Thursday, December 13, 2012

Enjoy Your Early Action Acceptance


Did you apply for and receive an early action acceptance (not to be confused with the binding early decision acceptance)?

As you’re aware, early action has a lot of benefits, the biggest being that you don’t have to wait nearly as long as fellow classmates to find out if you’ve been accepted to the college of your dreams. While most students have to wait until spring for their acceptance letters, those who decide to submit their application by the early action deadline typically find out by mid December.

If you’re one of those lucky few who took the early action route and have received an acceptance letter, here are several tips:

  • ENJOY IT. Take time during your holiday break to relax and enjoy the fact that you’ve already received an acceptance letter. That’s one less stress to worry about during the holiday season! 

  • DON’T RUSH IN. Take your time and keep an eye out for acceptance letters from schools you applied to by the regular deadline. Perhaps another school wants to offer you a scholarship, but your early action school does not. This may be an important factor to take into consideration when deciding which school to attend. Once you’ve heard back from all the schools you applied to, fully evaluate your options to make the choice that’s best for you.


With these two tips, you’ll be able to thoroughly enjoy the benefits of your early action application!

Happy Holidays from Klaar College Consulting!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Which Type of College is Right for You!

Which Type of College is Right for You!

 
There are a variety of different types of colleges available, so narrowing down the right one for you may seem like a daunting task. But, it doesn’t have to be! The below explanation of the different categories of colleges may help you find the one that seems best suited to your individual academic, social and financial needs.


Military
Military Colleges, like the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, teach their students in a unique style with a focus on military history and tradition.


Public
A public university is funded and paid for by public means. These schools are often, though not always, state schools, and they tend to have lower tuition rates than private universities. Towson University in Towson, Maryland (17,517 undergrads) would be an example.


State Schools
A state school is one that is paid for and run by the state. State schools, which are usually public, often have a large student population. For example, the University of Maryland-College Park has 26,775 undergrads.


Private
A private university is not run by the government. These institutions are run as educational nonprofit organizations. Private universities tend to have higher fees than public and state schools. An example would be the University of Richmond in Richmond Virginia.


Religious Affiliated
Religiously affiliated institutions are founded and supported by a specific religion. Because of their basis in religion, they may be a good choice for those with a strong faith. The Catholic-based Loyola University in Baltimore Maryland is an example of this.


Liberal Arts
A liberal arts university focuses on education in the field of liberal arts. Liberal arts include subjects like literature, psychology, and philosophy. As such, these schools would be a good choice for someone with an interest in the humanities. Hood College in Frederick, Maryland is an example of one such school.


Tech Schools
Tech or technical schools provide education in areas of trained labor. Technical schools can prepare students for careers as medical assistants, cooks, electrical technicians, and much more. An example of a technical school would be ITT Technical Institute, which has campuses across the country.


Ivy League
Ivy League universities are a group of academically elite educational institutions. They are private, and have high tuition rates. These universities are very selective. An example of an Ivy League university is Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. The term “Ivy League” is an athletic designation rather than an academic one.

We hope this list will make it easier for you to find the colleges that match your needs and interests! For more help in selecting the college that is the best fit for you, and that will result in an exciting and rewarding experience that leads to a satisfying career, contact Charlotte Klaar at 301-834-6888 or
Charlotte@cklaar.com.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

The Letter of Recommendation: Explained



The Letter of Recommendation: Explained

The letter of recommendation has long since been one of the key components of a college application. As such, it can be a major concern for high school students, raising questions such as: Who should you ask to write your letter of recommendation? How much time should they have to write it? What should they say to make you stand out? Is it even really necessary?
Below, we’ll help answer these questions in the hopes of demystifying the fabled letter of recommendation.

  • Who are the best people to ask to write a recommendation?
Standard letters of recommendation: Guidance counselors and teachers from your junior or senior years.
Supplemental letters of recommendation: Coaches, employers, religious leaders, and other respected adults who know you well

  • How much time should you give the person to write the recommendation letter?
Approximately three weeks

  • What should the person writing the letter say in order to make you stand out?
Focus on leadership abilities, extracurricular activities, highlights from your resume, intellectual curiosity, and other abilities/activities that enhance your in-classroom performance

  • Is the recommendation letter even necessary?
Most colleges do require at least one standard letter of recommendation
Hopefully, these answers will be helpful in your search for the perfect letter of recommendation.

