So, what are the standards for choosing students to gain admission? And how do the best colleges select applicants – what criteria is applied in the admissions process?

There are different college application admissions systems, but elite national institutions generally use the following criteria:

1. Grades and Rigor of Course Work (Honors, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate)
This criterion is based on the courses students take over time and the grade trend. Good grades and challenging course work are looked upon favorably.

2. Standardized Test Scores (SAT, ACT, SAT Subject, and AP exam)
Some colleges use an average of the highest SAT scores, while others use the highest in a single setting, and still others use the best scores achieved by a student. Keep in mind that schools may note the number of times you took an exam, despite their denials.

3. Extra-Curricular Record (Brag Sheet)
The duration and level of involvement in activities inside and outside of school are significant. Highlight activities such as community service, employment, summer experiences, hobbies, and honors.

4. Teacher and Counselor Letters of Recommendation
Colleges assess the quality of these reports.

5. The Admissions Essays
This includes essays and short responses that students are responsible for. The essay which asks why a student has chosen to apply to a college is of particular importance.

6. Extra-Credit Points
Additional factors in admission, though controversial, include legacy status, ability to pay, minority or first generation college status, and special gifts in athletics, music or another pursuit.

Conclusion
For the most selective elite schools nationally, strong grades and test scores may count for 70 percent of the admission decision. The other indicators may be used to distinguish between those who meet grade and test score standards. Top Test Prep offers tutoring and test preparations with admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools.

David Dickson is an expert admissions counselor with Top Test Prep; call Top Test Prep today (800) 501-Prep or visit us online at Private Tutoring and Test Prep Homepage.

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Here are some helpful tips for high school freshmen:

You have just entered high school and you’re overwhelmed by the number of students, all of those course options, and more clubs than you could have imagined. Settle down a little and after you’ve found your feet, it’s time to start preparing for the future. An important part of the future is college if you want to reach your full potential and enjoy the opportunities which are out there. What pre-college steps can you take as you transition into your freshman year.

Take Your Academic Work Seriously
As your academic work load increases, it is important that you stay on top of it and meet those deadlines. Reach out to your teachers to talk over an assignment or discuss a lecture. Seeking help when material isn’t clear is a sign of maturity.

Join Clubs
Explore extra-curricular activities. You can take your interests to a new level and discover new ones by attending club meetings. With time you will identify a couple of clubs that you want to devote your time to.

Begin Your Community Service, earlier than later..
Share your skills with the community. If you’re into environmentalism, you could formulate ideas for making your school more environmentally efficient. If you’re an athlete, offer your knowledge to disadvantaged or disabled young people.

Create A Four Year Academic Plan
Identify mandatory and optional high school courses with your counselor and family. Ensure that you are on the rights track for those Advanced Placement math or English courses you want to take during your final two years.

Enjoy Your High School Years
This is a challenging period, but you can make it an intellectually gratifying one with great friendships and the opportunity to contribute to your community if you choose. The path to college and a successful and productive life begins now.

David Dickson is a academic counselor and admissions counselor with Top Test Prep whose admissions and testing experts can assist you with test preparation and gaining admission to your top private schools, colleges and grad schools. To learn more about TTP’s private tutoring and admissions programs, simply call (800) 501-7737.

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A recently released study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and The Work-Force traces median life-time earnings by highest educational attainment. Results of this study follow.

Median Life-Time Earnings by Highest Educational Attainment:

Less Than High School $973,000
High School Diploma $1,304,000
Some College/No Degree $1,547,000
Associates Degree $1,727,000
Bachelor’s Degree $2,268,000
Masters Degree $2,671,000
Doctoral Degree $3,252,000
Professional Degree $3,648,000

Conclusion

Earning a bachelor’s degree and advanced degrees provides their recipients with much higher earning potential than their counterparts with less education. Top Test Prep offers tutoring and test preparations with admission experts who help you gain admission to your top schools.

David Dickson is an admissions counselor with Top Test Prep, which provides educational counseling and test prep for students applying to the best schools. Learn more by call (800) 501-7737 today.

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Change in Question on Test Scores on the Common Application

The Common Application, now accepted by 415 schools, provides students with the opportunity to submit one application as opposed to individual applications for each school. This year’s version of the Common Application went live on the web on July 31 and includes a change in the section in which applicants are asked to self-report their standardized test scores to the colleges to which they are applying.
Applicants will now be given the option on the Common Application to report only their “best scores (so far)” as opposed to being compelled as in the past to report all scores.

The change was made in response to a feature introduced last year by the College Board called “Score Choice.” Through Score Choice, applicants can direct the College Board to withhold some SAT scores from the colleges they are applying to as long as those colleges do not require the submission of all scores. The administrators of the Common Application didn’t create Score Choice, but they have to deal with much of the confusion generated by the policy. One source of confusion is the all-inclusive way the question was phrased in the Common Application, which was seemingly at odds with the philosophy of Score Choice. Colleges use applicant’s answers on test scores to speed the processing of their applications before official scores arrive. Applicants have the right to leave this section of the form blank and the form will still go through.

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David Dickson is counselor with Top Test Prep which provides Ivy League Admissions Counseling as well as private tutoring and test preparation to help you gain admission to your top schools. Call (800) 501-Prep for more information today.

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High School Junior Year College Application To-Do List

As the academic year approaches, it’s time for rising juniors to start thinking about their college application to-do list. A list of steps to be taken follows.

Throughout your junior year:
-Find a test preparation and college advising service such as Top Test Prep to begin early prep.
-Keep your grades high and your courses as challenging as possible.
-Get information packets from the colleges you’re considering through their web-sites or admissions departments.
-Look into scholarships with your counselor, and at online sites like Fastweb.
-Attend college fairs, financial aid workshops, and career days at your high school and in your region.
-Start college visits over the duration of the year.

