Ask the Consultant: Oh Canada!

Q: I’ve heard that Canadian universities are much more affordable.  I'd like to consider that option. What should I keep in mind?

A: It is true that universities in Canada can be quite affordable.  There are many excellent options for schools and tuition is often significantly less than at U.S. colleges and universities.  Most Canadian universities are medium to large public schools.  Smaller, liberal arts colleges are not as numerous but can be well worth the look.  Often students must apply to a particular program or school within the university, although “undetermined” can be an option as a choice of program.  Typically, the transcript, grades, and test scores are the most important components of an application, with the junior and senior year grades of utmost importance in admission decisions.  Standardized test scores are given more weight in admission than at most U.S. schools, so plan ahead in order to present excellent SAT or ACT scores, as well as SAT subject tests.  Canadian schools don’t usually require an essay, although there are exceptions, and most do not require recommendation letters. 

Go to the official website of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada for more information www.univcan.ca.

Personality Pays Off

When applying to graduate business schools, students often feel the need to let numbers and accomplishments alone tell their story.  Essays written like professional memos tend to get lackluster results.  Remember, when admission committees are reviewing applications they want to create a class of individuals that will work well with others, have the interpersonal skills to be sought after by employers, and be ambassadors for the school.  Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through the writing and tell an interesting and engaging story.  And yes, make sure you have that killer resume ready to go as well! 

Ask the Consultant: Including a Resume

Q: Several of the colleges I am applying to have the option to upload a resume.  Should I include one?

A: Including a resume as part of your application can be a great way to provide more details about your accomplishments.  The Common Application only allows you to include ten activities and a brief description of each extracurricular.  If you feel that that is inadequate, then a resume is a great tool.  However, if your resume simply rehashes what you have already included in your Common Application then don’t waste the time of your admission reader.

Why Two Years Before You Start College is Important

Last year was the first application cycle that parents were able to complete their financial aid forms with their prior-prior year income.  What does that mean?  For students enrolling in college for the fall of 2018, students and parents will use income and tax information from 2016.  So, dig out your 2016 tax return and get ready.  The FAFSA is available starting October 1st.

Ask the Consultant

Q: I’m finally to the point where I feel like my essay is done.  Should I show it to a third party for comment?

A: Over the years we have seen students swing from confident to questioning after they have shared their college essay with others for comment.  Your aunt who is a copy writer or the next-door neighbor who is an English teacher is truly trying to be helpful, but the very act of giving your essay to someone else for comment means that they feel a duty to critique the piece.  Often, too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth.  The most important element in your essay is authenticity, and we have found that when too many people try to insert their ideas, the personality of the author tends to get lost.  That doesn’t mean that you have nailed it on the first draft or you shouldn’t scrub it for grammar mistakes.  It takes many drafts to get a college essay to the point of being brag worthy.  However, when it gets there, own it -- be proud of it and move forward with confidence.

Student to Student

Nithya Pathalam is a junior at Georgetown University and a former student of College Matters. In this Student to Student segment, Nithya talks about her decision to transfer. 

When I tell people that the reason I transferred universities was because I “loved my old school too much” I often receive very puzzled looks. I decided during my sophomore year at Northeastern University to apply to transfer. Choosing to put myself out there and apply to other schools was hard, but when acceptances rolled out, and I was faced with the option of leaving my university, I had no idea what to do. In the end, I did decide to transfer to Georgetown University in Washington D.C., and I am so glad that I did.

When I say that I “loved my old school too much,” I definitely mean it. My experiences were enriching, I met some phenomenal people, and I was able to establish myself with a positive reputation. I did well in my classes, had a position as the leader of a research team, was connected with my professors, and had a part-time job. To any college student, it may seem like I had it all- but internally, that was not the case. Growing up in central Massachusetts, Boston was the big city that I knew, and it had my heart and soul. I loved being surrounded by the innovative culture and active student life. However, after interning in Washington D.C. the summer after my freshman year, I had discovered that there was so much more to the world than just the little corner that I happened to know. I was almost too comfortable with where I stood and wanted to challenge myself in a new way and continue to explore the world.

Being a transfer student is never easy, and I knew that transitioning to a new place during my junior year of college would be exhausting. I would need to make new friends, establish a new schedule, get acclimated to a new city, join new clubs, and meet completely new professors -- but somehow everything worked out in my favor. I am lucky enough to say that I am now happily surrounded by an amazing group of students and professors, a new academic environment, and a vibrant new city and I will never look back on my decision to transfer as a negative one.

Most Connecticut Colleges are Test Optional

The majority of 4-year colleges and universities in Connecticut are test optional! Only Yale University, The University of New Haven, and Albertus Magnus College require that applicants submit standardized testing. 

Student to Student

Our summer intern Laura Card is a rising sophomore at Colgate University, where she plans to major in Biology and Women's Studies. 

Q: First year orientation was a blast. Now that classes have started, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. 

A: Attend an event on campus! Throughout the week, there are tons of fun events and guest speakers. (Some professors even offer extra credit for attending specific events!) Most of these events are free -- and many include food! So take a break from your work. You'll come back to it re-energized.  

Go to office hours! Especially in larger class sections, it can be hard to develop a relationship with your professor, so try to attend their office hours when you can. Office hours are a perfect time to clarify any confusion you may have with course material, and it will also put a face to your name. Your professor will see that you are making an effort in their class which will often help your grade come the end of the semester!

Stay on top of your work! It’s easy to get overwhelmed with assignments and exams, especially at the end of the semester. Make sure you stay ahead of your homework and studying, so it doesn’t all pile up. Try setting a goal-time each night to have your work done by and reward yourself after with a movie or a night out with friends, so you are motivated to get it finished!

Spell Chick Doesn't Catch Everything!

When I glance at an article in a newspaper or magazine, I find that misspelled words tend to jump out at me. Really! I don’t know why I can see them so quickly, but I do. So when I read a major newspaper headline the other day, and it stated that their interest was peaked, I was startled! Didn’t they mean piqued?! I shook my head and decided not to read on. Spelling mistakes happen to all of us, especially when we are hurried, but correct spelling and word usage may be all it takes to assure that the reader will read to the end.

 With college essay season in full swing, now is not the time to relax your standards. If you do, you may end up saying something that you don’t mean. Did you mean to write that College A is defiantly your first choice or definitely your first choice? Is that your favorite causal restaurant or your favorite casual restaurant? Did you volunteer as a candy stripper or candy striper? We have seen all of these mistakes! 

Remember that spell check doesn’t catch everything. Our best advice is to have a fresh set of eyes read your essay before you hit send. Even better - have someone read it aloud to you! Doing so should catch any spelling errors or misplaced words. That being said, small mistakes happen, so once your application is submitted, let it go and be satisfied that you've done your best.