As an additional note, students should be aware that counselors do not have to alert students as to whether or not they will send a recommendation letter on the student’s behalf. That makes it important that you follow up with your counselor to find out whether they have sent a letter.  If not, it’s doubly important that you get a letter from a teacher or other adult as per above!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Don’t Make Selecting a Major too Stressful



While looking at colleges, many high school students find themselves stressing over what major they should choose. It can seem as if you have an almost impossible deadline for deciding exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life!  But as intimidating as selecting a major can seem, there’s one key thing to keep in mind: It’s perfectly fine to not have a major or career path in mind when you start looking into colleges.

Below, we offer three simple tips that will help ease your career path decision woes.
 
1.     Choose a school that has a wide range of majors.
Don’t know what you want to do? Find a school you like that offers a wide variety of majors. Once you’re there, you can try your hand at a few of the courses in the various majors offered,  and see which ones interest you.
 
2.   Take a general career test.
Need help deciding what career path to look into? Try taking a career aptitude test. A college consultant can help with this, and help you to identify your passions and areas of interests. 
 
3.     Keep your options open.
Many of the careers that today’s students are preparing for don’t yet exist. Therefore, it’s crucial that you keep your options open while learning to think critically and to analyze the information you accumulate. This way, you can apply it in creative ways to different scenarios.
 
4.     Relax.
Remember that you still have plenty of time to figure out what you want to do. In fact, most people are undecided when they enter their freshman year of college and many people even change majors multiple times as they progress through the year. The important thing during your freshman year is to take your general education courses, which will help guide you in determining your major.

With these three tips in mind, picking a major can be a much less daunting task!



Saturday, September 15, 2012

Here's What Colleges Want From You!


Between SAT scores, extracurricular activities and GPAs, the process of deciphering what colleges are looking for can seem complex and daunting! Here’s a quick and easy to follow list of what many colleges are looking for in their prospective students to help make the process easier. While some of the items are old standbys, some things on the list may surprise you!

1. A great letter of recommendation. A good word from people you’ve worked with or for is a helpful source of insight into your character.

2. A challenging high school course load. This shows schools that you’re committed to
academics and that you used your time in high school wisely.

3. Good grades with an upward trend. Grades that show you’re working hard and are
consistently improving are very important to colleges.

4. Work and/or community service experience. Real world experience helps to show that
you’re a well-rounded person.

5. Involvement in extracurricular activities. Like work or community service, extracurricular involvement is a great way to show that you’re a well-rounded person with a passion for something. This can help you stand out.

6. Solid test scores. While the importance of these has dropped slightly over the years, they are still a crucial staple for many college admissions offices.

7. An outstanding essay. Essays allow college admissions offices to get a more personal look at the student behind the application. This is the time to show off your skills, insights, and talent for writing.

Knowing what’s important can be the key to getting into the school of your dreams or a college that’s a great fit socially, academically and financially. And who doesn’t want that?!

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Fiction vs. Fact: What You & Your Student REALLY Need to do Senior Year


What do seniors – and their parents – need to expect during the senior year of high school?  Here’s a simple list that separates some common myths from the facts.

Three of the most common myths surrounding senior year are:

Myth #1 Students can take relaxed course loads during their senior year.

Myth #2 It’s okay to for students to slack off during their senior year.

Myth #3 Once a student has been accepted into a college, it doesn’t matter what they do.

All of these are complete fiction. Senior year is incredibly important. Even after a student has been accepted into a college, the college will continue to check up on said student’s course load and grades.

If colleges see a slip in performance, they may do any number of things, including withdrawing admission, making students participate in academic advancement programs over the summer, reducing students’ financial aid offers, or placing students in remedial courses during their freshman year.

If your student wants to avoid these penalties, it’s crucial that they stay focused during their senior year.

