and parents have is admission or the financial aid offices frown upon communicating with students who were offered admissions. Contact the financial aid office and discuss the package, don’t be afraid to ask for more or if there in anything else available to lower the cost. Trust me, the admissions offer will remain; it will not be rescinded because you or your parents inquired about the possibility of accessing more aid. In the end the less debt a student can encumber the better, any money saved can be put towards numerous expenses in the future.

Make time to revisit the campuses, mainly the ones at the top of your list. Now that you’re “in” you may have a different perspective or feel for the campus. Similar to when you first considered and saw the school, work on scheduling a time with a professor in the department you plan to study, observe classes, checkout the housing, meet with students in the desired major, and what a perfect time to stop by the financial aid office (see above) to learn more about the offer.

Once you’ve made the final selection on where you’ll attend, congratulations, but you’re not done yet. Best to quickly and appropriately communicate with the schools you’ll not attend so they may offer your spot and financial aid to another student. Showing professionalism and gratitude is best and something you will do throughout life so start now by letting those schools know you’re respectfully declining.

Gaining admissions into multiple colleges and universities is a wonderful experience and the culmination of tremendous effort by the student and parents. Take time to review the different opportunities and make the best decision for you!

#@CollegeHuntMatt #@CollegeHunt

It’s course selection season...

Spring is considered a time of new beginnings and opportunity. How does this relate to high school and college admissions? The answer is, selecting your courses for the upcoming school year. True, that answer was pretty basic, but it’s important to remember because of the positive and sometimes negative impact the final selections can have on the student’s future.

In the months of March and April high school students across the country are discussing, debating and sometimes fretting over the courses they should select for the next year. And lets not forget the 8th graders out there who have much to decide on top of mastering the entire transition into 9th grade.

Students…this process takes time and requires the support of teachers, parents, your guidance counselor and last but most certainly not least YOU. I cannot stress the importance of the individual student taking the time to plan out each and every course to their desired goal and future dreams.

Why? The student is taking ownership in their education and goals. If you already have an idea on what you would like to major in you must build those courses into your schedule. If you love science and plan on studying that in college great, better max out on as much as possible. Want to be an Engineer when you grown up, outstanding, better have those electives as part of your day. The reason why I give those examples is because colleges and universities are looking to see if you “took advantage of the curriculum offered” at your high school. This shows them you are serious about this major and future career and more importantly were you successful. If you are unsure about a major that’s just fine, your overall goal must remain the same- which classes best fit your strengths and interests in a challenging environment. Last, the colleges and universities are looking for applicants/students who are prepared and ready perform at a high level in the postsecondary setting- the sooner you take control the more confident you become.

Points to consider when building your course selections:

· What are your strengths and weaknesses?

· Considering an Honors or AP? Match with your strengths/goals!

· What makes you happy?

· “Are you taking advantage of the curriculum offered?”

· Take the highest-level course possible that is appropriate for you.

· Balance is key- do forget about extracurricular activities, chores, etc.

· Don’t’ be afraid to ask for help.

#@CollegeHuntMatt #@CollegeHunt

Why campus life is important...

One of the most thrilling experiences when attending college is the first week of freshman year when a student realizes they’re on their own and it’s time to begin creating their individual college experience. This moment can also be quite scary, I personally remember the nervous feeling in my stomach as my parent’s minivan pulled out of the dormitory parking lot. I quickly realized, wow this is really happening. Attending an out of state university with just under 20,000 students provided me with two options beginning that moment; avoid interacting with others or create new relationships by getting involved on campus.

Similar to the start of high school, first year college students have an abundance of campus activities, organizations and events at their fingertips. The one difference from high school compared to college is having a stronger personal identity and understanding of interests. These two positives create the ability for a student to specifically seek out what they’re looking for and create their positive college experience.

There are numerous methods to overcome the initial feelings of anxiousness and being homesick, and a primary way is getting involved. As a student begins connecting with classmates, advisors and professors it helps make the school seem smaller and less overwhelming. Those initial feelings of homesickness will seem more normal and not insurmountable.

When researching colleges to apply during junior and senior year of high school it’s important to take into account the campus life each individual school has to offer. Remember, this should not be the number one reason why you attend a particular college or university, it’s on the list of reasons but not one of the top criteria which should always be your desired major. When thinking about campus life, consider what activities you’ve taken part throughout high school that you enjoy. Many four year colleges offer the same type of program or a similar option for students. Interest or service organizations, intermural sports, the arts, Greek life, and being a fan during NCAA college games are just some of the many ways students begin connecting to their campus while simultaneously creating lifelong friendships.

