Category Archives: admissions

admissions

A game changer for college recruiting

Last week, I wrote a short post about how colleges are using social media to connect with students. It’s a game-changer in college recruiting. Small colleges can level the playing field and stand out from the crowd by using social media. Unknown colleges can establish a presence and draw in students who might never have even known they existed.

US News-Education published an article today listing 5 ways that colleges are reaching high school students. Here’s a short summary:

  1. QR Codes–Hamilton College created a fall admissions poster featuring only a giant QR code, which led visitors to a custom welcome page. Students on high school campuses responded positively to this “cool” recruiting technique.
  2. Video chats–Ohio Wesleyan University hosts four or five group video chats during the academic year for parents and students, with each chat having a theme.
  3. Facebook Contests–Misericordia University used university bookstore gift certificates as prizes to incoming freshmen who replaced their Facebook picture with the college logo. It was a way to expand their reach and monitor the conversations that “friends” were having about the picture.
  4. Tweeting behind the scenes–Texas Tech used Twitter to cover a photo shoot story included in their annual recruiting material. They actually created a hashtag and made the photo shoot an event as opposed to just a piece of mail.
  5. YouTube video series–New School in NYC has created a series of recruiting videos entitled, “Are You New School?” These videos feature students discussing uncommon topics like the dating scene or being overwhelmed by the size of the city.

If you have a college-bound teen, look for these innovative ways that colleges will be connecting with your student. An innovative, forward-thinking college might be a perfect fit for your student and a great place to educate an innovative, forward-thinking student.

 

admissions, parenting, social networks

Colleges and Social Media

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I just read a great post by a parent who is going through the college admissions process talking about College Admissions Secrets. Take a few minutes to read it because it addresses an important issue with parents: What can I do to assure my student will get accepted to college? Is there a secret?

One admissions officer was asked this question and responded using social media (Twitter). Do you think this was from one of those “helicopter” parents?

I would bet that some admissions representatives regret the day that parents found them on Twitter and Facebook. Now they can ask the questions they have been dying to ask, even at the dismay of some of the college representatives.

For colleges and students, social media can be a two-edged sword in many respects. It gives colleges the opportunity to connect with a larger applicant pool and share their message to a vast number of prospective students. But it also allows the parents of those applicants to interact and insert their questions into the process. Social media allows students to connect directly one-on-one with college representatives and current students. But it also means that students need to be more vigilant about their online persona because the colleges are watching.

If you would like to see how two colleges are using social media to reach students, follow the links below:

Hofstra University

Cornell College

If your student is applying to one of these colleges or any other colleges with a social media presence, let them make the connections themselves. Don’t be one of those parents who make admissions officers run for cover. Encourage your student to search for each college’s social media page and pursue those connections on their own. Let them, as one admissions representative once told me, “drive the car”.

admissions, college guidance, college planning, organization, parenting

Interview with Power Women Magazine

Last week I did a radio interview with Power Women Magazine about the college prep process and my Parents Countdown to College Toolkit. In it, I discussed the steps necessary to prepare for the admissions process, how to stay organized, and the 10 mistakes parents and students often make when applying to college.

Click the link below and you can listen to the interview.

 

 

Power Women Magazine Radio Interview

admissions, parenting

FREE Webinar–Beating College-Bound Stress

It’s not often that parents can find information about how to deal with the stress that surrounds the college admissions process, let alone find it for FREE. Kay Kimball Gruder, a Certified Parent Coach by the Parent Coaching Institute, and Wendy David-Gaines, author of “Parents of College Students-Survival Stories” are joining together to provide parents with some tips on how to de-stress during the college process, especially during your college-bound teen’s senior year of high school.

Date: Tonight September 26, 2011

Time: 9PM ET

Location: Online–Register by clicking here

Cost: FREE

If you are the parent of a college-bound student, particularly in the senior year of high school, chances are you are feeling STRESSED. This webinar is designed to reduce college-bound stress by sharing common communication patterns that exist and traps to avoid. Participants will gain STRATEGIES for better communication concerning:

  • Issues of money
  • Expectations for your student’s senior year in high school
  • Partnering in the college process
admissions, college news, parenting

Student Cheating: An Epidemic?

The Washington Post published a blog article a few days ago, “The Cause of Standardized Test Cheating and How to Stop It” citing these disturbing statistics:

FairTest has documented confirmed cheating cases in 30 states and the District of Columbia in just the past three academic years. Hardly a week, or a day, goes by without a reminder that the mounting evidence of cheating in cities and states across the nation shows no signs of abating. Sadly, neither does the damage caused by the standardized testing mania that underlies the cheating scandal, as explained in a new FairTest fact sheet.

As parents, we need to look at the underlying cause BEHIND the cheating. Is there too much pressure to test well? Are students not taught throughout their lives that cheating is wrong? Has the invention of technology made it easier to cheat?

Here’s an infographic that outlines cheating and it just doesn’t happen in high school and college. Sobering–to say the least

Cheaters
Created by Online Masters Degrees

 

admissions, college guidance, college majors, college planning, Guest Posts

3 Steps to prepare for a college theatre audition

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College Theatre and Musical Theatre Programs are amongst the most competitive programs to gain acceptance to within a College or University. With thousands of applicants vying for a spot, it is important to present your best and most marketable self to make an impression. In order for you to be ready for these auditions, it requires you to put in an adequate amount of time, energy and passion into your preparation.

