Believe it or not, college application due dates are right around the corner! Did you know you can get started with your college apps THIS SUMMER? Don’t wait until the last minute – get prepared for your applications this summer and it’ll make the application process much less stressful! So what exactly goes into a college application? There’s a lot of factors, but one of the most important aspects of a college app is your essay. Your essays showcase who you are – they give you the freedom to express yourself and your personality on paper. Colleges receive thousands of applications every fall, many with similar grades, GPAs and SAT scores. Your personal statement can make you stand out in a sea of applicants! How…
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How to Build a High School Resume
Did you know that some universities ask for a resume to be submitted with your college application? Some may not be mandatory, but if recommended, it can show your accomplishments, hobbies, work experience, and skill sets gained throughout high school. Creating a high school resume is also a great idea to give to your teachers, coaches, etc. that you expect to ask to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Unsure of what to put on your resume? Don’t feel overwhelmed – here’s your guide to the high school resume based on tips from The Princeton Review: The Basics: 1. Heading: your name, address, and e-mail 2. High school information: your graduation date, GPA (weighted), class rank, and SAT/ACT scores 3. Accomplishments: awards, publications,…
Vital Info for the Soon-to-be-Seniors
It’s time to get cracking for rising seniors! Make the most of your summer to get a jump start on your application process. This will make you far less stressed come application time. Here are nine ways prospective college students can get ahead from U.S. News: 1. Narrow down your college list: It is vital to research schools you may be interested in, understand what each college has to offer, and narrow down your list of schools to apply to. You should have a variety of target schools, reach schools, and safety schools on your list. Unsure of what that means? College Planning Experts can help! 2. Visit college campuses: Visit, visit, visit! We can’t stress this enough! There’s no better way to get a…
What Does It Mean to Apply Early Action?
Every college applicant is looking for a higher chance of being accepted- submit your application Early Action! Early applicants are more likely to get a letter of acceptance than their peer competitors who wait for the later deadline. According to U.S. News, the average acceptance rate for early applicants was 67.6% for Fall 2016, while the average regular acceptance rate was only 51.2%. Students who submit Early Action are considered amongst a smaller group of peers, rather than those who submit later have a much larger group of qualified applicants to stand out in. The Early Action submit deadline usually falls on November 1st. Sign up to attend one of our FREE Workshops to learn more about the application process and how we can help…
How to Prep for College This Summer!
It’s CRUCIAL to start preparing for college early, before it’s too late to change your high school experiences — don’t be the student that says “I wish I submitted my application for ASB!” or “I should have studied harder for my chemistry exam!” Summer vacation is the perfect time to spend enhancing your college applications, not only for soon-to-be seniors applying to colleges in the fall, but for upcoming sophomores and juniors, as well. Start EARLY with these 14 activities from the Princeton Review: 1. Participate in a specialized program: Specialized summer programs are happening on different college campuses throughout the nation, such as leadership conventions, mock trials, etc. 2. Take college classes: Numerous colleges offer summer programs for high schoolers to stay in a…
Your Guide to the Common Application
The Common Application is an online college application system used by hundreds of colleges and universities. It allows students to conveniently fill out their standard information one time for Common App schools – rather than filling out a dozen applications, this is one app for each school! The Common App dashboard also allows students to keep track of important documents and deadlines. The Common Application officially opens for application submissions on August 1st, but did you know you can already start on your account to make it easier on yourself come submission time? We would recommend doing so! So here’s everything you need to know about the Common App from the Princeton Review: 1. Who uses the Common App? There are a variety of colleges…
Unsure of Which College is Right for You?
Not sure which college is right for you? Make a college wish list – what’s important to you in a school? What is your ideal class size? What kind of weather will you want to live in for the next four years? Gather information on each college that interests you with these tips from The Princeton Review: 1. College admissions websites, brochures, videos and catalogs – gather information on the school’s academic offerings and admissions requirements. 2. Current students – talk to real college students during your college tours. Ask them what it’s like attending their school! No one knows what it’s like to be a student at college better than the student, right? 3. College guides – buy a narrative guide to read about…
8 Ways to Get Ahead During Spring Break
Spring break is an excellent time to prepare for college – use this free time to plan for your future! The Princeton Review released a list of 8 great ways to prep for college and minimize your stress come application time! 1. Draft your college list: Really think about what you want throughout your college experience. Would you want to attend a small private school, or a large school that has a football game every Saturday? Does your prospective college have a great science department, or is it better known for business or film? 2. College road trip: There’s no better way to get a real feel for the colleges you’re applying to than by taking a tour of each one. Spring break is a…
Grades, Test Scores and Extracurriculars, Oh My
Grades and test scores are huge factors that help get you into college, but schools also want to see what you choose to do with your free time. College admissions counselors have a goal of creating a diverse incoming class, so they’ll look at your extracurriculars to get a sense of the person you are. With that said, here’s what you need to know about extracurricular activities from The Princeton Review. 1. How much you do isn’t as important as being committed to what you’re doing – the simple rule of quality over quantity. Stick with your passions for your entire four years of high school. This will show your future college your commitment and determination. Find a few clubs and/ or teams that interest…
Questions You Need To Ask Your College Tour Guide
Never underestimate the power of a good question! Here are 60 great questions from The Princeton Review to ask your tour guide on your next college tour: The Basics Why did you choose this school? Are you happy here? What are your school’s strengths? What’s your #1 complaint about your school? What else could stand to be improved? How accessible are administrators, registrars, financial aid officers, etc.? Academics What majors are popular? What departments or programs have the best reputations? What’s your favorite class? Are your professors good teachers? Do your professors hold office hours, and will they meet with you outside of class? Are most of your classes taught by professors or teaching assistants? Were you able to take most of your first-choice classes? Are your classes lecture-based or…