Working at creating a positive campus life experience will result in both short and long-term outcomes. First, combating those initial fears when starting college followed by building lifelong connections and friendships. So remember to get involved and access what the college or university has to offer during the college years.

#@CollegeHuntMatt #@CollegeHunt

Applying to an out of state college...

“There’s no place like home” but what if a high school student is looking for a new environment, opportunity or challenge when it comes to where they’ll attend college? If they find themselves looking for something different and are willing to travel some distance, enrolling into a college or university out of state is a positive option.

Attending a school far from home provides students with some exciting opportunities; internships and networking, unique major or program, and the possibility of additional financial aid are some examples a student may find offered when applying to an out of state school.

Before all this can happen, the student must be willing to step out of their comfort zone, which can be a little scary but at the same time exciting. The student may not know a single person who’s also attending the school. While it’s nice to see a familiar face think of the positive opportunity to get involved on campus and begin making new friends and connections. Many large public schools have begun hosting events for out of state enrolled students to allow them the opportunity to connect with peers who are also coming from another area. Events such as these promote a mindset of getting out there and networking with peers and adults to help the student feel less overwhelmed and more at home.

The primary reason for attending a college or university is to earn a degree. When researching schools and building a list of 4 year options the desired major must remain the top priority. During your research you may discover a particular school that offers an incredible program in the major you’re planning on pursuing. Originally the student may have planned to stay close to home but if this program/major is exactly what they’re looking for then the out of state school should absolutely be considered.

Cost of attendance is an important factor when deciding where to apply and ultimately enroll. Many students and parents are hesitant to consider an out of state school because they believe they’ll pay full price as a nonresident. This is not always the case, which is why out of state schools continue to be a positive option. A perfect example of this is merit money, which is based on academic performance. Many schools (in and out of state) will offer the admitted applicant money to lower the cost of attendance and ideally enroll the student. Another way out of state schools offer funds (to encourage enrollment) is because they need geographic diversity in their applicant pool and on campus. The more students from across the country who enroll and perform well the better it is for future out of state kids. Remember to compare and contrast the cost of attendance for all of the schools who’ve offered admissions, if the overall amount works; it’s a realistic option to attend.

There are so many schools in our country to consider when planning on where you’d like to apply and attend. My recommendation is keep all options open both in state and out of state. You never know what kind of opportunity may be waiting for you in the future.

#collegehunt #@CollegeHuntMatt #@CollegeHunt

Early Action vs. Early Decision

Like all decisions in life there are pros and cons that follow the path you decide to take. During the college selection process and certainly during the fall application time period, some students are faced with the dilemma of applying early decision or early action. It’s important to note this is a decision that should not be taken lightly and should come after much thought and consideration.

First let’s understand some differences between the two. Early Decision is binding which means a student who is accepted must attend that specific college. Early Action is non-binding, which means the student has until May 1st to make their final decision and notify all campuses. Both will require the student to apply early, typically by November. However, the final admissions offer for Early Decision will arrive by December, while the Early Action is after the New Year. If the student is offered admissions in the Early Decision format they must drop all other applications immediately and accept the offer. Early Action allows the student to have a little more time and thought because they have until May 1st.

Why would or should students consider applying through one of these two options? First they should absolutely have done their homework about the school, visited the campus, desired majors/programs, sat in on classes, and know it’s the perfect fit. The opposite holds true as well; a student should not arbitrarily apply to a school as early decision or action with little or no research, based on the school’s reputation, or just complete the application and move forward. If admitted, the implications could still backfire in the long run if the student finds him/her attending a school they really do not love.

Another point to consider is the Financial Aid opportunities or, in the case of Early Decision, the possible loss of aid. The reason I bring this up is because if a student applies Early Decision they will hear back with admission by December along with some type of financial aid package. Keep in mind they must notify the school and drop all other applications; Important to consider: what if another school comes to the table with a better financial aid package that will benefit the student and family in the future?

