scholarships, test prep

Your SAT Score Can Help Win Scholarships

 

sat score

Working hard in school can help you land great scholarships that will help you with the cost of going to school. Scholarships are a much better alternative to student loans because you don’t have to pay them back. How well you do in school can have an impact on the amount of scholarship money you will receive. Scoring high on your SAT exam is one way to ensure you have a good chance at receiving a scholarship.

Preparing for your SAT Exam

Since most colleges in the United States require students to take the SAT exam, it’s important to be prepared on testing day to get a good score. The current 2016 SAT exam takes approximately three hours to complete, with an additional 50 minutes given for the essay portion. Scores can range anywhere from 400 to 1600 and is usually taken by high school juniors or seniors. Being prepared for the exam is the best way to ensure you’ll receive a good score. Read Kranse SAT reviews to learn about a great course that will ensure you’re prepared and confident on testing day.

Merit-Based Scholarships

If you’ve done exceptionally well in school and if you received a good score on your SAT exam, you may be eligible to receive a merit-based scholarship. Merit-based scholarships are granted to individuals who have great academic records, high GPAs, good standardized test scores and other types of achievements. Many merit-based scholarships are sponsored by colleges and universities, so if you think you may qualify for one, be sure to find out more about them.

Outside Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships aren’t the only scholarships available. Many also require a high SAT score to apply. There are hundreds of different types of scholarships available. The first place you should look for scholarships is local. Browse the websites of the high school in your area because they might have scholarship information on them. Social media and scholarship search engines are also great resources. If you’re really good at something, such as art, you can use that to find specific scholarships based that interest and expertise.

College is stressful enough for most people, but with scholarships you will worry less about the cost of going to school and focus more on your studies. Do well in school now and prepare for standardized tests so you can ensure you have a better chance at receiving some great scholarships to help you out. 

 

college prep, Guest Posts

There’s an AP For That: 3 Burning Questions About the Right Prep Classes for College… Answered!

 

prep classes

Sometimes between all the test prep and soccer games and essay-writing, it’s easy to forget that, at the core of it all, the most important factor on a college application is the high school transcript. While test scores, essays and extracurricular achievements are all taken very seriously, the transcript is still the basis for all decision making by admissions officers. Here’s how to ensure that your child is making the most of their time in the classroom:

Is it better to take higher level courses or to ace lower level ones?  

One question that continues to loom for well-meaning parents is whether to push their children into higher level courses, with the possibility that an accelerated class will mean a lower grade. Obviously, the first thing a parent has to do is take into account the real achievement level of their student—but the answer to this conundrum may not be exactly what you might think.

Admissions officers definitely take into account the idea that a student is stretching his or her boundaries when it comes to academics. Therefore, when matching two applicants side by side, if one received all A grades but in lower level classes while the other had A and B grades in advanced classes, the student with advanced classes would always have the advantage. That being said, if your child is taking advanced level classes and getting a C, the supposed advantage is no longer viable. You need to be realistic when it comes to course load and what a student can handle. Ultimately, it’s always best to take classes that stretch the mind (but don’t break it!).

Broad spectrum or laser-like focus?

Another aspect of the application process that is misunderstood is whether there is a need to demonstrate widespread learning or to show talent in one area.

My father used to say that there are only two ways a person can learn:
“Either you can learn more and more about less and less, until you know everything about nothing, or you can learn less and less about more and more until you know nothing about everything.”

In the case of college admissions, it’s much better to know more about less. It’s a little counterintuitive, because many feel that presenting a broad cross-section of talents is good for a transcript. While that’s true, it is only the case if a student can prove he or she is actually adept at these things, and not just dabbling for the sake of a diversified portfolio.

It is not clever to suddenly have your teen filled with seemingly disparate classes and extracurriculars in his or her junior year, with the hope of “fooling” an admissions officer into thinking that they have a larger base of knowledge or experiences. No one is fooled. Ever. A sudden interest in clarinet, Judo, Mandarin and Habitat for Humanity is a dead giveaway.

