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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Things to know about this college transfer admissions strategies…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

STEP TWO: Head to the School’s Official Website

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

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

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

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

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

STEP FIVE: Go on a College Visit

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

CONCLUSION

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

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

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How to Start Your College Search before applying to colleges…

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

Step one: Make a College Wish List

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

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

Step Two: Talk to Alumni of these colleges

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

Step Three: Identify these colleges and gather information

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

Step Four: Narrow down college list and plan college visits

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

Conclusion

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

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

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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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As college commencements end across the country and we head into those sultry summer months, it’s important to note admissions trends and the best strategy for getting into your top choice college. The admissions market is tough for competitive colleges, but families who plan prudently can increase their odds of gaining admission to the best schools.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TRENDS

1. 2011 Was the Most Difficult Year on Record for Getting into College.

Even as the absolute number of students of college age begins a gradual decline, applications reached a new high in 2011. It is not unusual for students to now apply to 10, 20, or even 30 colleges. Bulging domestic American applicant pools have been bolstered by a surge of international applicants. Institutions as diverse as Brown, Michigan State, and William and Mary recorded increases of 10 percent, 13 percent, and 23 percent in international applications respectfully. Not surprisingly acceptance rates at the Ivies continue to plunge with Columbia accepting 6.9 percent and Harvard 6.2 percent of applicants in 2011. The daunting odds of getting into the most elite national universities have convinced many families to submit applications to the best state schools, and elite liberal arts colleges as Williams, Amherst, and Swarthmore with commensurate increases in high quality applicants.

2. College waiting lists are expanding more than ever.

Admissions wait lists are expanding rapidly at many institutions, but applicants beware. At some institutions, the wait lists are used to appease legacy families, and high schools with which they have a close relationship. Few students from these lists make it into the freshman class. In 2010, Colby College in Maine, a top twenty-five US News and World Report national liberal arts school, placed 934 on the wait list and only took 21. Moreover, Johns Hopkins University, a national university power-house admitted a grand total of 1 student from its wait list of 3,667 students, and the University of Vermont accepted 218 of the 3,456 students relegated to the wait list.

3. Southern and urban universities are becoming more popular destinations.

Southern or mild climate destinations as Emory (Atlanta), Wake Forest (North Carolina), Vanderbilt (Tennessee), and the University of Southern California have become popular schools for students who want to bask in the sun. Cold weather urban universities as Boston University and Fordham in New York City have also witnessed a surge in applications contributing to a more competitive admissions process.

FIVE STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING THE ADMISSIONS ODDS AND GETTING ACCEPTED

As admissions odds for the most elite institutions increasingly resemble the lottery sometimes, what is the concerned family to do? A few basic initiatives beginning early in a student’s high school career will help increase your chances.

Step One: Starting in 9th grade with a focus on achieving a high GPA, students should take selective Advanced Placement and honors courses (or enroll in an IB Program if your school permits). It is also important to display a sustained multi-year commitment to a few extracurricular activities in which students can exhibit leadership.

Step Two: Draw up a list of colleges to research and visit no later than December of a student’s junior year when PSAT scores are available.

Step Three: Get some test prep and begin planning for either or both – the SAT and ACT exams. Contact Top Test Prep to learn more about how you can prepare for these exams.

Step Four: Visit at least 5 colleges in the spring of a student’s junior year and include back-up schools in the itinerary.

Step Five: Finalize the college list and complete any visits by October of the senior year. This will also provide you with the option of applying early decision (binding admissions) or early admissions (non-binding) to a favored institution, thereby increasing your admissions odds. The University of Virginia, Harvard, and Princeton will be reinstituting an early admissions program in the fall of 2011 rejoining the club of competitive institutions who use this strategem to attract their strongest candidates. If a student’s standardized test scores are not stellar, keep in mind that over 830 schools no longer require the submission of SAT’s and ACT’s. They include Wake Forest, a highly regarded national university, as well as Middlebury and Bowdoin, numbers 4 and 6 respectfully among national liberal arts college in the US News 2011 rankings.

CONCLUSIONS

Competition is no longer limited to America’s shores and college admission is no exception to this long-term development. Fatalists would throw up their hands in despair. Proactive families, however, will relish the opportunity and take the concrete steps to ensure that the next generation of students is prepared for a fast moving and dynamic international environment in which a quality college education will be at a premium.
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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 test prep for students applying to top schools. For more information, call (800) 501-7737.

