Blog

The Latest Common App Essay Prompts (2013-14)

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:48:00 GMT

Yes, the Common Application essays are a big thing. Think about it for a second: you’re applying to a particular school in just the same way that another ten, twenty, or thirty thousand other students are applying. Your dossier comprises statistics or all sorts, lists of activities, maybe awards. And the GPA. How can admissions wade its way through all the stats while getting no inkling of exactly what sort of person you are—beyond classes and test scores and volunteer hours? One answer is ––––– trumpets, please: the personal essay.

Let’s take a look at the first two Common Application essay options.

Prompt #1:

Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

See that word “identify”? How do you see yourself among your peers? Specifically, is there a story you can relate to the reader which will uncover a special moment when you discovered something about yourself, made a connection with the complexities of life that you had never made before? How did that experience, that moment, affect you?

Don’t go into excessive detail describing the circumstances while leaving out the gist of the questions: the revelation of your identity.

Don’t ever lose sight of the fact that the admissions officer reading your essay has ready access to every aspect of your high school years. You have enumerated all the classes and grades and tests and teams and clubs and on and on. And? So? What might you have gotten out of one or more of those experiences that defines who you are right now?

Never assume that the essay reader can or should understand your nature because of what you have studied, or because of the sort of activities in which you have been involved. And don’t look for something MONUMENTAL. The smallest incident, even what seems like an incidental conversation with someone one particular day, may tell a resonating story about you and your identity.

You can write about caring for a sibling, why you decided to pick up a can along the curb, playing hoops with friends, a sunrise witnessed when no one was around, a trail ride, your take on the expanding universe. Anything goes, as long as it’s meaningful to you – and you focus not just on telling an interesting story, but on the impact of that event on your life.

The second essay choice is perhaps the other side of the coin from the first:

Prompt #2:

Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

Here, the question in the second sentence is everything. Because everyone experiences failures of all kinds, you have a chance to show how open you are to self-reflection and learning from a your perceived mistakes. This is really, really the place where you can demonstrate your level of maturity in no uncertain terms.

Do you notice how these first two prompts are different in most every way from the sorts of very important questions that you’ve confronted in your high school, teenage years? No more being just one of the gang. Differentiate yourself. No more shying away from tooting your own emotional and intellectual horn. Differentiate yourself from the homogenized mass of high school students. Show ‘em who you are and how you think and feel.

It comes down to this: what do you want the college admissions office reader to know about you? In what way did you benefit from your failure? What did you learn about yourself or others? What will you do differently in the future? In this essay, you’ll demonstrate that failure doesn’t equate to “bad”; rather, it leads to a revelation, an epiphany, a great moment of learning in your life!

As always, words that count are more important than counting words.

Gold in Them Thar Hills: The Independent Educational Consultant

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:33:00 GMT

A recent survey (Lipman Hearne & the National Research Center for College and University Admissions) found that more than a quarter of “high achieving” high school seniors use services of Independent Educational Consultants (IEC’s) to optimize college search. When 1,300 high school seniors with SAT scores of 1150 or higher (out of 1600) and/or ACT scores of 25 or higher were asked, 26% percent said they had worked with an IEC.

That’s a big increase. Until quite recently, consultants were seen an expensive luxury accessible only to the affluent. Even administrators at the Independent Educational Consultants Association were surprised by the numbers.

What’s behind this uptick in consultant use? A number of factors are likely involved, including increasing competition and globalization. Some have noted the egalitarian effects of the internet in bringing down the costs of consulting. Others still point to the impossible workloads of high school counselors. Whatever the macro-level causes, at the heart of this market growth are the consultants themselves.

Families choose consultants because the latter are…

1) Accessible – IEC’s and college planners are free agents, not bound by any particular school or policy. They are on hand to help students whenever the need may arise, working late into the evenings and on weekends to meet the needs of students during peak periods (the summer before senior year is especially busy).

2) Responsive – No closed doors, no busy signals. Responsiveness is their lifeblood, reflecting the fact that the college application process is driven by strict deadlines. Consultants who fail to tend to their flock often find themselves out of work.