Instead, have your student focus in one area where he or she has real skill and can build up expertise. If your child is into history, allow that interest to blossom and deepen and perhaps turn into independent study by serving as a History Club officer, or taking AP American History, AP European History and AP World History. A student with a clear focus like that is attractive to a university—it is a narrative about a particular aspect of an applicant’s personality that gives him or her a specific appeal. On the other hand, someone who looks like a dilettante will be difficult to pin down by an admissions officer looking for a reason to accept.

What if the “right” classes aren’t being offered?

Get creative—often, it’s hard to have your teen take the right classes because of scheduling conflicts or the fact that they are not offered at their high school. Fear not! Look around at summer programs as well as toward local community colleges. It is easier than you might think for your student to start earning college credit. Ask academic advisors at your child’s high school to see if it makes sense to (for example) take pre-calc over the summer in order to be able to take calculus senior year.  

The rule of thumb:

Working hard in one discipline is the best representation of a student’s skill and college preparedness. Yes, tests are important, and it’s crucial to have a base of knowledge, but never try to twist the system, and your child will always be on the right path. That means have them take the highest level prep classes they can and learn as much as possible in them, working toward their actual strengths. Your child will be happier, admissions will take notice, and he or she will be able to achieve more in college, too.

_____________________________________________________

About the Author

Ryan Hickey is the Managing Editor of Peterson’s & EssayEdge and is an expert in many aspects of college, graduate and professional admissions. A graduate of Yale University, Ryan has worked in various admissions capacities for nearly a decade, including writing test-prep material for the SAT, AP exams, and TOEFL; editing essays and personal statements; and consulting directly with applicants.

parenting

How to Discuss Risky Behavior in College Without Lecturing

 

risky behavior

Graduation day is approaching for parents of high school seniors. It’s been a long four years. The last year has been especially trying (and exciting) for those parents whose teens are heading for college after graduation.

With all the college preparations ahead this summer, there is an uncomfortable, and often dreaded, task of talking about college drinking, hooking up, and other risky behavior. Let’s face it: no teenager wants to be lectured. Especially when she is on the cusp of becoming an adult (or so she thinks). Ask any teenager and they will tell you parents are experts at lecturing. Most tune it out (so they say) because for the last 18 years they have been told what to do and what not to do.

Knowing this, how do you discuss risky behavior in college without lecturing?

Listen. It’s hard to do in the fast paced world we live in. But find a time when your teen likes to talk. For my daughter it was while she was getting dressed to go out with friends. I sat in her room and listened to her talk about life, love, and other teenage passions. I not only listened, I learned a lot—about her dreams, her friends, her fears and yes, her behavior.

Next, open a discussion. Once the topic of risky behavior comes up, whatever it may be, the door is opened. For my son, he was telling me about one of his friends that was high all the time. Instead of lecturing him about the “dangers of drug abuse”, I asked him what he thought about it. He was more than willing to discuss it and that gave me the opportunity to share my opinion without lecturing.

Finally, look for opportunities to insert advice into the conversations you have with your teen. This may be while watching a television program, at the dinner table, in the car after a movie, or after a long night out with friends. I found both my children were willing to “spill the beans” after coming home from a date or a night out with friends. Take advantage of their willingness to talk.

Your teen will observe risky behavior before going to college. You can bank on it. How she or he views that behavior will determine how they respond when they are alone at college. Your observations and your non-lecturing advice will be valuable and, believe it or not, remembered when they find themselves in risky situations.

Teenagers (and adults) dread those words, “We need to talk”. Avoid lecturing at all costs. Insert your wisdom and advice into the opportune moments instead. Be stealth. Be sneaky. But most of all, be their parent.

To prepare yourself for these conversations, check out these blog posts:

Talking to Your Student About Drinking in College

Top 10 Things Every Parent Should Know about “Hooking Up”

college planning, college prep, parenting

Who Says Moms Don’t Work?

 

moms

This article originally appeared on Smart College Visit as my Parent College Coach Tip of the week. 

