College Admissions: Don’t Limit Yourself in Your College Search

Too many high school juniors only consider colleges and universities they have heard of when they begin their college search.  Surprisingly, many students choose schools because their friends are going there.  Other students choose colleges impulsively and for the wrong reasons.  It is important to consider what criteria you are looking for in a college experience.  Then look for schools that seem like a good fit.  If you live on the West coast, you should not limit yourself to colleges in California, Oregon, or Colorado.  Likewise, if you live on the East coast, look at some schools in Illinois, Washington, and Arizona.  Colleges look for applicants who will provide geographic diversity. In fact, geographic diversity is a factor that might give you an edge in the college admissions process.  Check out this article for some schools that might be good choices for you.

http://www.golocalprov.com/lifestyle/college-admissions-10-western-colleges-worth-summer-road-trip/

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College Admissions: 5 College Planning Tips for High School Juniors

May is a busy month for high school juniors.  There are AP tests to take, team dinners to attend, SAT and ACT tests to study for, and finals for which to get ready.  Fortunately, summer is not far off.  College planning is something most high school juniors need to get started on.  The more that can be accomplished over the summer, the less you need to worry about when school begins in the fall.  Check out this article for 5 important college planning things to do.

 

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500395_162-57438276/5-things-high-school-juniors-should-be-doing/?tag=mncol;lst;1

College Admissions: 8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting College

High school seniors will be graduating in a few short weeks.  For those who are college-bound, there will be lots of things to do this summer.  For a long time, many have heard that college is the best four years of your life.  Yet, some students, never feel that college lived up to what it had been built up to be.  College students offer suggestions as to how to make the best of your college experience.  Click on the video to see eight things these students wished they have known before they started college.

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College prep quiz fot students to take

College prep quiz fot students to take

If you are a high school junior, you need to get busy on your college planning.  This involves doing a college search and narrowing down your schools, thinking about college essays topics and beginning essays over the summer, getting organized on your summer plans, and getting teacher recommendations.  Take this quiz to see how ready you are.

Six pieces of critical college information you won’t find in a college brochure

High school students should not rely on college brochures or college websites to provide all of the information they need to know about a school.  You need to check out all of the resources available to make sure you are getting the straight scoop.  College brochures always picture a diverse group of students standing on a beautiful campus on a sunny, fall day.  Everything looks just about perfect.  What the college brochure often fails to mention is the normal weather you can expect, what the college scene is really like, and how this school will help you get a job after college.  These are questions you need to ask and a college visit is an good opportunity to talk with current students and find out their opinions.  Check out this article for some specific questions:

http://www.collegeview.com/articles/article/sleuth-student-six-crucial-pieces-of-info-you-won%E2%80%99t-find-in-a-college-brochure

How to Pay for College: Sharing the Responsibility

Paying for college is a daunting task for parents and students alike.  Every year college tuition at most schools continues to increase.  Tuition does not cover all of the expenses; you must also include room and board, meal plans, books, transportation, etc.    Everything you read states the one obvious fact:  College is expensive.  Parents should always apply for financial aid by filling out the FAFSA online, even if you think you will not qualify.  Sometimes you are pleasantly surprised.  Students should apply for any scholarships for which they meet the minimum requirements.  Both parents and students need to be resourceful in finding ways to pay for college.  Sharing the responsibility for college expenses can be a positive experience for students.  It also makes them have a vested interest in their education.  Read the following article to find out more.  http://www.golocalprov.com/lifestyle/college-admissions-why-every-child-should-help-pay-for-college/

http://www.collegedirection.org