Some believe applying Early Decision or Early Action will increase their chances of earning admissions. That’s not always the case, and really only the admission board knows the answer, which I can’t imagine they share. What we do know is the competition is steep for schools that typically offer these types of application options, but as I like to say if you have the numbers to compete and are absolutely positive this is “the school” it’s definitely something to consider.

#@CollegeHuntMatt #@CollegeHunt

College Fair season has arrived!

Guess whose coming to town this fall? Sorry, I’m not talking about the Great Pumpkin! But I am talking about dozens of college admissions officers and you’ll be able to access them in one location, a college fair. That’s correct, college fairs are held throughout the fall in communities across the country, creating can’t miss events. With some planning and preparation a student can capitalize on the evening while gaining valuable information and insights about various colleges and universities in just a few hours.

It’s important to understand why college fairs are such a valuable resource for students and parents. The main reason is because of the incredible opportunity to speak one on one with an admissions officer. While these conversations might seem minor, they’re not. Students should prepare for these interactions to create an opportunity for successful dialogue.

If you are interested in a handful of schools that are schedule to attend the fair, it’s time to get down to work and begin your research. This is your time to shine and interact in a professional manner. You’re opening question should be one focused on something you want to know more about the school. One I always recommend is related to majors. If you’re interested in studying Computer Science, create an open-ended question about Computer Science that will allow the admissions officer to elaborate their response and ideally spark a dialogue. You may then follow up with a second question based off your first, for example, “where are CS students being placed for internships” or “where are CS students being hired after graduation?” Each of these questions opens the door for the admissions officer to share in-depth feedback about their school.

Here are a few more helpful hints in making a college fair a success:

· Locate the list of schools before attending the fair

· Prepare questions for schools of interest

· Respect the admissions officers time

· Stay open-minded you never know what opportunity may arise

· Attend informational breakout sessions during the event

· Have fun

College fairs are a wonderful free resource that students and parents cannot afford to miss. So make sure you’re not left behind and plan ahead this fall by researching when and where the college fairs will be held in and around your hometown. Remember…prepare for the event and enjoy the experience of an important step in the college planning process.

#@collegehunt #@collegehuntmatt

How Many College Apps. Are Enough?

“How many applications should I complete in the fall?” This is a popular question I hear from students and parents throughout the summer and fall as they plan for their college applications. The reality is there is no magic number; it truly is unique to every senior as they take ownership in the schools they’d like to pursue. While there’s no specific number there is a process a student can take when building a list to help them decide on postsecondary schools.

I enjoy using the term “working list” when discussing this question. The reason why is because I believe students should be comfortable adding and dropping schools from their list at any given point. This is a positive step because you never know when you might find a new school that offers a major or program you’re excited to pursue. The opposite holds true as well, if a student decides a campus is no longer for them they should feel confident dropping it from their list. Taking the approach of a working list allows the flexibility to continuously add and drop schools resulting in a final list of schools you’re comfortable applying.

What about “safety” and “reach” schools? Both are positive options to consider when applying. A safety school is one that you feel very confident in earning admissions, meaning your numbers (GPA, SAT/ACT) well surpass the schools average range. Most students will consider 2-3 safety schools on their overall list. A reach school is one that’s extremely competitive and in the absolute top tier when it comes to volume of applicants and acceptance rate. Students will often consider 2-3 reach schools when building their list. The point with reach schools the applicant must remember is having the academic numbers to apply in the first place, and understanding you’re competing against the top students from across the country.

Don’t’ forget about the cost, specifically the application fee when it comes time to apply. The current cost for most applications range from $65 to $75 per application. If a student applies to fifteen schools it will be quite a bit of money in just application fees, so be realistic in your selections. Some schools do offer free applications or fee waivers for those who have met specific academic criteria or financial need, these are wonderful options for those who qualify, but you may not be in that category. Best to plan and budget accordingly based on academic numbers and what you’re willing to spend on application fees.

While there is no magic number of schools a student should apply to during the fall of their senior year. There is a way to be confident you’re applying to schools that provide what you’re looking for in a college experience, while preventing over applying to schools that in the end you were never really that excited about.

#@CollegeHuntMatt #@CollegeHunt

Achieving College Readiness...

At the start of high school, students along with their parents begin hearing a term called college readiness. For some it’s a new idea while others have a general feeling of it’s importance. College readiness is defined when a graduating high school student is prepared to enter and be successful at the college level without remediation, and successfully complete entry-level requirements.