George W. Bush got some flack over comments he made during a Presidential debate regarding his presidency—“it’s hard work”. Mainly because he said it over and over again. If you’re the mom of a college-bound teen you know how he feels—“it’s hard work”. Moms deserve a medal and more than one special day a year. After dealing with conflict, emotions, stress and tough decisions during college prep it’s easy to be overwhelmed and exhausted.

Who says moms of college-bound teens don’t work? Most have two jobs–one in the home and one in the workforce!

Here are 20 jobs every mom of a college-bound student performs.

  1. Head Cheerleader and College Coach
  2. Organization Expert (for all the high school awards, past essays, report cards, and college material)
  3. Taxi Driver (to and from sporting events and college fairs)
  4. Life Coach (guiding to make the right college choice based on fit)
  5. Anger Management Coach (during the many heated discussions over college)
  6. Family Therapist (intervention at least once a week}
  7. Errand Runner (for all those college-related tasks)
  8. English Teacher (specializing proofreading and editing of essays)
  9. Finance Manager (planning for all college costs)
  10. Personal Assistant (staying on top of deadlines, application submissions, test prep booking)
  11. Personal Shopper (preparing for the inevitable move-out day)
  12. Travel Agent (making arrangements for all college visits)
  13. Event Coordinator (specializing in all senior celebrations)
  14. Sleep Scientist (making sure your teen gets enough sleep and providing late night study support as needed)
  15. Safety Patrol (watching for any risky behavior to address before college)
  16. PhD in Reverse Psychology (especially before and after the college decision)
  17. Separation Anxiety Counselor (preparing for college move-in day)
  18. Parent Mediator (running interference between all the well-meaning advice and what your teen really wants and needs)
  19. Scholarship Coach (this will require many hours of searching and constant motivation)
  20. Investment Counselor (completing the FAFSA, deciphering the award letter, deciphering student loans based on college ROI)

After reading these tasks, no wonder you’re exhausted! But one day, your teen will appreciate everything you did for him. One day.

 

parenting

The 5 Sources of Help for College Students

 

college students

Going away to college can be one of the most exciting times in the lives of both student and parent. It is a time for your college students to find their feet, their own voice, and begin a journey of independence. Many children long to be older and more independent, but fail to realize the real implications. They may chase more responsibilities or greater independence only to find that they cannot cope. A bad situation can quickly become worse if they fail to admit their mistake or feel shame in seeking help. We can be guilty of this as fully fledged adults too! Before your child goes away to college or early on in their college career, it can be helpful to make them aware of help that is available. That way they need not feel embarrassed about constantly contacting you and can seek some help through their own initiative too. It is important to discuss the fact that asking for help is not an admission of defeat. It is not a sign of weakness or childishness. Asking for help can be one of the bravest things we can do. It is a sign of maturity to acknowledge when you are struggling and taking steps to address it.

There are many problems your child might encounter during the course of a degree or qualification. Problems can be financial, emotional, physical and more. But there is a greater range of help available than ever before, from trained professionals to peer support groups. Read on to discover the sources that you and your child can rely on when you need to.

Student Unions

Many colleges and institutions have what are known as student unions. They are often located in a physical building that is used for socializing, meetings, workshops and more. What many students and their parents don’t know is that student unions provide far more than just campus fun. They can offer counseling services, financial advice, accommodation suggestions and more. Becoming familiar with your student union and the services it offers can save a lot of time and energy. You or your child may be trying desperately to find a reliable source of advice on a topic. But the student union may have the information right on your doorstep, so to speak. Because student unions are often fun and organizing parties and events, it can be easy to overlook their serious side. The best student unions are designed to protect, advise and represent students. Not just entertain them! If you or your child are experiencing doubts or problems relating to the student experience, don’t hesitate to contact the union. If they don’t have the answers, they can easily put you in touch with someone that will.

Churches and Inter-Faith Groups

Many people are spiritual without considering themselves religious. Equally, many people have been brought up with religion but “lost touch” with it as they get older. Many student churches and organizations fully recognize these circumstances. More than ever before, their events are open to people who want to explore faith or just be in a non-judgmental, welcoming environment. Churches, meditation groups, or inter-faith organizations can be an overlooked source of emotional support. They often offer services and support groups for students feeling lonely, homesick or isolated. This may be because of their faith, or it may be another reason. But many students find great help and solace in exploring their faith or simply mixing with students on a more spiritual path.

