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

Internships, jobs, camp, test prep courses, a few trips to the beach or mountains… and essay writing! Yes, summer vacation is on its way. Juniors, this is the perfect time to begin drafting college admission essays. Preparing your essays now will help you substantially in the fall when admissions crunch time comes. How can you best utilize time in the summer to write college essays? Here are a few tips:

1. Give yourself a short break

Seems like a simple idea – to rest during vacation. But sometimes it’s hard to sit back and take a break when you know there is a surfeit of work to complete. Give your brain and energy time to rejuvenate after an arduous year. Allot a certain amount of time to rest after spring semester. When the rest period is up, you can begin work – and you’ll have more energy to put into it.

2. Use the entire writing process

Putting a pencil to paper, or fingers to a keyboard, is part of the end of the writing process. Even for simple writing assignments, you can begin clicking out phrases only after considering different ideas, ruminating, and planning. For your college essay, spend time in the foundation part of the writing process. Brainstorm, question yourself, jot down quick phrases and ideas. Spend time thinking and putting ideas together before you sit down to write. Don’t worry about paragraph order or specific sentences in the beginning. Let ideas emerge naturally.

3. Cultivate ideas – read good books

It’s true: we are what we eat. Set your standards high and feed your brain with good books, articles, and literature. Almost any genre will do, if well written. If you read only models of essays, you risk mimicking them instead of creating your own. There are general structures to follow, but you want your ideas to stand out. Reading well written material with intricate descriptions, a clear voice, and interesting storylines will help you with your own writing.

4. Keep it to yourself

Use the summer as your own writing time. Remember – this is your essay. The essay is a unique part of your college application where you can come through with a voice and personality. Wait until the fall to have a friend or teacher look it over. There will be plenty of time to edit, especially if you start the writing process now.

Best of luck. Happy writing!

___________________________________________________

This post is titled, “Summertime = Essaytime.” It was written by Marta Casey, a writer on Top Test Prep’s admissions counseling team.

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

Tags: admissions essays, College Applications, College Counseling // View Comments

Recent years have witnessed a proliferation of full US degree programs abroad conducted in English. According to the British-based Observatory on Borderless Higher Education, there are close to eighty US degree programs overseas where English is the language of instruction.  Over three quarters of them have opened since 1999.  Florida State University in Panama City is one of the exceptions. Its program dates back fifty years and now includes undergraduate degrees in computer science, international affairs, and environmental studies. New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) has branches in Abu Dhabi; Amman, Jordan; Manama, Bahrain; and Nanjing, China. The Nanjing campus includes degrees in international business, communication arts, and computer engineering. St Louis University, Madrid offers bachelors in fields like economics and communications. Qatar’s futuristic Education City hosts Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, Northwestern, Virginia Commonwealth, Texas A&M, and Cornell.  

 

In an interconnected world, what are the pros and cons of seeking US degrees and/or studying abroad and what is the author’s verdict on this trend?

Reasons you should study abroad:

 

One might ask, if foreign exchange programs of a semester or two are assets when applying for a job or graduate program, why not expand this approach to four years and reap the benefits of further exposure? The arguments on behalf of this strategy are multi-faceted.

First, the world of work in the private and public sector is increasingly borderless. Workers who are at ease with different foreign environments, and have actually lived there, are increasingly attractive in the corporate, governmental, and non-governmental organizational sectors. While a semester or two abroad is helpful, a few years in one or two foreign environments, contingent on the degree program, leads to a greater degree of comfort and depth of understanding.  

Secondly, US degree programs abroad normally enroll students from around the world.

American students are therefore exposed to students and professors from many cultures. In so doing, they enhance their ability to interact and work with a cosmopolitan work-force. This is the wave of the future both abroad and at home.     

Third, tuition at branches of US universities overseas is normally comparable to those at their US hubs. In effect, beyond travel expenses, students are rewarded with an international experience at prices equivalent to those back in the states. It is a relative bargain.

Reasons you shouldn’t study abroad:

 

Study abroad in US degree programs is not without pitfalls.

 

First, attracting quality faculty and students is not a given in all foreign environments.  Foreign students still find it more appealing to study in the US if they want a US degree. Faculty are often reluctant to be removed from extended family members, colleagues, and friends back home for a sustained period of time contributing to rotating staff with all of the problems therein.   

Secondly, foreign study venues are sometimes highly a-typical of their own regions thereby offering students a distorted view of regional culture. Foreign universities in the wealthy and cosmopolitan states of Qatar and Abu Dhabi in the Persian Gulf are symptomatic of this phenomenon.

Finally, American students may be compelled to adapt to local cultural norms on gender relations and personal conduct. This is the case in parts of the Islamic world, for instance.

The Verdict on Studying Abroad…

 

On balance is it worthwhile to explore US degree programs abroad? The verdict is yes, but students must be selective and discerning. All degree programs are neither created equally nor do they all evolve into strong ones. A few rules of thumb for choosing the right program deserve mention.

First, find out how long a program has been around. If it is a relatively new program in transition, caution and a consideration of alternatives would be in order.

Secondly, contact the institution to find out about their placements in post-graduation jobs and professional/graduate programs. If they haven’t tracked this information or stonewall you, move on to the next institution.

