Recent years have witnessed a proliferation of university and college evaluation systems using criteria which differ from the highly visible and academically geared US News and World Report ratings. Washington Monthly magazine has come out with an interesting ranking system focused on which colleges do the most for the public good. The three broad criteria it uses are social mobility (recruiting and graduating low income students); research (producing cutting edge scholarships and PhD’s); and service (encouraging students to give something back to their country). The top ten national universities and liberal arts colleges by their contributions to the social good in 2010 with their overall scores follow.

Top Ten National Universities
1. University of California, San Diego 100
2. University of California, Berkeley 97
3. University of California, Los Angeles 93
4. Stanford University, Stanford, CA 87
5. University of Texas, Austin 83
6. University of California, Davis 81
7. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 79
8. Syracuse University, NY 78
9. Harvard University, MA 78
10. College of William and Mary, VA 77

Top Liberal Arts Colleges
1. Morehouse College (GA) 100
2. Bryn Mawr College (PA) 94
3. Swarthmore College(PA) 89
4. Berea College (KY) 89
5. Amherst College (MA) 85
6. Harvey Mudd College (CA) 80
7. Williams College (MA) 79
8. Spelman College (GA) 77
9. Wesleyan College (MA) 76
10. Wellesley College (MA) 76
__

Students and their families are encouraged to examine alternative evaluative systems for institutions of higher learning when deliberating on colleges. This should be supplemented by college visits and meetings with faculty or staff in possible majors to discuss class size, the percentage of professors teaching who are tenured or tenure-track, and graduate school and job placement success.
David Dickson is a counselor with Top Test Prep which offers private tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who help you gain admission to top schools. Call (800) 501-Prep to learn more.

Tags: Admissions Data, Admissions Experts, College Rankings // View Comments

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

(1) Narrow Your Colleges of Interest List

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

(2) Contact Departments in Possible Majors

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

(3) Visit College Campuses and Arrange Interviews

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

(4) Identify Application Requirements for Colleges of Interest

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

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

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

(6) Examine Financial Aid Options

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

(7) Arrange For Letters of Recommendation

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

Conclusion
Preparing for your college applications is an investment into your future. The payoff is no less than more opportunities and a better life.
***

David Dickson is an admissions counselor at Top Test Prep which offers private tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools. Call Top Test Prep at (800) 501-Prep to learn more about how you can improve your college applications.

Tags: Admissions Advice, admissions essays, Admissions Experts, Admissions Office, College Applications // View Comments

The summer is an ideal time to get a head start on college application personal statements. Tips for writing a strong essay follow.

(1) Be Personal and Display Growth

Essay writers want to know about an interesting experience in your life, but they need to know what you did with that experience to change your life for the better. You must demonstrate how this experience affected you, what you gained, and how it helped you to mature. Show passion in your writing.

(2) Good Writing is Clear and Succinct

Don’t use difficult or unusual words and don’t be wordy or flowery. Moreover, longer is not better. Readers have many essays to read so don’t burden them with a lengthy essay when a five paragraph essay will work better.

(3) Watch Your Grammar (The Colleges Will)

Write in an active strong voice, not the passive voice. “I found the wet, dripping dog” vs “The dog was found.” Avoid unnecessary adverbs and adjectives and focus on clarity.

(4) Avoid Generalities and Be Specific

For example, if you are writing about a trip, do not give your itinerary. Focus on an interesting detail instead. The more specific you are, the more likely it is to be interesting and meaningful to the reader.

(5) Be Careful of Humor

Most attempts at humor fail because people think they are funny and rarely are.

(6) Topics to Avoid Writing About

Your religious beliefs unless applying to a religious college and your political beliefs. This doesn’t include working for a candidate. Also avoid writing about how great you are or anything that would make a reader embarrassed. In addition, don’t write about anything which reveals you to be a poor student or assert that the only reason you want to go to college is to make a lot of money.

(7) Have a Strong Writer Proof Read Your Essay

Don’t write your admissions essay in isolation. Have a strong writer such as a private counselor read it over for content, style, and grammar.

Conclusion
Remember that your essay must demonstrate that you can write and that you are a mature and interesting person that they would enjoy having at their school. It’s time to start brainstorming on that essay!