Academic Support Services

Support for studying can take many forms. Many students find themselves struggling to adapt to a higher level of academic study. This is normal but it does need to be addressed quickly for a successful time studying. Students should be aware that questions and seeking clarification is encouraged. They should never feel embarrassed or hesitant to ask tutors for further advice or guidance. Many tutors even hold after class sessions for students to discuss their concerns outside of class. It can be intimidating to ask a question with a whole class’ eyes on you. But tutors can meet during office hours or in small groups. Academic support can also come in the form of reputable internet services and support groups. Some websites provide a term paper writing service. These can be used as essay guidance or inspiration, and can be tailored to meet specific needs. Academic support is what every university and institution should be proud to provide. Encourage your child that a student should never feel afraid to ask how to improve his or her learning.

Law Enforcement

Campus security needn’t only be a source of help during genuine emergencies. College life should also include a greater level of self-awareness and safety. It is more important than ever for a student who is away from home to be vigilant. They will need to protect themselves, their property, and be aware of their rights. Many police precincts and officers will give special talks to students on safety and even how to make a complaint. There are often numbers to ring in case of non-emergencies but that still require attention. It can be easy to overlook the police as a worst case scenario. But new students should take advantage of the specific support and advice they can offer them.

Doctors

Many new students inevitably find themselves sick in the early weeks of term. The stress of being away from home, mixing with others at close range, and even a different climate can take its toll. But doctors don’t only offer advice for when we’re seriously ill. Doctors also give advice on sleep hygiene, preventative measures, and sexual health, for example. They can put us in touch with other professionals like nutritionists or physiotherapists too. Instead of typing symptoms into a search engine, more of us should rely on the advice of training professionals. Students should know that they are never wasting a doctor’s time by visiting. Putting their mind at ease can be very important and save a lot of time, energy, and disturbed sleep. Doctors can give confidential advice and help us to take better care of ourselves at any age. Encourage your child to register with a local doctor as soon as they arrive and they will always feel more in control of their body and health.

Scholarship Friday, scholarships

Scholarship Friday: Fishing Scholarships

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fishing scholarships

The #1 searched item on my website is this: Snag a Fishing Scholarship. Who knew there were so many students and parents looking for fishing scholarships? But how do you win these scholarships in high school? First, you have to compete in competitions that award scholarships. If your high school doesn’t have a fishing club, start one. Then get registered for all the fishing competitions in your area. Check out this Washington High School State Championship, and search for others within your state.

”College-age anglers are getting the opportunity to keep casting, and it’s more than just a hobby. Bethel University, a college in McKenzie, Tenn., with an enrollment of 5,825, first laid the roots for its fishing program in 2009. They weren’t the first school to offer bass fishing, but they were the first to offer scholarships for anglers.”

As I’ve said previously, the best scholarships are often offered by the colleges themselves. But where do you find these colleges? Here are a few places you can look:

If you like bass fishing, these colleges will be right up your “lake, river, stream”. Here is a list of colleges, by state, that have affiliated with the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series. Each state is listed along with its College Series conference (Central, Eastern, Midwest, Northern, Southern or Western) Check to see if your college of choice is listed.

https://www.bassmaster.com/news/find-bass-fishing-college

Fishing League Worldwide surveyed National Guard FLW College Fishing anglers in the country on their clubs, their schools, their fishing lifestyles and more, and we scored the results based on the factors we thought most important for a college angler: proximity to bass fisheries, tournament opportunities, club activities, etc. We also interviewed club officers and tournament winners. We then tossed all the information together, combined our “editors’ rankings” – completely ignoring the Bowl Championship Series computer scores – and ended up with the results that follow: the top 25 bass fishing colleges.

http://www.flwfishing.com/tips/2010-02-01-top-25-bass-fishing-colleges

When searching for specific scholarships like fishing, you have to be a detective. Do a Google search for “fishing scholarships”, “fishing scholarship competitions” and “colleges with fishing scholarships”. Follow all the links and keep researching. This will take some time, but the reward will be worth it!

