Building Your College List to Find Your Dream School

Searching for the right college can be stressful for both students and parents. The costs of tuition, room and board, along with thinking about their child’s happiness, are parent’s main concerns. Meanwhile, students worry about fitting in, the food plan and which club(s) they should join. While both parties have different concerns, they share the same stress, and are looking for guidance to help make the right decisions and alleviate the pressure. For students and parents who are planning ahead, that stress may start as early as sophomore year! 

 

College consultants such as Klaar College Consulting can help alleviate the stress – and lead families to college choices that are the best fit financially, academically and socially.

I recently did a live webinar on how students can get into and stay – at their “dream” college.  To view the full webinar, go to: https://www.collegeessayorganizer.com/webinars/videos/college_list_081913.mov.

Throughout the discussion, one of the main points that we discussed is that by choosing the right school, students are far less likely to transfer or drop out. But with so much riding on this choice—financially and otherwise—how do students and their parents pick the right school? 

First, Know Yourself

One of the first things I have students do before even beginning their college search is to assess what they know about themselves. Far too often, I’ve met students who profess to love big cities, but when I’ve asked “how often have you been to a large city?” they say “never!” 

I spend a considerable amount of time connecting with my students in order to determine what they are really looking for.  I always ask them to dig deeper and get to know who they really are, because this will make a significant impact on which schools they choose to apply to. 

Likely, Target and Reach Schools

Another key point that I outlined in the webinar is the difference between Likely, Target, and Reach college choices. These three categories represent different schools for each student, based on their financial resources, personality, location, etc. 

A number of questions regarded the admissions process; one participant asked if their student should apply to more than 10 schools.  I strongly advised against that, as it shows that the student doesn’t understand him or herself. 

Instead, I counsel my students to use the Safety, Target and Reach school categories, with the majority of their choices falling within the Target range. Target schools give the student approximately a 50 percent possibility of being accepted, as compared to a 75 percent chance of acceptance for the Likely schools and 25 percent for the Reach schools. 

Should You Know Your Major?

Another student asked if they should have a major chosen before they decide on a college.  Not necessarily. Sometimes it’s helpful to know your major beforehand, as in the case of future doctors, but most schools I’ve encountered offer the ability to wait to choose a major until after your freshman year, which I highly recommend. 

Choosing a school you feel you’ll be successful in is more important than selecting your major.  Again, ask yourself whether you prefer a city or rural atmosphere, a large or small campus and class sizes, and being near or far from home. Answering these types of questions will help students make a truly informed college choice.

The admissions process can be daunting and complicated. An independent educational consultant, like me or one of my colleagues, can help students and parents make logical decisions for the future. 

The webinar also includes the many tools and resources that are available for students and parents. For more questions and a personal consultation, please call me at 301-834-6888 or email Charlotte@cklaar.com.

If You Want to be Accepted, Show Colleges You Care!

Today, colleges can use using data mining techniques to track every interaction a student has with their institution.*  That makes it more important than ever to show them that you want to attend their school. When asked why you are applying to XYZ University, you must be able to show that you know who they are and what makes them different from ABC University, their prime competitor.

Colleges track each time you visit their web site and how long you stay there, how quickly you open email from them, whether you click links imbedded in these emails, and how often you initiate contact with a member of the school community whether admissions, students or professors.

The Catholic University is one of the
the hundreds of campuses Charlotte Klaar has visited.

Visiting Colleges is also Crucial to Acceptance

Here’s a cautionary tale from the class of 2013: I always explain the need to demonstrate interest and visit colleges when possible. Last year, one student family decided that this wasn’t necessary, and they chose to wait until acceptance letters were in before they visited the colleges. 

This was in spite of the fact that most colleges on the list were within driving distance. They felt that since their student had a stellar GPA and test scores, the visits weren’t necessary.

The student received mostly “Wait Lists” and only two acceptances from colleges that would have taken her no matter what. The Target and Reach colleges on the list believed she would not attend, since they saw little or no interest in them beyond the application. So, in order to maintain their ranking on U. S. News and World Report listings, they didn’t ‘waste’ an acceptance on a student they felt was not likely to actually attend.

The lesson is: Invest the time and effort necessary to show them that you are a serious student of their college or you likely won’t be accepted.

 For more valuable information on selecting and gaining acceptance into the college of your choice, contact Charlotte Klaar, PhD, Charlotte@cklaar.com, 301-834-6888.

*See Big Data http://huff.to/11pLovC 

Guide Your New College Student on Budgeting Basics

Your student has a summer job – but rather than letting him or her fritter away their earnings, work with them to start crunching numbers for the first semester of  college! You likely have planned for tuition and books, but what about the little things?  Late night pizza study sessions, athletic equipment, phone bills and extra fees are just some of the many things that get over-looked when planning a fall budget.

This is where planning is essential! Sit down with your student and show him or her how to plan and manage a budget.  (Excel spreadsheets are a handy, low-cost tool.)

