From the news:
- Overscheduled Children: How Big a Problem, New York Times October 11, 2013
- #PSAT — Students Tweet Amusing Reactions to Standardized Test, Washington Post October 16, 2013
- Higher Price Pays Way Into Some College Classes, San Francisco Chronicle October 16, 2013
- Army Realigns Reserve Officer Training Program, U.S. Army October 2, 2013
From our clients:
- “ARRRGH! I don’t have anything exciting to write, in my college essay!?!” Topic selection can be the first stress-inducing moment of the college essay writing process, especially if applicants believe the urban myth that a traumatic event is THE ONLY topic that will make a compelling (i.e. will get me accepted) essay. Generally, college essays are designed to give insight about an applicant, beyond what can be inferred from the other parts of an application. So, topic choice is as important as the ability of the topic to convey personal insights. In other words, when considering ideas for a college essay, applicants should also consider what personality traits are essential to tell college admissions officers, so an informed decision can be made.
- Online Grading Systems: the online grade-books are only as accurate as the teacher’s timeliness of uploading corrected assignments and tests into the system. Generally, there’s a delay between turning in an assignment or taking a test, and the score being reported. For those students desiring more up-to-date information, talk with teachers periodically. Grades are only one way to gauge progress in classes.
- Need blind vs. Need Aware Admissions Decisions: when families seek financial aid from a university (or plan to seek aid), some universities do consider that financial need as part of the admissions decision making process; in that case, college admissions decisions are “need aware”, rather than “need blind”. As a general guideline, colleges may change from a “need blind” to a “need aware” admissions policy, when making decisions on wait-listed candidates or towards the end of the regular decision making process. Applicants concerned about “need aware” considerations should contact each college separately.
