About Rolling Admissions
March 10, 2010
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In this podcast, Mike Rivera discusses the topic of “Rolling Admissions.” This term means that the college imposes no strict deadline for application submission; applicants will be accepted so long as space is available within the freshman class. While a minority of colleges follow Rolling Admissions, colleges that do offer Rolling Admissions generally will make a decision regarding a candidate within a couple of weeks after receiving the application.
Mike’s advice for students contemplating applying to a Rolling Admissions college? Don’t wait! Given these economic times and the fact that more people than ever are applying to colleges, all universities are more selective than ever. The earlier you apply, the better your chances will be for being accepted. In addition, scholarship opportunities, financial aid offers and housing are more readily available the earlier you apply and are accepted. Read more
Guidance Counselor Realities
February 24, 2010
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Is 38 Minutes Enough?
In this podcast, Mike Rivera poses the question: “Is 38 minutes enough?” This question derives from a study by Dr. Patricia McDonough that found that an average student will spend only 38 minutes per year with his or her high school guidance counselor discussing college counseling and/or career counseling.
Now, this fact is through no fault of the high school guidance counselors themselves. It is based upon the realities of numbers. While the American School Counselor Association recommends 1 guidance counselor per 100 students, the national average is 1:315 (or much more) in public high schools and 1:241 in private schools.
During the podcast, Mike offers questions for parents to ask the high school office regarding this issue. He also recommends seeking external college counseling to best position the high school student for success in college and beyond.
Source: Sanders, B. (2008, January 18). Parents – Guidance at School May Not be Enough. Retrieved January 18, 2010, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Parents---Guidance-at-School-May-Not-be-Enough&id=935539
As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas. Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Your ACADEMIC Resume
October 27, 2009
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In this podcast, Mike Rivera discusses a unique way students can stand out in the college admissions process: providing an academic resume. Make sure to listen to the podcast for a special offer just for our listeners!
In this twist on the traditional job resume, your academic resume markets you to colleges. It focuses on your strengths and shows how you will make the most out of what the university has to offer. Your academic resume lists your interests and identifies what you intend to do after college.
Also, do not shy away from your weaknesses; your academic resume is your opportunity to show how you are working to rectify a possible perceived flaw. For example, if you have a low GPA or SAT/ACT scores, indicate that you are taking summer courses or tutoring to improve your results. Have historically few volunteer experiences? Create a solution by listing a new volunteer position you have just begun.
We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Tips on Writing an Effective College Application Essay
October 7, 2009
So, you’re sitting down before a blank computer screen, trying to figure out what to write for your college application essay. You’ve already written what seems to be hundreds of essays for your high school teachers, but this one is different. You’re not summarizing a book, or commenting on a news event – you’re trying to write the most persuasive essay about yourself possible; one that will make you stand out, get noticed and hopefully accepted by the college of your choice!
In an effort to try to help you write an effective college application essay, we’ve compiled the following tips: Read more
The Ins and Outs of Early Decision versus Early Action
September 26, 2009
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In this podcast, Mike Rivera discusses the somewhat complicated early college application processes. Mike first discusses who should consider applying to colleges early – mainly, those students who are confident that they know where they want to spend the next four years gaining higher education. He then outlines the benefits, such as 25%-50% of acceptances come from this pool, as well as the early November deadlines imposed. He cautions from the outset that each school maintains their own peculiar process and requirements, so be sure to check the college’s application for college-specific details. Read more
ACT versus SAT – What’s Best For You?
August 23, 2009
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In this podcast, Mike Rivera takes you on a tour of the two major standardized tests looked at by college admissions officers: the ACT and the SAT. He traces the origins of both exams, and the varying skills they are meant to test.
The SAT is designed to test a student’s test taking skills and innate ability, as it was designed based upon the IQ test. It runs three hours and forty-five minutes, has 140 questions and tests critical readying, writing and math. The perfect score is 2400; 1/4 point is deducted for each incorrect answer.
On the other hand, the ACT tests scholastic achievement, and it was designed based upon the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The ACT is three hours and twenty-five minutes long, has 215 questions and tests math, English, reading, science and writing. The perfect score is a 36. No points are deducted for a wrong answer.
Both the SAT and the ACT are accepted at virtually every college. Starting with the class of 2010, the SAT joins the ACT in allowing you to select which scores (entire test) to send to the colleges. The bottom line: take practice exams for both exams to determine with which test you’re most comfortable. Then, study for that one, and get the best score possible!
We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Ways to Stand Out in a (College Admissions) Crowd
July 21, 2009
College Admissions. These two words strike fear in many students’ hearts, as they only think about grade point average and
standardized test scores. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on these components, as they do play a very significant role in the college application process. However, colleges are much more expansive in their review of an applicant’s submission, as they seek students who demonstrate more than simply classroom success. Admittedly, a student’s academic grades and mix of courses will be the most important factors admissions officers will consider; nevertheless, it’s also very important that students endeavor to excel in areas outside of the classroom.
What types of activities catch an admissions officer’s eye? A whole range of things! Students should become involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, volunteer organizations and part-time jobs. In addition, strive to take on leadership roles within your chosen activities. Don’t feel stymied by a seeming lack of opportunities, either. For instance, if a club that interests you doesn’t currently exist at your school (e.g., fencing), take the initiative and start the club yourself. Being the founder of a particular club really enhances your academic resume by demonstrating your leadership and initiative. Read more
Common Application Goes Online July 1st
June 26, 2009
The window for the Common Application (the “Common App”) will be opening on July 1st. What is the Common App, you ask? It is an undergraduate college admission application that students utilize to apply to any of the member institutions located within the United States. It serves to promote college admissions through the use of both subjective criteria (e.g., essays and recommendations) and objective criteria ( e.g., GPA and standardized exam scores). Simply put, the Common App streamlines the college application process for students choosing to apply to its member colleges.