College readiness can mean something different for individual students across the country as they progress through high school. The main point to remember about college readiness is securing numerous postsecondary options by working hard academically to earn opportunities you find exciting. For example a student who’s “college ready” may choose to attend a community college with the goal to transfer after two years into a 4 year college or university. Other opportunities include military service, art schools, and trade programs. Each one creates a positive environment for a student to pursue higher education and training. Just because someone does not begin on a college campus after high school graduation does not mean they’re not college ready.

There are primary factors that promote or inhibit a student from successfully being college ready. Course selection and the subsequent grades earned, and most important the ability to understand and think critically about the curriculum. It all starts with selecting the appropriate courses throughout high school. Remember to consider the following: is the course college prep? How many years of this particular requirement do I need to fulfill? Is the course Honors or Advanced Placement? All of these questions relate back to college readiness, so remember the importance of selecting courses each school year.

Once classes have been selected it’s time to get down to work. The success or failure in each class has a direct impact on college readiness. For example if a student earns a D in English during their freshman year, it’s a problem that must be corrected quickly to get back on track for college readiness. Putting in time, consistently working hard, and studying will payoff in the end by securing options for after high school.

It’s not just about the grade earned in each course, but the ability to understand the curriculum and not need remediation during the college years. Many focus on earning the highest grade possible and moving on, without a deep understanding of the content. This can come back too negatively impact a student. Students need to challenge themselves by exploring the curriculum and utilizing the teacher to create an opportunity to learn more.

While College Readiness has a straightforward definition I believe it looks different for each individual student. Remember to work diligently throughout high school to earn college readiness resulting in numerous postsecondary options.

#@CollegeHuntMatt #@CollegeHunt

College planning during the Summer!

School’s out for summer! Yes, that wonderful time in a teenager’s life has arrived- summer break! A time for some relaxation, fun and family vacation, but that’s not all the summer months should be used for by a college bound student. The summer months are an important time to continuing building towards college readiness by preparing for the SAT and ACT, visiting campuses, working a part-time job, and volunteering in the community.

Studying for the SAT and ACT is a must throughout the year, and that includes summer vacation. Students should schedule at least an hour of study everyday during the summer months. With literally no nightly homework your academic schedule is flexible allowing you to allocate more time to prepare for these tests. Once started, it will become routine and the potential positive impact is worth the effort. There are numerous ways a student may prepare for the tests- online resources, prep books, formal classes, and more. The key is figuring out which option best fits how you learn and your schedule.

Visiting college and university campuses during summer vacation is a wonderful use of time. Ideally visits should be held when the college is in session, however anytime a student can visit a school it’s a positive. Before heading out on the trip it’s best to do your homework and prepare, never a good idea to just show up. Begin by creating a list of schools, researching how they conduct new student visits and information sessions. Don’t forget to prepare a few great questions to ask during the tour. Putting in time before the visit will increase your ability to stay engaged and soak up everything while on campus.

Seeking out volunteer work or working a part-time job are effective ways to utilize the summer months. When it comes to volunteer work, it’s always best to go with your strengths and areas of interest. If you’ve already decided on a particular major at the postsecondary level, try to match this with your volunteer opportunity. This will provide you the environment to gain insights into that particular field. For those working a part-time job, don’t discount this as a waste of time. Working provides many outstanding life skills and opportunities that can’t be taught in a classroom. In addition to learning job and life skills, you’re showing initiative and building a resume.

Summer is a time to take a break, but also to plan accordingly for postsecondary opportunities. Don’t waste away the days and fall behind! Instead take ownership and create a balance of working towards achieving your goals while also having some fun before the new school year begins.

#@CollegeHuntMatt #@CollegeHunt

College planning...ask for help!

“Where do I even start?” Is a question I continually hear from students and parents when the topic of college planning arises. Many students in ninth to current twelfth grade have uttered this very question, which is why the need for help is so prevalent. However with an effective plan this question and mindset can be defeated resulting in confident students (and parents) taking ownership throughout the process.

Time is always a factor that impedes student success when it comes to postsecondary planning. With commitments ranging from schoolwork, extracurricular activities, part time jobs, and more students find themselves searching for even a break just to be a kid. Parents are often in the same situation with their responsibilities at work and home. Which brings me back to “time” and how valuable of a resource it has and will continue to be. If the student (and parents) has the goal of attending a four-year college or university carving out time during the week is essential in overcoming this exciting challenge. Setup a schedule and add into your already existing weekly routine time for research and college planning. The earlier it’s done in high school the better. Stick to the schedule and before long it will become a healthy habit.

