More and more, colleges are beginning to consider students holistically. Admissions committees acknowledge and reward a breadth of interests, like athletic achievement, artistic endeavors, or other activities. Your application includes a variety of information: personal statements, academic records, and recommendations all play important roles. In light of this, you may wonder how important are your ACT scores? The answer: they are crucial. Although there may not be a huge difference between a 34 and a 35 in an admission officer’s eyes, there is a big difference between a 25 and a 35. You must, with few exceptions, score within a certain range to attend the nation’s best colleges.

So what is a good ACT score? It largely depends where you want to go! The nation’s most elite colleges, like Williams College, Yale, or Stanford, all have average ACT composites of 30-34. This means that only 25% of students scored below 30, and 25% of students scored above 34 at these schools.

Interested in schools like Washington and Lee, Georgetown, or University of Virginia? You’ll want to score between 28 and 31 or 32.

Lastly, make sure that you score comparably in all sections! It may raise a few eyebrows if you score 35 on your science, English, and reading sections, but earn a 25 on your math. Make sure to work on your weaknesses so that you earn a similar score on each section. This will demonstrate that you are a well-rounded student prepared to succeed in many different disciplines.

Keep in mind that these numbers do not secure an offer of admissions. You could score a 36 on the ACT, but if you have a few bad grades that you can’t explain, or you haven’t participated in any activities in high school, you still might not get an offer! Ideally, colleges are looking to confirm that your standardized testing complements your grades. Are you a straight-A student with a 33 on your ACT and a few strong extracurricular activities? You are well situated for the admissions process!
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This article was written by Beryl Manning-Geist, who is on the admissions counseling expert team at Top Test Prep. For more information on ACT Prep and Tutoring, contact (800) 501-Prep today.

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The Basics of Electronic College Applications

What should you know about college applications in the high tech era? A brief explanation follows.

I. How to submit your college applications (options):

The Common Application: With 456 participating schools, it allows you to fill out one application. State schools participating include the University of Michigan and UNC Chapel Hill.
The Universal College Application: The name is deceiving since it includes only 59 schools to whom you can submit a single application.
State and School Specific Electronic Applications: Many large state schools and selective private institutions such as Georgetown and MIT have their own applications that can be found on their web-site.

How to submit your high school transcripts:
An increasing number of high schools are using eDocs through Naviance to send the transcripts electronically to your schools. Paper forms for sending transcripts through the mail, however, can still be picked up at many high school guidance offices.

How to send test scores:
Students must request that test scores be sent to all of their colleges by the deadlines. You can request your scores through Request SAT scores, and Request ACT scores. When you sign up for the ACT’s or SAT’s, use the same legal name and e-mail for all subsequent application materials to avoid confusion.

Follow-Up is the Key
Assume it will take two to four weeks or your application to be processed. If its arrival has not been confirmed in four weeks, call to clarify its status and whether there are any missing pieces.

David Dickson is a counselor with Top Test Prep which offers tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who will help you gain admission to your top schools. For information on SAT Prep Tutoring, and ACT Prep Tutoring, or general college admissions, call (800) 501-Prep.

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Here are Ten Important College Admissions Trends, for students applying to colleges:

The most recent results from the National Association for College Admissions Counseling’s annual survey of what is transpiring in the world of college admissions follow.

1. College Enrollment Is Up
As of 2009, 20.4 million students were enrolled in college, representing 70 percent of all students who completed high school that year.

2. College Applications Are Up
Almost 73 percent of the colleges responding to the survey reported an increase in the number of applications received.

3. College Acceptance Rates Are Down
Overall national acceptance rates declined from 71 percent in 2001 to 65.5 percent in 2010. The most competitive national universities and colleges have acceptance rates in the low double and single digits.

4. Applications Per Student Are Up
More than 77 percent of freshman submitted three or more applications and 25 percent submitted seven or more applications.

5. Admissions Yield Is Down
Colleges are enrolling increasingly smaller percentages of their accepted student pool, declining in fall 2010 to 41 percent from 49 percent ten years earlier.