While you’re searching for scholarships, learn at your own pace by carrying your study materials, video tutorials, emails, or documents on your mobile device via a cloud based virtual desktop hosted on the SSAE 16 certified datacenters using Apps4Rent.com, you can also add your MS office to the same desktop by www.O365CloudExperts.com. Learn more about IT and network architecture solutions for your startup by visiting www.KatalystPartners.com today.

essays

How to Write a College Essay from 5 of the Best Experts

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how to write a college essayThe college essay is perhaps the most frustrating part of the college application. Since the essay provides the opportunity for you to give the colleges a “window into your soul” so to speak, the essay is essentially a key component of the application. If you’re struggling with essay or just need some expert advice, where can you go for help?

These five experts provide some of the best essay advice on how to write a college essay. For each, I have focused on a specific topic, but if you want (or need) more specific help, visit their websites. You will be amazed at their willingness to offer their expert advice free of charge. They all, however, offer specialized coaching and you and your student would be wise to take advantage of it if you find their advice helpful.

How do I begin the essay process?

This advice comes from my go-to essay source, The College Essay Guy. According to him, students should prepare before writing the essay. He starts the process by answering these questions:

  1. What should my essay be about?
  2. What are college admissions officers looking for?
  3. How do college admissions officers evaluate my essay?
  4. Which is more important: your story or your writing skill?
  5. When should I start writing my essay?
  6. How do I structure my essay?
  7. How much do essays matter?
  8. If my grades are bad, can I get into Harvard with a great essay?
  9. Can a bad college essay negatively affect my application?

Read more . . .

How do you avoid writing an essay that bombs?

This tip is from Essay Hell, a good resource for essay information, along with examples and tips for specific colleges like USC and UT. According to Essay Hell, there are 5 traps you can fall into when writing your college essay:

  1. Your essay is dull.
  2. Your college application isn’t personal.
  3. Your essay is mainly about someone else.
  4. Your essay only repeats everything else in your admissions application.
  5. You come across as not having your act together.

Read more . . .

What are possible brainstorming questions?

The Essay Expert, Brenda Bernstein, provides some possible essay brainstorming topics:

  1. What’s my favorite school subject and why?
  2. What’s my favorite extracurricular activity and why?
  3. What character in a book inspires me and why?
  4. What’s a story of how I went from a simplistic understanding of how the world works to a more complex, nuanced understanding?
  5. What’s an object that’s important to me and why?
  6. What’s a place/location that’s important to me and why?
  7. Who are the most important people in my life and what have I learned from them?

Read more . . .

Once you have a topic, how do you keep focus and stay on task?

According to the experts at All College Application Essays, “the drafting process is critical and can help make your stories and messages clearer. These essays are hard to write and get better with each new layer. To help, they provide 10 questions to guide you through the process:

  1. Does your essay start with a story that hooks us in from the first paragraph?
  2. If you start in the past, do you get to the present very quickly?
  3. Do you write only in the first person and not spend too much time describing anyone or anything else?
  4. If you are writing about your community or family, do you get to the present and your life and life works quickly?
  5. Do you only tell one story and not try and tell your entire life story?
  6. If you are writing about an obstacle or challenge overcome, do you get to how you have responded and made a difference in the life of your community by the second impactor third paragraph of the essay?
  7. Do you have a metaphor that goes through the entire piece…does this metaphor reveal who you are and what you offer to potential colleges?
  8. Does your story make you sound unique and not like anyone else applying?
  9. Do you tell new stories and qualities in each separate essay your write?
  10. Do you end with a bang?

Read more . . .

What do admissions officers look for in an essay?

According to David at EssaysCoach.com, writing a good application essay is hard. Many students write essays that are too cliché or too shallow; others write essays that are impersonal and uninformative; some are even unfortunate enough to write essays that cause their own rejection. Here are five things an admissions officer looks for:

  1. Can the applicant write?
  2. What does the essay say about the applicant?
  3. Are there deep, personal reflections?
  4. What will the applicant bring to the community?
  5. Do the qualities represented in the essay resonate with the rest of the application?