Finally, look into what is going on in the country which is hosting the institution. Also consider talking to regional specialists at your local university. If political instability is rampant, as embodied by Bahrain, it would be wise to look for a more stable environment.    

As interdependence grows exponentially around the world, it is imperative that the citizen and worker of the twenty-first century be prepared to work across national and cultural boundaries. US degree programs abroad can facilitate this goal, but the strong programs must be separated from the questionable ones.  

___________________

 David Dickson is on the college admissions counseling team for Top Test Prep.    For more information on Top Test Prep, call (800) 501-Prep.

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

It's no secret that admission counselors look at that small line on your transcript – your GPA. It's just a number, but it contains quite a summary of your academic work. Of course adcoms will weigh your GPA relative to the overall intensity of your school. But the stronger your grades, the stronger your academic base will appear to colleges.

So what should you do when faced with choosing a class: Take the AP (or IB) version and risk slicing your GPA, even by a few tenths or hundreths of a point, or take the regular course where you'll pull off an easy A?

1. Does your transcript already reflect a rigorous and competitive curriculum?

First, your 3.81 GPA won't mean much if you haven't challenged yourself. Adcoms notice challenging classes and appreciate them. Safety is not a great sign of intellectual challenge or college preparedness. So before you decline signing up for an AP class, make sure your transcript reflects challenges. An AP class with a B for a grade will likely mean more than an A- in the regular equivalent.

2. Will you be challenged in the regular class?

If you think the regular version of Latin will challenge you enough, that is ok. Choose APs based on your interests and foundation.If you have never taken an AP class before, take one in a subject you feel comfortable; you'll still be in for a challenge. If you are a natural in biology, try the AP version of the class. If you flounder in math but excel in music, skip AP statistics and take music theory. AP classes are meant to help students get farther, but make sure you have a good foundation in the subject. 

3. Do you need a course to pad your GPA?

On the other hand…. if you had a rough semester somewhere along the line and your GPA took a big hit, consider taking classes to restabilize your GPA. If you think that you have fully recovered and can put in the work, by all means, take an AP you are interested in – if you do well adcoms will see you gumption and persistence. But if you are afraid your GPA is already too low, be careful to put your academic credentials (i.e., your transcript and GPA) at risk.

Consider the above when choosing. Remember that adcoms will see challenges and risks, and AP classes stand out. When piles of applications are stacked in the fall, an AP (or IB) class might make the difference.

_____________________________________________________

This post is titled, "Is an 'A' or an AP Course Worth More?" and was written by Marta Casey, a writer on Top Test Prep's team.

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

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

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.
________________

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.

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

Have the urge to immerse yourself in a foreign country and learn a new language? The personal and academic benefits of studying abroad are hard to overstate, and spending a significant amount of time abroad in high school will set your application above many others.

But what should you look for in a study abroad program? What factors will indicate a successful, competitive program?

1. Immersion – not life in an American bubble

Make sure the program you choose will immerse you in the language and culture and local life. This can be done either through taking classes at a local school, or by living with a host family. “Island programs” are American programs abroad that are self-contained, which means you could be at any US institution… you just happen to have a foreign address. Get out of the American bubble and make sure you gain real cultural experience.

2. Academic competitiveness

Grades abroad can be confusing – and taking classes abroad even more so. The advantage of an island program is that a program can retain AP courses and highly competitive classes (but if you go this route, live with a family instead of in a dorm). If you want to take AP tests or have them on your transcript, consider this when looking at programs. If you are abroad in the summer, this may not be a huge issue, but you should still look at the course contents.

3. Successful past students

Look at programs' reputations and alumni track records. If a program is known as a vacation abroad, skip it. You could load up a backpack and travel for a long time based on the price you’d be paying for a packaged vacation atmosphere. Ask where alumni go, and what they do. Alumni are a good indicator of any program and colleges will know some programs based on successful alumni. Ask to talk to alumni, too, if you have questions.

4. A location that appeals to you

Finally, make sure you choose a place that appeals to you! Personal investment and motivation are essential. A competitive program will be useless and the experience not as fulfilling if your heart is set on Italy but you decide to go to China. Really. It is important to push your boundaries, but go where the language, culture, or some aspect of the place – not just classes in a program – appeal to you.

Best of luck – bon voyage!

____________________________________________________

This post is titled, “What Makes a Good Study Abroad Program?” 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: College Counseling // View Comments

 

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

Does Legacy Status Matter in College Admissions?

It is a lurking variable that appears in subplots of college admissions stories: legacy status. The myth says that having a parent (or sometimes, another close relative) as an alumnus/a of a university will help students, even C-average students, gain admission to Yale or Harvard, Stanford or Brown.

Whether legacy admissions constitute a form of discrimination based on status, whether legacies add to an institution's history and reputation, or whether a student would rather be "Joe Diggins" not "the son of Alex ('69) Diggins" – legacy status can be an important part of the college admissions process.

But will legacy status help a student gain admission to the most selective colleges in the USA? How much does legacy status matter, really?

The idea of giving preference to a student based on bloodline seems, at its base, ultimately un-American in principle. In recent years, universities have been working to reach out through financial aid and publicity campaigns in an effort to demonstrate their open doors. They want the best students, not just the students from the best or most traditional backgrounds.