Fall of Junior Year (checklist)
-Meet with your advisor to make sure that you’re meeting graduation requirements and that your classes will assist you with the colleges you are considering.
-Register for and take the PSAT.
-Schedule dates to take the SAT(collegeboard.com) and ACT(actstudent.org) at least once this year.
-Look into financial aid programs.

Winter
-Review your PSAT results with your testing preparation service and your advisor.
-Register for the SAT, ACT, and SAT II tests. If you are applying Early Decision and want to take them a second time, arrange to take the SAT and ACT again in June.
-Think about what classes, volunteer work, programs, and camps you want to take or attend in the summer.

Spring
-Compile writing samples and put together portfolios for the colleges and scholarships you are interested in.
-Take AP courses for AP classes you have completed.
- See your advisor for an NCAA clearinghouse form if you want to play sports in college.
-Look for a summer job related to your intended college major.

Conclusion
Applying for college is a major task, but with these tips you’ll go far. Top Test prep can assist you by providing private tutors and test preparation with admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools.
David Dickson is a counselor with Top Test Prep. Call (800) 501-Prep to learn more about Top Test Prep’s programs.

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A recent American Enterprise Institute study identified the highest and lowest graduation rates for America’s institutions of higher learning. It’s “most competitive college” category consisted of colleges requiring “high school rank in the top 10-20 percent, grade point averages of a B+ to an A, and median test scores between 655-800 on the SAT and 29 on the ACT.” They “typically admitted fewer than one-third of applicants.” The schools, their graduation rates over six years, and useful information follow:

Colleges with Highest Graduation Rates:
1. Harvard University, MA: 97%
T-2 Amherst College, MA: 96%
T-2 Yale University, CT: 96%
T-4 Brown University, RI: 95%
T-4 Princeton University, NJ: 95%
T-4 Stanford University, CA: 95%
T-4 Univ. of Notre Dame, IN: 95%
T-4 Univ. of Penn, PA: 95%
T-10 Duke University, NC: 94%
T-10 Pomona College, CA: 94%
T-10 Swarthmore College, PA: 94%

Ten Colleges with Lowest Graduation Rates
1. Webb Institute, NY: 60%
T-2. Reed College, OR: 76%
T-2. Tulane Univ., LA: 76%
T-2 Univ. of Miami, FL: 76%
5. US Air Force Academy: 77%
6. George Washington Univ., DC: 78%
7. Scripps College, CA: 80%
T-8. Case Western Reserve Univ., OH: 81%
T-8. Occidental College, CA: 81%
T-8. US Military Academy, NY: 81%

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Reasons why students go to college…and other useful information.

What is the impetus behind the decision of American students to go to college and what do they regard as important in life? The most comprehensive national analysis of college freshman conducted in the last academic year by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA provides answers to these questions.

Reasons for Going to College
The following reasons were “Very Important” in deciding to go to college:
To be able to get a better job 84.7%
To learn about things that interest me 82.8%
To get training for a specific career 77.6%
To gain a general education and appreciation of ideas 72.4%
To be able to make more money 71.2%
To prepare myself for graduate or professional school 60.2%
To make me a more cultured person 50.9%

Life Priorities
Objectives considered to be “Essential” or “Very Important”:
Being very well off financially 77.4%
Raising a family 73.4%
Helping others who are in difficulty 69.1%
Becoming an authority in my field 58.0%
Obtaining recognition from my colleagues for contributions to my special field 54.8%
Improving my understanding of other countries and cultures 49.1%
Adopting “green” practices to protect the environment 42.3%

Conclusions
The monetary and career value of a BA alone is well established with college graduates earning more than a million dollars more in a life-time than their counterparts who just completed high school. Unemployment levels of high school graduates are two and a half times greater than college graduates. Relative financial stability then opens up opportunities for the realization of an array of life goals. Top Test Prep will assist you in gaining admission to your top schools.

David Dickson is an admissions counselor with Top Test Prep. For more information, or to interview and education expert, call (800) 501-Prep.

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A newly released federal report, “2008-09 Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study,” confirms the wisdom of going straight into a private four year bachelor’s program immediately after completing high school. The report observes that bachelor’s degree recipients in 2007-08 who began their post-secondary studies at a community college took almost 20 percent longer to complete their degrees than those who started out at four year institutions, and those who began at four year private colleges finished faster than those at four-year public and for-profit institutions. Moreover, students who delayed entry into college by more than a year out of high school took almost 60 percent longer to complete their degrees than those who went directly to college.

Data on the median number of months to complete a bachelor’s degree follows.

Type of Student (time in months)
All Bachelor’s Recipients: 52
Delayed Entry into College: 80
Did Not Delay Entry: 51

First Institution (time in months)
Public 2-year: 63
Public 4-year: 52
Private 4-year: 45
For-Profit 4-year: 57

Institution Where Degree Earned
Public 4-year: 55
Private 4-year: 45
For-profit 4-year: 103

Major (time to complete in months)
Computer Sciences: 58
Engineering: 56
Biological/physical sciences, math: 45
General studies: 57
Social sciences: 45
Humanities: 45
Health Care: 57
Business: 53
Education: 54

Conclusion
While attending a four year college right out of high school is clearly in the interests of non-procrastinators, the strategy for finding your ideal institution is not as self-evident. Top Test Prep will assist you in finding that school and maximizing your chances of admission.

David Dickson is a counselor with Top Test Prep which offers private tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who help you gain entry to your top choice prep schools, colleges and grad schools.

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An article on how to select a college, and factors you should consider…

You worked hard during the academic year and you just want to chill out this summer. You can make that trip to the beach, however, and still get the ball rolling on your college search. What criteria should you use for creating your college list? The guidelines which follow are intended to assist you in that process.

1. Financial Fit and Aid
Discuss college finances with your family. Federal, state, and college scholarships and assistance are worth exploring, though keep in mind that the most competitive colleges nationally often have the most generous financial aid packages.