Another reason why college planning is difficult is because the information changes or evolves over time. There are numerous moving pieces and requirements that come along with meeting admissions standards. For example, minimum GPA and testing (SAT and ACT) requirements, application deadlines, financial aide, NCAA athletic requirements, are just a few examples of the endless to do’s. It’s up to the testing organizations and schools/universities if and when they make a change to their respective role in the college admission process so pay close attention.

Not wanting to ask for help can also delay or impede student success during the college planning process. There is a lot of information available, some good but also some misinformation. Be mindful of how you access the information and whom you ask for help. If a student or parent is hesitant to ask for help they may find themselves confused or missing out on a potential opportunity.

Feeling lost or stuck is a situation nobody wants to find them in, so creating a schedule, continually watching for updates and asking for help are ways to successfully build a foundation in working towards overcoming this challenge.

www.college-hunt.com

Step out of your comfort zone...

When high school juniors and seniors begin creating a list of colleges and universities to apply, many often find themselves listing schools close to home or ones based solely on name recognition. If these two factors become the only guidelines that help create the list, the student may be missing out on some incredible opportunities. My challenge to each and every high school student is “step out of your comfort zone” and consider schools of all types and locations.

Researching and visiting schools located away from home and out of state pose many positives that cannot be found in attending a school closer to home. If you decide to attend an out of state school, you will be encourage to interact with your peers because you really don’t have much of a choice. As opposed to attending a school close to home that many high school peers or neighboring high school students attend. How exciting to know you will meet all new people and not run into a single familiar face on campus. While this may seem scary, this experience will serve you well throughout life.

In addition to building new friendships, applying out of state poses the opportunity to earn scholarships, grants, and merit money because schools often seek geographical diversity in their applicant pool. Many colleges and universities across the country are actively seeking applicants from other parts of the country, which means you may have an increased likelihood in earning admission as well as the admissions office proposing funds to lower the cost of attendance to entice you into enrolling.

“Private schools are way to expensive, so why even apply.” Is a statement often heard as students begin considering where to apply. Yes, private schools have a much higher cost to attend compared to a state school, but is it wise to simply rule them out before doing any research? Again, the challenge is to “step out of your comfort zone” best to keep an open mind and consider all types of schools. Private schools offer many positives for students; smaller class sizes, access to professors, graduating in four years, networking and internships, and typically large endowments for financial aid. Yes, the cost is higher for a private school but remember the cost of attendance is just the starting point. If you have solid grades, extracurricular activities, and live out of state private schools will most likely offer aid to lower the cost. Adding a few private schools onto your list is a positive step that may create an incredible opportunity because you kept an open mind.

I grew up in Maryland and attended college in Ohio. My parents were pretty adamant about my brother and I attending school away from home, ideally out of state. When I was a junior and senior I really did not understand why they were so positive about me attending college away from home, maybe they just wanted me out of the house! All kidding aside, when I look back on my college experience I now understand and appreciate their intention. I was forced out of my comfort zone on day one and was able to overcome those fears and have a wonderful college experience. So I challenge students to “step out of your comfort zone!”

www.college-hunt.com

The Scholarship List...

“How can we afford college tuition?” “What are some ways to access scholarships?” These are questions commonly asked throughout the college selection process and certainly during senior year. With the cost of postsecondary education continuing to rise, parents are often faced with sticker shock and the possibility of hard conversations with their child on where they may or may not be able to attend based on cost.

While I have many recommendations, I’m going to go with one of the best and most often neglected resources available to seniors. Drumroll please....the Scholarship List, which is located in pretty much every counseling office across the country. You may be thinking-that’s it? What’s the big deal? Trust me on this one; thousands of dollars are just waiting to be applied from local, state, national organizations, businesses, individual families, and college and university alumni chapters.

Many high schools will provide this information in two ways, first old fashioned hard copies available in the guidance office. Next is the school website or possibly a link located off the Counseling site. Both will contain the same information, which includes the scholarship information, application requirements, criteria, and the amount. A senior who is serious about earning scholarships simply needs to continually check this list to find which scholarship profiles they meet and apply.

