CollegeRecruiter.com Insights by Admissions Counselors Blog

If you have a learning disability and you're planning to go to college, here's some good news: most colleges and universities provide a wide range of services to help learning-disabled students succeed in the classroom and have a full and complete college experience. How can you be sure that the colleges you're applying to have what you need? Here are some tips.

First and most important, according to Barbara Strickler, V.P. for Enrollment at the University of Tampa, evaluate colleges in exactly the same way you would if you didn't have a disability: that is, by thinking about the kind of college experience you want and asking yourself what's most important to you. A short list of very important considerations might include geographic location/distance from home, campus size, proximity to cities or towns, majors offered, varsity and intramural athletic opportunities, extracurriculars, the social scene, and so on. Be sure to check out the average class size and student-faculty ratio. Small classes and a low student-faculty ratio often mean more personal attention and a greater willingness to accommodate special needs.

Of course, you should also consider how well a college can help you with your particular disability. You can make that assessment in three ways: by researching a college before a campus visit; by paying close attention to physical and academic resources during the visit; and by asking good questions. Not all admissions offices can conduct personal interviews with prospective students, but campus visits are always encouraged.

On-campus help The most important resource a college can provide for a student with a disability is a well-staffed, accessible learning center. Check out the learning center during your campus visit and ask questions about the kinds of services it offers.

• Is the learning center staffed by full-time professionals?
• Are tutors available and is tutoring free?
• Can you get help with study and organizational skills, research, and writing assignments?
• Are you comfortable with the people you met during your visit there?

In addition to these important questions about services and staffing in the learning center, try to assess the campus atmosphere: a welcoming, supportive campus atmosphere may be critical to your success, both in and out of the classroom.

But Barbara Strickler cautions students not to raise the issue of their disability prematurely--that is, during the admissions process. Colleges are not permitted to consider a student's disability in assessing his or her candidacy for admission. When you have been admitted, you can disclose your disability and find out how to request special accommodations, such as untimed tests, note-takers, tutors, and so on.

Finally, you'll need to document your disability in order to take advantage of special campus services.

Having a learning disability may be a challenge for you, but it won't keep you from having a great college experience.

Article by Paul Adams and courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on September 28, 2007 at 6:40 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Student anxiety is an inevitable by-product of the college admissions process--a kind of emotional smokestack emission that hangs over admissions-related activities. This anxiety is largely unavoidable, as students send themselves off in the mail to be evaluated by admissions officers. The results are inescapably public--back from the admissions office come fat envelopes or skinny envelopes. Is this system fair? Are the decisions more whimsical than reflective of a student's talents?

To be sure, college admissions is far from a science. Decisions aren't predictable, but they aren't whimsical either. What college admissions officers do in reading applications is more rational and careful than many families suspect. How can you submit the strongest possible application?

Four optimistic facts

• Colleges and universities are not turning away thousands of highly qualified applicants. Of the approximately 3,300 colleges and universities in America, only a few dozen admit fewer than 40% of their applicants. While these highly competitive (and mostly private) institutions get many applications for each place in their class, only a tiny fraction of America's students attend them.
• You will not be competing against hundreds of valedictorians who are also all-state goalies, composers, or published authors. Applicants "self-select" and apply to institutions that make sense academically and in other ways. There is, however, a "compression of range," meaning that the college(s) to which you will apply receive many applications from students whose credentials will be similar to yours. You need to pay careful attention to the quality of what you submit on your applications.
• While admission to college is not a science, the admissions decision is more in your hands than you may realize. Where students choose to apply, how they present themselves on an application, and the quality of their overall academic record are far more influential in the final admissions decision than the evaluation techniques of the admissions officers.
• The process of completing the application forms can itself clarify what you want from a college education. It is an exercise in self-examination and reflection. Writing an essay on "What do you want from our college?" may help you at other levels besides just getting in.

What do admissions officers look for?
While a student's academic record is by far the most important credential, most private colleges and universities value and evaluate many skills and interests. At almost no private colleges or universities are decisions made on a statistical grid of class rank, GPAs, and standardized testing.

A metaphor for the admissions process at most private colleges and universities might be "theatrical lighting." You want to give careful thought to what you tell admissions officers about yourself. If important facets of your work or personality are reflected or "lit up" in your application, you can really help yourself.

Three tiers of credentials

• Your high school record is by far the most important document. While your class rank or GPA is an important summary statistic, colleges will also look carefully at your courses, grading standards and overall competition in your high school, and their history with your school.
• The next level of credentials includes standardized tests (some colleges don't require them); your essay and other writing samples; depth and breadth of extracurricular activities; letters of recommendation from your counselor, teachers, and others; diversity of your background or culture; and at some institutions, the personal interview.

  Your writing will be read carefully, and you can significantly help or hurt yourself. Admissions officers note the clarity with which you fill out the form itself. Many colleges request an extra writing sample, particularly to illustrate a special interest or strength you may have, such as creative writing, science research, or social concerns.