2. A School’s National Academic Status Relative to Other Schools
Undergraduate schools rankings are often indicative of the quality of undergraduate life from classroom experiences to facilities and support services. Moreover, they count in the real world when you apply for graduate school or explore the job market. US News and World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” issue is worth examining along with alternative ratings produced by Forbes magazine and Kiplingers.

3. College Majors
Find out whether a school offers the academic subjects you are most interested in. As your college search progresses, you can contact academic departments to find out about class size and the percentage of courses taught by full-time tenured and tenure track professors.

4. Placement in Graduate/Professional Schools and Jobs
Pose questions to schools and departments of possible majors about how their students fare in their graduate school applications and in the job market.

5. Academic Environment
The location and size of the campus and surrounding community and the weather should be considered.

6. Your classmates
The composition of the student body including the male/female ratio, and student attitudes on studying, leisure activities, and even politics can be pertinent.

7. Programming and student life
Honors programs, academic advising, internships, health services, and job counseling are worthy of examination.

8. Extracurricular Activities
Clubs, inter-collegiate sports, intra-murals, and community service opportunities are areas of inquiry.

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Conclusion

As you winnow down your college list, find out if there are alumni in the area that you can talk to. Plan college visits where you can arrange for an interview, meet staff and faculty, and informally talk to students. A college counseling and test preparation service can assist you with the logistics of finding the right schools and tailoring your applications to them.

David Dickson is an academic counselor with Top Test Prep, which offers private tutoring and test prep with admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools. Call (800) 501-Prep to learn more.

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Here’s some information on Forbes Magazine’s Twenty Best Colleges in America:

Comparative assessments of America’s institutions of higher learning have become a hot commodity as embodied by US News and World Report’s widely circulated rankings. Forbes magazine has thrown its hat into the evaluation arena with its own distinctive approach. Its evaluative criteria include listing of alumni in “Who’s Who in America” (25 percent); student evaluations of professors from RatemyProfessors (25 percent); four year graduation rates (16 2/3 percent); enrollment adjusted numbers of students and faculty receiving nationally competitive awards (16 2/3 percent); and average four year accumulated student debt of those borrowing money (16 2/3 percent). Forbes most recent college ratings follow.

America’s Top-Ranked, Best Colleges:

1. Princeton University, NJ
2. California Institute of Technology
3. Harvard University, MA
4. Swarthmore College, PA
5. Williams College, MA
6. US Military Academy, NY
7. Amherst College, MA
8. Wellesley College, MA
9. Yale University, CT
10. Columbia University, NY
11. Northwestern University, IL
12. Wabash College, IN
13. Centre College, KY
14. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
15. Bowdoin College, ME
16. US Air Force Academy, CO
17. Middlebury College, VT
18. University of Chicago, IL
19. Smith College, MA
20. Pomona College, CA

Conclusion

Finding the best college fit in an increasingly competitive admissions environment is a full time job. Top Test Prep’s admissions experts offer counseling, tutoring, and test preparation to assist you in gaining admission to your top schools.

David Dickson is an admissions counselor with Top Test Prep. Top Test Prep provides private tutoring and expert test prep for students applying to top private schools, colleges and graduate schools. Call (800) 501-Prep to learn more.

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At a time of rising college costs and skepticism about the merits of a college education, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine has tackled the topic of institutions which offer the best educational value to their students. Its rankings measure academic quality and affordability with quality accounting for two-thirds of the total. Kiplinger’s ranking criteria for four year institutions with a broad based curriculum, and the rankings themselves for the 2010-2011 academic year follow.

Ranking Criteria for Best Public and Private Universities:

SAT or ACT: shows the percentage of the freshman class that scored 600 or higher on the verbal and math SATs, or 24 or higher on the ACT.
Students per faculty: the average number of students per instructor.
Graduation rate: the percentage of freshman who earned a bachelor’s degree within four years or five years.
Total cost for the current academic year: includes tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, and estimated expenses for books.
Cost after need-based aid: the total cost minus the average need based aid amount (excluding loans).
Aid from grants: the percentage of the average aid package that came from grants or scholarships.
Costs after non-need based: the cost for a student with no demonstrated need after subtracting the average non-need based aid amount (excluding loans).
Non-need-based aid: the percentage of all undergraduates without need who received non-need-based aid.
Average debt at graduation: the average amount owed by graduates who took out education loans.
To break ties, academic quality scores and average debt at graduation were used.
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Best Values in Public Universities
1. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2. University of Florida, Gainesville
3. University of Virginia, Charlottesville
4. The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
5. University of Maryland, College Park
6. State University of New York at Binghamton
7. State University of New York College at Genesco
8. University of Georgia, Athens
9. University of Wisconsin, Madison
10. University of Washington, Seattle

Best Values in Private Universities
1. Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
2. Yale University, New Haven, CT
3. California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
4. Rice University, Houston, TX
5. Duke University, Durham, NC
6. Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
7. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
8. Columbia University, New York City
9. Brown University, Providence, RI
10. Dartmouth College, Hanover, MA

Best Values in Liberal Arts Colleges
1. Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
2. Pomona College, Claremont, CA
3. Williams College, Williamstown, MA
4. Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA
5. Davidson College, Davidson, NC
6. Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME
7. Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA
8. Amherst College, Amherst, MA
9. Hamilton College, Clinton, NY
10. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Conclusion
A more comprehensive and detailed analysis of the best values among institutions of higher learning can be found at Kiplinger’s website. Navigating the application process for these institutions can be facilitated through a private college counselor.
David Dickson is a private counselor at Top Test Prep which offers tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools. For information on private tutoring and admissions counseling, call (800) 501-Prep.

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The summer is a good time to acquire work experience, take a course or two, and chill out. You can do this, however, and still get a head start on your college applications. What steps can you take to be ready for fall and the college application season?