6. Admission From Wait Lists Is Down
Colleges accepted an average of 28% of all students who chose to remain on wait lists, down from 34 percent in fall of 2009.

7. On-Line Applications Are Up
On average, colleges received 85 percent of their applications online, up from 58 percent in 2006.

8. Admissions Selectivity Is Up
The national share of colleges accepting fewer than 50 percent of applicants rose to almost 20 percent in 2010.

9. Social Networking Is Up
The proportion of colleges linking admissions web-sites to social networking sites increased from 73 percent to 91 percent.

10. Emphasis on “Demonstrated Interest” is Up
The percentage of colleges attaching considerable or moderate importance to demonstrated interest increased from 48 percent in 2009 to 54 percent in 2010. Demonstrated interest is exhibited in different ways including a willingness to participate in interviews with college representatives.
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David Dickson is a counselor with Top Test Prep; Top Test Prep’s private tutoring programs allow students to improve test scores on subjects like the SSAT, ISEE (Private School) to colleges (SAT, ACT) to graduate schools (LSAT, MCAT, GRE). Call 1-800-501-7737 to learn more.

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Here’s a better way to write your college admissions essays, so that you avoid the most common mistakes in applying.

Ten Mistakes to Avoid in Your College Essays

It is college essay time and you want this part of your college application package to complement your academic and non-academic achievements, and not distract from them. Ten common mistakes to avoid in writing your college admission essay follow.

1. Writing It At The Last Minute
You have plenty of time to write a carefully considered essay. Deferring your work to the last minute will compound many of the errors which accompany poorly executed essays.

2. Not Addressing the Essay Prompt
Admissions committees formulate questions to elicit information that is important to their decision. A failure to clearly answer a question will be regarded negatively by them.

3. Failure to Have a Central Idea
An essay which does not have a clear thesis will appear to be incoherent to admissions members.

4. Ignoring the Word Limits
If you violate essay word limits, your ability to follow basic instructions may be questioned.

5. Use words wisely
A self-conscious use of flowery vocabulary words when more straightforward language would be fine will undermine the clarity of your essay and the prospect that it will be received favorably. Yes, we encourage the use of SAT words even, but you have to use them wisely and appropriately in order to make your essay flow for the admissions officers.

6. Dredging Up an Overused Topic
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel in your essay, but try to write a distinctive essay which reflects your distinctiveness as a person.

7. Incorporating Embarrassing or Politically Offensive Material into Your Essay
Certain topics including locker room humor or politically divisive subjects may turn off your readers.

8. Including Unnecessary Material
Get to the point in your essay and don’t include extraneous material which isn’t pertinent to the topic.

9. Not Writing in Paragraphs
Essays presented as undifferentiated blobs or curt single sentences in paragraphs will not help your cause.

10. Grammatical and Structural Errors
Have an experienced editor or reader proofread your essay to ensure that it isn’t error-prone. You can even contact us at Top Test Prep get college application help.

Conclusion

College application essays are vehicles for explaining your academic and non-academic strengths in a personalized fashion, which explains why you would be a good fit for a specific college. Avoiding common mistakes in formulating them could play a significant role in a favorable admissions outcome.

David Dickson is a counselor with Top Test Prep. Get in touch with Top Test Prep today, by visiting TopTestPrep.com or calling (800) 501-Prep.

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Conventional wisdom from friends and family on the college admissions process is often wrong. Four common college admissions myths and the truth follow.

College Admission Myth One: It Doesn’t Matter Where You Go to College

A common refrain from peers and sometimes parents is that education is basically the same everywhere and you will get out of it what you put into it.
Reality: Colleges vary enormously in resources available for students and faculty, the quality of teaching, and placement rates in good jobs and graduate programs. Examine peer reviews of colleges and institutional resources as reported in US News and World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” issue. Moreover, ask prospective colleges about post-graduation placement rates.

