Myth: We'll Apply Now and Visit Later

Reality:  Many schools track “demonstrated interest,” which they consider in their decision-making process to admit or deny students.  Demonstrated interest can include visiting the campus (checking in at the Admissions Office to let them know you’re there is important), meeting representatives from the school at college fairs, requesting information from the college, asking for names of current students willing to answer specific questions you may have, or requesting an interview.

When considering an application or making a choice between two qualified candidates, a student who has previously made contact with the school will appear to be a more seriously interested candidate than one whose first contact with the school is via their application.  There’s even a name for the student who has never expressed any interest to the college: the “stealth” applicant, and it doesn’t earn you any points!  It’s okay to ask schools if they track demonstrated interest and we encourage you to carefully map out which schools to visit considering this information.  A carefully executed visit plan may just give you the edge over another applicant and with competition as fierce as it is, you want every advantage possible.

Besides, the more you know about a college, the better decisions you'll make as well!

The 2017-18 Common Application is Live!

Yes, it's still summer, but the first day of school will be here before you know it! So why not get cracking on your Common App? There's a lot to do...

Betsy Morgan’s Advice Featured in “The College Finder”

The fourth edition of “The College Finder: Choose the School That’s Right for You” has hit the shelves, with Betsy Morgan of College Matters in Madison offering her expertise and advice for college bound students, parents and advisors.

“I thought of Betsy immediately when I sought experts to help me with the Fourth Edition.” Said the book’s author, Dr. Steven Antonoff. “She has an extensive knowledge of colleges and universities.”  

The College Finder is a compilation of over 700 lists intended to help students zero in on colleges that will be a fit academically, socially and financially. The new version has been expanded to include lists about important topics such as good value colleges and welcoming schools for first generation students. In addition, contributors like Morgan added hidden gems and expert choice lists such as colleges for the procrastinator and colleges for the foodie. “College Finder is a stronger book because of the help of colleagues like Betsy. Betsy's knowledge of colleges, and her knowledge of young people going through this process, makes the book more informed and more accessible.”

The College Finder is available to purchase through Wintergreen Orchard House, http://www.wintergreenorchardhouse.com/store.php?cat=resources

Did You Know? Many Colleges are Test Optional

Did you know that over 950 accredited colleges and universities are either test-optional or test-flexible - and the list is growing?  This means that many schools don’t require either the SAT or the ACT for some or all applicants, including half of the national liberal arts schools ranked in the “Top 100” by the recently published U.S. News “Best Colleges” guide.  Some will exempt students who meet a minimum GPA or only use standardized test scores for course placement purposes. Others may accept SAT subject tests, or AP or IB test scores in lieu of an SAT or ACT.  This trend reflects the growing body of evidence that standardized test scores aren’t always a fair or reliable predictor of college readiness and many institutions who have gone test optional feel that they can more accurately gauge readiness by considering other factors in a student’s record and application.  

Schools that are test optional emphasize that you will not be at a disadvantage if you do not submit standardized test scores.  But do your homework! Some test optional institutions require the submission of scores to qualify for merit money, to be considered for honors programs, or to apply to specific programs. 

Of course, if your scores are higher than average for the school, you may benefit from submitting them.  Fairtest has a searchable database of schools that are test optional and test flexible as well as more information on the growing dialog about standardized testing.

No, You Don’t Have to Major in Bio for Med School

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), 47% of students matriculating to US medical schools majored in something other than biology.

(Based on 2016-2017 data)

Entering High School? Plan Ahead!

Are you about to enter high school?  There are a few things to think about as you consider your course selection and look ahead.  One of the top factors that admissions people use to gauge a student’s competitiveness for acceptance is the rigor of the courses that the student took in high school.  Receiving all As in level 2 or college prep classes is not considered as competitive as earning As and Bs in level 1, honors, AP or IB courses.  You should aim high and challenge yourself to the best of your ability in high school.  

It’s never too early to map out your high school courses thoughtfully. 

Colleges want students who work hard, who participate and engage in their academics and broader school community.  They especially want students who demonstrate drive and a good work ethic.  So, when you’re debating between that easier class and one that may challenge you, think about how you want to position yourself for your future.  It may seem far off now, but the years will fly by, and you’ll be considering your options for after high school sooner than you think.  Be sure you plan well.