Legacy status does matter and can help a student in the admissions process.

A study led by William Bowen of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation found that within a given range of SAT scores, legacy increased admission likelihood by 19.1 percentage points. Furthermore, children of alumni typically comprise 10 – 25% of the student body at selective institutions across the country. Almost three quarters of selective research universities, and almost all elite liberal arts colleges use legacy status in the application process. It is one line on the application, but one line that can make an applicant more distinct.

Legacy status is no substitute for strong grades, high SAT scores, and overall experience.

While alumni parents can be a boon, students who are legacies are often rejected by top universities, too. The student and his or her oevre of academic work, life experience, and commitment to different groups and activities will be the one under scrutiny – not the parents or their reputations. And competition at the top is tougher than ever. The tale of a competitive student rejected – even with an alumnus parent – is not completely uncommon. However, with strong credentials, the rejected U Penn student may have been accepted elsewhere – Brown, Dartmouth, and Princeton, for example.

The bottom line: legacy status can help a student but is not a guarantee.

Counting on legacy status to convince admission counselors to gloss over 200 missing SAT points or a weak semester in school is foolish, and arrogant. Legacy status can help students, but only if students are in a competitive admission position on their own. Furthermore, while most people think of the Ivies first in legacy admission discussions, legacy status is actually a phenomenon in many institutions, from the top all the way down. Competition at the top remains tight no matter who you are, or who your parents are. Prepare accordingly.

_________________________________________________

This post is titled, "How Much Does Legacy Status Matter?" 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: College Counseling // View Comments

Language flashcards for two-year-olds may seem crazy, but test-taking is an essential skill for a student´s entire academic life. Learning how to take standardized tests will help students at every grade level, but the SAT is the pinnacle and highest stakes test for most students. So how early should students prepare for the SAT?

Last fall, the College Board started to offer a new test designed to prepare eighth graders for the format and test-style of the PSAT and SAT. Called ReadiStep, the test is meant to help middle school students and schools evaluate and plan – ultimately for the SAT and for the college admissions process.

Should students start preparing in middle school – or earlier – for the SAT?

1. Test-taking skills translate into overall study skills

Starting at a young age in test-preparation has the potential to help students with their academic skills in and out of the classroom. Building a strong foundation and acclimating to test-taking pressure can help students in future tests. Check with teachers to learn about the standardized tests your student will take in school. At a young age, fostering creativity will contribute to a strong intellectual base later. If the school has standardized tests already, those tests may be sufficient. 

2. Use the SSAT and PSAT

For middle and beginning high school school students, there are already standardized tests many students take before the SAT. Students applying to private high schools often take the SSAT, and most high schoolers take the PSAT. Use these two tests to practice for the SAT. The SSAT and PSAT are particularly good tests for this kind of practice because they are high-stakes but less pressure than the SAT. The ReadiStep test may be another option for students in middle school who do not take the SSAT.

3. Consider taking a summer program

During the school year – especially at the middle and beginning high school level – students need to focus on their classroom academic work. Nothing can replace a strong GPA and competitive class schedule. Testing is absolutely essential, but useless if strong grades are lacking. Summer programs like those here at Top Test Prep provide students time to focus on test preparation without losing sight of their academic year goals. Students in summer programs will also be surrounded by like-minded, motivated peers.

4. Prevent burnout

Cited by premier universities, including the Ivy League, burnout happens to many incoming students who have had extremely intense high school years. College admission is tougher than ever, but when considering when a student should start preparing for the SAT, make sure you're not building in a stress time-bomb. Pressure is important, but so is sustainability.
 

______________________________________________________________

This post is titled, "How Early Should You Prepare for the SAT?" It was written by Marta Casey, a writer on Top Test Prep's team.

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

 

Tags: College Applications, College Counseling, SAT Prep // 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

I would highly recommend students try to take the SAT only once – and at most two times- for the following reasons:

(1) Even with score choice optional reporting, many schools request to receive full score reports from the College Board.  If an admissions office sees a student has taken the test many times, it becomes indicative of the student's greater goal of "gaming" the test.

(2) If a student knows that he/she can take an exam many times, they will never quite take any SAT (or ACT) exam as seriously as they should. 

(3) Taking the exam fewer times allows for greater freedom on other aspects of school.  If you're always trying to prepare for the "next" SAT or ACT, you'll find yourself neglecting other important factors in college admissions such as extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, music and such.

Hope this helps you decide how many SAT (and/or) ACT exams you should take in preparing for college admissions!

-Ross

________________

Ross Blankenship is an education expert, and Chairman of Top Test Prep.  For more information on Top Test Prep's programs, call (800) 501-Prep.

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

So you've been waitlisted to your top college?  What should you do now?

First, know that a waitlist decision does not mean you're rejected.  In fact, it sometimes can be a matter of showing the school that you're actually interested in their program above all others.  After all, a big factor in college rankings is a school's yield rate, (the amount of students accepted who actually attend) so they can't accept all potentially qualified applicants.  

Top Test Prep can help you get off the waitlist so you're accepted….