3) Informed – Students approach IEC’s and college planners because navigating the college admissions process means staying on top of admissions developments in real-time. It also means seeking kernels of important information as they relate to individual students, amidst a deluge of extraneous data. You’d be amazed at the quantity of time college planners spend on college campuses, speaking with university staff, and attending professional workshops, conferences and fairs. Their work saves students and families enormous quantities of time, effort and expense.

4) Neighborly – The most effective IEC’s often serve the majority of their clients within a limited geographical area. Though the internet can be effective for some consulting, the value of local knowledge of school district policies and procedures as well as a network of community contacts (within the school system and outside of it) cannot be overstated.

5) Credentialed – They hold memberships in the IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association), the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), among others, organizations that adhere to strict educational and professional standards.

6) Connected – Effective consultants can guide you into their own, excellent network of tutors and test preparation companies.

7) Committed – The best IEC’s always undergird the practice of their profession with the philosophy that education should be available to all – irrespective of race, income, or creed. Most great IEC’s still offer services to clients who fundamentally cannot afford the usual fees. In addition, consultants get the word out regarding financial aid, and help out in their communities wherever they can.

8) Parent-recommended – In the education business, word-of-mouth is the platinum standard. Happy students and families will recommend IEC’s to friends and, usually, the best consultants/college planners are renowned and respected in the communities they serve.

ACT Testing Goes Virtual

Wed, 08 May 2013 19:11:00 GMT

The latest buzz-generating development in the world of college entrance examinations is that the makers of the ACT have announced that by the spring of 2015, the ACT exam will be administered via computer. The tech-challenged community can rest easy, however, as ACT, Inc. has promised that, at least initially, the paper-based exam will continue to be available. According to ACT Education Division President Jon Erickson, a determination has yet to be made regarding the question of whether or not students will have “the option to choose paper and pencil.” Mr. Erickson suggested that the company’s decision to change the test-taking medium has largely been driven by student interest.

The change is significant, considering that more college-bound students took the ACT (around 1.7 million) than the SAT in 2012. The creators of the ACT appear to be moving towards computer-based testing cautiously, a wise choice according to Robert Schaeffer of FairTest, an organization critical of standardized testing. Schaeffer cited several recent problematic examples of state efforts to adopt computerized testing systems for the Common Core State Standards exams.

Computer-administered or not, the ACT will stick to its current format of five parts: English, reading, math, science, and an optional writing component. There will, however, be some modifications. For the first time, the ACT will include some optional questions requiring that students go beyond simply filling in the bubble next to the answer choices. Test-takers will perform virtual tasks, such as mixing various chemicals and observing the effect of density on the orientations of those chemicals, which Mr. Erickson said will bring interactivity and intellectual engagement to the test-taking process.

A Guide to Becoming a College Student: 15 Practical Parenting Tips

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:50:00 GMT

Between the years 2000 and 2010, enrollment in degree-granting institutions increased 37 percent to 21 million students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. What does this tell you? You're not alone planning ahead to get your child ready for college. There are numerous resources at your fingertips and here are some practical and specific suggestions for parents to get you started.

Planning Should Cover Four Categories:

Personal finance and management

Academic expectations

Emotional support resources

Communication methods

Your Child's Major Needs and Responsibilities

Being inclusively practical, anticipate what your child’s major needs and responsibilities will be. You can then address such with these suggestions:

