Ready, set...relax.
College admissions is unfortunately a source of anxiety and fear. It doesn’t have to be.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brennanbarnard/2022/08/06/college-admission-this-is-not-a-race/?sh=7d9de631106b
internships and planning ahead
the thought of summer conjures up images of lazy days at the beach, sleeping in, and warm nights spent contemplating whether a run to get ice cream is worth the effort. then again, one might consider working for nothing...sounds like an easy decision, except that job which offers no immediate financial gain may very well be a student's best investment of time in regards to the future returns it most likely will bring. internships provide valuable experience, add to a student's resume, and offer the possibility of strong recommendations from professionals.
Photo by gguy44/iStock / Getty Images
please take a moment and consider the following article from the new york times : https://nyti.ms/2k4AcBT
legacy and college admissions
Family and friends will often speak of legacy as a golden ticket, implying that because one's mother or father attended a particular university, admission for the son/daughter is all but guaranteed. The truth is actually more bronze than gold...
Photo by Comstock/Stockbyte / Getty Images
Photo by Rusdi Yahya/Hemera / Getty Images
choosing the best school for you
Far too often students and parents are lead to believe that the best school is the highest ranking/most selective school. Unfortunately, this outlook often results in students finding themselves in schools which are truly not ideally suited to their needs.
parents and admission anxiety
Students are not alone when experiencing anxiety throughout the admission process. In fact, many admissions officers believe parents now carry a great deal of the burden...and most of it is completely unnecessary.
early decision
Choosing whether to apply early action, early decision, or to apply following the standard timeline afforded by each college can be one of the more difficult aspects of the admissions process. Nevertheless, with a little knowledge and foresight a student can rather easily use Fall deadlines advantageously.
application videos
College applications have many layers. Besides the well known essay, there are supplemental essays/questions, an area dedicated to listing honors and achievements, and another for extra-curricular activities and community service. Combined with a student's g.p.a and standardized test scores, one would think colleges have enough information to make a decision regarding acceptance. Nevertheless, raw numbers, lists, and a response to an essay prompt have left many students wishing they could further distinguish themselves from their peers. Interestingly, colleges have responded, as they are now allowing students the option of submitting videos. Video submissions offer students the opportunity to express themselves in ways not possible by either an essay or a resume. More importantly, they put a face to the numbers, lists and words...your face.
the new SAT
The SAT has gone through a complete makeover intended to showcase what students know and what they are capable of, rather than the inverse. Moreover, in many respects it no longer is a test which requires 'tricks' to achieve a high score. Most importantly, Khan Academy is now working with the College Board to offer free tutorial videos to all students.
applying to college as undecided
Many students are lead to believe that it is always better to apply to colleges with a declared major. In many cases this is true, however, certain students are better served by applying undeclared and giving themselves time to understand their options.
social media and college admission
Social media presence is increasingly at the center of most student's lives. Thus, it is not surprising that colleges are paying increased attention to the accounts of their applicants (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are at the top of the list ). No, they do not check every applicant, however, once the pool has been narrowed down to a select few, a facebook page which reflects poor decisions may be the deciding factor.
letters of recommendation
One of the most important parts of the application process is in many ways out of the hands of the applicant - letters of recommendation. Nevertheless, a little action and foresight can prove to be priceless.
1. Speak up in class at least once a day. Class participation tells the teacher you are attentive and interested...and the teacher is more likely to remember you.
2. Be respectful and punctual. You will be remembered in a positive light.
3. Do not ask for favors or special consideration. Teachers grow weary of such requests.
4. Ask if the teacher is able to write you a positive recommendation. This alone may save you from a less than flattering letter.
college admissions
The college admissions process is particularly complicated for a high school student. Considerations include school size, type and location, economics, majors, and dorm life. Before a student gets to that point, however, attention must be given to g.p.a., SAT’s, ACT’s, course-load, and much more.
We believe that the right team will put together a well-executed and personalized plan aimed at placing the student in a college that is truly best suited to his or her needs. There are over four thousand four-year colleges in North America, and we aim to find the one that fits your child best. This is what we focus on at Clearing, and this is what we will do for you.