Admission Consulting

Where will I be the happiest? This is a question that haunts most students going through the college admissions process. Deciding on a college must be thought out well and a college search is just the bare minimum of what needs to be done in order to find the best match. What needs to be considered in order to decide on a good match? Many factors can be mixed and matched in considering which school would be the best fit for each individual student. For example, the different types of academic programs may be very important for a student. Each student should evaluate where and how far they want to go in life in order to be sure to choose a college that will allow them to fulfill all of their most wildest dreams.

Students who plan on furthering their education by going on to law school or some other graduate program need to know if the college of their choice has a decent undergraduate program that will lead them in that path. After all, it does no good to be accepted into a college that has a bad reputation for its undergraduate programs. For example, if the student wanted to attend medical school and the undergraduate chemistry program at their college is known for being extremely easy, then the chances of that student being accepted will be slim to none.

What students seem to forget is that they aren’t the only ones trying to impress someone. Colleges too are constantly trying to impress their prospective students. Therefore, if students are serious about getting the best education, they should do their own research on each college they are considering. Many students forget that the process goes both ways are happy to be accepted anywhere.

Even though I have done very well academically, I don’t consider my academic performance to be a complete measure of my current or future success. Colleges realize that academics aren’t the only way to find the most motivated students who will have success in the real world. Therefore, they are always looking for better ways to learn about future prospects and the kind of character that will be added to their campus through the students they recruit.

I remember clearly in my mind the day when I was given the opportunity to impress college admissions officers. Along with many others, I spent a few days touring the college of my choice and participating in many different workshops and activities. I was very happy to see that the college of my choice took much more into consideration when accepting students and offering them scholarships than just test scores. I really feel that by having many of the prospective students attend this weekend retreat they were able to make better decisions on who would be accepted to that college. This not only benefited the college but students themselves were able to see what that college was like and make a decision based upon their personal experience.

College admissions processes are still a work in progress. Many schools nationwide are looking for new ideas to improve the way they deal with college admissions, trying to find a way to make prospective students more than just grades and test scores. With so many applicants, it makes it very difficult for college admissions offices to look at each student in depth. A quicker way to filter through student applications would be an ideal way to better the process.

The internet has helped to lessen the headache of college admissions for both students and colleges. Online applications have made the process much easier for students. There are also new and exciting ways for college admission officers to recruit students. College recruiting is going to be taken to the next level soon with new programs that allow students to showcase themselves to any college of their choice. For example, the Yale Admissions Officers or Harvard Admissions Officials can now recruit using online services in order to find potential students.

By: Jason A. Luke

Technorati Tags: academic admission, college admissions, college distance learning

Junior year is a hectic time. You’re officially an upperclassman now, and a whole slew of new responsibilities are instilled upon you. You probably have your driver’s license by now and may be working and going to school simultaneously. While you will certainly be busy, you need to keep in mind your college goals and what you can be doing now to make them a reality.

Take AP classes.

You may feel as though your life is tough enough, but taking AP (Advanced Placement) classes offer students numerous benefits. Not only does it look good to do well in an AP class, but at the end of the year, you’ll be given the opportunity to take an AP test. If you pass this test, you’ll receive college credit in that course! Just think of it! You’ll have college credit before even setting foot on campus!

Plus, being consistent from freshman year to senior year with high difficulty level courses shows you are dedicated and committed to your education.

When you’re a freshman in college, you’ll be thankful for the rigorous high school curriculum you took. College is entirely different from high school, so you can look at AP courses as a transition.

Take the PSAT

Review your PSAT materials and register for a time and date to take the test. The PSAT doesn’t count toward your college admission, but it does prepare you for the SAT. It is basically a shorter version of the SAT, but provides you with a real test environment in which to practice the questions and types of questions that will be on the real test.

The PSAT also acts as an application for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. So, if you are interested in this scholarship, you should definitely take the PSAT.

It is true that it is not required to take the PSAT, but if you want to your best on the SAT, the test that really counts, you should try out your test taking skills on this practice test.

Begin your search for scholarship and financial aid money

Since you’re already signed up for FastWeb, you should be in the know about the types of scholarships you can apply for. But you can also contact your counselor about scholarships that may be right up your alley.

You should also discuss your financing options with your parents. College is a major expense and you need to start saving now (if you haven’t already).

Becoming familiar with the other types of aid available can be helpful as well, so you know application deadlines and what information you need to pinpoint ahead of time. Check to see if you are eligible for a grant or scholarship. Also check to see if a loan is a realistic option for you.

Another financial aid option is work-study, where you will pay for your college tuition by working on campus. There are even tax credit programs for getting through college. Do your research and find the financing options that will work best for you and your parents.

Why make this decision now? Because before you know it, financial aid applications will be due. Stay ahead of the game by learning about all of your options now.

By: DCJames

Technorati Tags: college admissions, high school junior, study preparation