Here are some guidelines for parents who want to assist their kids in the college app process:

The media have recently highlighted “helicopter parents” who seize control of the college application process from their kids. They fill out their college applications, sit in on college interviews, and attend college events designed only for prospective students. However, the Harvard Family Research Project reports that teenagers whose parents play an active role in their education do better in school and are more likely to enroll in college. The College Board and the Art & Science Group reveal that approximately 30% of college-bound seniors wished their parents were more involved in the college application process. How can parents assist their children in the application process without taking it over? Guidelines for doing so follow.

The Right Way to Help Your Child in the College Application Process

(1) Do an Honest Self-Appraisal of Your Ability to Assist Your Child, and How You Can Do So

If you went to college ask whether your experiences are still applicable, and for what types of schools? What did you do well and poorly in the application process and in college? Consider hiring a private independent counseling service, such as Top Test Prep, with up to date information on the application process and the perspective that non-family members bring to the process.

(2) Serve as a Coach and Facilitator to Your Child in the Application Process

Don’t dictate your child’s college application strategy or adopt roles your child should be playing such as writing college essays. You are an advisor and sounding board for your child as they move through the process. Remember that it is an opportunity for them to become more independent and be resourceful in seeking information.

(3) Supplement Your Child’s Initiatives on College Applications

It is appropriate to help your child in organizing application material, researching colleges and financial aid, and editing their essays for grammar and sentence structure. Offer to take them on trips to college then step aside as they talk to students and staff while getting a feel for the campus.

(4) Offer Your Child Emotional and Moral Support During the Process

This is where you put on your conventional parent’s hat. Anxieties, frustration, and disappointment are a natural part of the application process. Be on the lookout for signs of these emotions by your child. Emphasize that you will always be there for them, regardless of the outcome of the process. They will perform better as a result.

Conclusion

As an educator for more than a generation and the father of a college student I have seen the full gamut of behavior by the parents of college bound students. You can help your child during this process by assuming an active, but supporting role. It will not only enhance their chances of succeeding, but contribute to the establishment of a foundation for a healthy adult relationship.

David Dickson is a college counselor at Top Test Prep which offers tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools. For more information on college counseling call (800) 501-Prep.

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Rapidly Expanding Careers of the Future Requiring Higher Education

While the American economy has recently eliminated million of jobs for the non-college educated in construction and manufacturing, jobs continue to be created for the college educated. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than a million new jobs will be created by 2018, most of which require college. Of the ten fastest growing occupations, seven will demand higher education. What are these jobs, how much do they pay, and what kind of training do they require?

Here are 7 of the fastest growing jobs with high pay:

1. Bio-Medical Engineer: Growth: 72 percent or 12,000 new jobs by 2018; Salary: $82,550 mean; Training: Masters degree or Ph.D.

2. Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst: Growth: 53 percent or 156,000 new jobs by 2018; Salary: $76,560 mean; Training: BS, Masters, or Ph.D.

3. Financial Examiner: Growth: 41 percent or 11,000 new jobs by 2018; Salary: $71,000 mean; Training: BA or Masters in accounting or finance focused on investigating the transactions of organizations to ensure compliance with the law.

4. Medical Scientist: Growth: 40 percent or 44,000 new jobs by 2018; Salary: $84,760 mean; Training: Ph.D. or joint Ph.D. and M.D.

5. Physician Assistant: Growth: 39 percent or 29,000 new jobs by 2018; Salary: $85,000 mean; Training: A Masters in Health Science.

6. Biochemist and Biophysicist: Growth: 37 percent or 9,000 new jobs by 2018; Salary: $88,550 mean; Training: Ph.D.

7. Athletic Trainer: Growth: 37 percent or 6,000 new jobs by 2018; Salary: $41, 340 mean; Training: In 47 states a license and BS in athletic training is a minimum requirement. Close to 70 percent of practitioners hold a Masters. Not to be confused with personal trainers, athletic trainers work under a doctor’s supervision and are schooled in sports medicine to prevent and treat muscular/skeletal injuries.