  If you're a good writer, be sure to include a writing sample that reflects your skills. If you're an athlete, contact coaches to supply the information requested. If you're a musician, send a musical resumé and an audio- or videotape. Any major activity--academic, extracurricular, or personal--that you hope to continue at college ought to be highlighted in your application.

  Also, explain unique circumstances. One student apologetically told us that she had few extracurricular activities. The reason? She was working two jobs after school and caring for her younger sister while her mother recovered from cancer. We said to her, "What you have done is your college essay topic." Colleges will pay careful attention to a student who has demonstrated such self-discipline and loyalty to her family.

• The third evaluation level consists of what colleges call "tippers"--items that rarely determine decisions, but can tip them in close cases. Common third-level factors are geographic diversity, legacy status (where a family member has attended the college), or a commitment to attending a particular college (usually through an early-decision application). Some colleges may also consider factors that are part of their commitment or history: religious heritage, a particular geographic area, or service to particular populations of students.

Inside an admissions committee
Admissions officers often joke that they have split personalities. For two-thirds of the year, they are like tent evangelists, out recruiting their classes. For the other third, they become medieval monks in what we call the "reading season," evaluating applications in marathon sessions.

Admissions committees have multiple evaluations; the eventual decision will come from five to 15 distinct evaluations. First, applications are read as they come in. Then applications from the same high school are compared, so that the committee will understand the context of each high school.

After another series of readings to factor in special circumstances--athletics or other activities, transfer or international students, students with disabilities, etc.--there will be some form of committee. The staff reviews both the overall patterns of decisions--the number of students put into various decision categories compared to previous years, the class academic profile, balance of extracurricular talents, diversity, and other goals--and the individual decisions, so that staff members or faculty readers have one last chance to argue for a particular applicant before a final vote is taken. Most applications will have had at least three separate reviews, and often from five to eight different readings, before the dean of admissions signs the decision letters.

The system varies somewhat from college to college. It is not perfect, but at most colleges and universities, it is as complex, subtle, and demanding as the admissions staff can make it.

Article by William C. Hiss and courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on September 28, 2007 at 2:35 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

You're planning for college, and you feel you have things pretty much under control. You're making good grades and taking all the right classes. You're investigating colleges that offer the programs and the campus atmosphere you want. And you've taken--or you plan to take--the SAT or ACT.

Now what?

Get active! Staying focused on your studies is the most important thing you can do to prepare for college--that's a no-brainer. But there are plenty of unique opportunities that can help you make the most of the time you have left. Here are three great ways to do that.

Service activities (volunteering) can be fun and rewarding. Josh Kretman of Chevy Chase, Maryland, a student journalist who traveled to Bangladesh to report on child labor for a children's news service, says, "I've really grown as an individual by helping others." Lilly Ardell of Northbrook, Illinois, says her experience in the Dominican Republic with Amigos de las Américas "made her more independent and taught her she can do anything."

You don't necessarily have to go abroad to find service activities. There are important things you can do in your own community. Check out the organizations listed in this article, and use the Internet to find other volunteer opportunities. The USA Freedom Corps (www.usafreedomcorps.gov or 1-877-USA-CORP) is a great place to start your search. USAFC's database includes over two million volunteer opportunities from organizations all over the country.

Pre-college learning programs provide equally valuable opportunities for students. You can explore interesting subjects, experience college-level study, and even earn college credits while you're still in high school. Summer programs are also a great way to explore a college you're interested in attending--and that can make you a more attractive candidate for admission. Enroll in a summer course at a college near you, investigate pre-college opportunities at colleges you're interested in attending full-time, or look into some of the other pre-college options listed here.

If you're already interested in a specific career, consider joining a professional organization, such as the Society of Women Engineers. Professional organizations can help you locate summer programs and scholarships, and they can also offer some great career information.

Travel is another great option. It can provide you with adventures and unique experiences, and by broadening your experience of the world, travel can also help with your admissions essays and interviews. Ardell, who describes her experience in the Dominican Republic as "life-changing," says, "You learn about other cultures and you learn to be sensitive to other people."

It's a good idea to keep a journal of your travels or other pre-college activities. You can record where you went, what you did, and how you grew and changed as a result.

Paul Marthers, Dean of Admissions at Reed College, believes that applicants write and speak about experiences they are passionate about with more persuasive detail. Backing this up with twenty years experience around veteran college admission officers "with fine-tuned antennae for the inauthentic," Marthers says, "Activities done simply to impress a college have a way of appearing artificial."

"Why should I?" Why would you want to get involved in something that requires work when you could be coasting?

Five reasons. Getting active lets you:

• challenge yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally
• make a difference in your life and in the world
• connect with the right college
• bring your studies to life
• build the competencies you'll need for college and career.

"Okay, I'm listening." There are so many different activities--how will you choose? What will look best on a college admissions essay? Is one activity "better" than another?

Don't worry too much about what kinds of activities you should engage in. Most admissions officers agree that the most important thing you can do is find an activity that is relevant to you; something that concerns you and interests you. You can't help but grow and learn as a result.