(1) Narrow Your Colleges of Interest List

You shouldn’t spread yourself too thin as you explore colleges. Limit yourself to around ten to twelve schools for additional research. Consider size, region, academic strengths, attrition and graduation rates, and extra-curricular opportunities as you winnow down the list. Moreover, examine admissions standards including GPA and median test scores to determine your prospects for being accepted. This information can be found in US News and World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” issue.

(2) Contact Departments in Possible Majors

The savvy applicant will move beyond conventional criteria for evaluating schools and contact departments in possible majors. Prioritize teaching by asking about class size and the percentage of classes using full-time tenured and tenure-track professors. Pose questions on placement rates in jobs and graduate schools.

(3) Visit College Campuses and Arrange Interviews

Once your school year starts there will be limitations on how many colleges you can visit. Use the summer to jump-start this process and try to arrange an interview. This is crucial at small schools which are often more inclined to accept students who display an interest beyond an application. Find out if there are professors with whom you can meet. Talk to students while clarifying whether they attend school during the regular academic year. Ask about student support services such as writing and tutoring services and the career services office.

(4) Identify Application Requirements for Colleges of Interest

Look into essay topics, test requirements, recommendations, and submission deadlines of your priority schools and record them on a spread sheet.

(5) Outline a Personal Statement That You Can Incorporate into Applications and Create a Resume

Your personal statement will be tailored to individual schools, but as a preliminary step deliberate on your academic and non-academic strengths and what makes you distinctive. Think about how these traits have been exhibited in your academic work and non-academic activities. In addition, formulate a one page resume highlighting your accomplishments inside and outside of class.

(6) Examine Financial Aid Options

With your parents, investigate federal, state and local, and college based sources of financial aid. The more selective colleges are often costlier than others, but usually provide more financial assistance.

(7) Arrange For Letters of Recommendation

Contact teachers concerning recommendations. Provide them with your resume and indicate that submission details will follow.

Conclusion
Preparing for your college applications is an investment into your future. The payoff is no less than more opportunities and a better life.
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David Dickson is an admissions counselor at Top Test Prep which offers private tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools. Call Top Test Prep at (800) 501-Prep to learn more about how you can improve your college applications.

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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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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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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.

__________

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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So, maybe you’re struggling to create a college admissions essay that will knock the socks off the admissions offices. Doubts grow as you ponder how you can come up with an original insight or an idea separating you from the pack. It’s now time to formulate a game plan for a college essay that will set off bulbs in the heads of staff members and place you on the path to acceptance. In pursuit of this goal, advice will be offered on how to start your college essay, and ways to structure your personal statement in a way that offers the admissions offices insight into your life. This will be followed by examples of essay prompts and closing remarks.

How to Start Your Admissions Essay

1. Go to the admissions website – or Common App – and find materials of the school to which you are applying. This is the absolute first step. Write down your favorite topics and begin to brainstorm.

2. Look inward and identify your strengths and best qualities. You may be determined or creative or empathetic. Identify the strengths that you want to convey to the admissions committee. Ask what differentiates you from most applicants, and how you can make this clear in a personal statement.

3. Incorporate your strengths into the essay. For instance, convey a story about a time or experience when you displayed these strengths. Produce alternative beginnings and conclusions as you work on the essay. Remember: the clearer your examples are, the better your essay will be viewed.

How to Structure Your Essay

The essay is designed to demonstrate that you can convey your thoughts in an organized and persuasive fashion. To facilitate this, the essay should have the following components.

1. An introduction with a central idea expressing the intention of the essay and supporting ideas that will be used to refine the main point.

2. A body with a few paragraphs, each of which would have a supporting idea. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence articulating its principal point. Stay within the stated page limits. Admissions essays are generally brief. Brevity beats verbosity!

3. A conclusion summarizing the essay, and reiterating the central idea and supporting ideas. A strong writer should look over the essay to check for coherence and to check whether you made a compelling case for gaining admission.

4. Consider having a peer review the admissions essay to get their feedback. You can also get admissions essay help from Top Test Prep’s programs.

Five essay prompts to get you thinking…

College admissions essay topics should be personal since you are selling yourself and why you are a good fit for that institution. Illustrations of possible topics include the following:

-Describe a significant interest or experience that has special meaning for you.
-Does any specific attribute, quality, or skill distinguish you from everyone else? How did you develop this attribute?
- What is your approach to life? Reveal your life philosophy.
-What is a major achievement in your life? Who and what assisted you in reaching your aim?
- Explain which of the negative features you possess you’d like to get rid of and which of the positive features you’d like to promote and enhance.

It’s time to find a quiet place and start deliberating on your admissions essays.
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David Dickson is on the college admissions counseling team for Top Test Prep. Top Test Prep offers private tutor programs and admissions counseling to help students gain admission to prep schools, colleges and graduate schools. Call to learn more: (800) 501-Prep.

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You’re a high school student or a parent thinking about college options. Naturally, institutions with strong students and professors, classes where students count, and a staff, which goes the extra mile to retain them are appealing. Lifestyle is also important, however, and battling snowdrifts and months of freezing weather isn’t where you want to put your energy. You’ve heard about UCLA and the University of Southern California (USC), but you’re searching for additional high quality American college options in sunny or temperate locations. This piece is intended to assist you in this selection process. Schools found in warm or temperate climates, without the high national visibility which often comes from major Division I sports conferences, have been chosen. Four of our liberal arts colleges are found in Claremont, California, thirty miles from downtown Los Angeles. This is not an aberration since clusters of strong national institutions can also be found in less temperate regions as the Boston and Philadelphia areas, among others. Criteria for identifying quality schools are followed by an identification of schools that you can explore. Concluding comments then follow.

Criteria for High Quality Colleges:

The institutions highlighted in this work are all in the top 25 of US News and Report’s 2011 rankings of the best national universities and liberal arts colleges. They receive at least a 75 on a scale of 100 for undergraduate academic reputation as delineated by presidents, provosts, and deans of admissions at peer institutions as well as selective public high school counselors. Moreover, the schools retain at least 90 percent of their freshman, have fewer than twenty students in at least 50 percent of their classes, and draw at least 69 percent of their freshman from the top 10 percent of their high school graduating classes.