Now that we’ve cleared up some of the fictions surrounding senior year, let’s talk about some of the facts:

Fact #1 Your student’s guidance counselor can opt out of sending a letter of recommendation when using the Common Application, and they don’t have to inform you of this. Be sure you’re aware of whether or not your student is getting a letter of recommendation.  Also, have other options in place, such as letters  from a teacher, club leader, Scout leader, minister, etc.

Fact #2 Knowing what’s in store for your child and planning accordingly is crucial. Having a financial plan, a communications plan, and even a plan for emotionally letting go, can make senior year and beyond much easier.

Fact #3 Being supportive of your child is very important. Be sure to stress that senioritis is not an excuse to slack off, and that there is a lot at stake. Also be available to your child for informal discussions about how their senior year is going, and what they can anticipate in college.

Remembering the facts and forgetting the fiction can make your child’s senior year a little bit easier for everyone involved, including you!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Preparing Your Student to Leave for College

Preparing to leave for college can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time for you and your child. Moving away from home for the first time with endless amounts of freedom can seem overwhelming, but talking to your child and preparing yourself to let go can make the transition easier.

Talk to your child about:

Drinking/Drugs
Openly discuss what your child should do when faced with the issue of drugs or alcohol. Role-play some responses with them to help ease the first encounter. Explain to them that all actions have ramifications, and if they choose to drink, stress that it should be done responsibly.

Organization
You will no longer be there to constantly remind your child to do this or that, so stress the importance of being organized and managing tasks in a time appropriate manner.

Communication
Set up expectations for communication. College students’ schedules can be hectic, so keeping in touch with them can be tough. Setting a time and a day several times a week for them to call will ease your mind, as well as theirs.

Prepare yourself to let go:

Friends
Be sure that you have someone to talk to about your feelings. It is even more helpful if your friend is experiencing, or has experienced, the same thing.

Outside interests
Find something you love to do (outside of your home). Get involved with the community, try yoga, or maybe go back to school. It’s helpful to have something new to throw yourself into to counterbalance those “empty nest” feelings.

Let them be
Before they leave home, progressively give your child more freedom and independence. This will make it easier for you because can rest easier knowing that he/she can handle being independent.

With a little thought and effort, your student’s transition will be easier for everyone!

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Doing What I Love to Do!


Once again this year, I will spend an exhausting and rewarding week teaching at the IECA Summer Institute held at Swarthmore College. It never ceases to amaze me that I learn from my colleagues and students at least as much as I teach. In addition to feeling that I am helping to safeguard the profession by teaching would-be consultants the best practices that IECA holds dear, I find the time spent with knowledgeable colleagues, who love being IECs as much as I do, to reaffirm my commitment to my students and their families. It is a wonderful commentary on life when one can earn a living doing what she loves to do.

The profession of Independent Educational Consulting is a young one, a bit more than 30 years old, and I have been privileged to be part of it for the last 17 years. Those years have been ones of growth, organization, and acknowledgement by other groups that IECA is the premier representative of IECs who are ethical, trained, and professional. Members of this wonderful organization take great pains to keep their skills up-to-date, continue their professional development, do pro-bono work, and keep the good of the client foremost in their minds. I am privileged to be part of this wonderful group.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Summertime - Time for Relaxation but Don’t Forget About College Prep!

It’s summertime and preparing for college may be the furthest thing from your mind. But even as you enjoy your summer break, you’d be wise to use this free time to your advantage.

If you’re a rising senior, be aware that September will come all too soon and by the time school starts, you should have a final list of colleges, so you can begin your applications.  This fall will be a busy time with essays, letters of recommendations, college applications, etc.
By taking advantage of these long summer days, you can get a real jump start on your college application process!
Here are some tips for maximizing your summer:
Read
Reading will help keep your mind fresh and help build language skills. You don’t need to read classic English literature – popular young adult books will do the trick.  And take a book on vacation with you!
Volunteer
Volunteer for an organization that you are interested in and passionate about. This is a great way to build your resume and to narrow down potential fields of interest. 
Get a job
Earn some extra cash while taking on responsibility.  Colleges like to see that you have responsibilities outside of your schoolwork.
Visit colleges
Make time to visit colleges you are interested in.  Since school is not in session, summer may not be the most ideal time for college visits, but you can still get a feel for the place and visit again if necessary. Taking a family vacation? Plan to visit colleges along your way.
Think about what you want out of your college experience
Take time to think about what you want in a school, your interests, and what you would like to get out of your college experience.  Long car rides to the beach are perfect for brainstorming.

