We continue our series on college selection and financial aid, by discussing the clash between the demand–and even right to attend college–and the dawning reality that rising tuitions (at a rate greater than inflation), alongside average student debt increasing at an unsustainable rate, are beginning to price some deserving candidates out of the college marketplace.…
Tag: College applications
College Applications: Beware of Hidden Obstacles
Stress and seniors. For us, at this time of year, the two words are synonymous. Senior teachers are marching forward with their curriculum and homework assignments, seemingly without regard for the time, effort and mental space required to focus on college applications, especially essays. Seniors, in their typical teenage wisdom, are continuing to attend EVERY…
Defining Claremont McKenna: Understanding the Supplement Essay Prompt
The Supplement questions of the Common Application are not only another opportunity for applicants to state WHY s/he is a strong candidate for admissions to ________ university, they reveal more about the college’s values and academic environment the student may join, eventually. As previously stated in earlier posts, competitive essays start with a thorough…
The Inside Scoop about the University of California Essay Prompt #1
126,000 single applications received by the University of California (UC) system for Fall 2012 Freshman admissions. That means at least 252,000 essays were written and included within those applications. (Mind you: These numbers are only for unduplicated applications, and DO NOT include that each application may have ben considered by multiple UC campuses.) …
Applying to College is Simple, NOT.
If submitting college applications and writing college essays were simply–1. fill in the boxes with name, address, phone number; 2. write a short description of one’s experience in an essay format; 3. click the submit button–I wouldn’t have a job. Here’s a few tips for working with the pressures of applying to college:
Unlocking the University of California Application Essay Prompt #2
The most effective communication model yet may be when all parties involved are actively participating. When clarifications are needed, it is naturally asked and answered as many times deemed necessary. Now best communication practices aside, what happens when person A, someone from someplace–an admissions officer–with his/her sum of experiences, is to read person B’s essay,…
Parents & The College Application
Ok. It’s true. The senior will be the one actually attending college. The senior will be the one ultimately writing and submitting her/his college applications. And, at the same time, seniors are qualified and competitive for college, as a result of working with their parents over the years. (Think: mom and dad’s taxi service…
Potential Can Be Nurtured with Effort: More about College Selection
“Doing your homework” when it comes to choosing colleges is essential. A former client and current college freshman’s mom, recently shared her experience how to do that “homework” and how pleased she is with the family’s final choice for her son–UC Santa Cruz. Her son is growing, even in an unexpected triple roommate situation, and…
English Teachers & The College Essay
At this point in the school year, many senior English teachers assign the college essay as a class assignment to be completed for a grade. While this may seemingly “kill two birds with one stone”, relieving parents concerns about their student’s seeming procrastination to start writing the essay and student’s thinking that “once and for…
The Ups & Downs of Being Well-Rounded
As freshmen and sophomores in high school, college admissions is focused on being eligible for application. The academic classes that need completing (also known as A-G requirements for the UC & CSU systems), as well as extracurricular activities that are included in any college application means that most applicants are going to start looking the…
“My Student is Average. Where Can She/He Get In?”
First, “average” doesn’t mean “not admissible to any college, anywhere.” What is important for an “average” (and I use “average” loosely) student and their family is the college selection process–just as important as for EVERY student wanting to go to college. The selection process for the “average” student may include a different scrutiny of…
“OMG! I Have to Write a Common App Supplement Essay, Too?!? How?”
Essays can be one way for applicants to distinguish themselves and present their case for why s/he should be admitted. But, they require some effort. Often, the Common Application Supplements–which are a series of questions specific to the individual college submitting in addition to the general Common Application–provides the applicant the opportunity to tell more…
Why Are College Applications Stressful?
“Do you think I can get in?” is a common question Seniors (and their parents) ask us at this time of year. The idea of competing for admissions, as well as the judging eyes of an unknown admissions officer, can create anxiety for the most qualified applicant. Often, the highly competitive applicant can be…
SAT & ACT Prep: How? How Much? When?
The concern behind the questions in the title is “what do I have to do in order to get a score that will get me into college?” Both parents and students share these concerns. However, the answers to their concerns are varied–not standard–which can both alleviate and increase concerns.
The Pioneers Take All the Arrows
Risk takers are often discounted, pooh-poohed and can be actively campaigned against for stepping outside the status quo. Their daring to question what’s accepted challenges our seeming comfort, shining a light on the constant change surrounding us, yet can sometimes go by undetected. Think: Steve Jobs, fired from his own company than rehired to take…