Strong National Universities

• California Institute of Technology, Pasadena (http://www.caltech.edu): The almost two to one ratio of men to women in this school, which excels in engineering and the sciences, could be particularly appealing to science oriented women. The annual New-Years day ritual, the Tournament of Roses parade, takes place in this sunny locale.

• Rice University, Houston (http://www.rice.edu): This multicultural institution with a minority population of 40 percent is generous in its financial aid packages. In 2010, 41 percent of undergraduates received financial aid with the average package exceeding $25,000.

• Emory University, Atlanta ( http://www.emory.edu) This top twenty-five university retains 95 percent of its freshman. Its suburban setting in the economically dynamic Atlanta metropolitan area is an asset for undergraduates interested in creating job networks.

Strong National Liberal Arts Colleges

• Pomona College, Claremont, California (www.pomona.edu): Tied for number six among national liberal arts colleges by US News and World Report, Pomona is the highest ranked warm weather school in this category. Two thirds of this esteemed institution’s students are in classes with fewer than twenty students and 92 percent of its students come from the top tenth of their high school classes.

• Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina (http://www.davidson.edu): A top ten liberal arts school, Davidson has a proud academic tradition extending back to 1837. It is particularly strong in the social sciences and humanities and offers intimate classes with almost three quarters enrolling under twenty students.

• Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, California (http://www.claremontmckenna.edu): Founded in the immediate aftermath of World War II, Claremont McKenna with its number eleven US News ranking has established itself as a premier national liberal arts school. It receives a highly respectable rating of 83 in the undergraduate academic reputation index.

• Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, California (http://hmc.edu): With a student body of less than 800, this college offers high powered academics in intimate class-room settings. Its students, 94 percent of who come from the top 10 percent of their high school classes, are predominately drawn to engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences.

• Scripps College, Claremont, California (http://www.scrippscol.edu) An all-female school, Scripps is an ideal setting for students seeking individualized attention in a supportive environment. Over 80 percent of its classes have under twenty students. The social sciences and humanities are particularly popular.

Concluding thoughts…

Getting a first rate education in an institution devoted to undergraduate studies doesn’t have to translate into cold winter walks to classes. Year around sun bathing may not be the norm at all of our warm and temperate high quality institutions, but students won’t have to leave their shorts and T-shirts at home.

David Dickson is on the college admissions counseling team for Top Test Prep. For more information on Top Test Prep’s private tutoring and test prep programs, call (800) 501-Prep.

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How to select your APs/IBs and Honors Courses in High School…(and how many you should take)

Recent studies including one conducted by the Department of Education have challenged the value of advanced high school courses. The lines of attack have varied somewhat, but the bottom line is that they don’t carry much “bang for the buck.” Despite a tripling of enrollments in rigorously labeled courses over the last two decades, national standardized test scores in math and reading have not improved. Scores on the Advanced Placement exams on a scale of 1-5 have seen a steady rise in low scores of 1 and 2 over the last decade. Skepticism has been expressed by educational experts and parents alike about the rigor of these courses and their value. As opposed to giving up and accepting a diluted curriculum, students and their parents would be wise to consider the following guidelines when choosing college preparatory courses in high school.

Here are some things to consider when deciding on AP/IB and advanced courses in high school:

1. Don’t focus on the course title itself. Move beyond the label of a course and clarify whether a course is part of a formal Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) program. These programs are standardized by national and international organizations outside of your school and their content is reviewed periodically by subject specialists. A fancy title does not necessarily translate into a rigorous course.

2. Find out the quality of the instructor. Talk to strong students who have studied with a teacher to get their impressions of the course and to find out how they fared on the AP or IB exams. Contact your school or school district to see if statistics are compiled on how students in your school fared on these tests. You can sometimes trace these results to individual instructors.

3. Speak directly with the instructor about how they teach the course. College students sometimes approach their teachers ahead of time to ask about class content and their teaching methods. There is no reason why this can’t be done by high school students during breaks and after school or by parents during non-teaching periods. If the instructor declines a discussion, it is a sign that you should consider an alternative course.

4. Focus on quality, not quantity, in selecting your high school courses. Colleges will not reward you more for taking four AP courses in a semester as opposed to two or three that you perform well in. Don’t focus on numbers alone, but on the quality of the learning experience.

5. Colleges may not accept AP or IB courses, but you should still take them. Colleges vary on whether they will reward student credits for AP or IB courses. Elite private and public institutions may have different standards for awarding college credit for AP courses and may require significantly higher test scores. For example, some state universities will award college credit for an AP score of 3 while another institution would require a 4 or even a 5. There are also differences in which courses receive college credit. Science and math courses in particular may not earn college credit even with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP examination. Don’t expect to shorten your college career through AP courses since they may not fit specific requirements. The students focus therefore should not be on accumulating college credits, but on expanding their knowledge base and critical thinking skills. This into itself is the best preparation for college.

Overall, all advanced and honors courses are not alike. The inquisitive student and parent, however, can construct a curriculum which serves as a solid foundation for college and beyond.

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David Dickson is an admissions counselor for Top Test Prep, and also a graduate of both Bowdoin College and Harvard University, respectively. Call to learn more about Top Test Prep’s program at (800) 501-Prep.

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Touring different schools is an essential part of the admissions decision. Parents and students often do visits and tours together, and a lot of attention is given to how students should behave on a tour – but how should parents act? The college admissions process contains hopes and dreams of the future, and perceptions between parents and students might vary.

What parents see, do, and ask on a tour is just as important as what their student does. Here are a few tips.

1. Be a careful observer

As a parent, you'll be closely watching not only the tour leader and seeing details of the campus your student might overlook, you'll also be carefully observing how your student reacts to the tour. Students might not realize how certain aspects appear to them until you notice their reaction. Maybe at their number two school you see your student often surprised and impressed. Later, ask about the aspects of the school that seemed to impress your student. By observing carefully and asking later, you will not be forcing your views onto your student – which is more productive overall.