Have a fun and meaningful summer!
Charlotte Klaar, Ph.D.
For more information about how Klaar College Consulting can help lead you to college success, call us at 301-834-6888 and visit the many resources available on our website www.cklaar.com.  

Friday, June 29, 2012

Strong Academics, Idyllic Settings at Women's Colleges


On a recent trip to Western Massachusetts, I visited two wonderful women’s colleges: Mount Holyoke (@mtholyoke) and Smith (@smith). While both are women’s colleges and have many similarities, they are also quite different from each other. I strongly encourage young women to explore these as well as other women’s colleges, before deciding whether to apply only to coed institutions.

Mount Holyoke, in South Hadley, is smaller (2,200 students) and in more of a rural setting than Smith. Tucked into the Berkshire Mountains, this beautiful campus offers the opportunity to think and learn in a comfortable and quiet setting.
Recently, a series of fabulous restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques were added at the edge of the campus. All are within walking distance of the residences.

Academics have always been the strong suit of the Northeastern U.S. liberal women’s colleges known as the “Seven Sisters.”*  As the first dedicated to educating women, Mount Holyoke has never been distracted from its mission of providing a solid liberal arts education, coupled with strong programs in the arts – including dance, theater, and studio arts.  They also offer well-respected programs in business and science. While one might think of South Hadley as a “sleepy little town,” dynamic intellectual pursuits are alive and well at Mount Holyoke. 

Smith College in Northampton is the largest of the Seven Sisters, and is located in a much busier town that’s within easy walking distance. There is a lot to do in the area surrounding Smith, and the campus itself is a haven around a beautiful lake. 

A very strong engineering program is offered, along with its liberal arts core. Smith’s curriculum also has a strong global focus, and encourages students to study abroad to prepare for a future career as a global leader. Their open curriculum, with no core requirements, encourages students to explore their interests in many areas, so students frequently have double majors or minors.

The residential system at Smith is governed by a house system, rather than residence halls, and students identify themselves by their house (all if which are self-governing).

Both Mount Holyoke and Smith have a population of non-traditional women students, as well as significant international populations. Their selection process emphasizes the GPA of incoming students. Both colleges are SAT optional, in recognition of their focus on strong high school preparation. Each is a member of the Five College Consortium, and students can easily take classes at the other colleges via a bus system.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these and other women’s colleges to round out your college research.  You may find a good fit and a rewarding college experience!

* The other women’s colleges of the Seven Sisters include Barnard College, Bryn Mawr College, Radcliffe College, Vassar College, and Wellesley College. All were founded between 1837 and 1889.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Make Peace with Your College Decision. Don’t Second Guess Yourself!

You’ve already paid your deposit and know what school you will be attending in the fall.  Celebrate, it’s a big accomplishment!  But now perhaps you’re having second thoughts about whether you really did select the right school?  Relax -- it’s normal for students to wonder if they made the right decision.  But don’t second guess yourself.  You chose the school you did because you did your homework and thought it would be a good fit for you.  Make peace with your decision. 

Going to a new school is scary, especially if it’s far from home.  Some of you may be going to college with friends, while others may not know anyone.  Either way, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people.  Remember, all freshmen are in the same boat as you and are looking for new friends and new experiences.  Plan to give it your best shot, and before you know it you’ll be loving college.
If things don’t work out, transferring is always an option.  Your college advisor can help you identify which credits will transfer into another university.
But for now, enjoy your summer and make the most of it.  Soon enough you will be on your way to college and opening a new chapter of your life.  I wish you the best of luck!
Charlotte Klaar, Ph.D.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

You Received Financial Aid Packages… Now What? Tips to Compare and Review Your Options

With the fall semester quickly approaching, you may be concerned about how you are going to finance your college education.  By now you should have submitted your FAFSA and received a financial aid package offer.  As you review your offer, here’s some helpful information to consider:

1. First, keep in mind how much of your financial need is being met, and which type of aid you are receiving.
2.  Look at the total costs for each school. Include tuitions, fees, room & board, books, food, travel expenses, personal expenses, etc.