Conclusion
Planning for college is a down-payment on your future. The jobs will be there, but you must be trained for them. Keep in mind that the two fastest growing non-college occupations, home health and personal aides, will only pay a poverty level wage for families of around $20,000. Give yourself a head start on a promising future with a test and college preparatory service like Top Test Prep.

David Dickson is a college counselor at Top Test Prep which offers tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools. To learn more about Top Test Prep’s programs, call (800) 501-Prep.

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How Foreign Language Study Can Help Students Get Into College and Launch A Career

About 44 percent of US High School students are taking a language. Spanish with 69 percent of students engaged in language study and French with 18 percent far outpace the less than one percent of students enrolled in languages the government characterizes as crucial to national security. These languages include Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

What are the benefits of language study?

(1) Language Study Leads to Higher Cognitive and Analytical Skills

Wilburn Robinson (1992) reviewing 144 research studies over three decades on the relationship between second language learning and cognitive skills observes that experience with two languages leaves students “with a mental flexibility, a superiority in concept formation, and a more diversified set of mental abilities.”

(2) Language Study Contributes to Higher Standardized Test Scores

A study by Armstrong and Rogers (1997) demonstrated that students taking a language for only one semester displayed significant gains in math achievement. Thomas Cooper in 1987 found that high school students who studied a foreign language scored significantly higher on the verbal section of the Scholastic Aptitude test than peers who did not enroll in language classes.

(3) Languages Broaden Your Understanding of Foreign Cultures In A Shrinking World

Languages offer a window into the nuances of other cultures. Through language study, students gain insights into world societies which cannot be fully understood through other academic disciplines.

(4) Colleges and Work Places Seek Out Individuals Who Display Intellectual Curiosity Beyond Their Immediate Environment

In a world with widespread cultural cross-fertilization, students with foreign language competencies are seen as assets by universities and work places. Private sector economic competition and public sector security interests are enhanced by workers who have immersed themselves in foreign language and cultures.

Conclusion

China, Korea, and many of the European Union countries mindful of the future and the need for a cosmopolitan and informed citizenry mandate school language instruction. The US government isn’t likely to take that step, but proactive families and students can take advantage of language study programs. The earlier the better, but it is never too late. The benefits will extend from the class-room to the work-place and beyond as students prepare for what is becoming a world without borders.

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David Dickson is a college admission counselor at Top Test Prep which offer tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools. Call Top Test Prep today to learn more at (800) 501-Prep.

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Here are some helpful tips to improve your SAT and ACT exam scores and overall performance:

First note: If it’s possible, find a reputable private test preparatory service early in your high school years to assist you in reaching your testing potential. General guidelines for test preparation include the following.

(1) Take several mock ACT/SAT exams. Using actual test questions from The Real ACT Prep Guide and The Official SAT Study Guide will help you improve your scores. Actual test questions are always better for your SAT and ACT prep. In fact, Top Test Prep’s curriculum is based the premise that students always do better when practicing with previously administered SAT and ACT exams. Think like the test makers do! Students should be cautious of other companies who use their interpretations of SAT and ACT questions.

(2) Some sections are more challenging. Recognize that SAT math questions become more difficult as you go through each section. If you can’t answer the last few questions in a section, devote your time to reviewing questions from the beginning and the middle.

(3) Read questions carefully to avoid misinterpreting them.

(4) Make calculated guesses. Avoid random guessing in the multiple choice section of the SAT which will penalize you for incorrect answers. However, if you can eliminate at least one answer as incorrect however, it is in your best interest to guess.

(5) Retake the SAT or ACT if your score is not indicative of your true ability.

Conclusion
Like many things in life, the ACT and SAT have their flaws. However, they aren’t disappearing in the short term, and your performance on them could have a major impact on the academic strength of the college that you attend. Start the test preparation process as soon as you enter high school.

David Dickson is a counselor with Top Test Prep, which offers private SAT tutoring and private ACT tutoring with admissions experts who can help you gain admission to your top schools. Call (800) 501-Prep to learn more about SAT and ACT Prep.