For a clear description of each, read more . . .

Now that you’ve read tips from these five experts, check out 35+ more gathered by The College Essay Guy.

college guidance, college prep, parenting

How to Know If Your Teen is Ready for College Without Asking

2 Comments

 

ready for college

Yes. You could come out and ask the question. But the odds are your teen probably doesn’t know; and even if he does answer, it might not be an honest one. It might be what he thinks you want to hear. Your child needs some “mean” emotional skills before move-in day, as evidenced by all the college kids calling their parents to say, “I don’t like it here. Can I come home?”

How do you know if your teen is ready for college? Ask yourself some questions and be honest about the answers. The answers to these questions will be a good indicator about whether or not your teen is ready for college or could use some help getting prepared. You have the summer to help him practice these important independent life skills.

Does he know how to self-advocate?

It could happen on the first day of college. Your student needs help. He needs to speak with an advisor. Talk with a professor. Have a conversation with the RA. If he constantly runs to you for help in high school, how will he ever learn to advocate for himself? Colleges expect students to handle these situations by themselves. If he can’t deal with problems now, it’s a good indicator he won’t be able to handle them in college.

Does he know how to resolve conflict?

Roommate conflict is the number one reason students are unhappy the first few weeks of college. Being placed with a roommate that does not match your student’s personality and habits can be overwhelming. Conflict arises daily in college: with friends, with professors, with administration. If he goes to college without this emotional skill he will be more likely to “phone home” asking for help every time a conflict with someone arises.

Does he make friends easily and possess the necessary social skills?

Students who sit in their room alone day after day will not survive in college. They need a support group: friends to turn to when they are homesick or struggling. The social aspect of college is key to surviving four years away from home. Going to college far from the comfort of home and not knowing anyone can be a deal-breaker for the shy, uninvolved student.

Does he know how to recognize and avoid risky behavior?

There are going to be opportunities in college to participate in dangerous behavior: drinking, drugs, hooking up, and reckless driving to name a few. Students often see college as an opportunity to participate in activities that parents would not encourage while they are living at home. Does he have the tools to recognize and avoid the consequences of these behaviors?

Has he been away from home for an extended period of time?

So many first time college students have never been away from home without parents. A few weeks away from home gives them a taste of what life is like on their own. If your student has never been away from home or on his own, college will be a difficult adjustment.

Preparing your student for the emotional aspect of college will be best for him and for you. If he’s ready to venture out on his own, you will be less stressed about dropping him off on move-in day. And you most likely won’t receive the dreaded phone call: “I want to come home.”

college costs, college planning, financial aid

Paying for College: The Best Strategy

 

paying for college

Last night I spoke with a relative whose son just had a baby. The parents were already developing a strategy for paying for college. When she told me they were planning to enter their child in beauty pageants to foot the bill, I had to interject. I told her this was certainly going to cost the parents money and  the rewards would probably not be worth the effort. Then I told her the best strategy to pay for college: good grades.

According to an NACAC survey, colleges rank the grades in college prep courses, the strength of curriculum, and grades in all courses as the top factors in the admissions decision. But here’s the added bonus, those grades can also net a student huge rewards in financial aid. Many colleges will award automatic full-ride scholarships to students with high GPAs and class rank.

Instead of placing all your college money “eggs in one basket”, in addition to saving, use these three strategies to create a plan that will pay the college tuition bill:

Focus on academics

The tone is set freshman year. Make it a goal to choose the pre-college courses (AP and Honors) and get the best grades possible in these courses. If your student does poorly freshman year, it makes it difficult to catch up later. All throughout high school, your student should place high value on academic progress: commit to study, prepare for class and tests, seek help when needed, and put academics before any other activity.

Apply for outside scholarships

Start applying for scholarships as early as possible. Waiting until senior year is a poor decision. There are scholarships available for all ages. It should be your student’s “job” during high school to search and apply for scholarships. An hour a day can produce huge rewards and start racking up funds each year to make a huge dent in the tuition bill.