Designate how (by email, texting, webcam, etc.) and when (every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.) your child will check in; although the specifics can later be changed, the important thing is to establish a routine.
Sign your child up for the most convenient/dependable electronic services (e.g., a portable broadband subscription assures 24/7 Internet accessibility).
Show your child how to set up and stick to a budget. Try an online budget system like Mint or BudgetTracker.
Help your child get the most appropriate type of plastic: a secured credit limited by a savings account may be best to start with, or sign them on as an “authorized user” for one of your credit cards. As they show responsibility, they may then apply for a low-credit limit charge card.
Don’t give your child too much money, either in credit or cash. Excessive money encourages partying, shopping and other dangerous things.
Compile a list of what the child should take when they move to the campus. This may require some negotiating and should focus on what the school allows/recommends and what the student will actually need.
Teach your child how to do laundry properly.
Develop a mutual expectation of academic performance: how many credits/classes to attempt each semester, what is an acceptable grade point average, etc.
Have an honest talk about safety issues/concerns; girls, for example, should not go out at night by themselves and both sexes must abstain from drugs and alcohol — if they expect financial support from you.
Educate your child about the dangers of cyber crimes, especially identity theft. Specific solutions include signing up for Lifelock identity theft service, not giving away personal information (including social networking sites) and always be cautious while online.
Don’t be intimidated into giving your child a vehicle they may not need or which may lead to irresponsible/dangerous behavior.
Gather/share with your child important contact information at the college for potential emergencies.
Coordinate meaningful family activities for the months preceding the move; this will hopefully reduce anxieties.
Develop and type up a “possible emergencies & what to do about them” list.
Establish and stick to rules of behavior your child will be expected to abide by while away and when they come back to visit.

You can help your child do well in school by removing distractions, helping them manage their own problems and encouraging them to use all the resources at their disposal, including school counseling services. By mapping out what to do before the move, you can make sure all your child will have to worry about is being on time for class, doing her homework, meeting new friends and passing all her classes.

Twitter's Top Ten for College Admission

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:32:00 GMT

College-bound students are bound in another way – their connection to social media. Among the media, Twitter has gained tremendous favor in providing an array of up-to-date information to assist a student and family with college planning. Here are just a few of our favorites for students:

@ACT and @ACTStudent	Tweets about the ACT. You can also ask questions about the exams
@CollegeBoard	Keep tabs on upcoming deadlines and testing dates for the SAT and AP exams
@commonapp	Q&A about the Common Application
@HuffPostCollege	Huffington Post: news about college admission and college life
@FAFSA	Updates and advice from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
@nytimescollege	Updates from "The Choice," a New York Times education blog
@USATODAYcollege	College-related tweets from USA TODAY
@NACAC	Tweets from the National Association for College Admission Counseling, an organization comprised of thousands of high schools (including yours), colleges (including the ones to which you’ll apply), and educational consultants (including me)
The Twitter accounts for any college in which you’re interested – from @UFlorida to @Harvard! Nearly all schools have social media accounts, and Twitter is a great way to stay connected with up-to-the minute happenings on their campuses
@collegecounsel		Tweets about ALL THINGS COLLEGE – from our Founder, Judi Robinovitz!

College Board News about a Change in AP Exam Score Reporting!

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:28:00 GMT

Like many service organizations seeking to speed communications while reducing expenses, the College Board is streamlining their communication to students. The upcoming May 2013 AP exam scores will be reported online in July, and will not be sent in the mail.

In order to receive your scores, you will need to go to AP Scores Online and create a free online account with the College Board. Students who already have a College Board account will receive an email update letting them know how and when they can access their scores.

The Secret Test (?)

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:05:00 GMT

They often turn out to be one of those secrets regarding college admissions that parents are completely unaware of—and guidance counselors forget to reveal: the College Board’s SAT Subject Tests.

WHAT are they?

These one-hour, multiple-choice exams test a student’s knowledge in specific subject areas within English, math, science, history, and foreign languages. Highly selective colleges may require a student to submit the results from two or three such tests in addition to SAT or ACT scores. (Students who are more successful in college admissions tend to submit far more than the minimum number required.) Interestingly, certain universities accept the ACT results in place of the SAT and subject tests! ALWAYS check the college admissions websites to learn about admissions requirements.

WHEN are they given?

Not all SAT Subject Tests are given on all the national SAT test dates. In fact, some tests are given only once or twice during the year. Check out the College Board website at for the latest information.

Students cannot take SAT Subject Tests on the same day as the SAT. But when they do show up for their SAT Subject Tests on a specific test date, students may take up to three Subject Tests in the testing time allotted. And, they can change their mind about which SAT Subject Tests to take right up until the time of the exam!