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Here’s an article on highest starting salaries for different college majors:

With a backdrop of economic uncertainties and rising college costs, concerns have recently been raised about the value of a college education. A recently released study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce addresses this issue head on. The study entitled, “What’s It Worth? The Economic Value of College Majors” observes that “all undergraduate majors are worth it, even taking into account the cost of college and lost earnings.” The study then proceeds to offer the following figures on median earnings for those holding Bachelors and graduate degrees in different academic disciplines from the most lucrative to the least.

Here’s a list of the Highest Paying College Majors (Starting Salaries):

Engineering: $ 75,000 and $99,000
Computers and Mathematics: $70,000 and $89,000
Business: $60,000 and $80,000
Health: $60,000 and $80,000
Physical Sciences: $59,000 and $90,000
Social Sciences: $55,000 and $85,000
Agriculture and Natural Sciences: $50,000 and $70,000
Communication and Journalism: $50,000 and $62,000
Industrial Arts and Consumer Services: $50,000 and $65,000
Law and Public Policy: $50,000 and $70,000
Biology and Life Sciences: $50,000 and $85,000
Humanities and Liberal Arts: $47,000 and $65,000
Arts: $44,000 and $55,000
Education: $42,000 and $57,000
Psychology and Social Work: $42,000 and $60,000

Conclusion
In addition to exposing you to a new world of ideas, a college education is financially advantageous to a large majority of graduates. The life-time earnings gaps between a person with a high school degree and a person with a college and a professional degree are one million dollars and more than three million dollars respectively. The stronger your college academically the higher your earning potential in your major. Its time to hit the books and find a knowledgeable counselor to advise you on the college preparation and application process. If you do so, you can count on a life-time of opportunities.

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The author of this piece is David Dickson, a college counselor at Top Test Prep, which offers private tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools

Tags: College Rankings, Colleges, Educational Financial Planning // View Comments

The question of how many APs (Advanced Placement courses) one should take in high school is one of the most commonly asked questions from students enrolled in Top Test Prep’s private admissions counseling program. I would say that the number of APs you take in high school should depend on where you’re applying and whether you can balance your school, extracurricular activities, and athletic life.

I would recommend that students applying to the most selective colleges use the following rules in selecting AP courses:

(1) Take at least 1/2 the number of APs offered by your high school. The more, the better. In fact, because college admissions officers see your school’s profile when you apply, they’ll know exactly how hard you challenged yourself in school. If you take 2 APs and where 10 APs were offered, you’re missing out on a chance to shine.

(2) Challenge yourself with different courses. For example, if you’re more skilled in math, take AP US History. If you’re more skilled in Writing, challenge yourself in AP Calculus AB or BC.

(3) If your school doesn’t offer APs, but instead is on the IB program, enroll in the IB program – you’ll see a major benefit when applying to colleges. In fact, some argue that this program is more rigorous in preparing students for college.

(4) If your school offers neither APs, nor IBs, take courses at a community college or local University. Many high schools are missing challenging courses and lack the fundamentals needed to prepare students for college level course work. You can often attain a higher level of education outside of the classroom in local college settings.

However, there are important things to consider before taking as many APs as possible:

Can you allocate at least 1.5 hours a day per AP course and still fit in other extracurricular activities?
Are you trying to get into very selective colleges?
Can you manage an appropriate sports, school, and student life while taking tougher courses?

If you answered yes to all three of these questions, then I would recommend fully challenging yourself with as many AP courses as possible.

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Ross Blankenship is a college admissions expert, and the Chairman of Top Test Prep. For more information on Top Test Prep’s private tutoring and admissions counseling programs, call (800) 501-Prep.

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If you’re considering studying abroad, read this:

Competition for a small number of slots at elite American universities has escalated in recent years with acceptance rates at the most sought after institutions now in the single digits. With large applicant pools of gifted students, the application process increasingly resembles the lottery. As America’s forefathers looked west as the going got tough, a small but growing number of Americans have begun to look east and across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom as a new educational frontier for ambitious and savvy undergraduates. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are home to some of the world’s most distinguished universities and they are eagerly recruiting Americans. What are the advantages of earning a BA from institutions in the United Kingdom and how do I get my search started?

