Every year, many colleges across the United States and internationally still have open slots for Fall enrollment. Even though May 1st is the national deadline to enroll in colleges, Seniors can still apply and be accepted to a variety of colleges for Fall 2014 enrollment. And, not to fear, many colleges are still open to…
Tag: College selection
Colleges Without Makeup, The Supplement
Social media can give information about the culture of a college campus – beyond the smiling, shorts-clad undergraduates playing Frisbee on the ubiquitous green quad. Of course, any effective search starts with what a student wants in their own college experience, making some self-reflection a priority. About the University of Chicago – from @UofC_Overheard: Theory…
Ahead of the Curve: May 3, 2014
Inspired by Creative Marbles Clients: More often, clients are asking, “How do I pay for college?” The idea that 10-30% of their yearly income will go toward college expenses is a tough nut to swallow for any family. While the answer to parents’ question is more complex than this post, in short, planning, planning and more…
Guest Post: Colleges Without Make-Up
About the author: I’m Kerina, a high school senior interning at Creative Marbles. I’ve lived to tell the tale of having completed the college application process. After all the acceptances rolled in, I was faced with the daunting task of having to choose only one college. I can now happily say that I am committed…
The Value vs. The Cost of the University of California
Recently, Janet Napolitano, current UC President, explained her view of the 190% tuition increase over the last decade, and how the UC system is trying to address cost issues for family: Until about seven or eight years ago, the state paid [more] and the university [through tuition] less. Now the percentages have almost totally flipped, so…
“The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same”
One hundred and sixty years ago, Henry David Thoreau wrote, “You may say the wisest thing you can, old man – you who have lived seventy years, not without honor of a kind – I hear an irresistible voice which invites me away from all that. One generation abandons the enterprises of another like stranded…
Tough Love
As regular readers recall, the news about stagnant American household median income is not a new story, more of an evolving story about how more American middle class families are adjusting to life with less income. Lifestyle adjustments are just one possible shift in American households. More often, I’m hearing parents ask questions about how…
College Admissions Is Not a Race
When choosing colleges for application, the first criteria considered is often, “Where can I get in?” Students are really asking, “How do I measure up?”, creating a competitive mindset. Then, in comparing the strength of their application to those of other possible applicants, students can generate unfounded or stereotypical conclusions, building nervous energy and aggravating…
College Degree: Gateway to Financial Prosperity or Not?
The chart below illustrates the number of college graduates since 2005 who are employed, yet earning at or below the Federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. As we discussed in an earlier post, the chart reinforces that more of today’s college graduates are underemployed, or working in jobs that don’t require college degrees. As we…
Rules of Dating…I Mean, Choosing a College
Open houses, admit days, and overnight stays for prospective students are like the blind dates of the college application process. No different than arranging and primping for the first date in order to make a good impression, months have gone into planning these annual events. Workshops are arranged, rooms are reserved, student hosts are trained,…
Got Scantron Nightmares?
Say, “S-A-T” or “A-C-T” to a high school junior, and watch their whole demeanor change. The idea that a test score that will be considered as part of a future college application can provoke a racing pulse and perspiration. A typical conversation with Juniors about the SAT and ACT goes something like this:
Ahead of the Curve: March 18, 2014
From Our Clients: The New SAT: current high school freshman (Class of 2017) will be the first students to take the recently updated SAT. The newest version with an optional essay section, will be given for the first time in Spring 2016. Stay tuned for how the new SAT will or will not affect the college…
Here Come The UC Decisions
The University of California (UC) system will be releasing admissions decisions on a set schedule through the end of April. While UC Riverside and UC Merced have already sent some admissions decisions, the other eight campuses will not be releasing decisions until this week. The following is a listing by campus of when admissions decisions…
College Degree = Value, Right?
Financial security, or the promise of lifetime employment, is often a reason for choosing to attend college. However, recent income and employment trends may give college-bound students pause to further contemplate their expectations of job security with a college degree. 44% of today’s college graduates are underemployed, meaning they don’t need a college degree for…
Rising Student Loan Delinquency
Student loans can help fund college expenses, yet create a future financial burden for students when in repayment. Currently, the total of student loans 90 days or more delinquent is at a record high of $124.3 billion – an increase of more than $3 Billion since last quarter. Possible reason for the delinquency can include…