David Dickson is a college admissions counselor at Top Test Prep which offers tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools. Call (800) 501-7737 to learn more about college counseling programs for students.

Tags: admissions consultants, admissions essays, Admissions Experts // View Comments

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

****

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.

Tags: Admissions Advice, Admissions Counselor, Admissions Experts, Admissions Office // View Comments

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.

***

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.

Tags: admissions consulting, Admissions Experts, Boarding Schools, Education Expert // View Comments

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.

*****
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.

Tags: admissions consulting, Admissions Counselor, Admissions Experts, College Counseling // View Comments

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.

Tags: admissions consulting, Admissions Counselor, Admissions Experts, College Counseling // View Comments

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.

*****

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.

Tags: admissions consultants, Admissions Counselor, Admissions Experts, College Board // View Comments

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!
________

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.

Tags: admissions consulting, Admissions Counselor, Admissions Experts, College Applications // View Comments

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.
________

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.

Tags: Admissions Counselor, Admissions Experts, College Applications, The Waitlist // View Comments

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.

_____________

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.

Tags: Admissions Counselor, Admissions Experts, Education Expert // View Comments

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.
_____

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.

Tags: admissions consultants, Admissions Counselor, Admissions Experts, College Applications // 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.
____

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.

Tags: admissions consulting, Admissions Counselor, Admissions Experts, The Waitlist // View Comments

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.

______________

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.

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

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.

________________________________________________________

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.

Tags: Admissions Advice, admissions consulting, Admissions Experts, College Counseling // View Comments

How to Compare Research Universities vs. Small Liberal Arts Colleges:  A guide for applicants

   You’re a student or a parent weighing the merits of applying to small liberal arts colleges or larger research universities. A campus visit is crucial as you narrow down your application list. If watching Division I football or finding a campus you can stroll across in a few minutes isn’t your main concern, you should consider the following factors.

1.  Size of Classes

   The amount of individual attention you receive is influenced by class size. Research universities often have honors programs which may include intimate classes. Liberal arts colleges may have popular majors favored by those with pre-med or pre-law aspirations. Their classes may have more students than the published institutional student/faculty ratio would indicate. Talk to departmental representatives and find out how many classes have enrollments under twenty and over fifty. In addition, make an inquiry about the percentage of full-time faculty, and at research universities about the role of teaching assistants. If teaching assistants are widely used, ask yourself if you are comfortable being evaluated or taught by another young person. For instance, at Carnegie Mellon, a well regarded research university, 62% of classes have less than twenty students and 11% surpass fifty students according to US News and World Report’s 2011 “Best Colleges” edition. At Swarthmore, a strong liberal arts college, 78% of classes have less than twenty students and 2% of them have over fifty students. The overall institutional percentages at these institutions are enticing, but parents and students should make inquiries with departmental representatives to see how they do in terms of class size and full time faculty.

2.   Available Majors

   Large research universities generally have more listed majors than small liberal arts colleges.  Contact the Admissions office or Dean’s office about whether the institution provides options for students to create multi-disciplinary majors or pursue joint studies with other schools, a growing trend at liberal arts institutions.

3.  Research Exposure

   Professors who can effectively bring research into the classroom are an asset to the school. Find out from departmental representatives to what extent you are exposed to full or associate professors in the class-room.  Keep in mind that faculty at both research universities and elite liberal arts colleges are researchers.

4. Student Support Programs

   Most of us can use academic and career planning support as undergraduates and possibly personal counseling. Explore these crucial elements of a school’s support network. Moreover, examine student graduation retention rates in US News and World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” issue as an indicator of the effectiveness of a school’s support network.

5. Extracurricular Opportunities  

   All work and no play doesn’t make for happy or successful students. Look into extra-curricular activities, which have expanded at undergraduate institutions. If your interests are in musical performance or acting, however, ask whether non-majors can participate.

   Research universities and liberal arts colleges each have their own merits.  Appearances can be deceiving, however, when you initially assess class size, teaching, majors, research exposure, student support, and extra-curricular activities. It is imperative that students and families take the time to visit the institutions and separate fact from fiction by asking the hard questions.

______________

David Dickson wrote this article for Top Test Prep.  He is completing his certificate program in college counseling with UCLA's graduate programs.