A helpful source of information on activities you might be interested in is Rebecca Green's book, The Teenagers' Guide to School Outside the Box (Free Spirit Publishing, 2001). It offers tons of information about study-abroad opportunities and service activities as well as job shadowing advice and information about internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships--all of which can help you get into the right college and find a job after graduation.

"How do I decide?" Kimberly Williams, a graduate of American University who built a playground in an inner-city neighborhood, offers this advice: "I just made sure that whatever I was doing, I was doing it the best I could. So many things have fallen into place because of that." Josh Kretman adds, "Just do something you care about, that you're passionate about." Nanette Tarbouni, director of admissions at Washington University in St. Louis agrees: "Whatever ways students participate, we recommend that they do so because of a real desire and love for the activity."

"How much time should I expect to invest?" Many students don't begin looking for additional activities until their junior year in high school; then they pile them on, believing that the more activities they engage in, the better they'll look to college admissions committees. This simply isn't the way things work. Tarbouni cautions, "Padding a college resumé is often obvious--the passion for an activity doesn't shine through." Admissions counselors are looking for quality of involvement, not quantity, and they urge students to consider the impact of their activities on the lives of others as well as their own.

Suppose you have other obligations, such as work or caring for a younger sibling, and don't have time for outside activities. Don't despair. Any activity is important, as long as it contributes to your growth. You can use experiences such as a job or child care on your admissions application to show that you are responsible, caring, and contributing.

"I'm convinced. What's next?" Get busy! Do some research and discuss options with your parents; then get involved in a service activity, enroll in a summer course, join a professional organization, or look into travel opportunities. Williams says there's only one thing holding most students back: "In their minds, they think they're kids and can't do big things. In reality, there's nothing stopping them!"

Article by Shari Miller and courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on September 28, 2007 at 12:12 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Every year hundreds of thousands of high school seniors will visit their guidance counselors to research colleges, apply for scholarships and hopefully figure out what the student might want to do with their life.

Posted by CandiceArnold on September 27, 2007 at 12:37 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Tuition Expenses Are an Increasing Drawback for Students

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In the United States, getting an education after high school is becoming a luxury as college tuition costs are outpacing inflation. Colleges and Universities in America are more expensive than in any other country in the world.

Posted by CandiceArnold on September 27, 2007 at 11:30 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

What to Do If You Do Not Qualify for Financial Aid for College

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I grew up in a family with nine children. Everyone older than me who wanted to went to college with full financial aid. My mother even got a second degree while my two older sisters were getting theirs free of charge.

Posted by CandiceArnold on September 26, 2007 at 11:21 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

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It would seem to me, that there must be something seriously wrong with our government when I hear people tell me, "I just can't afford college". This excuse has been used many times over, by many people.

Posted by CandiceArnold on September 26, 2007 at 10:20 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Given today's rapid rate of technological change and corporate transformations, it's almost assured that your career will go through many changes as you make your way in the world. Top career consultants estimate that we will change careers seven times during the course of our lives. While you already may be thinking about majoring in science or engineering, you may not know about the diversity of career options available within these fields. To give you insight into the worlds of science and engineering, we asked several college administrators to give us their views.

Getting a good foundation
Society's increased emphasis on technology has made an engineering education a valuable asset. "From a global standpoint, we have a shortage of people with technological and engineering backgrounds," says Dr. Richard Heist, dean of Engineering at Manhattan College in New York City. He adds, "A career in engineering has remarkable potential, and it's a particularly good time to be entering a great profession."

Manhattan College offers its students a rigorous curriculum and a mentoring program that provides internships in the nearby city. "There is a great need for mechanical, civil, electrical, and environmental engineers in our geographic locale," says Heist, "and our vast alumni network creates a wealth of opportunities for our graduates. I get calls every day asking if I can recommend someone for a particular job."

Kathryn Provost, director of the Career Development Center at Norwich University in Vermont, notes that students applying to an engineering department might not know the kinds of opportunities available in the major. "There are all kinds of engineering disciplines--aerospace, chemical, structural, computer software, and industrial manufacturing," she explains, "or you can combine engineering with another interest, either through additional classes or by going on to get an advanced degree."

If you have the feeling that you might like engineering as a profession, talk with a career counselor or ask for an informational interview with someone working in the field. "Many students don't consider engineering because they aren't really sure if this is the kind of job they want," explains Provost. To decide whether engineering is the right career path for you, don't ruminate too much, she counsels. Instead, she suggests that you "ask, read, and seek help."

While there are many traditional paths open to graduating engineers, their can-do problem-solving attitude often leads them in a new direction. Developing a solid background in a field you enjoy opens many doors, and engineers often go on to pursue careers in consulting, business, education, law, or medicine.

Look for opportunities, but develop your own goals
Many students considering a major in one of the sciences or in engineering assume that a traditional research position is in their future, and this will certainly be an option. The disciplines of science and engineering work on a model of apprenticeship, and there will be many opportunities for research assistantships with professors in your department, as well as others in institutes and programs nationwide. For example, NURO is a consortium of colleges and universities that provides research experiences for undergraduates in planetary science, astrogeology, stellar astrophysics, and extragalactic research (www.nuro.nau.edu). Of course, many students pursuing degrees in biology or physiology will want to go on to medical school. But research projects in genetics, biochemistry, and the relatively new field of bioinformatics may be of interest, too. If research is what intrigues you about a certain field, you will also want to set your sights on a graduate program to refine your skills and to develop your expertise.