Here are 5 simple things to do if you've been waitlisted to your top school:

(1) Don't panic.  The first thing you should realize is that there are many reasons you might have been waitlisted.  Perhaps the number of applcations this year was incredibly high, and the number of qualified applicants was also just as high.  A waitlist is NOT a rejection.  In fact, it sometimes can be quite to the contrary.  If you're waitlisted to only one college, concentrate 100% of your energy on getting into this college.  If you're waitlisted at more than one college, pick the one you're most interested in at this point.  Don't spread yourself too thin.  It's time to get focused.

(2) Contact another teacher/instructor to write you a supplemental recommendation.   What this means is that you should have one more recommendation written to highlight your skills and how you have contributed to your school.  This should be sent directly to the admissions office and should be something incredibly specific.   Don't send another fluffy "oh, he's so great letter…"  Instead, have them write a heartfelt letter demonstrating how you'd contribute to their school.  

(3) Take another SAT and/or ACT.  Though this is probably not something most students want to hear, you need to know that it does matter.  Though most top colleges let students know whether they're accepted in April, you will still have time to take another actual SAT or ACT exam.  Indeed, with the new "Score Choice" reporting of College Board, I would highly encourage you to take up to 2 or 3 SAT / ACT exams, respectively. 

(4) Write a genuine letter of interest.  This is a letter that comes from you and goes straight to the admissions office and/or Director of Admissions.  The letter should include something specific about their school that it so appealing to you.  If you write something broad and general such as, "wow, you've got a great history department…", I highly doubt they'll care.  Rather, consider writing a note about how you visited the college and were able to meet with a couple professors who inspired your interests in your potential majors.  If you haven't had the chance to visit the college – go visit!  You never know who you'll meet on your visit – perhaps an admissions officer who could influence the decision.

(5) Update the school on one or more major accomplishments.  Between the time you applied originally to a college, and now, there's likely (or hopefully) a couple things you've done in school that deserve serious praise.  No, I don't mean that you should tell the college you made the honor roll.  Instead, tell them you won the 1st prize in a major competition (clearly, only if you did).  Or talk about how you started a new club that so many students joined;  you can even talk about challenges you faced and things you've done to overcome adversity.  Whatever the accomplishments you tell the admissions office about… be honest, open, candid and as specific as possible. 

I hope these things help you better understand what you can do if you're waitlisted to your top school.   We can definitely help you on many fronts – whether through improving your scores or through college admissions counseling.  Just let us know if you need help!

___________

This article was written by College Admissions Expert, Ross Blankenship.  Blankenship is also the Founder and Chairman of Top Test Prep, which provides SAT, ACT prep, and college admissions counseling programs to help students get into their top schools.  Call (800) 501-7737 to learn more.

 

 

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

By now, many students have heard from colleges or will hear within the next few weeks. These students are in the enviable position of having a "lameduck status" in their classrooms. Senior spring is no secret, and to a degree it should be enjoyed. But it is also a chance to take on new opportunities that will benefit you down the road.

Now, a necessary word of preemption. As many people will tell you, your college acceptance is not set in stone. It is conditional on continuing up a similar caliber of excellence. Furthermore, one should not see this as an opportunity to shirk on any commitments they have made prior to getting into school. That said, it is also an opportunity to relax from having to do the absolute best work and put your focus towards other endeavors. So with that, let me write about a few ways I think a student can best take advantage of this time.

1) Take It Easy
Yes, don't go and fail all your classes and drop out of your clubs. But do take advantage of the opportunity to relax a little bit. You're about to head off for another four years of hard work. Allowing yourself to ease up on your high standards "a tad" will allow you to recharge and enjoy the remaining days of high school. If you haven't yet signed up for your final classes, go ahead and take less than the maximum amount!

2) Take Risks
Senior spring also presents an opportunity to take some risks and try out something  that you may not excel at but could enjoy or learn from. If your school operates on a trimester or quarter system, you may have the opportunity to still sign up for classes. Think about taking a class outside your comfort zone, but that may interest you or benefit your career down the road. For example, these days, everyone can benefit from some knowledge of computer coding. Why not take one in high school now, rather than pay to do it later?  Or try an art class or creative writing class. Many people believe they have no creative ability; in fact, a little teaching often will go a long way.

3) Focus on your Extracurricular Activities
Now that you don't have to spend your time clawing away for every point on your tests, you can put in more time to your extracurricular activities. The times when someone can spend several months focused on what they care about most are few and far between. If you have been working with a club or charitable organization this is great time to take on an initiative that will have a lasting impact. If you do work in the arts outside of school, make a goal to accomplish something significant. That way, when you look back on this time in your life, you'll see that you didn't just spend it all trying to get in college, but you had other accomplishments you are proud of as well.

No matter what you do, remember to still treat school in a serious manner. Above all, though, enjoy the time, and get ready for the next stage in your life.

 

This post is titled, "What To Do With Your Senior Spring?." It was written by Jon B., a writer on Top Test Prep's team.

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

There's much debate in the college admissions community about whether students accepted to colleges can negotiate their financial aid award.  First off, congratulations on even being able to consider such a task.  Now…let me be clear:  you absolutely can negotiate your financial aid awards.  Anyone who tells you something to the contrary is wrong.  Many college counselors discourage doing so often because they don't want to risk their reputation.  But the reality is… it's your family's financial investment and not theirs to consider.