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Spurred on by escalating college costs, concerns about the amount of learning on campuses, and that age old affliction known as anti-intellectualism, recent months have witnessed the emergence of vocal critics of mass college education. Peter Thiel and James Altucher in New York Magazine called upon Americans to avoid college and head into the work force. A Pew Research Center study revealed that a mere 40 percent of Americans believed that college was worth it, though 86 percent of college graduates expressed faith in its value. While arguments can be made on behalf of the intrinsic intellectual merits of college and the formal exchange of ideas, Americans are a pragmatic and results oriented people. Most Americans would ask how a college education will benefit them concretely over a life-time or “where’s the beef.” The answer is three-fold.

1. COLLEGE IS A PRE-CONDITION FOR GOING FROM RAGS TO MIDDLE CLASS STATUS OR RICHES

A Brookings Study found the American dream of class mobility is improbable without a college degree. Only 14 percent of Americans from the bottom fifth of parental income without a college education climb to the top two fifths. In contrast, if they complete college 41 percent of this group penetrates the top two fifths.

2. COLLEGE GRADUATES HAVE MORE JOBS AND FUN

While the unemployment rate in 2010 was 5.4 percent for college graduates, it was almost twice as high at 10.3 percent of those with only a high school degree, and almost three times as high at 14.9 percent for those without a high school degree. Individuals with a masters degree had a 4 percent unemployment rate. That’s right college graduates get the jobs which means they generally have more fun because they’re able to make more money, build a career and eventually support their own families.

3. COLLEGE GRADUATES EARN MUCH MORE THAN THEIR NON-COLLEGE COUNTERPARTS OVER A LIFE-TIME

The life-time earnings gap between an individual with a bachelors degree and a person with a high school degree is almost a million dollars at $2.1 million and $1.2 million respectfully. A professional degree translates into life-time earnings of around $4.4 million. The wealth or total assets disparity between college graduates and non-graduates is even greater. The only American educational sub-group which did not see their wealth stagnate or decline over the last forty years were the roughly 27 percent of Americans with bachelor or graduate/professional degrees.

CONCLUSION

In the new millennium college is crucial for economic success and a relatively secure future. Those who discourage higher education are doing a disservice, in particular, to young people from non-college educated households who in the absence of education will find themselves marginalized and with little hope for a better life. Unlike Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Apple’s Steve Jobs, and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, most of those who spurn a Bachelors degree will languish in low paying and transient positions struggling to meet basic needs. While higher education is always in need of criticism and reform, the non-college track is largely a dead-end.

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David Dickson is on the admissions and educational counseling team for Top Test Prep. Top Test Prep has several education experts who can help families navigate the path of college admissions and build futures for their families.

For more information on Top Test Prep’s private tutor and admissions counseling programs, call (800) 501-Prep.

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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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How to Create A College Brag Sheet

What Is a College Brag Sheet?

Brag sheets are a student’s resume and are designed to assist teachers in writing recommendations and to accompany college applications. A brag sheet can help you gain admission to some of the best colleges in the country. It’s your chance to highlight all of the great things you’ve accomplished in high school, and what you’re likely to do once you matriculate at top schools.

There are a few types of admission brag sheets:

Activity based brag sheets focus on a student’s performance in areas such as extracurricular activities, employment, community service, honors, and awards. In narrative brag sheets students or parents respond to questions intended to provide insights into what makes students tick. For instance, what are a student’s proudest accomplishments or do you want to explain special student circumstances? Hybrid brag sheets combine a description of student activities with narrative oriented questions.

Overall Tips for Creating Your Brag Sheets

1. Find out if your high school or the colleges to which you are applying have a preferred brag sheet format with details on the information you are to provide. The school’s website may have this information. Adjust your brag sheet accordingly.

2. Focus on quality and brevity over quantity. A laundry list of non-prioritized activities or long answers to narrative questions will confuse readers. Your brag sheet should be about a page long and should highlight the activities in which you have excelled and the qualities which best capture your character. Ask yourself what sets you apart from others.

3. Start in chronological order with your most recent activities or awards and work backwards.

4. Detail what years you have been involved in each activity and specific time commitments. You can refer to hours per week or weeks per year in your explanation.

5. Point out what you have contributed to an activity and any leadership positions you have held. If you were the chief organizer of a high school dance to raise money for leukemia patients, emphasize that fact.

6. Review your brag sheet for consistency and clarity. Don’t say “I” in one area and “we” in another. Use active verbs such as “created,” “designed,” and “coordinated.”