I believe the main obstacle a senior faces during this process is seniorities (a word I dislike). So many times I’ve listened to students who say they are tired of filling out the applications or do not want to write yet another essay. The results are twofold: the senior loses out on earning the scholarship, and the money goes unused. I know it sounds crazy but every spring, organizations contact high schools asking “why didn’t anybody apply?” or “we only had one applicant?”

Remember every amount of money counts. Big or small, it all adds up towards paying for school. Students who are diligent and apply for appropriate scholarships will often find positives results as they pursue lowering the cost of their postsecondary education.

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A College Admissions Rep is coming to town...!

Every year Admissions Officers travel the country throughout the fall semester visiting high school campuses to present information about their college or university. Too often students fail to capitalize on these opportunities by choosing not to attend these informative meetings.

It’s important for the student to prepare before the Admissions Officer arrives at the high school. First, find out the calendar or schedule of which schools will be visiting your high school. While it may sound simplistic, too often I hear from students who don’t even know where to find this information. The schedule is typically posted on the school website, counseling link, or if your school utilizes an online portal. Once the student has located the list they can begin the decision making process on which schools they’d like to hear from. Keep in mind Admissions Officers begin their visits in early September and run through December so be sure to check the list for updates.

Once you’ve decided and signed up you must begin your research on the individual school. Going into the meeting without prior knowledge and some prepared questions will most likely result in a less then ideal experience. Instead, read about the school, the majors and programs offered, tuition and financial aid packages are just a few great examples of what to consider asking. Ask yourself, why are you interested in this particular college or university? Taking that answer will provide you with the opportunity to dig deeper into why this school may be a potential fit for your postsecondary option.

The day of the visit come prepared with your questions, two to three is plenty. Remember other students will be in the audience and you do not want to monopolize the time allocated for questions. Introduce yourself to the Admissions Officer with a firm handshake and thank them for coming. Take notes during the presentation on information that relates to what you’re looking for in a postsecondary experience. Listen carefully when they discuss the admissions profile of their applicants and eventual students. When they open it up for questions, now is the time to ask the specific ones you have prepared. Again, depending on the size of the group you may only get one question, but hopefully there is time for a second. Regardless, coming prepared with questions will go much further then one off the top of your head.

Admissions Officers are wonderful resources who are thrilled to share with anyone the information about why students should consider applying to their school. There is no harm or cost in attending these sessions so be sure to access the visitation schedule at your school and don’t miss out.

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Understanding College Applications...

Ready Set Apply….wait a minute- what type of application does the college or university require? During the fall of senior year, students are faced with the time consuming task of completing their college applications. Warning To All Parents; your child’s mood most likely will continually bounce from eager worker bees to anxious and overwhelmed as they progress through the next few months. How can these feelings of anxiety be avoided? The most effective way is: conducting research about the individual applications before beginning the work.

The first step in the research of college applications is determining the type of application the college or university requires. Does the school use the Common Application? Do they have an application that is specific for just their school? Another type of application may be one that encompasses multiple schools for a statewide system. For example the University of California (typically referred to the UC’s), uses one application for all nine campuses in the system and state. Texas is another state that has a similar statewide application.

Once you have determined the type of application required, you may now get down to work. Things to consider: application due date, transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, supplemental questions. These five areas will give you the opportunity to create a task list and calendar for the specific components the application and school require. You may then begin to communicate with teachers and your counselor to request letters of recommendation, order your transcripts and most importantly open up the dialogue on areas where you’ll need some extra help and support.

Early Decision and Early Action admissions may be an option (depending on the school) a student considers when applying in the fall. It’s important to understand the differences between the two before deciding if you would like to take one of these options. Early Decision is binding; meaning you must attend that college/university if offered admissions. Early Action is non-binding which gives the student greater flexibility when making their final decision from multiple admissions offers. Both ED and EA applications are due and submitted in November. However, ED announces admissions offers in December while EA announces after the New Year. This could have potential impact on financial aid offers and packages because of the timing of the admission announcement. If you’re considering ED or EA, please consider the differences and make the best decision for you.

As you progress through each application remember to plan ahead, set a schedule, avoid procrastination, communicate (with teachers, registrar, counselor), and don’t be afraid to ask for help. What may start out as a daunting task will be effectively managed by creating and following a plan that leads to successful completion.

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