WHY take a Subject test?

Stand out. The best time to take a test is right after an AP exam (assuming that there is a Subject Test in that particular subject), or in the case of the Subject Tests in math, as soon as possible after taking precalculus. Why? Timing is everything: show your academic prowess to an admissions office! Because it’s a national, standardized test, you’re compared to peers across the country, and a college which doesn’t even require such test scores may view your results positively. Differentiate yourself from the masses of applicants.

SCORING?

SAT Subject Tests are scored on the same 200-800 scale as the SAT. Percentile scores for Subject Tests are misleading because they often indicate a skewed testing population. For example, only 27,000 students take the Physics test each year, so it is logical to assume that most are quite good at Physics. The percentile, not the scaled score, is truly the most important number on the SAT Subject Test report, as it compares you to your peers taking the same test.

Preparation required?

You bet! Don’t rely on preparing for an AP or final exam to get you ready for these tests. Your school curriculum will not necessarily cover 100% of the material that’s tested on a Subject Test, and your timing and test-taking strategies will need practice with actual exams. Call us for expert help! Our students have Scored At The Top on these important college-admission tests!

FORM & CONTENT

The sixty-minute tests break down this way:

Subject Test	# of Q’s	Description
Literature	60	Tests your ability to read and interpret poetry (50%) and prose (50%). You do not have to identify works or authors, but you should be familiar with basic literary terminology.
U.S. History	90-95	Covers U.S. history from pre-Columbian to present. However, 80% of the exam covers 1790 to the present.
World History	95	Measures your understanding of world cultures and historical techniques. The exam covers pre-history to the present and is global in scope.
Math Level 1	50	Covers math from algebra through basic trigonometry. The questions are generally easier than those on the Level 2, but the Level 2 is scaled more leniently.
Math Level 2	50	Increased emphasis on functions and trigonometry. Topics not on the Math 1 include log, inverse trig, recursive, periodic, and parametric functions, 3-D coordinates and more extensive trigonometry, conics, and statistics. A strong performance in a pre-calc course is a recommended prerequisite.
Biology E/M (Ecological/ Molecular)	80	The Biology-E and -M tests share the first 60 questions, but then branch off with a choice of either a 20-question ecological biology (E) section or a 20-question molecular biology (M) section.
Chemistry	85	Covers structure and states of matter, reaction types, stoichiometry, reactions, thermodynamics, and descriptive and laboratory chemistry.
Physics	75	Mechanics is the largest component followed by electricity and magnetism, waves, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
Chinese w/ Listening	85	*Language Tests* In general, the language exams cover usage and structure, vocabulary-in-context, and reading comprehension. *Languages with Listening* The languages with listening include 20 minutes of multiple choice questions about audio selections followed by 40 minutes of written multiple-choice questions. *Language Preparation* Most students find that they need three to four years of high school-level study to perform well on these exams. Some native speakers express a preference for the listening tests. Note that not all tests are given on all dates. November is the only test date for listening tests.
French	85
French w/ Listening	85-90
German	80-85
German w/ Listening	85-90
Italian	80-85
Japanese w/ Listening	80-85
Korean w/ Listening	80-85
Latin	70-75
Modern Hebrew	85
Spanish	85
Spanish w/ Listening	85

What is Your Teacher Adding to Your College Application with a Recommendation Letter?

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:23:00 GMT

In a number of public universities where applications total well over 35,000 (gulp) each fall, there’s no time to read letters of recommendation. After all, who would write a lousy reference? What purpose would a letter serve beyond the transcript, personal essays and the application data? University of Florida and Florida State, for instance, don’t want your recommendation letters. Nor do many other schools.

Private colleges are another matter. They typically ask for one or two letters from teachers who know you well. If you’re going to ask a teacher you have today (which is really the best thing to do), or one you’ve had in the recent past, for such a recommendation letter, be aware of certain Do’s and Don’ts for the contents. There are at least three kinds of data that the admissions person does not want to see from a teacher:

1. Your class grade

Remember the transcript? It’s all there. Don’t waste the reader’s time. Praise for specific qualities that you bring to your work—sure. Sharing the fact that you got an A in AP English Language and Composition is of no value in a letter of recommendation.