Knowing now that you can negotiate financial aid, here are 5 useful steps to help you receive more financial aid than you had expected:

(1) Make sure your FAFSA is accurate.  As these last two or three years have been financially difficult on families of all income brackets, you want to include as much detail about the profit or loss and/or financial harship your family has faced.  Particularly relevant are details such as money withdrawn from IRA and 401k accounts to pay for your education.  Your expected family contribution (EFC) can be significantly reduced by accurate and honest information about loss of income.  This is incredibly crucial to maximize the amount of financial aid you receive.  If you realized that the EFC is higher than it should be, you can amend the FAFSA if it was incorrect on the date in which you submitted the FAFSA form.  Be accurate though first to prevent any errors on the FAFSA form.

(2) Contact the school's financial aid office when you receive your award.  The emphasis here is on contacting the school financial aid office, and not the admissions office.  Often times students and parents (more often) think they can magically contact the admissions office and say "I deserve more money because I'm so great…".  This doesn't work.  You should negotiate directly with the financial aid office, by showing things such as amendments to the FAFSA form, honest hardships, and other information that could be particularly important for them to know such as an accident or incident that happened between the time you filed the FAFSA form in, until the time you received your acceptance.  Financial aid offices are run by human beings who will help you at all costs.  Know that a school's overall ranking (US News) can be affected by how many students actually attend once they're accepted (the Admissions Yield Rate).

(3) If the above two steps failed to add more money to your financial aid package, then you should contact the admissions office and let them know the following…relevant information such as the fact you're deciding between their college and a comparable college.  If you tell them you're deciding between their college (Ivy League) and a low-ranked State University, there's no chance that they'll add money to your award. Be smart about the schools you compare them with – they're smart enough to not care and/or not be fooled.  If you meet resistance on this front, you can try the next step…

(4) Re-take the SAT and/or ACT.  Improved scores on the SAT and ACT can improve your chances of receiving scholarships and financial aid.  Although the Ivy League doesn't per se offer college scholarships, they will take your scores into consideration when deciding on "need-based" grants.  If your score simply fits within that school's median SAT and ACT range, then you're unlikely to receive much aid.  Consider re-taking  the tests and update the school's admissions office with a letter indicating (your hopefully improved scores) and why you re-took these tests.  Further, with higher SAT and ACT scores, you now might be considered for scholarships at your top school.

(5) If none of the above steps work, consider applying for more individual scholarships at that college.  This could be your last hope for attending the school of your dreams, assuming your financial aid negotiation was unsuccessful.  Individual scholarship are usually named in honor of a school alumni – and often you might fit the category for a qualified applicant.  

These five steps could help you receive more financial aid in the form of both need-based and scholarships.  You absolutely can negotiate financial aid awards, but please be smart about it and know that there are several steps involved to make it happen.

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

This article was written by educational expert and college counselor, Ross Blankenship.  Ross Blankenship is the Founder and Chairman of Top Test Prep.  For more information on Top Test Prep's programs, call (800) 501-7737.

 

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

Accepted at your top choice school but feeling hesitant? Nervous about jumping straight into an academic track? Afraid of possible burnout after an intense high school experience? Feeling a little wanderlust?

It’s not uncommon to feel a little hesitation, or feel overworked after four years of hard academic, extracurricular, and test prep work. If you have gained admission into your top college, but are thinking a year of real-life experience might give you time to reflect and gain perspective on your goals, go for it! Many undergraduate institutions actually encourage taking a gap year – as long as it is for a productive reason – and many schools say those students come back and are more prepared mentally and more focused for their studies than they would otherwise have been.

Before you take the leap – take these five steps.

1. Check with the institution on their policy

Columbia and many other schools accept deferred enrollment – MIT and Harvard actually encourage admitted students to take a gap year! But Berkeley does not and instead requires students to reapply if they decide not to enroll in their intended semester. Verify your own institution’s deferment policy before taking the leap.

2. Check with the financial aid department

Besides checking in with admissions, check the financial aid department. If you have received a scholarship, will deferment force you to give it up? Or – if you defer, perhaps you can reapply for scholarships you did not receive. If your main reason for deferment is to work for a year, how will that affect your financial aid package?

3. Consider your main gap year options

If your institution’s admissions policy allows deferment, and you’ve determined financial aid is fine, make sure you have a few solid reasons to defer! Work, travel, military service, internships and religious service are all great reasons to take a gap year. Make sure you have some sort of work or travel plans lined up. The more specific you can be in your letter to admissions, the more supportive the institution will be.

4. Step back and take a bird’s eye view

Try to zoom out and picture where you are in life on a continuum. After the pressure to do well in high school, test well, and get into college, you might feel worn and as if time has compacted and raced by. But you’re probably still in the first two decades of your life. That’s young! You have time, stepping back to see that might help you decide whether or not you are in a place to take a gap year or not.

5. Send in your deferment decision

If you have checked the previous four steps, you are ready to make the commitment. Again, check your institution’s specific deferment policy. Generally, the enrollment deposit is required, and a letter to admissions explaining your reasons for taking a gap year. Make sure you receive confirmation – and then, you are ready to go!