3.  Subtract all grants and scholarship packages.  You do not need to repay the money received through grants and scholarship.

4.  Loans do need to be repaid.  Student loans come in a variety of forms, each with their advantages and disadvantages.  There are two types of Stafford loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. 
                Subsidized loans don’t accrue interest until after you graduate from college, thus they are generally viewed as more attractive. 
                Unsubsidized loans accrue interest while you are still in school.  Both loans have a low interest rate and students can chose to take a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

5.  Multiply by four. You will be attending college for at least four years, so take into account the long term costs.  Even though you may have received multiple scholarships your freshman year, you may not receive them in future years.
If the financial aid package is not what you expected, keep in mind that there are a lot of scholarships available.  There are strict deadlines for scholarship submission dates, so check before you begin to apply.  Create a timeline of due dates so you can plan accordingly.  Colleges also offer scholarships for their students, so make sure also check with each college you are considering. 
Fastweb is a great resource that provides a database of scholarship opportunities and deadlines: www.fastweb.com
Here is a link to a financial aid calculator to help compare your aid packages for each school you are considering. https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-awards/compare-aid-calculator
For more information about how to compare financial aid packages, and how Klaar College Consulting can help lead you to college success, call us at 301-834-6888 and visit the many resources available on our website.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Juniors- Use Your Spring Break Effectively

It’s Spring Break!  Now is the time for juniors to begin visiting colleges and narrowing down their list of potential choices.  Visiting colleges while they are still in session will give you a clearer picture and feel for the campus.  Go with an open mind, and thoroughly explore the campus, academic buildings, dining halls, and dormitories.  Try to imagine yourself in each setting.  On average, students spend 15 hours a week in class, so you want to make sure you pick a college campus where you believe that you can live peacefully.

If possible, talk to students who attend each college; put together a list of possible questions in advance, so you feel more comfortable in starting conversations.
Also take photos and notes along the way, to help you remember the pros and cons of each college later, when you’re comparing campuses!
Here are some factors to consider during your break:

Consider your options
There are a wide variety of options available: private universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, etc.
Two-year community colleges are a good route for some.  They provide the opportunity to complete general education requirements that will transfer into a four year university, which can save tens of thousands of dollars on college tuition.  If you plan carefully, it is possible to transfer from a community college to a university and still graduate within four years.
Here is a great article about private vs. public colleges: www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/000294.htm

Create a list of 10-15 colleges that are of possible interest
Here is a great website that can help lead you in the right direction: www.princetonreview.com/college-education.aspx

For more information about how to select the right college, and how Klaar College Consulting can help lead you to college success, call us at 301-834-6888 and visit the many resources available on our website.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Don’t Forget to Check the Status of Your College Applications

Some of you may have heard back from colleges, some may not.  Don’t get discouraged.

All colleges provide a timeline of when important documents are due.  Closely monitor the timeline so you don’t miss out on the little things.  As time goes on, remember to:
Check in with the colleges to ensure they have received all the necessary application documents.  Many colleges have online profiles for the applicants; log into your account and see the status of your application.
Send mid-year grades
Many colleges require mid-year grades.  Take the time to go to your guidance counselor and request having your transcripts sent.  Use this opportunity to update colleges about any information that may have changed.
Send SAT/ACT scores
Whether you are taking the SAT/ACT for the first time or are retaking the test, don’t forget to send your scores to all of the colleges to which you applied.
Keep all applications on file
Keep hard copies of all your applications on file.  You never know when you will have to refer back to them.
Be patient as you wait to hear from colleges.  I wish you the best of luck!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Junior Year and the Dreaded College Search

Now is the time to start planning for your college career!