The Benefits of Studying Abroad in England…

Many of the most notable Universities include: Oxford, Cambridge, The London School of Economics, and even St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Indeed, there are hundreds of United Kingdom institutions of higher learning worth exploring. But, what can these schools offer for your undergraduate education?

(1) COST-EFFECTIVENESS: United Kingdom universities are less expensive than the average four year private American university and most accept US financial aid.

(2) ACADEMIC DEPTH AND ACCELERATED STUDY: By focusing on one or two subjects, you can complete an undergraduate degree in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in three years. It takes four years in Scotland, but you may also earn your masters in the process.

(3) HIGH QUALITY TEACHING AND ACCESS TO PROFESSORS: The tutorial method is used at selective United Kingdom institutions providing students with intimate discussion focused classes.

(4) EXPOSURE TO LOCAL AND NEARBY EUROPEAN AND WORLD CULTURES: You will be exposed to the rich local cultures of the United Kingdom, which have become increasingly cosmopolitan with an influx of international students and immigrants. The European continent is a hop, skip, and jump away and you will have the opportunity to travel there on weekends during the school year and for more extended periods over the holidays and between semesters.

(5) YOUR MARKETABILITY FOR AMERICAN GRADUATE DEGREES AND EMPLOYMENT COULD INCREASE: United Kingdom degrees are largely respected by American graduate institutions and employers. Moreover, in a shrinking globe, the time you spent abroad could make you more attractive to many of them than your American educated counterparts. American corporations are creating more jobs overseas than at home and international experience is increasingly valuable in the public sector.

A STARTING POINT FOR EXPLORING UNITED KINGDOM BA PROGRAMS
The British Council USA operates a highly informative web-site, which will provide you with access to degree programs related to your academic interests and scholarship programs. Visa requirements and living in the United Kingdom are also covered. Give it a try, but this time if you decide to become an educational pioneer, the settlements are constructed for you; and the academic and non-academic rewards are readily apparent.

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David Dickson is on the admissions counseling team at Top Test Prep. This article hopefully is a starting point for considering studying abroad in the England and other countries. For more information on how studying abroad can help you gain admissions to graduate schools, call Top Test Prep at (800) 501-7737.

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Things to know about this college transfer admissions strategies…

As a long-term university employee and the parent of a college student, I have often seen parents adopt an application strategy of starting students off at a less competitive college on the assumption that they can transfer to a better one. The goals are often to save money and/or improve their academic performance and admissions chances. Does this admissions strategy really work?

First: Transfer policies vary from college to college, and some have more selective admissions.

While saving money at a time of economic uncertainty is understandable, families should be aware that admissions prospects for transfers still depend on the selectivity of a school’s admissions. In short, a state university or private college with moderate admissions standards may be accessible from a school with lower standards, but the most competitive ones probably won’t be. For instance, Williams ranked number one among national liberal arts colleges in 2010 by US News and World Report admitted 20% of applicants overall, but only 13% of its transfer applications. Yale which was number three among national universities accepted 9% of applicants overall, but only 4% of transfer applicants. Attrition rates are low at the most selective institutions freeing up few slots for aspiring transfer students. In contrast, Lewis and Clark, a liberal arts school accepted 65% of applicants overall and 44% of transfers in 2010 and the University of Iowa had an overall admissions rate of 83% and 69% for transfer students.

Second: A transfer strategy can still be justified if finances leave no options and grades/test scores need to be improved.

Two circumstances can justify a “get in first” and “transfer later” strategy. If finances are short, and student aid and loans can’t be found to bridge that college transition, one may have little choice but to initially apply to a less expensive and less competitive school. Keep in mind, however, that the most competitive schools in admissions are often the wealthiest with the best financial aid programs. Moreover, a grade point average or test scores which need to be improved may require an initial prioritization of less rigorous schools. Test preparation services, while taking courses or during a vacation break may be in order, prior to new applications.

Third: There is no substitute for early college financial planning and attention to grades/test scores earlier, than later.

Seed money for a college fund should be established as early in a child’s life as possible. Academic discipline and a consciousness of the joys of achievement should be imbued at the beginning of schooling so that they are second nature by the time high school rolls around. Find a reputable private college counseling and test preparation service as early as middle school to map out a plan to maximize your child’s academic potential.