_____________________________________________________________

This post is titled “How to Defer Admission and Take a Gap Year.” 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: College Counseling // View Comments

Last week I talked a little bit about how I thought average class size was an overvalued statistic. But this week I'd like to talk a little bit about two underused statistics: graduation rate and freshman retention rate.

LIke most students, when I was choosing a college the last thing I cared to think about was either the first-year retention rate or the graduation rate. I knew where I wanted to go and I knew that I would be happy there. However, after matriculating, I began to see how these numbers can reflect a school.

To some degree these numbers correlate to the quality of the school. But even among seemingly similar schools, they can vary by us much as 10%. The trouble, however, is understanding what they mean.

At some schools it is a reflection of the difficulty of the academics. For example, Reed College has a retention and graduation rate lower than other schools in its echelon. However, it also has notoriously strenous academics. While this is certainly not the sole reason students leave, it seems safe to say many leave because the difficult academics are not what they want.

At other schools it can reflect the student culture. Schools with more nontraditional students often see students leave for a variety of reasons. They may decide college is not for them, their motivation may push them towards other ventures, or they may take several years off. While this can help explain relatively low rates, make sure that you ask yourself how this might reflect the student body you will be around for four years.

Most worryingly, it can reflect dissatisfaction with the school. If a school has traditional academics and a more traditional student body, but it has a retention and graduation rate below its sister schools, that can be a cause for concern. Call up people you know who go to the school or ask on a campus visit if people know students that have dropped out or transferred. Press them to see if they know the circumstances. Certainly many students will have left for personal reasons, but often times their dissatisfaction can be illuminating.

Remember, the students that left the school probably came in just as excited as you will be. Finding out why they left is just as important as knowing why everyone else stayed.

 

This post is titled, "Underused Statistics: Graduation and Freshman Retention Rates." It was written by Jon B., a writer on Top Test Prep's team.

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

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

The most recent SAT Exam and its Reality TV Essay Prompt

Ok, so we've had some of our Top Test Prep students inform us that the most recent SAT exam discussed the benefits/harms of reality TV shows.  Yes, I just said it.  An actual SAT exam discussed something as ridiculous as reality television shows such as those in which contestants lose weight or are filmed in their daily life – being absurd as they are. 

With the plethora of essay topics – in fact billions of possible essay prompts – it's intriguing that the SAT / College Board writers would choose something like this.  Why would the College Board do this?  Well, perhaps the College Board is trying to make itself more relevant.  Perhaps the College Board and SAT writers are attempting to get more students to take its exam, over its rival ACT exam counterpart.  Whatever the case might be, we're perplexed by the decision and think that students are better served writing about essay topics that will continue to be relevant five years from now – and not fade into oblivion as this prompt no doubt will….

Here's the SAT Essay Prompt on the most recent SAT Exam:

"Reality television programs, which feature real people engaged in real activities rather than professional actors performing scripted scenes, are increasingly popular. These shows depict ordinary people competing in everything from singing and dancing to losing weight, or just living their everyday lives. Most people believe that the reality these shows portray is authentic, but they are being misled. How authentic can these shows be when producers design challenges for the participants and then editors alter filmed scenes?

Do people benefit from forms of entertainment that show so-called reality, or are such forms of entertainment harmful?"

______

This blog post was writtten by Chairman of Top Test Prep, and education expert Ross Blankenship.

For more information, call (800) 501-7737 or go to TopTestPrep.com.

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

Top Test Prep Reviews

For a review of Top Test Prep’s programs, check out the image below of a student Top Test Prep was able to successfully improve her scores and get into 8 of her top 10 colleges. We’re proud to continue working with so many students each year as they gain admission to some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges.

For more information on Top Test Prep’s private tutoring or admissions counseling, call (800) 501-7737.

Tags: College Counseling, Colleges, private tutoring // View Comments

The college discussions boards are sounding off over an SAT essay prompt last Saturday. Even the New York Times takes a moment to cover the issue. At hand, was an essay prompt asking students to discuss reality television.

Many students who had spent months away from television to study history, english, and literature, preparing themselves in all sorts of scholarly ways, were taken aback by the question. How were they supposed to answer a question about reality television when they don't even watch television?

This seems like a good chance to chime in on what you do if you get a prompt asking you to discuss something you don't know about. Whether it is about pop culture or an adage from an ancient philosopher, you need to be ready to tackle it- even if you have no clue about the topic.

The first thing you should do is avoid complaining. Rather than take to the message boards all upset, tell yourself that you can marshal your smarts to talk about whatever it is asking you to discuss. The big thing to remember is that the essay section is not measuring your knowledge of arcane details and unusual examples. It is testing your ability to write. This means that all you have to do is write a simple structured essay that answers the question.

The biggest mistake you can make is trying to do too much. Even if it is a subject you are not comfortable with, you will still probably have some opinion on what it is asking you. Even if you never watch reality television, you still probably have some feelings about whether it is a positive or negative part of the world. Once you've identified your opinion, ask yourself why you feel the way you do: what experience or set of knowledge brings you to your viewpoint? Don't worry if it's the best example, or if it answers the prompt precisely. What's more important than the ideas is that you clearly express those ideas. Rather than fret over whether you make the most compelling argument, worry about whether you have a clear introductory paragraph, whether your examples are concisely explained, and wether you have  a simple concluding paragraph summing it up.