2. Don't be afraid to ask questions

Let your student lead the questioning, but ask questions if they come up and espeically if no one else on the tour thinks of them. Don't remain silent in fear of embarassing your kid. This is a college tour and you'll both be on professional terms. If you have questions that you know will grate on your student – even if meant well – perhaps save them for a talk with an admissions counselor later. For instance, while the mental health support center is important on campus, it would probably behoove you to ask later, even if your student is not on any special medication. But your questions are important – so ask them.

3. Dress appropriately

Just as students must dress professionally – no jeans, no excessive piercings, no wordy t-shirts or holey clothes – you must, too. You don't need to look like the Secretary of State, but make sure you are presentable (and wear comfortable shoes, just in case).

4. Listen to your student's impressions before giving your own

After the tour and college visit, you and your student will be full of ideas. You might feel strongly opposed or in support of the school, but wait first, and just listen. Your perspective is essential, but allowing students to share their impressions first will help them digest and formulate their ideas and opinions. They will be the ones attending the college for four years. Help them work out their own feelings before stating your own. Even if they seem to brush your opinion aside, be assured – they are listening and considering your impressions and opinions. Just listening will help your student immensely.

5. Walk around town with your student

Your child will be living at this school and in a new town for four years. Take a bit of time to get a feel for the place, visit the downtown area, see how well the place fits your student not just on campus, but off. This is particularly important for small schools, but even on giant campuses, knowing the larger context is important. Town-gown relationships can help students get jobs, gain real-life experience, and broaden their perspective. Ask at the admissions office for a suggested route before taking off.

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This post is titled, "Parents: How to Tour a College with Your Student." It was written by Marta Casey, a writer on Top Test Prep's team.

To learn more about Top Test Prep's programs, call (800) 501 – Prep.

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The following article provides information on the US News and World Report Rankings, more specifically "teaching quality"….

The criteria used in college application decisions vary. Status, size, location, fields of study, cost, and social life are considered. Too often, the most important college mission, teaching, is overlooked or misunderstood. Strong teaching is a pre-condition for picking up the skills necessary for the job market and graduate/professional studies. Teaching quality has diminished nationally as cost-cutting proliferates and faculty research obligations escalate. Strong teaching is not in the eyes of the beholder, however. Students and parents should take into account the following factors as a package, and not in isolation from one another, when they evaluate teaching.  With the exception of number six, they can be found in US News and World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” edition.

1.  The Undergraduate Academic Reputation of an Institution

This US News and World Report peer assessment index measuring a school’s academic reputation solicits the opinions of presidents, provosts, and deans of admission. For national universities and national liberal arts colleges, public school counselors are also surveyed. There are more specific indicators of teaching quality, however.

2.  Whether a School is Financially Sound

    A strong institutional financial foundation doesn’t guarantee strong teaching, but it is necessary for it. Schools cannot hire and retain strong full-time tenure track and tenured faculty without financial resources.  Class size can also be influenced by financial status, though this is a trickier issue as I will soon explain. Fiscal strength often correlates to US News and World Report ratings. A school’s “financial resources rank” is worthy of scrutiny. “Average alumni giving rates” included in the ratings provide a picture of the financial health of small national liberal arts colleges who depend more in alumni loyalty than their research university counterparts. For research universities, grants and investments are often their bread and butter.

3. Class Size

   Smaller classes facilitate more individualized faculty attention.  In larger classes, students can fall through the cracks and in research universities they are often evaluated and even taught by teaching assistants barely older than themselves. Take US News and World Report “student/faculty ratios” with a grain of salt since at research universities there can be non-teaching faculty. The “percentage of classes under 20 students and over 50 students” can be revealing, however.

4. Percentage of Faculty Who Are Full-Time  

   Many have heard stories of indifferent full-time faculty. Nonetheless, a school’s commitment to undergraduates is, in part, reflected in this US News and World Report category. Part-time faculty can be less accountable to institutions and students than those who are full-time.

5. The Percentage of Freshmen in Top 10% of High School Class and the Acceptance Rate

   Classes will be better if your peers are stronger. Lectures and discussions can be more sophisticated and interaction both inside and outside of class more rewarding.

6. The Quality of Teaching in the Student’s Areas of Academic Interest 

   Even when an institution’s overall academic reputation is respectable and other dimensions of teaching quality are positive, there can be departmental variations. The proactive student and family will visit a school, identify departmental faculty representatives, and pose questions on class size and full-time faculty percentages as well as offerings and services. If an institution highlights an individual professor on your visit, he/she should not be considered representative. Moreover, if  a department is unresponsive to your inquiries, it’s time to move on.

   Teaching skills are as crucial to your undergraduate experience as medical skills are to a patient. You can make it the focus of your undergraduate search!

 David Dickson

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For more information on college admissions counseling, or if you're a parent who needs help with your son or daughter college applications, call Top Test Prep at (800) 501-7737.

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Which will help your college application more: AP classes or music? AP classes show a commitment to rigorous academics, a willingness to do extra work, and a desire to be challenged in the classroom. But what about musical talent? An oboe player for four years in band, a few summer music camps and performances might show those same qualities of challenge and work ethic – and show creativity. If you are struggling to find time and know that you can only commit to one – AP classes or music – which should it be?

Choose based on developing commitment and personal qualities

College admission counselors are looking for qualities, not a pristine and crisp list of activities. Thousands of students have long lists of accomplishments. It is not only the accomplishments that will make you stand out, but what those accomplishments show. Just as choosing extracurricular activities, choose based on developing commitment and personal qualities.