Conclusion

Late academic bloomers should be commended for their renewed focus and efforts. In some circumstances, a college transfer strategy may be the best application option available. The reality, however, is that the more selective the school, the less accessible and receptive it is to this group. The best approach is to get on the academic fast track and stay there, despite the challenges, thereby making a transfer strategy unnecessary.

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David Dickson is a college admissions counselor with Top Test Prep. Top Test Prep offers private tutoring and admissions experts who can help you gain admission to your top schools.
Call (800) 501-Prep to learn more.

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If you’re searching for information on colleges, hopefully this article will give you a good start.

You’ve given thought to the size, region, cost, acceptance standards, and academic offerings of the college you would like to attend. Where do you go for more information?

STEP ONE: Examine US News and World Report’s College Rankings and Compare schools

Before exploring information on individual colleges, you need to know how they stack up against one another. Rankings count in colleges and in life. Acquire a copy of the most widely cited source of college rankings, US News and World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” issue. Focus on school acceptance standards, undergraduate academic reputation, class size, and student retention rates. Identify at least a dozen schools worth pursuing additional information from in your college search.

STEP TWO: Head to the School’s Official Website

Clarify the academic offerings of the schools and learn about student life. Note that most college websites are simply starting points. They often have information that is less informative about student opinions and perspectives, but you can research programs of interest and other objective information.

STEP THREE: Use Your Social Network, Friends and Alumni to gather information on their experiences

Ask relatives, family friends, your parent’s co-workers, school and private counselors about their academic and non-academic impressions of the schools you are considering. You may decide to narrow your list of prospective schools further.

STEP FOUR: Contact the Admissions Office and specific departments of interest

In your communications with individual departments, ask about class size and placement of majors in jobs and graduate programs. This should be of assistance in identifying schools where your application would be competitive and schools you have a high probability of getting into each respective college.

STEP FIVE: Go on a College Visit

Make an effort to visit schools where you can set up interviews and learn about campus life. Talk to students and request appointments with professors in your major.

CONCLUSION

An active approach to collecting college information contributes to wise application decisions and maximizes your chances of getting into your preferred schools. It’s never too early to get moving!

David Dickson is on the college admissions counseling team at Top Test Prep, and is a frequent guest on college admissions articles for Top Test Prep’s expert admissions blog. For more information on Top Test Prep, call (800) 501-Prep.

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How to Start Your College Search before applying to colleges…

It’s hot outside and you’re hanging out with friends, perhaps taking some courses and working before heading back to school in the fall. It is also a great time, however, to invest in your future and start the ball rolling on your college search. Whether you’re entering high school, a rising sophomore or junior, or even heading into your senior year, a few basic steps can get you headed in the right direction. Where do you start?

Step one: Make a College Wish List

Start off by brainstorming about what you want in a college. Questions you should address in include the following.

• What are my academic interests, strengths, and possible majors?
• What extra-curricular activities are important to me?
• What region and climate would I like to spend my college years in?
• What size school would I be comfortable with, and do I want an urban or small town environment?
• What cost can my family afford? A discussion with your parents about financial aid or loan needs is necessary at this point.

Step Two: Talk to Alumni of these colleges

Get feedback from relatives and family friends on their college experiences. What school did they attend and what did they like or not like about that institution? Note that this feedback is just part of the process because most colleges have changed dramatically since your parents and their friends graduated.

Step Three: Identify these colleges and gather information

Access into free services such as the College Board’s “Student Search Service” and “College Search” to identify schools which meet your academic and non-academic guidelines. US News and World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” issue which lists schools by state and category is also worth ordering or picking up at a local book-store. Pay close attention to the school attributes featured in US News and World Report including acceptance standards, undergraduate academic reputation, and student retention rates. You need to get a sense of your admissions prospects and how undergraduates fare. You can then explore college web-sites and request information from college admissions offices.

Step Four: Narrow down college list and plan college visits

Once you have a grasp of what colleges are out there and what they offer you can start narrowing down your list to schools where you would be competitive in the application process and schools where you have a high probability of being admitted. Arrange visits with your family to as many of these schools as possible during your junior year or early in the fall of your senior year where you can get a feel for the setting and student life. This is an opportunity to set up an interview at schools which encourage it. Look into arranging visits to departments you are interested in where you can pose questions to faculty members or school representatives about class size and their success in placing students in graduate programs and jobs.