So don't get all worked up if you don't have something brilliant to say. It's much more important that whatever you say, you do so simply and clearly.

 

This post is titled, "What To Do With Unfamiliar Essay Prompts" It was written by Jon B., a writer on Top Test Prep's team.

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

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

Even if you feel that you've done enough test prep that you are a Jedi Test Master, here are a few ways to best prepare your mind and body in the days leading up to the test.

A Good Night's Sleep–Two Nights Before:
Everyone will tell you how important it is to get a full night's sleep before your test date. But you should also be sure to get a good night's sleep two nights before your test date. It is very possible that you will not sleep as well as you want the night before your test. No matter how confident you are, it is normal to be slightly nervous . You may find yourself struggling past your planned bedtime to fall asleep. If you get less than  eight or nine hours of sleep the night before the test, but you had a full night's sleep two nights previous, you will at least have some "stored up" rest for your body to run on. You won't feel refreshed, but some light aerobics will get your brain in gear.

Confidence:
Even if you have been scoring great on all your practice tests, when you walk into the test center you may feel overwhelmed and begin to doubt yourself. You may see all the other students and think about how well they are going to do. Or you may see the test booklets and get scared about all the unknown questions awaiting you. All these thoughts are normal. But it is important to be ready for them and realize they are silly. Repeat over and over, "I am going to do great on this test." If you keep telling yourself this, you won't have time to fill your head with other, scary thoughts.

House Chores:
Your parents will love this. In the days leading up to your test, go out of your way to do house chores. Clean your room, take the dog for long walks, help your family with errands. Menial work is very good for the brain as it gives you a chance to engage in an activity while giving your analytic skills a chance to relax. Not only will it allow your brain a break from all the studying, it will give you small feelings of accomplishments and make you feel good about yourself.

Stimulants:
If you're a regular coffee or energy drink user, watch out. On one hand, these substances are addictive. If you drink coffee every morning, it would be a mistake to forego a cup the morning of your test date. However, it is also important to remember that the test environment will amp you up. This is your body's normal "fight or flight" response. This combined with sugar or caffeine may be enough to impair your judgment. If you need caffeine, try to keep it to as little an amount as possible.

These are just a few ways to physically and mentally prepare for your test. The most important thing is to stay relaxed in the days leading up to the test. Don't stay up and play video games the night before, but stick to your normal routine. And finally, don't cram! Read a book you enjoy, hang out with your family, and get some rest.

 

This post is titled, "Getting Ready For Your Test Date!" It was written by Jon B., a writer on Top Test Prep's team.

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

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

Here and there over the next few weeks, I want to take a look at some statistics that I feel are overvalued by prospective students, as well as a few statistics that are undervalued. The first one that comes to mind is student-teacher ratio (or average class-size).

Over the last twenty years the trend has been for colleges to increasingly laud the classroom experience. Big research universities want students to know that they will not just be stuck in 500-person lecture halls and working with TAs. Small colleges will tell you about intimate classroom environments where students get to know their professors, not to mention the professor's spouse, kids, and dog.

I know that when I was applying to college a small classroom that encouraged discussion and where I would get to know my professor was on the top of my list. So I looked no further than the student/teacher ratio. I believe this was misguided.

First of all, large classes are not as terrible as they sound. Would you rather be in a 100-person class with an exciting teacher, or a 25-person class with a boring teacher? Both classes will most likely be lecture-based, so there is little difference besides the number of questions you might get to ask. Routinely, the classes that everyone at my college said "you have to take!" were large lectures.

Furthermore, small discussion-based classes, while touted by the schools marketing materials, rarely lived up to expectations. While the best classes all have a discussion component, it is frustrating being in a class that is driven solely by discussion every day. For me at least, I'd rather listen to a teacher that knows what he's talking about than another student that thinks he knows he is talking about.

This is not to say you should go to a school where you'll be another number and never meet your professor. On the contrary, what is really important is professor interaction. Sadly, this is not as easy to quantify as the number of students divided by the number of professors. Do the research to find out what the relationship is like between students and professors. Where I went to college, if students brought their professors in to the campus bar on Thursdays, they all drank for free. Opportunities like this allowed us to forge bonds outside the classroom. Even more important is finding out about the culture of office hours. Do all professor's have office hours? Or is it just a TA? Are they usually helpful, or are they dismissive?

When looking at your prospective schools, think about what you really want in your classroom experience. Student-teacher ratio will give you some knowledge of what to expect, but it is far from the whole story.

This post is titled, "Overhyped Statistic 1: Student-Teacher Ratio" It was written by Jon B., a writer on Top Test Prep's team.

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

 

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

Yikes! When looking over the admissions statistics for top schools in the previous post, it seems so easy to say, "What chance do I really have?" For example, Harvard takes in over 30,000 applications for just over 2,000 spots- a rate of 6.9%!

Certainly, it is no longer the 1950s where all you needed was some good test scores, a neatly written essay, and maybe a connection or two. As we all know, it now takes the best grades, best scores, and best extracurriculars. And even then, that's not enough.

One hears scare stories all the time. I once heard an admissions officer at a top school say that when it came down to making the final decisions, they took the folders for each application in question and put them at the top of the stairs. The folders that slid to the bottom of the stairs first were in.