For more information about Top Test Prep's college admissions counseling programs, or test prep and tutoring, call (800) 501-Prep.

Tags: admissions consultants, Admissions Experts, College Applications, Colleges // View Comments

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.

___________________________________________________

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.

Tags: Admissions Advice, admissions consulting, Admissions Experts // View Comments

We’re so happy to let our readers know that we’ve added a new writer for our “Insider’s Guide to Admissions” blog. Marta Casey has joined our team as a writer extraordinaire! I’ve known Marta since our days at NMH School where she tried her best to teach me how to ski. Though I may not have become the best (or any good for that matter) at skiing, I am so happy we re-connected so that she can share her wisdom and knowledge on college admissions, test prep – hopefully helping both parents and students navigate the admissions process.

Here’s a bit about Marta…

Marta Casey attended the NMH School and School Year Abroad (Italy), where she studied Latin, Ancient Greek, Italian, and Sanskrit. At Beloit College she majored in Journalism and Visual Communication and studied Chinese. After graduating summa cum laude, she taught English in China for two years at Henan University, where she worked with deans and teachers at the university to redesign tests for the English department. She is currently applying to master degree programs for Chinese Studies.

Besides language study and writing, Marta loves to run, bike, and nap with her dogs.

_______

We’re delighted to welcome her on board to Top Test Prep.

-Ross Blankenship
Chairman, Top Test Prep

Tags: Admissions Experts, Education Expert // View Comments

Here’s our latest video on “How to Get into the Best Schools” with Top Test Prep’s private tutoring and admissions counseling programs.

Top Test Prep helps hundreds of families each year get into top private schools, colleges and grad schools, with admissions and test preparation.

For more information, call (800) 501-Prep or visit Top Test Prep today.

Tags: Admissions Advice, admissions consultants, Admissions Experts, Graduate Schools, private tutoring // View Comments

Early Decision and Early Action | College Admissions Information on Ivy League Schools:

Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Penn and Yale

Brown University

• Regular Application Deadline, January 1
• Regular Admission Decisions sent in April
• Yes, Early Decision Accepted (send application by November 1)
• Average Acceptance Rate, 15%
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate, 22%

Columbia University

• Regular Application Deadline, January 2
• Regular Admission Decisions sent in April
• Yes, Early Decision Accepted (send application by November 1)
• Average Acceptance Rate, 10%
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate, 23%

Cornell University

• Regular Application Deadline, January 2
• Regular Admission Decisions sent in April
• Yes, Early Decision Accepted (send application by November 1)
• Average Acceptance Rate, 18%
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate, 30%

Dartmouth College

• Regular Application Deadline, January 1
• Regular Admission Decisions sent in April
• Yes, Early Decision Accepted (send application by November 1)
• Average Acceptance Rate, 15%
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate, 25%

Harvard University

• Application Deadline, January 1
• Admission Decisions sent in April
• No Early Decision or Early Action accepted
• Average Acceptance Rate <10%

Princeton University

• Application Deadline, January 1
• Admission Decisions sent in late March or early April
• No Early Decision or Early Action accepted
• Average Acceptance Rate <10%

University of Pennsylvania (Penn)

• Application Deadline, January 1
• Admission Decisions sent in April
• Yes, Early Decision Accepted (send application by November 1)
• Average Acceptance Rate <15%
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate, 35%

Yale University

• Application Deadline, January 1
• Admission Decisions sent in April
• Yes, Early Action Accepted (send application by November 1)
• Average Acceptance Rate <10%
• Single School Early Action Acceptance Rate, ~18%

__________

For more information on our Ivy League Admissions Counseling, call us at (800) 501-Prep.

Tags: Admissions Advice, admissions consultants, Admissions Data, Admissions Experts, Early Decision Applications // View Comments

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.

Tags: Admissions Advice, Admissions Counselor, Admissions Data, Admissions Experts, Admissions Office // View Comments

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.

Tags: admissions consultants, Admissions Counselor, Admissions Experts, College Applications, College Counseling // View Comments

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

Tags: ACT Prep, admissions consultants, Admissions Counselor, Admissions Experts, SAT Prep // View Comments

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

Tags: Admissions Advice, Admissions Counselor, Admissions Experts, Admissions Office, College Counseling // View Comments