Myth Two: Class Size Does Not Affect the Quality of the Learning Experience

Reality: Smaller classes taught by full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty increase the probability that you will receive direct attention and feedback from your professor. Figures on class size and the percentage of full-time faculty can be found in US News and World Report’s annual issue.

Myth Three: Attending an In-State Public Institution is Much Cheaper than Attending a Private Institution

Reality: This is at best a partial and highly qualified truth. Elite highly rated private colleges generally provide more financial assistance than public institutions. Moreover, they will put you in better higher paying jobs and stronger graduate programs than most of their public counterparts.

Myth Four: Large Hub Public Universities Will Provide a Better Education in the Sciences Than Quality Small Liberal Arts Schools

Many people presume that the hub public institutions with their research faculty and science facilities will do a better job of teaching science to undergraduates than small liberal arts schools.

Reality: Public hub universities generally tailor their science programs to graduate students and the research faculty themselves. This has become somewhat less pronounced at select schools which have developed undergraduate science honors programs. Nonetheless, faculty at the most competitive small liberal arts schools must conduct research for tenure, but are also rewarded for their attentiveness to teaching. Moreover, these schools often do a superb job of placing their science graduates in highly ranked graduate and professional schools.

Conclusion
As you embark on the college admissions process, it is crucial that you separate legend from reality. Top Test Prep will facilitate this and provide you with tutoring and admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools.

David Dickson is an admissions counselor for Top Test Prep. For information on Top Test Prep’s private SAT and ACT Tutoring, call us at (800) 501-Prep.

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Background to the Trend and How Families Can Take Advantage of It…

Students and families seeking an edge in the increasing competitive world of college admissions should take note of an emerging trend which has received little publicity. In response to diminishing support from financially strapped state legislatures, many of America’s top public universities have been steadily increasing their admission of higher tuition paying out-of-state students in recent years. Families with the financial wherewithal might consider applying to these institutions whose tuition are still lower than their private counterparts. Moreover, a sizable number of them also exercise rolling admissions policies where applications are reviewed as soon as they are submitted, increasing the odds of acceptance for early applicants.

Illustrations of the Admissions Trend

Elite public institutions across the country have been soliciting out-of-state students. In 2010, out-of- state students made up 20 percent of the University of California, Berkeley’s freshman class, up from five percent five years ago. Moreover, 39 percent of out-of-state applicants were accepted versus 24 percent of in-state applicants. Out-of-state students made up 40 percent of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor’s most recent freshman class, an increase of three percent from five years ago. The University of Virginia, Charlottesville’s percentage of out of state freshman increased to 33 percent from 30 percent the previous year. Notable increases in out-of-state students also included the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign where 27 percent of freshman had this status versus 19 percent five years ago and The University of Washington, Seattle with a comparable upswing over a three year period.

The Ten Public Universities with the Highest Proportion of Out of State Students
The following public universities have the highest percentage of out-of-state students.
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University of Vermont, Burlington 66%
Indiana University, Bloomington 45%
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 40%
College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 35%
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 35%
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 35%
University of Wisconsin, Madison 35%
Penn State University, University Park, PA 34%
University of Virginia, Charlottesville 33%
Auburn University, Montgomery, AL 33%

Conclusion:

Students and families interested in quality public universities should explore out-of-state institutions which are eager to both broaden their geographical base and enhance their financial status. Top Test Prep offers elite private tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who can help you gain admission to your top schools, whether private or public.

David Dickson is a counselor with Top Test Prep; call Top Test Prep today at (800) 501-Prep.

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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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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 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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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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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.

__________

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.

************* *************** *************

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.

*Online Tutoring
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!

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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.

Tags: Admissions Advice, admissions consultants, admissions consulting, Admissions Counselor // View Comments

How to Get off the College Admissions Waitlist: Tips and Strategies

If you’re waitlisted to your top college and still would like some help getting into your top choice college, there is hope. With these four admissions tips, you can improve your chances of getting off the waitlist and gaining admission to college.