Now that story may have  been hyperbole. But it gets to the point. How do you really decide between two 4.0 students with perfect SATs and excellent extracurriculars? Most likely, a large portion of the 30,000 applications Harvard accepts are not up to par. But even if one fifth of the applications are of students that are up to the school's standards, the admissions committee still needs to find a way to whittle down 6,000 students to 2,000 students.

There's a more optimistic way of looking at these numbers. If you're one of those students whose folder didn't slide fast enough, you're not alone. You'll join these students at a top school, just maybe not the top of the top. There are too many qualified students in the world for the available spots, so that pool is overflowing into the schools that are just one notch lower. Not only has this increased the reputation of these schools, but it also means that, just like Harvard or Stanford, these schools are filled with the brightest and hardest-working students in the world.

So yes, unfortunately, doing the best is no longer a guarantee of admissions. But, only by doing as good as you can- on your grades, standardized tests, and everything else you take on, not to mention the application itself- you will at least stand a chance. Every school you apply to increases your chances. And if you don't get in, don't kick yourself over what you think you did wrong. Almost certainly it was the luck of the draw. Where ever you end up, that same drive will allow you to succeed in college. Ultimately, that is far more important to your future success than what school you get into.

This post is titled, "Thinking About The Schools With The Lowest Acceptance Rates." It was written by Jon B., a writer on Top Test Prep's team.

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

You should still prepare for the exam even if the SAT is not required at your top school…here's why:

It used to be thought that SAT scores were the best way to determine an individual's potential for collegiate success. While that is a view still held by many, a growing amount of research has shown that high school success can be an equally good metric for predicting one's college success. 

The Huffington Post has put together a slideshow of fifteen top colleges that allow applicants to not submit SAT scores. The list includes schools such as NYU, Bowdoin, Bates, and Middlebury.

So if you're struggling with the SAT, or just fearful of standardized tests, should you focus your college search on these schools? For many reasons that would be a mistake. For one, many of these schools still require either the ACT or a selection of standardized subject tests as a replacement for the SAT. If you are going to put the effort in to master these tests, then one can take that same energy and put it towards getting a high SAT score.

Furthermore, one should not let a school's admissions process determine where they want to spend their college career. Even if you feel that your SAT score is not representative of your true intelligence, there are many schools that still require it and believe in its usefulness. While the schools that do not take SATs may offer you a better chance of admission, your focus should be on schools you want to go to, not schools you feel you have a better shot of getting accepted.

More significantly, people often believe they are going to do worse on the SAT than they actually do. Often, one needs to just get to know the test, and to become comfortable with its particular idiosyncrasies, in order to score well. A test prep program will not raise your innate intelligence. However, it will teach you how to focus your intelligence in new ways that will allow you to succeed.

Just because certain schools allow you to avoid taking the test, you should not jump at that opportunity. By enrolling in a Top Test Prep program you can significantly improve your SAT score to the point where you will want to show it off on your application!

This article is titled, "Is the SAT Not Required At Your Top School? Master It Anyway!." It was written by Jon B, a writer at Top Test Prep’s team.

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

Read more: http://toptestprep.com/blog/#ixzz1FZIvHhv7

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments

Which college has the best food?

When you meet with a college representative, the last question you want to ask is, "So, hey, how is the food?" Fortunately, the Daily Beast has taken the time to help you answer this question. They have prepared a slideshow of the fifteen schools they think have the best campus food.

Is your target school among the best? Does it really matter? Not surprisingly, the three top Bay Area schools, Stanford, Berkeley, and Mills, all make the list. Also included in the list were Bowdoin, Washington University, Grinnell, Colorardo College, and the College of William & Mary. Many larger universities such as Oregon State, Virgina Tech, and UMass Amherst also made the cut.

So does that mean you should run off to one of these schools? Well obviously, no. Few people are going to let food get in the way of an academic program they have been dreaming about. But still, a good dining system is important. It will affect your health, your state of mind, and can be a positive community-building force on campus. Furthermore, a school's dining system can be an indication of more than just the food you'll be eating while in college.

The quality of a college's food can serve as a proxy for the many aspects of a school that you are not able to see on a school visit. Providing good dining is expensive. If a school like Boston College can have a "chocolate bar," then they probably are not starved for funds that support other aspects of student life, such as clubs, events, and a vibrant student union. Serving high-quality food shows that a school cares about the life of a student outside the classroom and that the school has money to support it. Down the line, you will find that how much a school cares about student life and how much money it has directly affect whether it supports endeavors such as charity trips, new clubs, and other initiatives you may want to start.

It can also be an indication for how well a school is run. To provide food, colleges engage in multi-million dollar contracts with huge catering corporations that last several years. By and large, schools that serve good food are ones that have made this decision carefully. Often they will take to heart student input and create a deal that is focused on the student. If a school does not serve good food, then that can be an indication that the school did not go about the desicion right, or that they don't like to work with student input. If a college can't make a good dining decision, will they be able to make a good dean decision?

So, yes, food is just a sliver of the campus experience. But on your next school visit, if you're putting a soggy piece of pizza on your plate instead of fresh vegetables, that may tell you about more than what you'll be eating for the next four years.
 

Tags: College Counseling // View Comments