7. Think about how what you write will be interpreted by the recommender and by the admissions office. It should distinguish you from other students and illuminate your strengths. It should also take into account the mission of the school to which you are applying as delineated on its website. If a college stresses community service, make this a prominent aspect of your brag sheet.
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This article about “How to Write a College Admissions Brag Sheet” should help students as they prepare to apply to colleges. It was written by David Dickson, who is on the the College Admissions Counseling team for Top Test Prep. For more information on Top Test Prep’s private tutoring and admissions counseling programs, simply call (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 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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In this article, we discuss when it’s better to apply early decision vs. early action to colleges, and some things for you to consider when applying…

What is Early Decision?

Recent buzz about the advantages of applying early decision as opposed to regular decision has created confusion among students and their families. They are interested in maximizing their chances of getting into a strong college, but are reticent about limiting their college choices.
Early decision applications for college are often due in early to mid-November of a student’s senior year. In fact, during this time, you must agree that you will apply early decision to only one institution. Admissions decisions will be made by mid-December enabling the completion of regular applications due in January or February, if necessary. If accepted, it is a binding decision unless financial aid is inadequate. If so, the institution can withdraw their offer of admission and you cannot apply again that academic year. The following observations are designed to assist students and parents wrestling with this issue.

1. The Early Decision Acceptance Rate is Considerably Higher than the Regular Decision Rates

Statistical evidence is clear that applying early decision increases one’s prospects of getting into strong institutions if your grades, exam scores, and extracurricular activities are up to par for that respective college. For example: Ivy League -Columbia University accepts 19.6 percent of early decision applicants and nine percent of regular decision applicants. Amherst College, which is rated second among national liberal arts institutions in the 2011 edition of US News and World Report’s Best Colleges, accepts 36.56 percent of applicants for early decision and 16 percent of regular decision applicants. This pattern generally holds at strong institutions. The applicant pool at these institutions is highly competitive, but you can improve your odds of admission through early decision.

2. Early Decision is Not for Those Ambivalent about an Institution

If you’re not sold on the academic and non-academic dimensions of an institution, early decision is not for you. Uncertainty about the wisdom of your decision is not a good psychological state as you head into a challenging freshman year. You don’t want to apply early decision unless you’re 100% committed to attending that school.

3. If you are uncertain about apply early decision, early action is a non-binding option for you

If you are not fully committed to attending an institution, consider early action. With this option you can commit to a college on the spot or wait until the spring while applying to other institutions . Early action, however, is less common than early decision at the strongest national colleges and universities.

4. If you are considering early decision or early action, you need a head start on exams, interviews and the college application.

If you are considering early decision or early action, students are advised to jump start their exam, interview, and application schedule. Standardized tests, college visits, and interviews should take place in their junior year. Early decision applications should be completed by September of a student’s senior year. November is a common due date for early decision and early action applications, but follow the deadlines of the institution in which you are interested.

Deliberation and research are pre-conditions for the successful college search. Early decision applications are not for the faint-hearted and must be pursued in keeping with the guidelines of your target institution.
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This article was written by David Dickson. David is a college admissions counselor with Top Test Prep. For more information on Top Test Prep‘s 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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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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How college admission offices use social networking sites‚ and why that matters for your MySpace, Facebook and other pages

Imagine taking the time to fill out your college app, write a stellar essay, then ending up being rejected from your top college choice or a scholarship opportunity because an admissions rep checked out your Facebook page and didn’t like what was there.

It happens.
Never before has it been so simple for admissions officers to get extra information about students. Simply looking at someone’s Facebook or MySpace page can be an excellent indicator as to whether or not they really fit the personality picture that their application painted.

A 2009 Survey performed by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) found that 88 percent of admissions officers said that social networking sites (such as Facebook or MySpace) were either somewhat important or very important to their current and future recruitment efforts.

How to deal?
Of course, there are some ways to avoid the negative impacts of social networking. Here are some.

1. Don’t use them. The simplest way to avoid this problem is to avoid social networking sites altogether.

2. Turn all privacy settings on. With applications such as Facebook, you can control who is able to view your profile. While applying to colleges, it may be worth turning all the privacy settings on.

3. Ask your friends and family for their opinion on your profile. Have them look at your profiles to ensure they won’t have a negative impact on your reputation. They will often give you the most objective opinion as to whether that latest party photo is too risky.

4. Always err on the side of caution. Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you think your social networking activities are too risky, then take the profile down.