The Final Choice: It’s Intangible

It may be a coach, or possibly the tour guide, or maybe something they read on the web site. When it comes to making their final decision, students choose where to attend for the darndest reasons.  Often, the most difficult decision an 18-year-old can make, where to attend college, comes down to the intangibles.

Education professionals find that academics can play very little in the decision, much to the dismay of parents and college faculty. Some of the most common reasons students decide to choose one school over another are prestige, location, size, or cost.  For others, it is a feeling that they get coming off of the pavement that tells them “this is the place.”

For students who have done their research up front, the decision likely comes to splitting hairs between two excellent choices.  Some of the most difficult decisions arise over the summer when students, who have already committed to the school of their choice, suddenly find themselves coming off the waitlist. Often, it again comes down to the intangibles.

Ask the Consultant

Q:  How do we tackle the college admission process for an underachiever?

A:   I often ask parents of freshman and sophomore students to think back on all of their child’s report cards and tell me the common themes.  “Does not work up to potential” is not an infrequent reply.  If that is your answer, you are not alone.

The first thing we need to discover is the cause of the underachievement.  Is this the type of student who “rewards” a favored teacher by getting an A and “punishes” a teacher they don't connect with by getting a C?  Is the student not as mature as their classmates?  The only way to “turn around” an underachiever is for the student to begin to recognize the patterns and proactively learn to avoid them.

When working with underachieving students, we like to start planning for college as early as the sophomore year.  We spend a considerable amount of time discussing their learning style and how they are unique.  We call this “discovering your greatness.”  Many times a visit to a college helps the student to see the long term goal more clearly.  If maturity is the issue, we may consider a postgraduate or gap year.

For the underachiever, the college fit is critically important.  Small classes with interesting and caring professors can make all the difference for some; others need hands-on immersion in an area of great interest.  So don't give up!  After all, these students do have great potential!

Ask the Consultant

Q:  I was deferred from my early action school. What should I do now?

A:  For many students, deferral seems like being in limbo – “do they want me or not?” Deferrals, however, can provide a second chance for those who understand the process. 

When a college informs you that your application has been deferred, they are often saying, in effect, that they’d like more information before they make a final decision. This presents you with an opportunity to give them more reasons to accept you.  The first and most important reason would be improved grades in challenging courses. Be sure that your senior year grades reflect your hard work, and ask your school counselor to send updated marking period grades to them as soon as they are ready. Secondly, ask another teacher to write a letter on your behalf if this teacher can comment positively on your continued growth and achievement. Also, confer with your educational consultant about the advisability of calling the admission office to determine their concerns so that you can address these issues directly.

Next, send updates of significant new achievements that occur during your senior year: perhaps a copy of an article you wrote for your local newspaper or honor or award you received. 

Finally, review the list of colleges to which you applied. Check to be sure that your list is realistic and that you’ll have choices in the spring… and remember that for every student, there are many schools that offer a perfect fit.

Congratulations, You’ve Been Nominated!

It arrived in a beautiful envelope, looking very much like a wedding invitation.  Expensive card stock, double envelope, the works.  “Congratulations Lucy, you’ve been nominated for,” it began.  She had been nominated by a teacher that knows her well and praised her academic abilities.  Wow, what an honor!  The only problem, Lucy was only two years of age and was a Labrador retriever.

Who’s Who in American High School Students and the National Honor Roll will include the student in their publication for free, but there is a significant cost to purchase the book. The National Youth Leadership Council and National Leadership Youth Forum offer week-long programs at college campuses for “outstanding young leaders.” The programs sound wonderful; interesting guest speakers, field trips and acknowledgement of your participation in the local paper.  Are they worth the money?

You don’t necessarily get what you pay for.

While having their name printed in a leather bound volume may boost a student’s self-esteem and a cushy summer program may be a lot of fun, college admissions officers agree that these programs do little to enhance a student’s candidacy. While some outstanding summer programs exist, parents and students are best to proceed with caution before investing a significant amount of money. For most students getting a job, doing volunteer work or exploring an activity about which they are passionate will be much more beneficial on their resume.

So how did Lucy get her nomination? Certainly not from obedience class. Most likely her name was pulled from a scholarship search in which I used her name. And, no, we didn’t buy the book!