·         Determine how much of their paycheck should go towards college expenses each pay period.

·         Have your student set up a savings account. Visit your local bank and see what type of account they suggest.

·         Plan ahead for possible major expenses. For example, how old is your student’s computer? Will a new one be necessary during your child’s college career? Will they need new or specialized software?

Keep in mind that as you hand over the responsibility for budgeting to your student,  mistakes will happen. As the summer and school year progress, check with your student to find out how well actual savings and expenses are coinciding with the budget, and make adjustments as needed.

Seven Steps on the Path to Paying for College

Are you a college senior who is receiving those anticipated college acceptance letters?  Or perhaps a sophomore or junior who is planning ahead?  Either way, parents and students need to plan ahead to determine HOW they’re going to pay for college!  

Step One:

Do the math -- find out the price of your most and least expensive school choices. Then figure out what your family can afford to contribute. Every college now has a cost calculator on its web site to see how you fit the financial profile for that school.

Step Two:

Seek help! On school tours, ask the hard questions about available aid. Visit their financial aid office and get as much information about their grants, scholarships and loans as possible. Start this process as early as you can.

Step Three:

Go scholarship hunting in your local area.  Many local organizations provide scholarships based on certain criteria either directly or through a local Community Foundation.  In Frederick County MD, for example, more than $515,000 was awarded to more than 280 scholars for the 2012-2013 academic year, which represents scholarships from 189 funds.http://www.cffredco.org/receive/scholarships

These applications should be made in the fall or winter, with awards frequently announced in the late spring. Each high school guidance office has a list of local scholarships for its students.

Step Four:

Time your financial aid applications to meet the early deadlines; if you are confused as to how to market yourself or your student, get help from a college consultant.

Step Five:

Complete your FAFSA forms! Even if you think you may not qualify for money, it can’t hurt to try. In addition, everyone needs a FAFSA on file in case of financial emergency in the future.

Step Six:

After you get your financial aid packages back, it’s time to review! Sit down as a family and compare all options.   Look carefully at each award. Even though one school may give you more money, another school may cost less overall. Remember to calculate how much money is being offered in merit aid (free money) as opposed to money that is in the form of loans or work study.

Step Seven:

Make a decision and meet all the deadlines! If you need more time to decide, call the financial aid office and ask for an extension on your deadline. Some colleges are historically more generous than others. A college consultant knows who those colleges are.

For more information on financial aid options and affordable but lesser-known colleges in your area, contact Charlotte Klaar, PhD, 301-834-6888, Charlotte@cklaar.com, www.cklaar.com.

Summer Jobs Give You a Head Start on the Real Thing!

Ice cream cones, swimming, going to the beach; there is no question that students love summertime!  But, even as you look forward to summer’s slower pace, it’s time to get moving on finding a summer job or internship!

A job or internship can teach you much needed employment and job searching skills, along with the responsibilities of being part of the adult world. Future employers – even those offering internships – will look for students who took the initiative to hold jobs and internships in high school and college.  A job or internship can also help you determine what types of work or fields interest you.

What kind of job/internship should I apply for?

Think about fields or jobs that you’ve always dreamed of doing.  Are you artistic?  Perhaps a job at a design studio – even as a receptionist –  would give you the opportunity to interact with designers and learn more about the type of work they do, and what skills are needed. Also consider what jobs could help build your resume.  

While at your job or internship, try to get the most out of it. Ask lots of questions; if you don’t understand how to do something, this is the time to learn.  Take advantage of every opportunity, such as attending staff meetings to learn how business works!

Also start to develop more financial independence; budget the money you earn and save a portion for college.  

Where to look:

·         Online job sites, such as Indeed.com, as well as listing sites such as Craig’s List.

·         Ask  your school counselor

·         Use social network sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.

For more guidance on high school courses and activities, finding a college that’s a good fit, financing, deadlines and more, call Klaar College Consulting, 301-834-6888. Charlotte@cklaar.com.

 

Counselors react favorably to CA4—the new and improved Common Application

March 8, 2013

By: Nancy Griesemer

Reactions were generally very favorable to a series of Common Application (CA) "memos" released yesterday describing specific elements of the new CA4 application software.

“One of the things that made me happy was that colleges must have supplements ready by August 1 and not delay as in the past,” said Charlotte Klaar, an independent college consultant with offices in Maryland and Virginia. “This will be a tremendous help to my students.”

 

To read the rest this interesting article examiner article that cites Charlotte as on of several nationally-known college consultants, visit http://www.examiner.com/article/counselors-react-favorably-to-ca4-the-new-and-improved-common-application.

 

Complimentary Seminar on Making a Successful College Choice

We are teaming with Applerouth Tutoring Services to present a seminar on "Making a Successful College Choice" on Sat., March 9, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Thomas Balch Library at 208 W. Market St. in Leesburg. There is no charge for the seminar, but call to reserve your spot 301-834-6888 or email me at charlotte@cklaar.com.