Always consider the impact that social networking can have on your applications. Taking the time to do so now will ensure you aren’t left wondering why your application was denied.

Ross Blankenship is the president and director of TopTestPrep.com. He is an admissions expert who has helped students get into top prep schools, colleges and graduate schools through Top Test Prep’s private tutoring and admissions consulting programs.

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Here’s some information on how to get into top colleges and universities. Top Test Prep‘s admissions experts can help you if you’re applying to college and need college admissions counseling.

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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 our new tutoring and admissions expert, overview video. We hope our family, friends and fans enjoy!

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Top 10 Things to Check Before Submitting Your College Applications

Written by Admissions Expert, Ross Blankenship
Founder of Top Test Prep

When applying to college, your admissions application is the gateway to your acceptance. Your grades and academic history obviously factor into the equation, but since the application itself is what the admissions officers see first, caution must be taken to ensure you get everything right the first time. Remember perception is reality and admissions officers want to see a flawless college application. Before you submit your college application – whether using the common application or a University’s specific application, the same rules apply.
To help you get started, I have put together this guide to 10 things to check before you submit any college application or common application.

Before your submit your college applications…

1. Follow Directions Carefully: One of the most common errors applicants make is to simply not follow the directions on the application. As you begin filling out your app, be sure that you follow the directions thoroughly. If you’ve been asked to submit an essay that is no more than 500 words, do so. If you’re asked to fill in all of your personal information, complete everything you can. There’s a reason college applications have a word limit. Admissions offices receive thousands of applications, so it’s important to be clear and concise in the spaces allotted.

2. Write legibly (and don’t handwrite): Yes, students still do fill out applications by hand. I would strongly advise you not to be one of these students. If you’re one of the few people in America without a computer, then of course you can handwrite. But your handwriting should be perfect if you do.

3. Re-read everything: Be sure to re-read every section of the application. Doing so will ensure that you say what you mean, and don’t send the wrong message because of an error or oversight. I would even encourage you to read the entire college application out loud. You’ll be pleasantly surprised if you catch a mistake before, rather than after, your application is submitted.

4. Check Spelling and Grammar: Spelling and grammar are important on your college application. If you’re pasting your essays and application information from Microsoft Word, this is so easy to do. It also helps to have someone else read your application entirely before submitting.

5. Make sure everything is filled out :  Be sure that everything is filled out. You likely won’t have to fill out every section of the application, but you do want to ensure that you complete the portions that are pertinent to your acceptance.

6. Fill it out yourself: You can get your parents or friends to help you if needed, but fill it out yourself. If you allow someone else to write any portion of the document it will be apparent to the admissions officers with handwriting or general writing style. Some college admissions experts can also help you with your application, and make sure the application itself is perfected.

7. List Extracurricular Activities: Be sure that you list extracurricular activities that you actually were involved in throughout your academic career. Don’t overload the admissions offices with activities in which you spent very little time during the year.

8. Check the Date and Signature: Don’t forget to sign the application and date it correctly. On some documents the place for the signature will be on the back  - don’t forget to check it!

9. Attach all relevant Information: Ensure that you attach every document needed with the application: ID, your admissions essay, and any other documentation the application asks for should be attached as per the directions.

10. Ensure your Online Application Gets Submitted: If you are applying online be sure that you are taken to the confirmation page, and that you save the confirmation email.

Your college admissions application is your one chance to show the admissions offices exactly what kind of student you are, and plan on being at their school. Thus, taking extra time and double-checking your application is crucial. These steps above are just a few of the many admissions counseling tips we use at Top Test Prep. Give us a call to learn more, at (800) 501-Prep.

Ross Blankenship is an education expert and Founder of TopTestPrep.com.

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Top Test Prep provides admissions counseling and private tutoring for students applying to prep schools, colleges and graduate schools. For more information on test prep, admissions counseling and private tutoring, go to http://TopTestPrep.com or call (800) 501-Prep.

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What Admissions Offices Want, Objective vs. Subjective Standards

There are two sides to an admissions application for both colleges and graduate schools: objective vs. subjective standards. An admissions office wants both of these components, although some admissions committees emphasize one more than the other.

For definition purposes: the objective side of your application includes your test scores and your GPA. Whereas the subjective side of your application includes your personal statement, letters of recommendation, resume, extracurricular activities, and academic (or other) awards.

For the most part, an admissions office wants the highest test scores. In fact, test scores are the only objective standard in which an admissions office can compare your academic potential to another person applying. Think of the objective standard – test scores – in the same way that a person buying a new home would want to compare the house they’re interested in with a house on the same block. You can never really know the value of that potential home, until you see how other houses near that address fare when sold.