Chose the colleges with the best financial aid footprint

What does this mean? Look for colleges with a high percentage of financial aid. Every college reports the statistics related to their financial aid profile. These statistics can tell you how generous they are with their scholarships and grants and also the percentage of students who receive help with their tuition.

The best resource available for these statistics is College Navigator. You can enter the name of the college, or search using criteria such as location, size, and degree plans. Once you’ve pulled up the data, you can use it to compare colleges.

If you use these three “paying for college” strategies, no matter where you are in the process, your student should be able to graduate from college with little or no debt. Additionally, you should be able to pay for college without borrowing or dipping into your retirement (which I never recommend).

admissions, college guidance

Making the College Admissions Decision

 

This article was originally posted by the Princeton Review and I have permission to share with my readers–great content and information for every parent and student considering the college admissions decision.

college admissions decision

The college decision letters and emails are rolling in. Celebrate your acceptances, stay positive, and strategize with your college counselor about what you’ll do next. Whatever your application status, we have some tips on planning your next move.

If You’re Accepted

If you applied regular decision, you have until May 1 (“Decision Day”) to notify colleges. Here’s what you should do after you receive your college acceptance letters:

  • Learn even more about the schools that accepted you by visiting campus one last time. Talk to real students, visit the dorms and cafeteria, and find out about key academic programs and campus activities.
  • Compare financial aid packages to see which makes the most sense for you and your family.
  • Talk to your college counselors. They’ve been cheering you on throughout the whole application process and are there to help you decide which school is right for you.
  • If you plan to defer your acceptance for a year to work, travel, or volunteer, make sure you’ve done your research. Talk to the admissions office about what it needs from you to consider your gap year request (and be sure to ask about any financial aid implications).
  • Notify colleges of your decision, and send in your deposit by the deadline.
  • Don’t slack off in school! Colleges expect you to keep your grades up all throughout senior year.

If You’re Waitlisted

If you land on a school’s waitlist, you’ll need to decide whether you will pursue or decline the waitlist invitation plus make plans to attend another college. Follow these tips to make sure you’re covered.

  • Quickly respond to let the school know whether you will accept or decline your position on the waitlist.
  • If you accept,
    • Send a follow-up letter to let the school know why you would be excited to attend and the reasons why their college is still the best-fit school for you.
    • Stay focused on your grades and prepping for AP exams.
    • Request an interview, so you can reiterate your commitment to the school.
  • If you decline, reevaluate the rest of your list. What schools do you need to learn more about? Which schools can you still visit?
  • No matter what, get excited about the schools that accepted you. Decide which college fits you best and send in your deposit. If you do get off another college’s waitlist (and accept!), you’ll forfeit your deposit.

If You’re Deferred

If you applied early decision or early action, you may receive a notification that your application has been deferred to the regular admission pool. This can happen if a college decides they need more information (like senior year grades or test scores) before making their final decision. Here are your priorities:

  • Work hard to keep your grades up.
  • If you plan to submit new SAT/ACT scores, prep thoroughly.
  • Keep in touch with the admissions committee, and make sure you’re sending them the information they need to evaluate your application.
  • Keep up your college search! Craft a list of dream, match, and safety schools—any of which is a great fit for your specific personality and interests. Work with your college counselor to stay on top of application deadlines.

If You’re Rejected

If you didn’t get the news you were hoping for, it’s okay (and normal!) to feel disappointed. But don’t dwell too long! There are still some proactive things you can do to find your best-fit college.

  • Focus on the schools that said “yes”! It’s time to visit or research in more depth the schools that accepted you. Sometimes your dream school has been on your mind for so long, that it can overshadow the rest of your options. There are bound to be plenty of new-to-you programs, internship opportunities, and other on-campus gems to get excited about!
  • Stay positive! You might feel tempted to take a year off from academics altogether and apply to your first-choice school again next year. We caution against this route! It is easier to transfer to the school of your choice from a less prestigious school than to start again from scratch (even if you spend your year off doing something productive and character-building).
  • Lean on your college counselor. Your admissions counselor is a pro at helping students compare schools and decide which offer of admission—and financial aid package—to accept.

Helping parents with all aspects of college prep