Use Your Stress to Become a Success!

It’s that time of year when students are completing college applications and thinking/worrying about whether they’ll be accepted by their top choice colleges. A little stress is good, and can motivate students to make sure their applications are complete, and that they continue to study and finish their senior year with good grades. But how do students learn to manage stress, and turn it into success?

Here are a few techniques:

·       Embrace the anxiety – Everyone feels a stress in their life once in a while. Don’t let your student be afraid of it! In fact, studies show that a little stress can actually increase a test score.

·       Take a five minute breather – Sometimes the best thing a student can do is take a five minute walk, get the blood flowing and release some of the stress hormones!

·      Competition can be fun – Soccer games, talent shows and even school spirit week can teach your student that a little stress can lead to some fun competition! They can embrace a little stress and learn how to “use the force” for good!

·       Finish what you start – When your student doesn’t want to play in the big game, compete in the talent show or wear their school spirit proudly, encourage them to finish what they committed to initially! There is always a victory in playing the game.

·       Be aware- What makes a fun stress turn into an unbearable stress? Find the trigger and talk about it. What makes that application or test so stressful? How can you turn a negative stress into a positive one?

·       Remember, it’s worth it – In between checking on the status of the applications they sent, student should remember that they will get accepted into a college – even if it’s not their number one pick. They won’t stay a high school senior forever!

For more guidance on high school courses and activities, finding a college that’s a good fit, financing, deadlines and more, call Klaar College Consulting, 301-834-6888, Charlotte@cklaar.com.

 

From Freedom of Expression to Fitting into a Box; Changes in the Common Application

Students planning to apply for school in the Fall of 2014 may get an unpleasant surprise. While previous students have uploaded long and creative essays, the class of 2014 will be held to a 500 word limit in their personal statements which are cut and pasted into a box on the Common Application.

The new changes will limit the amount of creativity students are able to show a prospective school.  In previous years, students could exhibit their personalities through longer stories and additional elements such as photos and math equations using the .doc or .pdf format in uploaded essays.

Additionally, the “topic of your choice” question will be removed from the common application, so students who once demonstrated their uniqueness in that question will have to find another way to think outside the box.

Charlotte Klaar, PhD, founder of Klaar College Consulting, recommends that you:

·         Find new ways to be creative in your application. Use an interesting quote, make a bold statement, start your essay with a question and/or have a memorable ending to your essay by using emotion to capture the reader’s attention!

·         Include activities that showcase your best you!

·         To avoid spelling mistakes, write all essays on a Word document, then copy and paste it into the application. Don’t depend on spell check!

·         Always review your applications before sending them in.

For more guidance on high school courses and activities, finding a college that’s a good fit, financing, deadlines and more, call Klaar College Consulting, 301-834-6888. Charlotte@cklaar.com.

Junior Year: It’s College Crunch Time!

For many juniors, the end of winter break ushers in an important time in their high school careers, as they begin to seriously look at their college options.  With more than 3,500 colleges nationwide, there are many factors for students and parents to take into consideration. No wonder the college selection process can seem overwhelming!  To help you focus your efforts, here are the top three things to zero in on right now:

1. Define your criteria for choosing a college

Think seriously about the things that are important to you in choosing a school.  Are you looking for a specific academic program, or is student life more important? How large or small of a college would you feel most comfortable with? Do you want a school where there are opportunities to study abroad?  Would you like a conservative environment, or a more liberal one?  How far from home do you want to be? 

2. Realistically evaluate your credentials

One of the shifts that has affected college admissions is “grade inflation.”  In the past, the traditional bell curve for an average grade was C; now the average grade is B, which can give kids and parents of B students a false sense of security. 

Also look at how challenging your high school course load has been. Challenging courses, including AP classes, show schools that you’re committed to academics and that you used your time in high school wisely.

It’s also important to be involved in your school and in the community, and to commit to a few activities. If possible, these should include athletics and/or the arts, student government, and community service activities.

If you’re in Scouting, achieving the Eagle rank or Gold Award levels are very impressive to college admissions counselors, because of the dedication and leadership potential they represent. 

3. Understand the need for a balanced list of colleges based on financial and acceptance likeliness

When choosing a college, it’s important to not only look at what you want from a school, but what the school wants from you. Be aware of things such as the acceptance rate of various schools, and the credentials of the accepted students. 

In terms of cost, local state schools may not always be the least expensive.  Many are facing huge challenges and the pool of funds available for financial assistance has dried up significantly. Private schools, on the other hand, are funded by endowments, and when private schools want an excellent, standout student who will be a credit to them, they can shift more Merit Scholarship dollars towards getting that student, and less towards a more average student who may choose to go there.

If you’d like help in finding the best possible match between your student’s educational, social, and financial needs, and what colleges offer, give us a call.  We’ve guided hundreds of students to college success!  To schedule your first consultation, just call 301-834-6888 or email us at Charlotte@cklaar.com.