Also, it’s not easy to know exactly what test scores an admissions office is looking for, but one good guess is to research “median” test scores published by that school. For example, many Ivy League schools, which are ranked in the top 10 – i.e. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Penn, Columbia, generally have test scores that range above the top 90th percentile. This means for the SAT generally students score a 2000 or higher. For test such as the LSAT and GMAT, students generally score a 165 or higher and a 670 or higher, respectively, on these two exams for both schools. However, if you’re not quite in these ranges, you have two options: re-take the test, or make the subjective side (essays, resumes, recommendations) so good that they de-emphasize your test scores.

I would argue that objective standards such as your test scores and GPA are the gateway to having an admissions officer review the subjective side such as your essays and personal statements. In other words, many admissions officers won’t begin to look at your full application unless your test scores and GPA are strong enough and fit their median range. There’s a little bit of flexibility on the GPA, as there is some grade inflation at certain schools, and admissions offices know this. But for the most part, you want this objective component to also be as strong, as your test scores are. If the admissions office sees a higher GPA and a really low test score (or vice versa), you might have to explain why such a discrepancy exists.

On the subjective side of the admissions application, you really should focus on your admissions essay. In addition, your recommendations can make a big difference especially if the admissions office is comparing applicants with similar test scores. Overall, the subjective criteria that defines your application is the secondary component – but very important – to your potential admission into a top school.

If you need help with college admissions counseling or graduate admissions counseling, give us a call today or fill out our contact form.

Ross Blankenship
Admissions Expert, Founder of Top Test Prep

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By Ross Blankenship
Founder of Top Test Prep
& Education Expert

So you’ve been put on the waitlist for your top school? Well, it might not be the most ideal situation, but I’ll try to help you get off the admissions waitlist with a few easy admissions tips.

Whether you’re on the admissions waitlist for a top college, medical school, graduate school, business school, these steps will help you get accepted.

Tips for Getting Accepted off the Waitlist:

(1) Reply immediately.

When you get your letter (or email) from the admissions office indicating you’ve been placed on the waitlist, don’t wait until the last minute to send in your reply letter. The sooner you indicate your interest in being accepted off of the waitlist, the more likely you’ll get into this school. I would recommend waiting no more than 48 hours. Also consider writing a certified letter, instead of an email, directly to the admissions office. Consider doing something extraordinary like writing a handwritten letter. There’s no harm in trying a different approach.

(2) Notice who wrote your waitlist letter.

With today’s technology, you can do basic research on any University’s admissions officers. If you received a letter from the Dean of Admissions or their assistant, do a little background check to find things out such as their age, how long they’ve been at the school, and what sorts of things they’re interested in at their current school. You’d be surprised about how much information you can find by doing a Google Search or researching social networks such as LinkedIn. Now, take this information and use it to your advantage.
Write a rapid response letter whose tone is as formal as you know that person to be. For example, if you’ve found that the admissions officer is younger, be less formal in your response. Note: this does not mean writing a casual response! Instead, try to be a little less wordy and more to the point. Your salutations and greetings also can be less formal, depending on your audience.

(3) Be specific.

Instead of writing a general letter or calling to say how interested you are in their school because it’s [simply] such a great school –  write instead about how you’ve followed Professor X academic research and how you want to be part of the school so you can contribute to their academic work. The more specific, the better! Don’t be so general in terms of how or why you think the school is a good fit for you. Do simple research to display how much you know about their school and every department in which you are interested.

(4) It’s not always about you!

This applies to pretty much every setting, whether in your letters or correspondences to an admissions office, or in your admissions interviews. Too often students think these two situations are opportunities for you to go on about how smart or great you are personally. Think about turning the table and making it less about you and more about what you can do for their school, college or university.

(5) Re-take that test.

If you’re applying to college and you’re on the admissions office’s waitlist specifically because of your low SAT or ACT scores, re-take the test! If you’re applying to graduate school – perhaps to medical school or some graduate program- and your MCAT score is low or your GRE score is too low, re-take the test. Admissions officers are people too (yes, hard to believe) and they know how stressful tests can be for students. If your scores are outside of their median whether for the SAT, ACT, MCAT, GRE, and so on, taking the test again will show the school how dedicated you are to getting into their program. This doesn’t mean that you have to continue re-taking an exam over and over again, but instead you should give the test one more try. When you get your improved scores, send these scores directly to the admissions office. Also, write a letter to the admissions office indicating you’ve re-taken the exam and that you are still committed to attending their program if accepted.