While depth of knowledge in one field is a highly valued commodity, a diversity of skills is also desirable. In fact, some programs promote cross-disciplinary work or allow students to explore many applied options while still in school. The College of Applied Science and Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology helps students investigate how technology can benefit many environments and includes diverse classes in subjects such as civil engineering technology, food and nutrition management, and packaging science. RIT was one of the first universities to begin cooperative education, and more than 2,900 students gain real-world experience in the workplace through yearly co-op assignments.

Applied physics majors at Kettering University also have the opportunity to get a jump-start on their careers by alternating on-campus study with co-op work at one of more than 650 corporate affiliate companies. And students majoring in environmental science at Berry College take courses that address environmental issues from a variety of perspectives and follow up with internships, independent or cooperative research, or summer studies at research facilities to increase their understanding.

Although many opportunities may come your way, it is also important to conduct your own career search and discover the support systems and resources that are available. One excellent source of information is professional organizations. Below is a list of addresses, phone numbers, and websites of the national headquarters of four organizations you can contact for general information and local chapters:

• American Mathematical Society, 201 Charles Street, Providence, RI 02904-2294, (800) 321-4AMS, www.ams.org
• American Institute of Physics, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740-3843, (301) 209-3100, www.aip.org/aiphome. html
• American Society of Civil Engineers, 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Reston, VA 20191-4400, (800) 548-2723, www.asce.org
• American Society for Microbiology, 1752 N Street N.W., Washington, DC 20036, (202) 737-3600, www.asm.org

There are also many professional organizations with a particular community focus or emphasis, and most have special programs for students. The National Society of Black Engineers holds a special graduate school fair at their annual conference, and other professional organizations have campus chapters. At Marquette University, there is a chapter of the Society of Women Engineers. At Columbia University, there is a chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, as well as a chapter of the Asian American Society of Engineers.

Of course, another excellent source of information is the Internet, a resource you can use in a number of ways. Many university websites will post student thesis topics and resumés. Browsing through these will give you a good feel for what students are doing, both in their college courses and to develop their careers. Checking company websites for lists of employment opportunities can also give you a sense of what kinds of qualifications you might need for a particular job.

A variety of professional associations have developed Internet resources to help high school students find out more about their field of study. The Association of American Medical Colleges site (www.aamc.org/students/considering/ start.htm) explores various career options in the medical field and includes sections on financial planning and tips on what medical school admissions officers look for in an application. Similarly, the website for the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (www.aza.org/ ForEveryone/Careers) describes careers in aquarium and zoo facilities that can be achieved through a course of study in the zoological or biological sciences. The National Society of Professional Engineers (www.nspe.org) has a student link that provides information on internships and scholarships. The site also recommends the types of classes you should take in high school, the scores you should strive for on the SAT, and the extracurricular activities that might help you in your future career.

There are many websites devoted to career and job searches, but because there are so many--and they change frequently--use one of the major search engines to do keyword searches, or log on to sites such as Monster (www.monster.com).

The challenge of lifelong career planning
It is important to remember that a career is something you build over time, and it is made up of many different kinds of jobs and skills. At any given time in your life, a variety of considerations will contribute to the job choices you make.

• Do you want a big and competitive corporate environment that provides terrific benefits and on-the-job training so you can move up in management?
• Do you want to work in a small, innovative start-up company, with a risk that you may be out of a job in a year if the product goes "belly up," but the chance to make a great deal of money if the company does well?
• Or are you interested in starting a family very soon and want to work for a friendly, stable company that prides itself on its maternity and paternity leave policies?

Of course, the most important consideration is that you enjoy your work, that you are challenged by the demands, and that you can continue to grow and develop.

If the first step in your career is a degree in science and engineering, many choices will be yours as you move forward to discover the world of work.

Article by Sylvia Sensiper and courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on September 25, 2007 at 1:40 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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In most areas of the United States, public school systems from elementary to high school and beyond are enjoying their always anticipated summer break. Mainly families are enjoying much needed vacations, celebrating summer birthdays and holidays or just spending some time in the sun.

Posted by CandiceArnold on September 25, 2007 at 12:21 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As an educator at a leading private university, I think it's smart to consider a private college or university for your undergraduate experience. Here's why:

• Private institutions offer dynamic interdisciplinary collaborations, excellence in teaching, dedicated mentors, and student selectivity. You can also take a hands-on approach to your scientific and technical interests through unparalleled research opportunities.
• Private colleges and universities focus on undergraduate education. We seek special, well-qualified students who can contribute to classroom and lab efforts and who can inspire others to work hard, intelligently, and creatively. We are committed to creating diversity in our student populations and a degree of competitiveness that will encourage you to strive for--and to reach--your goals.