(1) Follow-up with the admissions office. As soon as you receive your waitlist letter, immediately follow-up with the admissions office to indicate your interest. Often wait lists are first-come, first-serve on a rolling basis. If you don’t show interest early, you’re unlikely to gain admission.

(2) Create a new admissions portfolio. Yes, the admissions office undoubtedly received your common application with personal statement, but sometimes this isn’t enough. Write 250 to 500 words on one great thing you’ve done or accomplished in school, or an award you won that wasn’t mentioned on the college application.

(3) Arrange an informal interview with a regional college alum. You might not know this, but most elite colleges have alumni interviewers in most parts of the world who are ready, willing and able to meet with applicants. You should see if it’s possible to set-up a meeting with a local or regional representative. Be sure to be as informal as possible here and don’t be too pushy. Kindly request this meeting, and see if the admissions office goes for it.

(4) Consider re-taking the SAT or ACT. There are a couple more SAT and ACT exams open before the fall. If you’re feeling ambitious (which you should!) consider re-taking these exams and submitting your new SAT and/or ACT scores. This initiative will go a long way in proving your interest in that particular college.
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If you need help with college admissions counseling or test prep, don’t hesitate to contact Top Test Prep’s team. We’re open 7 days a week, and you can reach us by calling (800) 501-Prep.

This article was written by college admissions expert, Ross Blankenship.

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Talking to students informally about the rationale behind their college choices, one gets a wide array of answers including finances, academics, and climate. The University of California, Los Angeles’s Higher Education Research Institute has conducted a comprehensive survey of college freshmen for the past forty years which poses this question, among others, to students. The most recent survey conducted in the fall of 2010 incorporated 271, 441 freshmen from 393 institutions of higher learning. Results from this survey and a couple of lessons follow.

College Admissions Survey Results:

In the fall of 2010, 62.1 percent of student respondents to the UCLA survey agreed that “the current economic situation affected my college choice” somewhat or strongly. In the midst of the recent recession, according to the Chronicle of Education, one in six college bound students had to change their college plans. The academic reputation of an institution was cited by 62 percent of students in the UCLA survey as a major consideration in their college deliberations. It is unclear how students arrive at this judgment, particularly in light of the fact that only 16.7 percent of freshmen identified rankings in national magazines as a factor in their matriculation decisions. A belief that their chosen college would lead to good jobs was mentioned by 53.3 percent of freshmen, and financial assistance was identified as pivotal by 45.5 percent of students. Campus visits influenced the decisions of 41.8 percent of students, and the cost of attending college was treated as salient by 41 percent of them. A college’s reputation for social life influenced 39.5 percent of students, size was delineated by 38.7 percent of respondents, and the school’s proficiency in getting students into graduate and professional programs was identified by 32.2 percent of freshmen. Additional factors cited by students didn’t register beyond the teens in terms of support.

Lessons Learned:

A few lessons relate to the survey results.

First, academic reputation should be considered by students and their families as they evaluate their college options, but it is not in the eyes of the beholder. It largely corresponds to the academic rankings for national universities and liberal arts schools in US News and World Report’s (USNWR) annual “Best Colleges” issue. There is a strong relationship between an institution’s relative position in the national hierarchy and the resources available for financial assistance. Moreover, higher ranked schools generally do a better job than their lower ranked counterparts in placing students following graduation in jobs or desirable professional and graduate schools.

Second, students and their families are legitimately concerned about the availability of financial aid and college costs. Nonetheless, for a productive student experience they should also be conscious of faculty resources which affect class size and college financial resources that affect average spending per student on instruction and services. Both of these indicators of college quality can be found in USNWR.

Finally, the quality of programs within schools can vary and therefore students and their families are advised to visit campuses and set up appointments with departmental representatives of programs in which they are interested. Questions about class size, and post graduation job and graduate school placements can (and should) be raised at those meetings.