Sound stressful? Don’t let it be! If you are truly passionate about getting an education that will begin your professional career in the arts, then allow the process and preparation to be fun and exciting.

Step 1

First things first: Where do you want to pursue this dream education? Just as important as choosing the right monologue or song for the audition, is choosing the right program to match your needs as a performer.

Before you begin looking at different programs within Colleges and Universities, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What will my main focus be? Straight Theatre or Musical Theatre?
  • Will I do better within a conservatory or university program?
  • What do I hope to accomplish after graduating college?
  • Do I have other interests that I want to pursue alongside Theatre?

Once you are able to come up with these answers, your search will be much easier. Take a look at the differences between Conservatory programs and University programs. Inquire as to what recent graduates of the program are up to after graduation. Decide whether a BFA or BA program suits your needs and your other possible interests besides theatre.

Step 2

Okay, you’ve found a couple dream schools and programs…now what?

Time to focus! You are now ready to begin visiting these schools, setting up interviews, and most importantly, setting up a date for an audition. An easy way to set up a schedule for yourself and your parents is to make a “College Calendar Checklist” spreadsheet. Post this on your fridge or any other important area to make sure all of your requirements are being met. Use the following categories for each college when creating the list:

SCHOOL
APPLICATION DEADLINE
AUDITION DEADLINE
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
AUDITION TIME/DATE

Step 3

Alright, so now all of your schools are chosen, your dates are set, and you’ve started your applications. Now the real fun begins! It’s time to choose your audition material.

This is definitely the most daunting task of the College Audition Process. What type of Monologues are “they” looking for? What type of song suits my personality? If you are amongst the many who are confused as to what pieces are right for you, don’t worry.

First, make sure to check out the website of the programs in which you are auditioning so you know what their requirements are.

It is important for you to do your own research and really take an initiative on finding your material. Check out Pulitzer Prize winning plays, look at Musicals that won Tony awards. While some of the material from these works may be “overdone” pieces, they are good places to start. Hiring an audition coach is always a good idea to oversee the process with you. They are able to help you properly prepare and choose powerful pieces while not over-rehearsing your choices.

For inspiration on your college hunt, my favorite quote is:

 “If you’re not afraid, if you take everything you are, everything worthwhile in you and direct it at one goal, one ultimate mark, you’ve got to get there”. – James Dean


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Today’s guest post was written by Chelsea Cipolla, a professional Actress and Audition Coach. For College Coaching Services check out: www.mycollegeaudition.com or send an email to info@mycollegeaudition.com.

admissions, college guidance, college planning, parenting

College Questions?

This week, it’s my privilege to be interviewed by Power Women Magazine about my Parents Countdown to College Toolkit and college preparation. If you have any questions about college preparation or have wondered about the content of my Toolkit, tune in LIVE:

Date: Thursday, September 22nd

Time: 12PM ET, 11AM CT, 9AM PT

Where: Online at Power Women Magazine

admissions, college guidance, college planning

High school seniors gear up for college

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Fall is in the air (at least in most parts of the country) and seniors are gearing up for a busy year of college-related activities. To help parents and students stay organized and on top of the college to-do-lists, I’m sharing my senior list from my Parents Countdown to College Toolkit and Parents Crash Course.

My good friend and colleague Paul Hemphill has another take on the senior “to-do-list” (3 Things High Seniors should do early) that you will also want to share with your college-bound teens.

FALL

  • Continue to follow a rigorous program of study and verify that your course plan is consistent with college admissions criteria. Keep tabs on your GPA and your class rank; double check your transcript for any errors.
  • Start collecting recommendation letters. Gather any that were done over the summer and if you need to add additional ones, ask for them early when school begins.
  • If you need to take admissions tests again, register for and take the SAT and/or ACT and SAT Subject tests. Fill in the proper codes for each college to assure they receive your test scores.
  • Lock in your college choices and visit any on your list that you haven’t already checked out.
  • If you are applying to a military academy make sure your file is current and in the possession of the person from whom you are seeking the nomination.
  • If you are seeking an athletic scholarship, send a copy of your game schedule to the appropriate coaches; ask your high school coaches to help with contact names.
  • Finalize portfolios, audition tapes, writing samples, or other evidence of talent to send with your college admissions application.
  • If you are going to apply for early decision or early action, be sure to submit application materials by the deadline.

WINTER

  • Gather all the data for the FAFSA and encourage your parents to complete income tax returns early so that you can file in January. Complete the CSS/Profile as well if necessary.
  • Continue your scholarship search process focusing on those for 12th grade students. Request any college specific scholarship applications and apply.
  • Apply to the colleges that you have chosen and assure proper completion of each application package.
  • Verify that your mid-year transcript has been sent to the colleges to which you have applied. This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Follow up and verify that the colleges receive the transcript.
  • Review your SAR Report for accuracy and submit corrections if necessary.
  • If any college requests additional materials or forms send them promptly and verify they are received.
  • Apply for State Financial aid which may require additional forms.