Junior year is known for beginning the college search and preparing for the search and application process.  It can all seem daunting, so here are some tips to help make your junior year more manageable:
Narrow down potential majors
Talk with your guidance counselor and schedule a time to take career tests and assessments.  These can be very useful in identifying your strengths, narrowing down your interests, and pointing you toward possible career paths.
Attend college fairs
College fairs are a valuable resource to gain additional information about a wide variety of colleges.  There will be admissions representatives present for each college, so it is a great way to ask questions and learn more.  For more information about college fairs, read my blog post College Fairs- Helpful Hints to Help Your Child Stand Out.
Create a list of colleges
Create a list of colleges that you are interested in; try to keep the list between 10-15 colleges.  When creating your list, don’t forget to consider important criteria such as: majors offered, location, public vs. private, financial aid options available, demographics of the campus, size, tuition costs, housing options, extracurricular activities, student-faculty ratio, etc.  
Visit colleges before applying
Schedule college visits before applying.  Even if you plan to go on a scheduled campus tour, plan your visit so you can also explore the surrounding community.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions; make a pro/con list of each school so that later you can accurately -recall details of each campus.  The college will be your home for four years, so you want to make sure you will feel comfortable there. 
Colleges monitor students’ interest in their school.  Not only will visiting the schools help you narrow down what you want in a college, but it will show the college that you are interested in them as more than a backup or safety school.
Get to know your teachers
Colleges require students to submit letters of recommendation along with their admissions application.  Get to know some of your favorite teachers.  They will be a valuable resource when it comes to asking for letters of recommendation.
Grades
If you have a low GPA it’s not too late to turn it around.  Colleges look at trends in your GPA, so if you have slacked off, you still have time to show colleges that you’re taking your education seriously.  If you do very well your junior and senior years, colleges will notice your efforts.  
Don’t forget about standardized tests
Deadlines for standardized tests are fast approaching! Make a timetable for SAT/ACT.
March 9th is the deadline for the ACT http://www.actstudent.org/
April 6th is the deadline for the SAT so begin thinking and studying for the SAT http://sat.collegeboard.org/home
Begin to prepare for AP exams.  Remember you can get college credit, so the time you spend studying for the exam could save you from taking a course in college.  Put forth the effort now and it will pay off in the future.
There are many study guides available to help you prepare for all standardized tests.
Begin thinking about senior year course selection
Consider taking upper level courses such as Honors, AP, and community college courses.  AP courses and classes at your local community college are great ways to earn college credits.  It shows colleges your intellectual curiosity and dedication to hard work.
Plan for summer
Start planning now so you can make effective use of your summer.  Begin to think of possible jobs or internships and schedule additional college visits.
Here are some additional resources for high school juniors.
The College Board’s action plan for juniors: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/action/juniors.html

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

College Fairs- Helpful Hints to Help Your Child Stand Out

This spring, your college-bound students may be attending a number of College Fairs.  This can be a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with different colleges, many of whom may not be familiar to your high school child.  Unfortunately, students are often not given the tools to properly navigate these events, and may miss out on a valuable opportunity to make an impression on an admissions representative.

I was recently involved in a College Fair, and was surprised at what I saw and heard.  Help your child prepare, so he or she maximizes the college fair experience.  Below are some valuable tips:

1. Plan Ahead: Your child should go to a college fair with some idea of what kind of college would be a good fit for him/her.  Look carefully at the list of colleges who will be present at the fair.  Narrow down the list and prioritize the college booths that your child will visit and make his/her interest in that college known.

Use this opportunity to have at least a preliminary discussion about size, location, campus environment and other factors which are important in the decision.  Have your child do some Internet research on the colleges present at the fair and use this information to round out the list.  The effort you make researching prior to the college fair will show off when speaking with the admissions representative.  Make the best impression possible!

2. Dress Appropriately: This is your child’s chance to make an impression on the admissions representative taking part in the fair. Think about how you would recommend that your child dress for a college visit to his/her first choice school. That is exactly how he/she should dress for the college fair.  Dress to impress!

3. Speak Intelligently: If your child has done the research on the schools to be visited at the fair, use that information to impress the representative.  Ask intelligent questions about the school, its environment and students.

4. Take Notes: Your child will be speaking to many different college representatives, which can be overwhelming.  All the colleges will blend together by the end of the night.  Encourage your child to take notes after each booth.  Having notes to review later will prove to be very helpful.