Overall…

In this era of media reality shows, students display an understanding of contemporary American realities in their college deliberations. They are largely choosing their colleges for the right reasons, but can maximize their chances for success by tweaking the factors they take into account.

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David Dickson is a college admissions counselor for Top Test Prep. This article discusses factors in how students select a college for matriculation.

To learn more about Top Test Prep’s admissions counseling 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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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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Top Test Prep is excited to welcome a new writer on board for our Test Prep and Admissions, “The Insider’s Guide to Admissions”…
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Jon B. attended the Derryfield School. Among his activities, he taught at an after-school program, Summerbridge, and playing on the Varsity Lacrosse term. In college he went on to pursue history, then the arts, then environmental studies, and then culminated this jaunt through the liberal arts pursuing journalism. Besides writing for the Oberlin Review and Oberlin Grape, he also founded the Wilder Voice, a long-form journalism magazine, which has just entered his fifth year. He worked for three years writing for various California publications, as well as writing and directing and film and videos in the advertising, corporate, and filmmaking words.

Tags: Admissions Advice, admissions consulting, Education Expert // View Comments

Top Test Prep is proud to announce a new set of free college admissions seminars for parents.

If you’d like to attend these college admissions seminars on the following topics:

• Tuesday, January 25, 6 – 7 pm:

“How to Improve Your Child’s SAT and ACT scores”

• Wednesday, February 16, 6 – 7 pm:

“10 Secrets to Getting College Scholarships”

• Monday, March 7, 6 – 7 pm:

“What Parents Can Expect in College Admissions”

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Parents, complete the following sign up form:

Register here for College Admissions Seminars (Workshop)
*The admissions seminars will be held by education expert and admissions expert, Ross Blankenship.  Ross Blankenship’s profile can be found here on Top Test Prep’s Team page.

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Here’s some information on how to get into top colleges. This video explains how one student got into his top college after applying with Top Test Prep’s help.

Top Test Prep’s team helps students with their SAT prep, ACT prep and admissions counseling programs. Call (800) 501-Prep for more information on our college admissions programs.

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Here’s some good advice on how to write the best scholarship essay…

We’ve told you to take your scholarship essays seriously. So where and how do you begin? Here are some helpful questions to get you started:

What attributes do you wish to convey?

- In order to answer this question, you should at the very least read a description of the award. Is the award intended to honor a certain person, and how is he or she described? This will give you an idea of the criteria on which your character will be judged.

- What are the main interests or goals of the organization offering the scholarship? How might you be expected to help achieve these goals? Present yourself as someone compatible with the organization’s mission.

- Create a list of attributes you wish to emphasize in your scholarship essay. Remember: in addition to self-confidence, humility is a very attractive trait!

- If you have questions regarding the scholarship, you can always call the organization. Committees want to help students create strong applications.

Do you need to do some research, or is the question more personal?

- Outside research can enrich your writing and strengthen its impact. You may be required to do research in order to answer the question – if, for example, you need to evaluate a policy and take a stance for or against it. If the question is personal, outside research may still be helpful for placing your circumstances in context. Maybe you want to explain just how crucial the lab research you’re conducting is to our understanding of the habits of howler monkeys.

Do you come across as human?

- If so, good! It’s alright – even beneficial – to reveal shortcomings, as long as you have some insight into them and can demonstrate that you’ll give a challenge everything you’ve got. Have a friend read your essay, and see what kind of picture of you it paints.

- Use specific details and examples to convey desired attributes. Don’t just say you work hard. Describe the steps you take to succeed, and how you manage to balance work with other demands.

• Examine your examples. How can you make them even more specific, and therefore more compelling? Remember that your readers have never met you or anyone in your life (probably). In order for your character to stand out, people need specifics, just as they do when reading a novel or a biography.

Lastly, get feedback.

Top Test Prep offers admissions counseling that can help you hone your scholarship essays and grab an organization’s attention.

This article is on how to write scholarship essays. For more information on scholarship essays for applications, go to TopTestPrep.com.

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