For instance, if you are a writer on the school paper, an AP literature class will show intellectual commitment and growth in a linguistic way. If you are in a math club, it makes sense to show perseverence by taking AP math classes. If you have been in choir for three years and are pondering whether or not to audition for a specialized group, consider that the new group will show your growth, accomplishment, commitment, and talent in singing. If you choose to spend your time in an AP class that will take that opportunity away, you might be cutting yourself short.

Show a willingness to challenge yourself intellectually and creatively

Music is intellectual, and academia is creative. Bifurcating and mutually excluding qualities into either music and classes will hamper your pursuits, so keep an open mind. That said, you can challenge yourself creatively and intellectually in both music and AP classes – it depends on who you are and where your talents and interest lie.

Consider the relative gains by taking an AP class. If you are in a school where regular classes are known for being challenging, you might want to extend your abilities and commit to a musical activity. On the other hand, if you play violin and are used to orchestra rehersals on the weekends, maybe it's time to increase your class load.

A last note – before deciding between "either A or B," consider realistically – can you make it "A and B." If not, keep the above points in mind when you choose. If you have the opportunity to do both AP classes and music productively and happily – go for it.

Talk with a teacher, counselor, or tutor to consider the right choice for your own situation. We are always available at Top Test Prep for your questions. Good luck!

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This post is titled, "AP Classes or Music?" It was written by Marta Casey, a writer on Top Test Prep's team.

To learn more about Top Test Prep's programs, call (800) 501- Prep.

　

　

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Thinking about studying abroad in high school? Want to learn in a new place with a different culture? Or are you interested in English literature or drama and can see yourself in London for a semester? Whatever your reasons, studying abroad can help you immensely.

Studying abroad is a huge step – but the benefits are plentiful. Living and studying abroad during the academic year, or during the summer, can give you a hefty leg up on college applications and future internships and jobs. Here are just a few of the top reasons to study abroad in high school.

1. Learn a foreign language

The best way to learn a language is, by far, immersion. While classroom routine and commitment is necessary to keep your brain engaged with foreign languages, the fastest, most efficient way to increase your ability is to go to the place it is natively spoken. A foreign language will also help your college application stand out. How many high school students can say they speak Mandarin Chinese, Romanian, or Dutch?

2. Gain intercultural experience

Often learning about the “other” forces us learn more about ourselves. Stepping outside of our own world situations and everyday lives, we can better understand our own biases and perceptions of the world and our place and roles in it. Intercultural experience will also help us learn to work and live beside people even if we don’t understand them at first. Finding common solutions and learning to work difficulties out in an intercultural context can translate into vital career skills.

3. Learn about non-US perspectives of international issues

While learning to deal with intercultural experiences that might challenge your everyday rituals, you’ll also be confronted with your American-ness and new ideas about political issues. It may sound simple and like common sense – but if you decide to live in Israel, your awareness of Israeli issues will skyrocket. If you study in Brazil, you might start paying attention to US foreign policy toward Latin America. Increased global awareness can only be a boon for your college applications.

 4. Gain independence and confidence

It’s hard to live abroad! Even if you choose an idyllic mountainous town in Thailand and imagine elephant rides and cooking with a host family, once you are living the experience you’ll have new expectations. If you are in a place where no one speaks English, the first time you can ask where toothpaste is in a store might be a significant mark of achievement. If you travel with friends, the first time you figure out how to get across Rome completely by public transportation will give you a new found sense of independence. Returning to the US, you’ll find you’ve learned to take certain challenges for granted that classmates might not have had the chance to confront yet.

5. Academic enhancement

If you are learning Latin or Greek – why not go to Italy or Greece?! You will be surrounded by students interested in similar subjects, and challenged not only by textbooks and teachers, but by the context and connections you make to the local culture. Your foreign language skills will increase if you study abroad, but if you do well abroad and in a completely new context, colleges will see that you are academically talented and committed.

There are numerous exchange, summer, and academic year programs available – start searching for one that appeals to you!

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This article is titled, "Top 5 Reasons to Study Abroad in High School." It was written by Marta Casey, a writer on Top Test Prep's Team.

To learn more about Top Test Prep's programs, call (800) 501 – Prep.

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Editors are crucial in the college application process – particularly for essays. A nightmare scenario is turning everything in, proudly looking over your work – and finding a glaring error or realizing that you had not discussed a certain illuminating point in an essay. Regret in that form is avoidable and easily prevented.

Even if you read, rewrite, reread, and continue that process ad nauseum, a second set of eyes and a new brain and perspective will help your writing immensely, and prevent sloppy errors on all parts of your application. An editor can help you look for mistakes, see potential for improvement, and be a solid second opinion. Finding the right one (or ones) can be tricky. To find a good editor for your college essay and admissions application, look for these five qualities.

1. Find a person who knows you well in and out of school

An efficient editor will verify that your college essay and application truly represent you, and represent you well. Preferably, your editor will know you in and out of the classroom so that they know all your unique qualities are presented to admissions counselors. If you ask a tutor or someone who might not know you as well to edit your work, consider talking with them about accomplishments in and out of school, college goals, and your expectations in a school. Then they'll have a better grasp of you and how well your writing reflects you.

2. Your editor must have a solid grasp of grammer, spelling, and essay construction

Spell check can be erroneous, missing mistakes in the confusion of homophones. And Microsoft Word won't understand if you break a rule to make a point or keep an essay's rhythm. A good editor will not only have a strong spelling and grammar base to catch any mechanical errors, an editor will also understand how writing can flow.

3. Work with someone who is comfortable critiquing your work - and whose criticism you can take

College essays can be quite personal. A parent or sibling is likely not the best choice for an editor, unless you are very comfortable giving and receving criticism from each other. Find an editor who can see the essay objectively, and with college admissions in mind. Make sure your editor is someone with whom you are comfortable communicating, too. If someone gives you feedback that demoralizes instead of encouraging you, this person might not be the ideal editor for you.