2. Reiteration of your citizenship qualities

Your resume will speak to your activities outside the class. You may even write a short essay for the Common Application about your most meaningful activity. Not of interest in a recommendation letter. The teacher should focus on your academic qualities, on the benefits of having you in the class, and your intellectual power.

3. The Length of the Teacher Relationship

The reader of the recommendation letter can reasonably assume that the teacher has had enough days in the classroom with the applicant so that the letter will contain some reflections on the student’s essential academic character. Whether or not the teacher has known the student outside the classroom is of no importance, and adds nothing to the bona fides of the teacher’s comments.

I think you can see where I’m heading with this. You’re applying to a school where you will attend classes. Your intellectual prowess comes first. Schools want to know that they can take a chance on you, and so they seek information about you as a learner, as a class participant, as a responsible, maturing young adult who enjoys the classroom environment. Your teacher, therefore, should write about you in the classroom. Class contributor? Someone who goes the extra mile? Lover of challenges? Hard worker despite setbacks? Special projects?

Such is the short story that should make it into the letter of recommendation. So, select teachers who you think can fill in the picture for the Admissions Office – and ones who can write well. Consider someone teaching a subject relevant to what you would like to study in college. Today, do what you can to make an honest and positive impression on the teachers whom you’ll select.

Asking your selected teachers for recommendations before they leave for the summer holiday is a good idea as it gives them all summer to think about what they’d like to write, and pretty much guarantees getting your recommendations in a timely manner in the fall. The best way to ask is by saying something like this: “I’d be honored if you’d consider spending the time to write a college recommendation for me. While I don’t need it until the fall, I wanted to give you enough time to do it, especially because I know so many other students will also be asking for your recommendation.” To help them write more anecdotal recommendations, email each one a bullet list highlighting your special memories of that class (e.g., the impact of particular assignments on your education, your impact on your classmates) and , how you have grown as a student as a result of that class. Even though you don’t want a teacher to extol the virtues of your extracurricular commitments, it’s a good idea to share your resume with the teacher.

You may ask at most 1-2 additional people who know you well for letters of recommendation — but most likely not other academic-subject teachers in your school as they’re unlikely to say anything different about you. Perhaps an athletic coach, arts instructor, professor from a summer program on a college campus, supervisor at work, or head of a community service organization to which you have made a substantial contribution. Do this only if you believe this will add substantially to your application.

You’ll most likely also need a “school recommendation,” typically written by your guidance or college counselor, or by someone else in your school’s administration. Make a plan to get to know the administrator whom you’ll ask to write your recommendation, even making an appointment to share information about you as a student and vital member of your community. This is also an opportunity for your parents to send an email to the administrator to share information about you which the administrator may not know, and which is likely to find its way into his or her recommendation.

How Parents Can Prepare Their Students for College

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:40:00 GMT

In a few short years your baby is going to graduate high school. Although college is the last thing from their minds right now, help them get a jump start at researching, applying and narrowing down their career interests so they have the best chance of getting accepted into their top pick school. Encourage your child to take AP courses, SAT tests and fine-tune their application essay skills.

Here is a list of great schools for your child to consider:

Robert Morris University

Robert Morris University is a fully accredited institution and one of the few business schools with an AACSB accreditation rating — an honor reserved for only the most elite higher education institutions. Robert Morris University online programs are taught at the same accredited level with applied curricula and a professional focus. This university understands students who live active and busy lifestyles, so all their online degrees are built around a vigorous support system including an advisor.

University of Chicago

Ranked No. 4 on U.S. News Best Colleges, University of Chicago offers a rich campus life in a big-city setting. If your child loves arts, culture, urban cities and seasons, this is a top pick. Since 1987 this private institution has hosted a scavenger hunt, a four-day event that is often regarded as the largest scavenger hunt in the world, according to their website. The university offers bachelors degrees in 50 majors and 29 minors.