5. Don’t Travel in a Pack: Assure your student that this is his/her chance to shine and to gather information. This is done much more effectively if your child is alone with the representative, rather than approaching with an entourage. It is particularly not a good idea for your child to approach a college booth with his/her significant other draped all over him/her.

6. Gum: Get rid of the gum! A person looks more adult and is more easily understood without a mouthful of gum.

7. Go as a family: Most college fairs offer evening hours, which gives you the opportunity to attend the fair with your child. This will impress on your student that, although the choice and process belongs to him/her, you will be there to act as a coach and cheerleader. Encourage your child to ask questions and be sure that you don’t undermine his/her confidence in front of the admissions reps.

College Fairs can be very informative venues. Don’t only focus on the colleges whose names you know. There may be some hidden gems in attendance that would provide your child with just the right fit.


Try to put aside notions such as ‘party school’ and to ignore the person you know who attended a particular college and was not happy. Remember that any school is a party school if that is what your child is looking for.  Your child is unique and what did not suit someone else may be perfect for him/her.



Monday, February 13, 2012

Senioritis... the Disease College-Bound Students Should Avoid

Already accepted to college? Beginning to lose interest and focus in school? Be careful not to catch senioritis!

Senioritis- a disease effecting high school seniors, especially during second semester; identified by laziness, lack of focus, repeated absences, and a strong desire to graduate.
Senioritis can sneak up on you faster than you think! Here are some tips we give students for avoiding this dread condition: 
Don’t take a relaxing course load just because you can. This is your time to shine!  Many high schools only require three years of all the basic subjects (math, science, history, etc.) and four years of English.  Go above and beyond and take a fourth year of the quality courses.  Try to avoid taking study hall or three different gym classes to get out of studying your senior year.  Admissions officers view the hard work and dedication you put forth late in the game as a good indicator of how you will perform in college.
Grades matter
Use your senior year effectively.  College acceptance is based on senior year performance. 
Colleges look at your grades for the first three years of high school.  What many students don’t realize is that grades during their senior year are just as important!  Colleges require you to submit your first quarter, mid-year, and end-of-year grades.  If you have a downward trend in your grades, colleges will notice and take that into account in determining your ultimate acceptance, your financial award, and whether you acceptance is rescinded.
The college application process is competitive and there are many students on a wait-list ready to take your spot.  Your grades senior year can make or break you.  Don’t become a red flag and give colleges a reason to revoke your acceptance.
Tired of high school classes?
Take a course at a local community college.  This is a perfect way to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, plus you can earn college credits in the process.  Not a bad deal!

Time Magazine also has a great article about combatting senioritis: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1191831,00.html  

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

A Smarter FAFSA and Other Changes

The FAFSA due date is fast approaching (March 1st).  Maybe you’ve noticed changes, maybe you haven’t.  This year FAFSA 2012-2013 has a few changes that make the application process run more smoothly.

1. Skip logic- The FAFSA is now finally ‘smart’. It takes answers you already provided and eliminates repetitive or unnecessary questions.  Makes the process much quicker!

2. Better navigation- The FAFSA now knows where you left off.  The application auto resumes when you log in.  No more wasting time finding the section you were on!

3. Easy editing options- The FAFSA changes address editing information.  In previous years, you were directed to a different page to make edits which had a completely different look and feel.  Now the edit page looks like the rest of the FAFSA.  Much more user friendly.

4. Advanced notifications- you can choose to set up automatic notifications from FAFSA.  For example, you can get a reminder to update financial information after tax season.

5. IRS DataRetrieval Tool- Starting February 1st, you have the option of downloading your financial information directly from the IRS to your FAFSA application

Import information to remember
FAFSA becomes available January 1, 2012 and is due March 1, 2012. Colleges set their own deadlines so make sure to check with each college.
FAFSA is based on income from the 2011 tax year.  If possible, file your taxes prior to doing the FAFSA so you have an accurate account of financial information.  If not, you can estimate financial information and correct it after filing taxes.  As always, the sooner you submit all the information the better!
For some grants, financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.  Take advantage of this and turn in the FAFSA as early as possible.
There are many resources out there about FAFSA and different financial aid questions. Take a look at these for additional information!
For the FAFSA application: www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm
A great New York Times blog that addresses financial aid is: http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/