Conclusion

Summer is short and you need to recharge your batteries for the academic year ahead. It is also an ideal time to get a head start on a college search, which will play a crucial role in your future. This time could make getting into college, much easier for you.

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David Dickson is on the college admissions counseling team at Top Test Prep. Top Test Prep provides expert private tutoring and admissions experts for students applying to K-12, college and grad schools. Call (800) 501-Prep to learn more.

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The Ranking of America’s Best Boarding Schools:

(1) Phillips Exeter Academy
(2) Phillips Andover Academy
(3) Milton Academy
(4) Choate Rosemary Hall
(5) Hotchkiss School
(6) St. Paul’s School
(7) Loomis Chaffee
(8) Groton School
(9) Noble and Greenough School
(10) Lawrenceville School
(11) Deerfield Academy
(12) Middlesex School
(13) The Hill School
(14) Northfield Mt. Hermon School
(15) The Taft School

[Formula Used] Student/Faculty Ratio + SAT Score Median + College Placement + Academic Reputation of Peers + Alumni Giving

Note this formula is inclusive of only United States Boarding Schools.

This report was exclusively produced by Top Test Prep, and all inquiries and questions about the prep school/boarding school rankings, and SSAT prep should be emailed to support(at)toptestprep.com or via phone (800) 501-Prep.

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What Are Accelerated/Undergraduate Programs?

Student interest in accelerated programs which offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees has increased exponentially in recent years. Spurred on by rising tuitions and pressures to establish academic specialties right off the bat, these programs often reduce the degree completion period by a year. At Drexel University in Philadelphia, a BS or BA/JD law degree, a BS/MS degree in bio-medical engineering, or a BS/MS degree in communication with normal course loads can take five years instead of six. Accelerated degree programs are proliferating around the country. Such institutions as the University of Michigan, George Mason University in Virginia, Colorado State College, and Western New England College in Massachusetts have them. The programs can sometimes require a stronger high school academic record than normal ones. A few guidelines to consider prior to entering these programs follow.

Ask if You Are Ready for the Rigor and Focus

While the monetary advantages of accelerated degree programs are clear, they can be highly demanding risking early burnout. A healthy mix of academic and extra-curricular activities often makes for satisfying and successful undergraduate experiences. Moreover, undergraduates often change their majors. Accelerated programs don’t preclude this, but make the logistics of doing so more challenging.

Verify the Academic Quality of the School Sponsoring the Program

Academically weak and “for profit” schools have joined strong institutions in launching accelerated programs. Your academic experience will be better and your prospects for landing a post-graduation job much greater if you use academic criteria in choosing your school. As delineated in US News and World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” issue, explore academic reputation, admissions standards, student retention, and class size at the institution.
Examine the Program Itself

The quality of programs can vary within institutions. Find out about the strength of the program and its graduate division through comparative ratings from US News and World Report and elsewhere. Make an inquiry into the percentage of full-time tenured and tenure track faculty teaching in the program, and post-graduation job placement. Since you are putting all of your academic eggs into this basket, consider contacting places of future employment (business, law, or medical, for instance) to discover how they regard the program.

Conclusion

Accelerated academic programs are not for the faint of heart. However, if you are ready and they meet high academic and placement standards, go for it!
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David Dickson is a writer for Top Test Prep. He’s on the college admissions counseling team and helps with Top Test Prep’s academic advising. For more information on Top Test Prep’s programs, simply call (800) 501-Prep.

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With the newest version of the Common Application or “Common App” for 2011-2012, comes several major changes. We’ll discuss these updates below…

The biggest changes to the Common App include the following:

Common App “Demographics Section”
(1) A new section on “Language Proficiency”, p. 1 of Common App.
(2) Household “marital status” of “Civil Union/Domestic” Partners

Common App “Education Section”

(3) College & Universities section adding “including online” and
(4) A question of whether students were issued a transcript for this work

Common App “Extracurricular Section”

(5) Fewer activities are listed. In the previous version of the common application there were 12 spots open for students, now there are 10.