California Institute of Technology

Is your child a techie? The California Institute of Technology is every gamer, tech lover and science kid's dream school. Focusing on science and engineering education, this university has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, according to U.S. News. Located in Pasadena, California, your child will love stepping outside for some experiments and study sessions with new friends. The school is actively involved in research projects, obtaining grants from NASA, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as stated on the school's website.

Johns Hopkins University

If your child is still unsure on a major or career path, Johns Hopkins offers a wide array of academic programs. Programs include arts, humanities, social and natural sciences and engineering disciplines. The university is located in the bustling city of Baltimore, Maryland and features above-par sports teams. The men's lacrosse team constantly dominates the NCAA Division 1. And the women's lacrosse team is ranked 17th nationally, according to the school's site.

Columbia University

Columbia University is an Ivy League, private school in New York that guarantees students housing for all four years on campus in Manhattan's Morningside Heights neighborhood. The school is located in an urban surrounding and features three undergraduate schools: Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the School of General Studies. This school is harder to get into due to its Ivy League status, but encourage your child to set their sights high.

Parent Teacher Complex: Help Your Teen Ace Tests

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:17:00 GMT

Think back to the last time you took a grueling test. The restless preparation, anxious pre-exam jitters and frustrating periods of waiting for grades are enough to make anyone go mad. Add in hormones and a stressful social environment, and it's incredible that teenagers are able to make it put themselves through finals and standardized tests time and time again. For better or worse, tests will impact your student's academic future. From passing classes to earning scholarships, opportunities abound for seasoned test taker.

When test time comes, the last thing your child needs is another lesson on seizing the moment. Principles, teachers, advisers and other students have already engrained that message. Rather, parents should act as a positive voice of support, supplying resources for success and praising effort over results. Your child may still experience some sleepless nights, but the right support can help put him or her in a position to succeed.

Equip Your Student

You can't plant information in your teenager's brain, but you can equip him or her with tools to succeed. If your teenager takes on a difficult subject, offer to pay for a tutor to make the concepts more approachable and the work more enjoyable. Come test time, your student will feel confident and well-prepared.

Students are especially thirsty for materials that train them for standardized tests. According to ACT.org, 57 percent of students that took the ACT more than once increase their score. Your teen can get a head start on the competition by studying test-specific materials and taking practice exams. Collegeboard offers materials and practice tests for the SAT and AP courses. Your teen is investing time and effort into this test, the least you can do is provide materials to improve his or her chances to succeed.

Praise the Effort, Not the Outcome

Tests can open doors for students, but they don't determine success. Students that succeed understand that intelligence and ability is the product of hard work, not natural ability. Parents can reinforce this belief by encouraging effort rather than results. A student that scores well on the SAT isn't guaranteed a job upon college graduation, just as a student who scores poorly isn't doomed to a life serving fast food.

By focusing more on effort and less on results, your teenager's self-esteem won't overinflate or plummet because of a test score. When you see your teen grinding to grasp a subject, reward him with a special dinner. And when scores come in, emphasize that the growth experienced during test preparation is more important than the outcome.

Take a Back Seat

When it comes to taking high-level tests, students realize that it's on them to perform. Instead of taking on the role of drill sergeant, become the source of relief when stress boils over. Encourage regular study breaks and force your child to eat full meals. The less you demand from your teenager before a big test, the more he or she will be motivated on his or her own terms.

The next time your teenager acts out or complains before a big test, remember the sweaty palms, confusing questions and anxious waiting that comes with the territory. Your love and support can alleviate some of the stress that modern adolescents face.

On second thought…or…Weighing the Pros and Cons of Appealing an Admissions Decision

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:16:00 GMT

Bummer. The infamous envelope bore bad news. So what’s a person to do? Why? How? Rather the calling an admissions office to plead, rant, or threaten (you’ll get nowhere), be rational and consider those elements that could make a difference.

An obvious possibility centers on the transcript. Perhaps grades have gone through the roof in a recent marking period. Or you received an academic honor not otherwise noted on your original application. Let the school know.

