DON’T JUST TRASH IT…YOU MAY NEED IT!As you continue to navigate through college admissions decisions–Be Careful! Many colleges are sending very specific instructions regarding deferrals and waitlists. Read all emails even if you believe it it to be junk–some of these communiques include instructions along with response deadlines. Read before you trash!
Rising high school seniors out there–If you’re wracking your brains trying to come up with the perfect essay story, give yourself a little break. Remember there are two reasons college applications require that you write essays: first to see how well you write and second to learn something about you that isn’t included in your list of school activities or community service hours. Look for the small stories in your life–they exist! The best essays are about YOU! Remember your stories happen everyday in the most seemingly ordinary ways. Big monumental experiences–ones that most of us don’t have–don’t necessarily make the best essays. It’s the stories of your life–ones that communicate the way you think and feel that allow admissions counselors to get to know you in a way that just the information on your application can’t provide.
Begin by looking at all of your prompts and writing down a few ideas for each. Start drafting an idea–maybe you have thought of something but haven’t fully formed the body of your essay. Fantastic–this is a great way to begin!
Enjoy your summer but why not start thinking about essays even before the prompts are available. Get a soft start!
Making the decision:
The waiting was tough but deciding, mind-boggling! Your objective was always to have as many college options as possible and now that you do, decision time is here.
What to consider:
Much has happened to you this year. Back when you were putting together your list of schools, things were different—you were different. Perhaps you had this image of your perfect college, one that you had always dreamed of attending. Maybe you’ve had the opportunity to visit different campuses and perhaps now, your “ideal” has changed.
Making the right decision:
Take time in making your decision. There are many factors to consider. Is there an academic program at a particular school that just makes sense for you? Do you love a school for its unique campus culture and have a strong sense that this is “THE” place to spend the next four years? What about finances and what it would mean to pay sticker price at a particularly competitive school when there are other, cheaper, excellent options where scholarships have been awarded or even a state school where not only is the price right but academic goals could be well accomplished. Some of you would be wise to consider the fact that your higher education might continue beyond the undergraduate realm adding additional, costly years of education.
How do I decide?
You must commit to a college by May 1st—here before you know it. So, breathe, think and try to relax. Talk to your parents, talk to your friends, teachers and trusted mentors but most important in this final stage of the college process is to listen to yourself and know that by doing this you can feel confident in your ability to make the best college decision.
Coming in the Spring of 2016. It’s a year away but read all about it!
https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat/redesign
As you continue to navigate through college admissions decisions–Be Careful! Many colleges are sending very specific instructions regarding deferrals and waitlists. Read all emails even if you believe it it to be junk–some of these communiques include instructions along with response deadlines. Read before you trash!
Making the decision:
The waiting was tough but deciding, mind-boggling! Your objective was always to have as many college options as possible and now that you do, decision time is here.
What to consider:
Much has happened to you this year. Back when you were putting together your list of schools, things were different—you were different. Perhaps you had this image of your perfect college, one that you had always dreamed of attending. Maybe you’ve had the opportunity to visit different campuses and perhaps now, your “ideal” has changed.
Making the right decision:
Take time in making your decision. There are many factors to consider. Is there an academic program at a particular school that just makes sense for you? Do you love a school for its unique campus culture and have a strong sense that this is “THE” place to spend the next four years? What about finances and what it would mean to pay sticker price at a particularly competitive school when there are other, cheaper, excellent options where scholarships have been awarded or even a state school where not only is the price right but academic goals could be well accomplished. Some of you would be wise to consider the fact that your higher education might continue beyond the undergraduate realm adding additional, costly years of education.
How do I decide?
You must commit to a college by May 1st—here before you know it. So, breathe, think and try to relax. Talk to your parents, talk to your friends, teachers and trusted mentors but most important in this final stage of the college process is to listen to yourself and know that by doing this you can feel confident in your ability to make the best college decision.
Check out our new website and blog. Congratulations to the class of 2013. Welcome class of 2014!
