Demonstrated Interest is a term that doesn’t always make it into the college selection dialogue, but it should. With the turn to online applications for college, schools experienced a surge of applicants. This threw off their long standing formulas for how many students to admit. Colleges are essentially businesses. They need a body in every seat. Before online applications, each college had a formula they were confident in to yield the number of students they wanted to enroll. Let’s keep it simple. A college establishes how many freshmen they want to enroll for the next school year. They also have an established … Continue reading
Do I need SAT Subject Tests?
The lesser known SAT Subject Tests may be required at your colleges of choice; typically, these are used by more selective colleges where they’ll want to see two tests. Be sure you are checking all testing requirements for each school in which you are interested, so you don’t overlook these important tests if they are required. What are They? Really, just what they say they are. These tests, formerly known as SAT II’s to your parents, are meant to measure achievement in high school courses. There are 20 possible tests across 5 content areas. They are different in nature to the SAT, which is a reasoning … Continue reading
Making the Most of Winter Break
While sleeping in, video games and Facebook maybe calling over the Winter Break, there is still plenty of time for college bound students to do something productive toward their college goals. FRESHMAN Have you put together a resume? If not, start now! It doesn’t have to be something fancy or even well formatted. Simply start a list of activities, honors and community service along with dates. This is something to build on throughout high school and will save you time three years from now when you’re completing college applications. Pulling your resume together will also help you see any holes … Continue reading
Relax and Master Your College Interview
The thirty to sixty minutes you have in an interview with a college is certain not to make or break your admission, so take a deep breath and shine! Frankly, at many schools, especially the larger ones, you won’t even be given the time to interview, so don’t be surprised, or take it personally, when they won’t make time for you. Large colleges simply have too many applicants to meet with. So how do you take the pressure off and actually enjoy the process when you’re offered the opportunity to interview on campus or with a local alum? Do Your … Continue reading
Learning Disability Services Differ in College
Students on IEP’s and 504′s in high school will undoubtedly do better in some college settings than others. Before even looking for the “right fit” college, wrapping your mind around how services differ is key. During the kindergarten through high school experience, students were protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). At the college level, the student is protected under the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the college need only supply “reasonable accommodations” to essentially level the playing field. The experience in college will be quite different. Keep in mind: Colleges offer ACCOMMODATIONS, not Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s). At … Continue reading
Crystal Ball: the PLAN Test
The PLAN Test is an ACT based test normed to 10th graders. Many schools around the country give the test to their 9th and 10th graders as it has high value. For those living in the Greater Cincinnati area whose school does not give the test, LEAP gives a retired version of the actual test several times each year. Why invest the time in taking the PLAN test? Predict future ACT scores. While the scale of the PLAN test is 32, versus the ACT’s 36, it does cover the same content areas as the ACT and therefore can give a … Continue reading
4 Reasons to NOT Apply Early Decision
November 1st is the Early Decision (ED) deadline at many schools. Although this year (2012), that may be extended at some schools due to hurricane Sandy; check each school to be sure. What is Early Decision? Not all schools offer Early Decision and you can only apply to one school ED indicating this school is your first choice. For those that apply ED it is a firm commitment to withdraw all other regular and Early Action (non-binding) applications from other schools and enroll in the Early Decision school. Think Twice At 16, 17 or 18, a firm commitment to anything … Continue reading
What’s NEW at Ohio Colleges
Each September, as an Independent College Counselor, I attend the Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling (OACAC) Articulation meeting to update us on what’s new at Ohio private and public universities as well as information from ACT and SAT. Recently, I also wrote what we learned about testing security changes. Ohio is fortunate to have a large number of both private and public universities as compared to other states. With urban, suburban and rural options as well as a variety of sizes, there is something for everyone. Here are some highlights from the 4-year public universities for changes in the … Continue reading
Honoring ACT and SAT Score Choice
Back in the spring of 2005, SAT joined ACT in allowing for Score Choice. This means regardless of the number of times a student takes either test, the student is able to CHOOSE which single score report (or more) they would like to send to the colleges at the time of application. This policy, in my opinion, goes along with all the other privacy laws we’ve gained in recent years. I like it! Who’s Not Playing Fair? Unfortunately, there’s a rather small group of selective schools who believe they are above the policy of score choice and have a school … Continue reading
Don’t Get Turned Away on Test Day
In the wake of the SAT testing scandal on Long Island last year, ACT and SAT are putting similar security changes in place starting with the 2012-13 testing cycle. Sadly, the dishonesty of a few impacts the whole. Don’t rely on what your older sibling or friend had to bring on test day to get in the door, or you might just be turned away. Smile! At the time of registration, students must submit a picture of themselves. Be sure it’s an individual picture with no sunglasses or hats and your face is easily discernible – you can find examples … Continue reading