A less obvious possibility is that you simply messed up the application process and failed to submit all the application pieces on time. Bad dog! It’s pretty hard to talk your way out of that one. Lesson learned.

Here’s the well-known insider “scoop”: schools are touchy about the “yield” from the application acceptance pool. They want commitment from those they accept. If a university is the university for you, LET ‘EM KNOW again. Tell admissions that if they have a change of heart about you, you will 100% attend.

Be forewarned: appeals don’t typically succeed. You’ll be lucky to get reconsideration at all. The process requires attention to detail, speed, clarity, and organization.

Unless you have a solid reason to ask for reconsideration, don’t bother. If you do have cause, then martial your forces and get to it:

a. Have your guidance counselor write a letter reiterating the latest news you wish to add to your application, and write a letter yourself. If you’ve had an alumni interview, contact that person as well and ask for support.

b. We learned from a high school counselor of a student who appealed her unfavorable decision. She was actually granted an interview with the Dean of Admissions, presented herself as an honest, hard-working girl with learning challenges. Her energy and commitment spilled over during her interview. The dean corroborated her story with the guidance counselor, and took the chance with the applicant. As an undergraduate, she earned A’s and B’s, far better that her high school record of grades.

c. Improved test scores and/or improved grades are at the heart of the matter. Being elected president of the Key Club will probably not affect anything.

Keep in mind that schools don’t like appeals. They’ve got enough on their minds with those thousands to whom they have sent fat envelopes, and only a percentage of whom will actually attend. They pretty much have the pool of applicants that they want. And there are intangible issues at stake here for you, psychological ramifications for a student and family who are putting effort into a generally losing proposition, instead of concentrating efforts on relatively positive next steps and alternatives.

Denied acceptance from your dream school? Our advice is, wipe your eyes of the tears and move on to the next best option. With well over two thousand institutions to choose from, your success awaits you.

You Don't Know Jack: Preparing For College and Beyond

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 01:33:00 GMT

High graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, but a growing number of students aren't prepared to turn the page and move on to college or the job market. According to a 2012 ACT report on college and career readiness, only 25 percent of ACT-tested high school graduates met college readiness benchmarks in all four subjects. Scores are particularly low in Science, and experts agree that teachers and administrators have largely failed at preparing students in biology, chemistry and other science disciplines.

You're more than a statistic, though, and success doesn't depend on how well a group of researchers say you're prepared. Whether you're headed to college, trade school or a job interview, take it upon yourself to prepare for the next chapter.

Ask for Advice

You may taken school for granted or suffered from a broken system, but willing students can make up for their shortcomings with the help of trusted advisors. Rather than ignoring your weaknesses or dismissing them as unimportant, ask parents, teachers and school advisors how you can improve and reach your goals. If you dream of studying engineering at your local state school, they may point you toward a math tutor and offer tips on how to stand out to colleges that interest you most.

You don't have to pursue your dreams alone. Trust the people who care about your future to guide you.

Get the Necessary Training

Preparedness for college or the job market comes down to a solid skill set. The ability to take a test, sell a product or research a concept aren't natural characteristics, so the only way to develop necessary traits is to hustle. Got your eye on Capital Processing Network for that sales job? Practice selling the company's credit card processing services to your friends and family. Need to raise your SAT score? Get your head in the books and find a tutor when you need help.

Start Early

Experience is the best teacher, and if you're preparing for the next stage of life, starting early will make the jump easier. For college-bound students, AP classes offer the chance to study college-level material and earn credit. Not only can passing an AP exam save money, it also provides students with an early taste of college testing. Entrepreneurial students hoping to work after graduation can gain experience through summer jobs or internships. You may have to get coffee and make copies, but you'll get a feel for professional life and gain valuable references.

Keep Learning

Experts have a theory on why American academics continue to slide: students think they're doing great. According to BBC.co.uk, American students have experienced a rising self confidence over the past four decades. Along with this confidence, students are also more narcissistic than ever before, drowning themselves in self-admiration. The problem is, results are headed in the opposite direction.