4. Ask a veteran or expert of the admissions process

If you have friends who have recently completed the admissions process and done well (and if you're comfortable with their criticism), these are great resources to help you edit your college essays. College counselors can be great assets, too, but only if they have enough time to help you well. Consider education experts as well – tutors, mentors, and admission coaches. They will definitely have the time, and will be enthusiastic to help eager students.

5. Combine forces – use a few editors

If you know a few different people with these different qualities, it's beneficial to have a few people read essays. Don't be afraid to ask – if someone can help you with grammatical technicality, but another person will be better at seeing how well your essays convey your strenths and personality, use both people! If they are willing and able, more eyes will help you. After your essays make the rounds, you'll have the final say anyway. Take advantage of extra help.

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This post is titled "How to Find an Editor for Your College Essays." It was written by Marta Casey, a writer on Top Test Prep's team.  

To learn more about Top Test Prep's programs, call (800) 501 – Prep.

Top Test Prep also offers expert admissions counselors to help you work on your college applications and get into top colleges. To learn more about Top Test Prep’s admissions consultants and experts, call TTP today.

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For many, knowing now what the application process is like comes with a little nostalgia – shoulda, coulda, woulda…. That wisdom and advice is worthwhile and useful. What would you have done differently? What do you wish you had done during the college admissions process?

Here are 5 things many students wish they had done or considered during their college admissions process.

 1. Find your best fit

It’s true! Finding your best fit is top of the list. If Top School X is amazing, has incredible professors, a great alumni network, a beautiful campus, and a kind of hollow, empty feeling – maybe you should follow up on that last intuition. Balancing your logical strategy with who you are is incredibly important for positioning yourself for future success. Listen to all those thoughts, and consider colleges where you can see yourself fitting in as a student and alumnus.

2. Find a great editor

Your essays are imperative. Find a person who can be an objective editor for you, someone whom you won’t take offense to if there is criticism. A great editor might be a friend, a teacher or supervisor. It should be someone who knows you really well. An editor will be able to ensure a true sense of who you are comes off the pages for admission counselors.

3. Maintain strong SAT/ACT score and grades

Scores and grades are integral parts to your application – so keep them strong! You SAT/ACT scores indicate your testing abilities, and overall knowledge in certain subjects. The scores are essential for your application not only because they are required, but because they can balance questions about your grades (or vice versa – grades balancing test scores). If you achieve well in both areas, you’ve increased your chances of being accepted to extremely competitive schools greatly. Keep it up.

4. Ask about the price tag

Many students falter at the numbers on a school’s tuition fee. Costs have risen, and there is fair reason to be concerned and vigilant. But when searching for schools, look at schools for how they fit you – not how much they cost. Some of the most seemingly expensive schools offer the best financial aid packages. Discarding a potentially great fit because of what the cost appears to be will be an extreme disadvantage.

5. Visit the campus

A visit can provide the most valuable information for you – the feel of a school, the resources, the relationships between administration and students, the way classes are taught. If it is at all possible to, visit the schools you apply to. While many schools might be able to provide the essentials, and a high standard, how well you fit the academic atmosphere and local culture will largely determine your future direction. Take the time to visit campus. If you can’t, contact the school or a department through email or letter correspondence.

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This article is titled, “5 Things You Can Do Differently During Your College Admissions” It was written by Marta Casey, a writer on Top Test Prep’s team.

To learn more about Top Test Prep’s programs, call (800) 501 – Prep.

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March madness means more than hoops and tournaments – it’s also the time of year when colleges release their admission decisions to applicants. Waiting can be a difficult hiatus, but nothing can surpass the anticipation of colleges’ actual decisions.  So what do you do when you are waitlisted?

Your hopes, expectations – they are all in an envelope. What do you do when you are neither fully accepted nor rejected? It’s a liminal space, being on the waitlist. But it’s not a completely passive one. Here are 5 ways to deal with being waitlisted at your top choice.

1. Research the college

Revisit your reasons for wanting to attend your top-choice school, and scrutinize how well the school fits you. A college will only meet your expectations and be a dream school if it fits the kind of student you are and the kind of work you plan to do. If you are waitlisted at choice A, but after a little more reading and research realize choice B – where you’ve been accepted – would fit you as well or better as choice A, you might want to think about where you’d like to attend college. Another point to research is – of course – your chances of acceptance as a waitlisted candidate. If you think waiting it out will be fruitless, make the mental decision to move on and commit to a different institution.

2. Contact the school briefly.

If the college is still your top choice, in a succinct, polite letter, let the college know you still plan to attend if offered admission. In this letter, brevity is key. It is important to let the admissions office know you are still excited about the school, but you must do so in a professional manner. If there are significant changes to your application it is ok to include that information. Anything else could be construed as pushy and annoying. When second-semester grades and awards come out, you can include that information in a follow-up to your application.

3. Keep your grades up – and stay involved

Maintaining grades is essential if you are waitlisted. You are not only holding steady, but if you perform exceptionally, you will stand out amongst those who might experience a lackadaisical whim of senioritis. Extracurricular activities are imperative. You might have the grades to get in – but perhaps admission counselors weren’t sure about how you tied in out-of-classroom work into your life. If you are already doing well and active, keep going! Losing ground will only hurt if you do get a chance at admission. And if you are continuously working hard, other rewards might come in the form of scholarships and grants.

4. Do not bribe the school – or the admissions counselors

Bribery can only hurt you. Offering a bribe will undermine your academic profile and reputation. Enough said.

5. Be patient, and make your own decision

It may be tempting to send your admissions counselor constant updates on your academic progress or extracurricular involvement. You might have tons of questions flooding in as the time to make a decision approaches and you are still on the waitlist. Just wait. If you've sent in a letter, updated grades and performance, and the college is aware of your intentions, try to compartmentalize the feeling of urgency. If you inundate an admissions office, you might come off as desperate rather than eager.

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This post is titled, "What To Do When You Are Waitlisted." It was written by Marta Casey, a writer on Top Test Prep's team. To learn more about Top Test Prep's programs, call (800) 501 – Prep.

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