Consider these advantages
Research and teaching together. Research and education don't compete with each other at private colleges and universities. In fact, research faculty gravitate to private institutions because they want to teach undergraduate students and do cutting-edge research.

Student-faculty involvement. The top 25 colleges in the country are nearly equally balanced between private and public, and all have excellent faculty. But faculty at private institutions are more intensely involved with their students. The student-faculty ratio is more favorable at private schools, and class sizes are generally smaller.

Course selection. Many private institutions allow you to create self-defined majors or combine existing majors and minors in creative, contemporary, and exciting ways that underscore our interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate education.

Springboard to a strong future
Private colleges provide a supportive atmosphere of guidance through mentors, advisors, and career counselors. And beyond equipping you with the usual college survival skills set, advising is a commitment to you and your growth, even well after you've earned your degree. This commitment--and access to advisors, deans, and faculty mentors--sets us apart from most public institutions.

Private institutions are leaders in taking you to the level that defines you as a professional in your chosen field of science, engineering, or technology. When you combine that preparation with the excellent network of alumni and friends plus contacts with employers, you will be another step ahead in the years to come as well.
These are all parts of the lifetime education process that begins the day you choose a private college or university for science or engineering.

What's your next step? I recommend you settle down and read the articles in this magazine! Each one has been chosen to help you understand how private colleges and universities can provide you with the kind of education that's exactly right for you.

Article by Eric Grotzinger and courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on September 24, 2007 at 7:08 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Even if students aren't all applying to the same schools, they are acutely aware of who is already visiting colleges and conducting online searches, who has begun interviewing, and who plans to apply Early Decision. In its best form, this new peer pressure can be supportive and motivating, even for those whose coping tactics include delaying for as long as possible. In its worst form, it makes the exciting transition from high school to college more stressful than it needs to be.

David is a good example of the stress factor. After a marathon week of college visits, he and his parents identified a list of schools to consider. As he began organizing application materials, his mom noticed that her personal favorite college was missing. When she asked David about it, he said he'd decided not to apply. "But you loved it when we visited! What gives?" "Well, Julia loves it more, and for her it's a reach. If I apply, I might mess up her chances." "Is Julia a good friend?" "Sorta." "So a 'sorta' good friend is more important in deciding where to apply than what you think of the college?"

Parents are sometimes baffled by such reasoning, but students know that whatever Julia might mean to David later, right now they live overlapping lives. College is the future, but life is right now.

This journal entry, written by a college-bound high school student, illustrates the anxiety involved:

Last Friday, I sat down at our usual lunch table. "So, everyone coming to Joel's tonight?" I asked. "Can't," Theo frowned. "Me neither," said Rosie. "I'm basically under house arrest until I get my apps done." Everyone around me started chattering away, and the overwhelming anxiety level in me about deadlines began to rise. Was there some essay or form that I had forgotten? How come I suddenly had more free time than my friends?

Attempts to cope Each student needs to feel in control of their college plans, even when he or she is bewildered by the details and unsure about what may lie ahead.
Teenagers deal with uncertainty in different ways. For some kids, coping with the pressure takes the form of resistance. Craig and his daughter Maria drove four hours to get to a college visit appointment. Upon arrival, Craig was dumbfounded when Maria took one look at the college and announced, "I would never go to this school. There are too many trees, and it's in the middle of nowhere."

Other students take an over-controlling approach. By her junior year, Laura had already set up a complex file system of plastic boxes to organize the flood of incoming college mail.

Scott, an accomplished and motivated student, took even more drastic steps to master his own destiny, as overheard at soccer practice:

"I can't believe Scott! He actually sabotaged his own Early Decision application on purpose! His parents thought they had persuaded him to apply Early Decision to their alma mater. But he didn't want to apply anywhere early, so he sent off all the materials in time for the ED deadline anyway--except for one required recommendation that he 'forgot.' Voila! Scott's in the regular applicant pool."

Like all teens, David, Maria, Laura, and Scott are each exploring their unique identity and self-image, moving toward separation from their parents while figuring out what their competencies are.

Linda Shapiro, a psychologist and independent college admission consultant in West Newton, Massachusetts, describes high school students as emerging adults "still under construction." And, she points out, "any kind of construction is a messy process." The problem is, the college search and application process comes right in the midst of the transition from childhood to becoming an adult. Talk about overload!

Parental anxiety Ironically, many parents also describe the college search process as stressful. One mom started by typing "college information" on Google. Up popped 11 million sites. "College admission" yielded 3,670,000 sites, and "choosing a college," offered 1,730,000 sites.

So she made her way to the local bookstore, where she tried comparing college listings in various guidebooks. Where to begin? The thick-but-dry college guide? Fun-to-read narrative guide? Specialized guide for selective admission? Heck, she didn't even know which book to buy--how could she ever help narrow down a list of colleges?

Learning lessons As a college admission consultant, I may have a head start in the "college knowledge" department, but as a parent, I have no more credibility with a 16- or 17-year-old who shares my gene pool than any other parent. When our firstborn approached this phase of his life, he was fairly engaged in the admissions process. I remember his indiscriminate exultation at every school we visited during our marathon college visit week. "I love this place! I can so see myself here!" he'd exclaim with delight. Later, when he received eight college acceptances, we were immensely proud, and I gave myself a smug pat on the back.