I hope these tips for getting accepted off the waitlist help you. There’s no need to panic if you’re placed on the waitlist. In fact, you can use it as an opportunity to showcase other talents that didn’t necessarily come out in the first round of admissions.

Ross Blankenship is an education and admissions expert who helps students get into colleges and graduate schools. He is also the Founder and Chairman of Top Test Prep.

Top Test Prep provides admissions counseling, test prep, and private tutoring for students applying to prep schools, colleges and graduate schools.

To find out more about Top Test Prep, go to http://TopTestPrep.com or call (800) 501-Prep.

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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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Some tips on getting scholarship money to fund your education…

1. Start researching now.

Don’t assume you’re ineligible for a scholarship without thoroughly researching what’s out there. Use the internet, see where your friends are applying, buy a scholarship guide at a bookstore, and ask your college counselor for suggestions. There are scholarships for everything, from tall brunette women to musical prodigies. Through diligent searching, you’ll discover you’re a candidate for more than a few.

2. Increase your chances.

If you start researching scholarships early, you may still have time in your educational career to become a good candidate. A scholarship might require that you’ve completed a certain project or spent time on an extracurricular interest by the application deadline. If you know in advance which scholarships interest you, you can work these things into your free time or your classes.

Another way to increase your odds of receiving scholarship money is to apply for scholarships with specific candidate criteria, scholarships for which fewer people will be applying.

3. Consider schools that offer academic scholarships to attract students like you.

Review the schools’ websites to see what kinds of recruitment scholarships they offer. Schools will invest in high-caliber students in order to boost their rankings. Additionally, schools may use scholarship money to attract students from different geographical areas, students who can contribute to the school’s ethnic and cultural diversity, and students who are involved in less popular areas of study. Check to see whether these schools require supplemental materials or separate applications from students interested in scholarship money.

4. Take applications seriously.

Be sure to do everything a scholarship application asks of you. Approach your potential patrons with humility: they’re considering giving you money, after all. The application itself – and how well you’ve managed to follow the directions – will influence your eligibility.

5. Write a killer scholarship essay.

Approach scholarship essays with the same seriousness of purpose (and attendant anxiety) you reserve for admissions essays. Remember that the people bestowing scholarship money are interested in you as an individual. They want to sponsor candidates that they can easily picture profiting in specific ways from the education they’ll be helping to fund.

Top Test Prep offers admissions counseling that can help you manage your search for scholarships and financial aid.

This article is on getting scholarship money for colleges. To get help from college admissions experts, go to TopTestPrep.com.

Ross Blankenship, Chairman of Top Test Prep and education expert on scholarships, college admissions and test prep, wrote this article.  Call (800) 501-Prep to learn more.

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There are two ways to approach writing a college admissions essay: finding a unique subject, or finding a unique angle on a familiar subject. In addition to displaying your writing abilities, a college admissions essay helps round out your character to an admissions committee. It reveals – or is intended to reveal – who you are. Try not to be intimidated when a college gives you the freedom to choose any topic. Once you have a list of possible topics, trust that a unique angle – in other words, your honest perspective – can make almost any subject interesting, even if it’s something the college has heard about many times before.

First, ask yourself if you’ve had any outstanding experiences – a moment in time, a vacation spent volunteering, sports camp, or a semester abroad. “Outstanding” doesn’t have to mean exotic. It can be an experience that meant something to you – whether it made you sad, made you grateful, or challenged you in a particular area. Maybe it was the three months you spent on crutches sporting a giant plastic boot. Or maybe it was the week you helped your parents make all the traditional Thanksgiving foods from scratch.

If your outstanding experience took place over a significant span of time, consider narrowing in on a particular moment that is especially representative. A single moment or anecdote can jump-start your essay, leading into a broader admissions essay theme.

Stories are fascinating. I will always recommend working a narrative element into your college admissions essay, whether it’s starting out with a story, working some background and some analysis into the middle, and finishing the essay with how the story ended.

Ensure that your admissions essay appears polished by 1) giving it a title and 2) making absolutely sure that there are no grammatical errors or misspellings. Enlist an editor you trust to read it over before you submit it.

Top Test Prep offers college admissions counseling, including help with your college admissions essays.

Contact Top Test Prep to get help with your college admissions essays and college admissions counseling by calling (800) 501-7737 or fill out our contact form.

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