Common App “Writing Section”

(6) No word limit on the “Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities…”
(7) A new range between 250-500 words on a “topic of your choice”
(8) A prompt asking to “attach a separate sheet if you wish to provide details of circumstances…”

Common App “Midyear Report”

(9) New privacy information related to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act “FERPA”
(10) Questions about updates and new evaluation of the applicant.

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Ross’ Commentary: the most notable updates to the common application include the Demographics Section, Extracurricular Section and Writing Section. If you’re a student applying to colleges, you must be aware of the updates.

The demographics section clearly indicates a policy shift towards making the application more “diverse.” Whether you agree or disagree with the update of “Civil/Union Domestic” Partners status, it does reflect a growing trend amongst college administrators to make note of a student’s background. Although it’s very unlikely to change the status of most applicants, it does suggest a potentially new kind of Affirmative Action in the college application process. Also, by adding a “language” component in the Demographics section – you’re seeing a trend that again points to college admissions offices trying to be more inclusive.

Regarding the Extracurricular Section – As I’ve said many times before, students should focus on fewer extracurriculars because college admissions officers are want to see fewer, but more substantive activities on your common app. This common app update reflects this sentiment. And keep this in mind as you’re selecting your own extracurricular activities; less is always better.

Regarding the Writing Section – Wow. This is a big update. Many students ask Top Test Prep all the time – “how long should my personal statement be…?” Well, now you actually have an answer. There’s absolutely no reason that one’s common application essay should be more than 500 words. Again, less is better – focus on writing a common application that reflects who you are, in less words.

What do these changes to the Common App mean for you as you’re applying to colleges?

They reflect two goals: (1) bringing diversity to the common application through the demographics section (Language + Marital Status) components, and (2) making the admissions offices have to sort through less information with a briefer writing section. With these changes, you should know that the college admissions process is rapidly evolving – both in a political and structural way.

If you have any questions about the college admissions process, definitely give us a ring – our phones have been ringing non-stop since the common app was released. Also, see below for an actual view of the common app!
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This article was written by college admissions expert, Ross Blankenship. For more information on Top Test Prep‘s programs call (800) 501-Prep.

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Newest Common Application (2011-2012) | Comments by TopTestPrep.com

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Three Tips for Summer Test Prep Success…

Top Test Prep’s team hopes you’re staying cool in this summer heat. We’d like to share three tips with you to stay prepared this summer – for fall grades and academic success. Also, you’ll find our Specials for the Month of June.

Tip #1: Read one more book per week.

Reading one more book per week can keep your mind charged and ready for the fall season. Additionally, we’ve seen that students in our programs who read one book per week (outside of class) do much better on their exams. Every major standardized exam has a reading and writing section. Pick any topic and keep adding books to your library. You’ll learn so much and could become an expert amongst your peers.

Tip #2: Start a peer study group.

Studying with others and setting serious goals with your peers can absolutely improve your grades and test scores. If you’re preparing for an exam this summer, set some goals with your buddies and study together.

Tip #3: Take 15 minutes every day to share what you’re learning with your mom, dad, brothers or sisters!

Parents have been through tests before from the SAT/ACT all the way through the LSAT, MCAT, GRE and more. Your parents are fantastic resources to share your learning experiences with. Take 15 minutes a day to sit down and tell your parents about what you’re learning. Believe me, my father has been an absolutely fantastic source of knowledge and I always strive to learn from his example.

I hope these tips help you in preparing this summer, and we’d love to be part of your test prep and academic success.

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Top Test Prep’s June 2011 Specials of the Month:

*In-Home Tutoring
Get 3 hours Free with any new signup. Choose your program and call (800) 501-Prep to get signed up.

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Get a Free HD Flip Camera with a 25 or 40 hour new signup ($125 value)
Contact Top Test Prep to learn more…or call us today at (800) 501-Prep.

Top Test Prep‘s team looks forward to helping your family this summer!

Tags: ACT Prep, admissions consultants, admissions consulting, SAT Prep // View Comments