It doesn't matter if you're a straight-A student or an academic dunce, overconfidence will stunt your growth and prevent you from succeeding at the next level. How you perform in college and beyond will depend on how hard you work, not your natural ability. Remember that you don't know everything. A curious spirit will deliver growth and success.

Changes to the Common App

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Just when juniors and seniors thought it was safe to work on that Common Application essay—kapow! The prompts have been changed—for the first time in many years.

The essay must be written in response to one of the five questions below. These prompts reflect what many of the supplement essay choices have been for schools that have requested additional writing from the applicant.

So, here are the five choices for the 2013-14 Common Application essay:

Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Word limit: 650 words. Minimum, 250 words. The folks at the Common Application have stressed that the upper limit will be adhered to, but that it’s a limit, not a requirement; a student should not feel obliged to write 649 words.

Additional changes:

In addition, the revised Common Application (used by well over 400 schools nationally) no longer has the shorter (150 word) writing sample found on the old Common Application form.

It’s never too early to start thinking about your application essay. Remember that we have some of the best essay assistance around! Let us help you get a leg up on this critical part of the college application process. Contact the Score At The Top Center nearest you.

10 Good Reasons to Take a Gap Year

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:34:00 GMT

The idea of taking a gap year between high school and college isn't uncommon in America, but it's starting to take root. Not only will you have a blast; but after a year of traveling or working, you're likely to bring a valuable real-life perspective to the college classroom. In addition, here are 10 good reasons to take time off:

Your Brain Needs a Rest

After 12-plus years of schooling, it's safe to say your brain needs a rest. A gap year allows the mind to rest while you continue to learn in non-conventional ways. Education at its core is about obtaining, understanding and utilizing knowledge who says it has to be found in a school setting?

Building Confidence

Living on your own can help build self-confidence and prove that you can do what you set your mind to. Taking a gap year is a risk in itself, and traveling, volunteering or working only adds to the level of oversight.

See the World

Leaving everything behind in a SmartStop self storage unit or the parent's basement is a tougher task than it seems. You have to be ready to say goodbye to what's familiar and embrace a sometimes different, scary and amazing world full of cultures, languages and people who can teach you something. From Africa to Asia, seeing even a tiny portion of the world can give you serious perspective on what you want and what you have to give in life.

It'll Help You Decide on a Major

Taking a year to work or travel can help find academic focus before starting your degree. You'll have time to explore options and figure yourself out a little before entering college life.

You Can Save Money

Gap years aren't just for well-heeled rich kids. You can work part-time while traveling or volunteer for organizations that cover expenses. Plus, it'll save you money in the long run. After a gap year, you're more likely to enter college with a goal in mind, which will prevent you from drifting through school paying pricey tuition for something you aren't interested in.

It'll Add to Your Resume

High GPAs and a lengthy list of accomplishments appeal to college admission boards and future employers, but a year of real life experience is what really impresses them. When it comes down to two applicants with similar skill sets, do you think the other has a chance when paired against someone who has volunteered in Asia, speaks some Mandarin and passionate about ESL in developing countries?

You Need a Chance to Find Yourself

The first year of college is often filled with new-found freedom that's full of risky behavior. During a gap year you have the opportunity to soul search without parental supervision or peer pressure. Especially for students who grew up with structured environments that defined social, athletic and academic roles a gap year allows for self-actualized inspiration to kick.

It's a Great Way to Give Back

Whether it's volunteering with Peace Corps or tutoring at a local elementary school, spending a gap year doing something for others provides students with a great sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. It can help mold young adults into caring, people-oriented individuals who look outside themselves to give back to their community. Some programs can even help students earn money or credits.

You'll Have Tons of Fun

Take risks and check items off your bucket list, from making friends with the locals in a tiny Chinese village to riding a donkey to the top of Mount Nemrut in Turkey.

It Can Lead to Better Opportunities

More often than not, jobs, internships or volunteer work done during a gap year can lead to career contacts in the future. Even traveling can steer students in the direction of better opportunities, such as knowing what language they want to study in school or disease, or a social problem they're interested in combating.