My son lasted only one semester in college before taking an extended year off that found him managing the parts department of a school bus company, doing construction in Oregon, and working in a fish processing factory in Alaska. What he knew--and I didn't--was that he needed to try out his independence before settling into four years of college. He's now happily back in college, but obviously we missed some cues during his senior year in high school. What did we miss?

Too much togetherness? Sometimes, it's that word "we." Admissions officers and guidance counselors all have stories to tell about parents who ask questions with the word "we" in them: Should "we" take a Kaplan or Princeton Review course, or should "we" arrange for in-home tutoring with Summit Educational Group? Should "we" declare a major on the application, or would "we" have a better chance of being admitted if "we" checked the undecided box?

The convenience of cell phones has also contributed to the phenomenon known as "helicopter parents," because it is just too easy to hover in our kids' lives. Some parents continue to hover even after their kids are enrolled in college. A professor at a highly selective New England college complained that on the day he passed back mid-term exams, he had barely returned to his office when a parent called, upset about his son's test grade. In cases like this, parental intervention not only robs students of the opportunity to fend for themselves, but it also actually sabotages the development of independence.

Love and money Parental love can also cloud the reality of financing college. I counseled a family of one high school salutatorian who believed that she had earned the right to go to a certain prestigious school. But her parents were both teachers approaching retirement age, and the financial aid package she was offered came up short.

Neither parent could bear the thought of limiting their daughter's future by their inability to pay, so they borrowed from their retirement savings to finance their daughter's dreams. The bottom line for both of them was simply love. But a lot of guilt and financial worry could have been avoided if the three of them had discussed their family's finances before submitting any applications to colleges.

As another dad said, "Ever since he was little, we told him to study hard and he could go to any college he wanted. We never realized that financial aid decisions could squash this promise."

The good news Fortunately, most students are resilient, and going through the college application process often makes them even more so as high school draws to a close.

It's true that keeping peace in the family can be trying during the college planning year, but it can be fun, too. What's essential is to start early, talk often, and be sure everyone involved has an agreed-upon role. After all, "we" can't all be the designated college student!

Article by Lynn Welbourn and courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on September 24, 2007 at 5:58 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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As parents eagerly prepare their high school students for the next chapter of their education, so should high school students also prepare. Beyond college scholarships, admissions and student life, there is another aspect of college life that students should be familiar with; Student Rights.

Posted by CandiceArnold on September 24, 2007 at 5:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Heading off to college is an exciting time for many young adults. As parents, we prepare them for the challenges and obstacles they will face. Often, though, we fail to educate our children in some of the most essential health complications that may arise while they are away at school.

Posted by CandiceArnold on September 24, 2007 at 5:10 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Here's an SAT formula to keep in mind: High scores add up to college acceptances, which eventually equal great career opportunities down the road. Janet Xu, 18, a freshman at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, and a guest editor for the SAT guide Up Your Score (Workman,$10.95, www.workman.com), shares her pointers for handling the test. Xu used Up Your Score as her study guide in high school and scored a perfect 1600.

1. Register online. Not only does it save you time and postage, but it also lets you see your scores the day that they come out. Think of how much your mother will save on therapy.
2. In the math section, the questions get harder as you go. Yeah, I know, that's a fact, not a tip, but it WILL help you so much. It means that the obvious answer in the beginning is the right one, and the obvious answer towards the end will be the wrong one. Also, if you're not particularly strong in math, you can just skip the last few altogether and concentrate on the ones you do know how to do.
3. Since most of the math section is multiple-choice, you can get a few answers just by plugging the choices into the problem. To save time, you should ALWAYS start with choice (C) when plugging in. Why? Because the SAT lists its choices in numerical order. That means that you'll always have the smallest number first and the biggest number last. If choice (C) turns out to be too big, all you have to do is look at choices (A) and (B), and that will save you a lot of time.
4. The best way to learn vocab is to make it (gasp!) fun. Learn it with your friends. Make up the weirdest sentences you can think of. Draw cartoons. The more ridiculous, the better.
5. In your Critical Reading questions, they'll sometimes give you a line reference. Always read the line above and below the referenced lines to give you a better idea of what they want.
6. In the grammar section of Writing, always choose the clearest and shortest answer. They're trying to get you to write like a CEO, not Shakespeare.
7. If you're really stuck for an essay topic in the writing section, make up any facts you need. Or a personal story, for that matter. The FBI's not going to come after you, I promise.
8. Bring one calculator and a backup. If you don't bring an extra one, the one you have WILL break down in the middle of your first math section. I call this "Janet's Law of SAT Trauma."
9. Get a good night's sleep. No amount of cramming will be more effective than that.
10. Smile at your proctor. They might be a pain in the neck for three hours, but imagine if you were in their shoes.

Article provided by Spark Notes - http://www.sparknotes.com/.