SPRING

  • Plan to take AP Exams. Check with your colleges and verify that once the tests are taken you will receive college credit.
  • Compare college award letters and financial aid packages. Contact the school’s financial aid office if you have questions about your award. If you would like to dispute your award due to extenuating circumstances, follow the guidelines outlined in the toolkit.
  • Visit colleges that have invited you to enroll and talk with students, professors and admissions advisers to help you make your final decision.
  • Complete any loan paperwork if you will need to take out parent or student loans.
  • Make your final decision and notify the college you will be attending, along with the colleges you will be declining admission. (Remember: there are students on wait lists that will be waiting for spots to open. So be respectful and notify ALL schools of your decision).
  • Accept or decline your financial aid awards in writing. You have the option to accept all or part of the aid awarded.

SUMMER.

  • Attend Freshman Orientation and gather information regarding your course offerings to begin searching for textbook offers and deals.
  • Write thank you notes to the people who recommended you and thank them for taking the time to write those recommendation letters.
  • Apply for a summer job and save that money for college expenses.
  • If Federal Work Study is part of your package it’s your responsibility to secure a job and follow up with the financial aid office when you arrive on campus.

Print the list–email it to your teenager–post it on the frig for easy reference. It will help remind YOU and your college-bound teen that senior year is NOT the time for senioritis to kick in.

admissions, college planning, organization, scholarships

Zinch’s New Facebook App…and more!

Zinch is all about using the latest and greatest social media tools to connect with students. Their presence on Twitter and Facebook has gotten the word out about their EASY, BREEZY scholarship tools and contests. They use those amazing tools to help students connect with colleges and colleges connect with students.

I love what Zinch says about Zinch:

What is Zinch?

That is the question.

We hook students up with scholarships

Based on our comprehensive student profile, we can match students to any scholarship out there. Students tell us who they are…and we hook them up with scholarships that matter.

We hook students up with colleges & grad schools

Zinch allows students to learn about, get recruited by, and interact with more than colleges and universities from all over the world. And it happens on a platform that students embrace – the web.

We make the process fun

The admissions process is very stressful. We know. So we let students connect with other students who are going through the same frustration, struggles and pains as they are. Hopefully that way the process can be a little bit easier.

It’s no surprise that they have now branched out with a Facebook application allowing students to amp up their profiles and enter their weekly scholarship ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Since so many students are on Facebook, it’s an excellent way to reach more students for their $1000 weekly scholarship giveaway.

And here’s another great upgrade to Zinch’s already amazing student profile section. Students can have others post recommendations within their profile, giving them even greater exposure and flexibility. It’s a WIN WIN for students AND colleges!

Check out this profile http://www.zinch.com/musicqueendebi19#endorsement_36478876 to see how the new feature works.

Zinch is on top of what students and colleges need to connect during the admissions process; and their scholarship opportunities provide a means for EVERY student to apply and possibly win. Zinch deserves an A++ in my book!

admissions, Guest Posts

College Application Videos

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In this multimedia age that we live in it should come as no surprise that many colleges are now accepting video applications. This trend has taken off at a number of institutions, but many young students are wondering how exactly to present themselves via video application. Where do you even start?

Most students chose to make the video themselves with the use of their own equipment and some even choose to shoot their video straight off their iPhone. But those who want their video to stand out can go to a video production company for guidance. However your student chooses to shoot the video, there are a number of things they will want to take into consideration when shooting.

  • Make sure they don’t read straight from a poster board. You will want to make sure that they come off as natural and comfortable as possible. Reading straight from a script will achieve nothing for them. Instead, suggest that they make bullet points on a poster board and place it behind the camera. This will serve as a handy tool that can guide them during their presentation.
  • Dress appropriately. There will be no need to pull out the tux or gown for this, but a nice shirt will go a long way. And remind your student to smile!
  • Remind them this isn’t a reality show application. Several students have used their video applications as a tool to showcase their talents such as singing, juggling, what have you. Sure it’s important to come off as unique, but using the entire time to show off talent is a big no-no. Instead, have them talk about some interesting hobbies as a way to show off their uniqueness. Some other topics to discuss could be about family, inspirations, or maybe just a dialogue about college and what they hope to accomplish while there. An advantage of a video application is that the student can decide what to share, so however your child feels that they can best present their originality is the way to go.

The thought of a video application may seem odd to many of you, but the advantages of doing an application through video are numerous. A traditional application doesn’t allow the student an opportunity to truly show off their originality. Also, through a video submission college representatives are able to see how the student looks, sounds, and presents themselves. Video applications are the wave of the future and students need to prepare themselves for the possibility of having to present themselves to college representatives through the use of video.

Four schools are now encouraging students to send videos instead of essays. According to Newsweek about 5-10% of the applications sent to the four schools include videos. The four schools include Tufts, George Mason, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and William and Mary. Some of the videos submitted have gained thousands of views on YouTube.

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Today’s guest post is from Danielle, a resident of Indianapolis who blogs for Professional Intern (http://www.professionalintern.com), a website devoted to reading, literature, writing, and education.