Article by Janet Xu and courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on September 24, 2007 at 4:42 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

High school students, there is no time like the present to start planning for college. Do not worry, you have the grades and all the things colleges are looking for these days. The only thing you are worried about is the money, so the big question is how am I going to pay for college?

Posted by CandiceArnold on September 24, 2007 at 3:59 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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You are just a year away from graduating high school. So, now you are faced with one of the most important decisions of your life; where to go to college. Where you choose to further your education potentially affects your life more than any other decision you have made up to this point.

Posted by CandiceArnold on September 24, 2007 at 10:57 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

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The Hispanic population is the largest minority in America, yet the high school drop out rate is 48% and only a little over 10% graduate from college. Therefore, many organizations and businesses have set aside funds to aid Hispanic students in obtaining an education.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)

There is one organization that leads the nation in supporting Hispanic education - The Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

Posted by CandiceArnold on September 24, 2007 at 10:55 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

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There are many low-income students in America who think that, due to their financial situation, college is simply a pipe dream. However, Thomas Jefferson wrote "...that the children of the poor must be thus educated at common expense" over 100 years ago and Americans businesses and organizations still take this to heart.

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Posted by CandiceArnold on September 21, 2007 at 5:54 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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You want to go to college, but like most prospective college students, you're not sure how to pay for it. College tuition has soared over the past twenty years, as it strips inflation and increases at a rate that is breathtaking.

Posted by CandiceArnold on September 21, 2007 at 5:44 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Question: What are your chances of getting into medical school if you don't major in science in college?
Answer: Equally good. Medical schools look for students who have excelled in their field of interest, be it biochemistry or music history.

Take it from Dr. Andrew G. Frantz, Associate Dean for Admissions at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons (the medical school). Dr. Frantz majored in English in college and welcomes applicants who aren't science majors.

"Medical school is all about science--and nothing but science," he says. "But college is a time to become an educated, complete human being, a time to read Shakespeare and Plato and Cervantes."

Requirements: fewer than you think Most medical schools require only four undergraduate science courses: physics, biology, and two years of chemistry (some schools also require certain math courses). The only exception might be if you have a weak science background or if you don't do well on the first science classes you take in college.

Carol Baffi-Dugan, who advises pre-meds at Tufts University, tells students, "If you absolutely love one of the sciences, go ahead and major in it, but don't choose a science major simply to enhance your medical school application. Pick something that intrigues you; that you really want to learn about, whether it's biology, history, or music."

Applications to medical school have risen in recent years but are still far below the all-time high in 1996. Getting in is tough, as only about half of all applicants are accepted. Luckily, the things to focus on in order to get in are the same things that will develop you as a person and enhance your college experience:

• Do well academically.
• Take a variety of courses that give you a broad perspective on the world. Learn a language. Spend a semester abroad.
• Take an active part in college life beyond academics, and assume a leadership role.
• Explore the real-life world of medicine through internships and paid or volunteer work in a hospital or other medical setting.
• Show that you care about people and that you want to make a difference in the world. Check out community service programs. More and more medical schools are recognizing that a desire to serve others is an essential prerequisite in becoming a good doctor.

Beyond the GPA Grades are important, says Baffi-Dugan, but the students who are getting into medical school are the ones who show motivation and self-development, not just a high grade point average. "Many medical schools are grappling with the issue of how to educate students to treat people from a great variety of cultures," she says. "Knowing a second language and having studied abroad are seen as plusses in a student's application. Understanding a different culture from having lived there makes you more open-minded to different cultures." However, experiences that expose you to people from different cultures in the U.S. can be just as important. "Our own society is so diverse now," says Baffi-Dugan, "that medical schools are really aiming for students who are well prepared to deal with our own population." So choose a major you love, take on nonacademic leadership responsibilities, show you care for others--in short, become the kind of person you would like to have as a doctor: wise and sensitive as well as a first-rate clinician.

How does this affect your college choice?

• Look for a school that is not only academically strong but that's also a good match for you in size, location, curricular and extracurricular activities, and student population. A school may have the best success rate in the country in medical school admissions, but if you are miserable there, you are less likely to do well.
• Ask about what kinds of support and advising the school offers pre-med students.
• Ask about opportunities for health-related experiences, such as research, internships, and service programs.

The bottom line? Study what you love in college. No matter what it is, you'll be keeping your medical school options open.

Article by Deborah Knight and courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on September 21, 2007 at 5:33 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Certainly All-State athletes, two-sport threats, and varsity-letter winners should emphasize their prowess. But less exalted athletes who may compete in fairly new or more obscure fields are valued as well. For example, archers are welcome at Barnard College, and badminton players are well-served at Bryn Mawr College. Women's ice hockey at Providence College and crew at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania are recently established programs.

The point is to identify the college or university that offers or is known for your sport. A good source is Peterson's Sports Scholarships & College Athletic Programs (Thomson Peterson's, 2004). College Web sites contain the most current facts about teams and coaches, and sometimes they include rosters. You will need the coach's name to contact him/her and to send a DVD of your playing highlights if appropriate. Checking out the roster, which usually indicates the players' high schools, and the team record will give you an idea of its competitiveness and your chance of playing. If the team members who play your position are seniors, your odds are improved.

"Intramural and club sports are the lifeblood of the college," says Tracy Karr, admissions counselor at Susquehanna University, where club teams, including men's volleyball, sometimes rate as much support as varsity. Intramural teams such as coed softball and coed floor hockey at College of the Holy Cross are great places to exercise and socialize. Students are especially enthusiastic about equestrian events at Washington College and Mt. Holyoke. Crew drew so many rowers that Tufts built a stunning new boathouse.

Perhaps the ultimate non-varsity sport is Ultimate Frisbee, with frenzied participation from 218 college and university teams. All these groups need replacement players for graduating seniors.

The greatest growth in college sports is in women's teams. "Women in Intercollegiate Sports," a study sponsored by Smith and Brooklyn Colleges, reports that in the last six years, 1155 new women's teams have been added. Soccer, strongly influenced by Mia Hamm and her Olympics teammates, has grown 40-fold since 1977.

Originally, as women's teams expanded, some men's teams--notably wrestling and gymnastics--were cut. But men are making a comeback. Wrestling has returned to Bucknell, and outdoor field and track to Tulane.

How influential can athletic talent be in winning a spot at college? Plenty. Linfield College in Oregon is typical of many colleges in valuing the GPA first. The strength and quality of the high school curriculum is considered next, followed by SAT or ACT scores. And finally, up to 25% of a student's rating may be based on what a student will contribute to campus, and that could be athletics.

No dumb jocks allowed! Successful high school student-athletes are attractive candidates. Here's why:

• Practice makes perfect. High school student-athletes learn to fit practice, school, social obligations, and perhaps work into their schedules. "They're able to set priorities and balance their time," says Daniel Walls, Emory University's dean of admissions.
• Teamwork = team work. Student-athletes are accustomed to doing their best for the group. Getting along with roommates, taking part in group study sessions, and working with lab partners are natural for them. "The team ethic is ingrained," notes Paul Bradshaw, Baylor University's assistant director of compliance.
• Commitment. Continued participation in high school sports indicates a student's willingness to persist in a demanding regimen. A student's commitment to something outside himself or herself also shows maturity. Colleges, especially Division III schools, are also looking for students who weren't stars but who performed well and stuck with a sport. These are players who will play their hearts out and stay on a team.
• Good sports make good schools. High school student-athletes will most likely compete well on the college level and create winning teams. Athletes build pride and tradition in an institution, and that benefits all students.
• You've got to have friends. Many student-athletes arrive on campus early and are immediately immersed in a small group of people who share their interests. Recalling his cross-country and track orientation program at Hillsdale College in Michigan, Marty McGinn says, "We went camping for three days, made friends, and had fun before being hit over the head with everything else. So I felt more comfortable and at ease while the other freshmen were just moving in."
• Who are you? "In high school, I had a well-established name," says Kristin Carey, a former soccer and lacrosse player at Goucher College in Maryland. "Then I got here and nobody knew me. I'm not the most outgoing person in the world, and sports helped other people know who I am."
• No work, no play. Most students agree that athletic participation helps them to focus on their academic efforts. In fact, David Casassa, a former swimmer and water polo player at Occidental, says, "The only time I fell behind was the last two weeks of school, when I didn't have sports and my time was unstructured."Some schools require study halls for athletes, and some offer special academic programs, including mentoring, tutoring, and strict monitoring of athletes' classroom performance and attendance. That kind of structure helps lots of students adjust.
• Diversity university. On the playing fields, students from various backgrounds meet as equals and often become friends. "You don't have to like each other," says Crystal Butcher, who played field hockey and lacrosse, "but you do have to accept each other and spend a lot of time together, which cuts away initial cultural barriers and preconceptions and often leads to friendship."
• Homesick cure. Most first-year students miss family, friends, and home comforts. But as Clay Nunley, a former collegiate basketball player, found, "It wasn't really too bad because I was so busy and my mind was kept occupied."
• Cut the fat. Sweating it out in sports helps prevent the dreaded frosh 15-pound weight gain.
• Stress less. Academic and social tensions sometimes run high at college, and physical activity is a great release. "It was a way to work out my frustrations," says Kristin Carey.
• Money. Some Division I and II schools offer athletic scholarships ranging from partial awards to full stipends covering tuition, room, board, and fees. But beware: these grants are renewable yearly. If a student is injured or doesn't make the team, the money is gone.

So what's the score? Athletics can make a difference in admissions and after, but no reputable institution will admit unqualified students, no matter how great their athletic prowess. If student-athletes end up on academic probation, they don't play.

Ultimately, your college choice can't be based solely on athletics. Only one athlete in 10,000 will go on to the pros, and the average pro career is only three or four years. How student-athletes perform in the classroom is what really counts. But if you have both academic and athletic ability, your chances of getting into the college of your choice are enhanced--and your chances of enjoying the experience are, too.

So, what should you do? Slip into your sports gear and go for it!