tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73228149599229294922024-03-13T05:31:35.726-07:00Keys to CollegeKeys to College opens the door to the latest information, news, and professional insights on the complex world of college admissionsLora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-50744685852728002862020-04-15T16:00:00.000-07:002020-04-15T16:00:35.500-07:00College Planning Concerns & COVD-19<br />
For many of us, the Coronavirus pandemic is the first time we’ve ever had to face a situation that is truly beyond our control. If you’re a junior who’s planning to apply to college in the fall, it is no doubt heightening the sense of stress and anxiety around college admissions that you were already experiencing. The timing could absolutely not be worse for you. While there is nothing beyond practical safety measures that we can do to manage the impact of COVID-19 on our lives, having information about what you can (and can’t) do to keep your college process on track might give you some peace of mind.<br />
<br />
<b>The Most Important Thing to Know</b> <br />
<br />
It’s scary to accept, but you are powerless to control the ways our current situation will affect college admissions in the fall. The cold, hard truth is that we simply don’t know what impact it will have on things like application deadlines, the admit rates of colleges, or how things like spring semester grades and SAT/ACT scores will be used in evaluating applications. In many cases, the colleges themselves are still answering these questions. Don’t create extra stress for yourself by trying to find answers where there are as yet none to be had. <br />
<br />
The good news is that colleges understand what you’re going through. They will not hold you accountable for things that you can do nothing about. What does this mean for you? <br />
<br />
<b>Spring Semester Grades</b><br />
<br />
Different school districts are taking different approaches to instruction and grading for spring semester. Some schools are doing online instruction while others are not. Some are continuing to give letter grades, while others are grading pass/fail. Colleges understand this. They are working to figure out how to factor this into the admissions process. <br />
<br />
Whatever your school is doing, continue to work hard and earn the best possible grades. This is one thing that you can control, so make the most of it! <br />
<br />
<b>SAT/ACT Testing</b><br />
<br />
Several colleges have dropped or modified their testing requirements for the class of 2021, including the <a href="https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/response-covid-19.html" target="_blank">University of California system</a> and some top tier universities like <a href="https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/a-special-announcement-about-sat-subject-tests/" target="_blank">MIT (which has dropped its subject test requirement)</a>. It seems likely that more will follow suit. <br />
<br />
Even before the pandemic, many colleges were “test-optional,” which means scores would be considered if submitted but weren’t required. You can find a list of these schools here: <a href="https://fairtest.org/university/optional">https://fairtest.org/university/optional</a> <br />
<br />
The College Board and the ACT have plans so students can make up tests that were cancelled. You can find updates here: <br />
<br />
SAT: <a href="https://pages.collegeboard.org/sat-covid-19-updates">https://pages.collegeboard.org/sat-covid-19-updates</a><br />
<br />
ACT: <a href="https://www.act.org/content/act/en/covid-19.html">https://www.act.org/content/act/en/covid-19.html</a><br />
<br />
<b>Remember...</b><br /><br />This is an unprecedented time, and there are many things we can't answer right now. But it will pass, and you will go to college in 2021. The most important thing you can do right now is take care of your physical and mental health, so that when we emerge from this challenging time, you're ready to resume your journey to college.<br />
<br />Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-56959551975350009512020-03-18T16:08:00.004-07:002020-03-20T10:42:40.742-07:00Smart Ways to “Visit” Colleges Without Leaving Home<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAA5jSBKdDXzlv02ownfl9M9BJ_1kIXYIIpejLGPT8Vw1ASNXAB1mWgfAvKUJzKrzGT-2KjX81lAtd84kX-E3Myou-U8w66wuhRHkxYeWI2WjiYJgpnmjE4hwBMINbCSKDytjKTw4FYQE/s1600/shutterstock_297736616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAA5jSBKdDXzlv02ownfl9M9BJ_1kIXYIIpejLGPT8Vw1ASNXAB1mWgfAvKUJzKrzGT-2KjX81lAtd84kX-E3Myou-U8w66wuhRHkxYeWI2WjiYJgpnmjE4hwBMINbCSKDytjKTw4FYQE/s200/shutterstock_297736616.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-ee0aa573-7fff-f69e-a0d0-fb1937c79995" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Visiting campuses is a great way to learn about colleges and get a real sense of whether they are a fit for your goals and needs. But sometimes, costs, time constraints, or unexpected obstacles (like a global pandemic) can make going to colleges in person impractical or even impossible. Luckily, there are still lots of ways you can check out colleges without even leaving your couch. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>College Websites</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This seems super obvious, but people often overlook the wealth of information that can be found on a college's website. If you take the time to delve beyond the landing page, you can learn about their history, educational approach, the majors they offer, the clubs and other activities that are popular on campus, and even the layouts of the various dorms. There are lots of pictures, and often virtual tours, not just of the campus itself, but possibly even academic departments. Colleges often put a lot of time and money into their websites because they are the public face of their school and offer visitors a one-stop shop for comprehensive information. Give them a look. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Social Media</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's no surprise that colleges take advantage of young people's preferred mode of communication. Most colleges have at least one YouTube channel full of videos, and you may also find channels for specific departments, activities and interests. Through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and tumblr, you can get all sorts of insights (the UC Berkeley bathroom graffiti tumblr is a must see!) that really bring a college to life. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Virtual Tours</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">They're not a perfect substitute for actually strolling around a campus, but you can still get a good sense of the surroundings and vibe of a campus through a virtual tour, especially if it's one that's hosted by a tour guide and has been filmed when classes are in session. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Campus Reel</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think this company is so valuable that it deserves its own spot on the list. <a href="http://campusreel.org/" target="_blank">CampusReel</a> offers student-generated videos from over 300 colleges. They're designed to be "authentic and honest," provide a "lens into campus life," and enable you to "explore different perspectives." Plus, the site is free and easy to navigate and the videos are casual and fun -- they're like having an actual student who has no agenda show you around campus. Imagine having a friend at every college you're considering reach out to give you an enthusiastic personal tour; that's <a href="http://campusreel.org/" target="_blank">CampusReel</a>. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">These alternatives may not have the glamour of hopping on a plane or taking a college tour road trip, but they're still valuable ways to learn about possible colleges without investing a lot of time and money. And with so many campuses currently closed, these might be our only "visiting" options for some time to come. Make the most of them, and have fun exploring! </span></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-338d0c6a-7fff-b028-ab37-189d0f6ffcc6">
</span></div>
Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-30468797549644307092019-05-30T11:42:00.001-07:002019-05-30T11:42:46.346-07:00Demonstrated Interest: Showing Colleges the LoveYou've found your best match colleges, filled out the applications, and written thoughtful essays. You've sent your test scores and transcripts and gently nagged your harried teachers until they submitted their recommendation letters. That should be it, right? Check those things off your list, and your college application work is done.<br />
<br />
But some colleges are interested in more than your academic and personal accomplishments -- they want to know how much you like them. They track what's called d<i>emonstrated interest</i>, or the different ways you show just how much you care about becoming a student at their school. This can be useful information for colleges, because it benefits them to accept students who will will seriously consider attending if they are offered admission.<br />
<br />
<i>Demonstrating interest</i> might feel like one more task in the already crazy and complicated process of applying to college. It's definitely work, but it's an opportunity to communicate to your favorite colleges that you are serious about becoming a part of their community.<br />
<br />
So how can you show colleges that they're not just an afterthought you decided to throw on your <a href="https://www.commonapp.org/" target="_blank">Common App</a> at 11:55 on the night of the deadline? You don't need to overdo it, of course, but if a college is high on your list, here are some ways to communicate your true feelings.<br />
<br />
<b>Super Quick & Easy</b><b> </b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>When a college you care about sends you an email, open it. It seems a little creepy, but yes, they are keeping track of your opens. </li>
<li>Take surveys they send and watch their videos. Again, creepy, but they're paying attention. </li>
<li>Social media. Follow and like. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>A Little More Effort</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Reach out to admissions offices by email to ask questions (but make sure they're genuine and not just things you can get answers to on the website). After you've established a connection with someone, be sure to send a follow up message when you apply, thanking them and letting them know that your application is headed their way.</li>
<li>Have a major in mind and want to know more? Contact academic departments with your questions. Office staff (and sometimes even professors) are happy to help. Do the follow up thing here as well. </li>
<li>Want to make a real impression? Use the telephone to make your contacts. A conversation often feels a lot more personal than an email and will help people at the college really see you as a human who has the enough genuine interest (and courage) to make actual live contact. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Really Going for It</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Go meet admissions officers in person. Most colleges share their travel schedules on their websites. You can often <a href="https://www.nacacfairs.org/" target="_blank">meet them at college fairs in your area</a> or at info sessions at your high school. Be sure to introduce yourself, ask any questions you have, and get their cards. A follow up email or call can help them remember you when application time rolls around.</li>
<li>Visit campuses. Of course, this can involve a lot of time and money, and colleges certainly don't expect that you can make these trips. But if it's possible, an extended campus visit where you take a tour, attend an info session, sit in on some classes, meet admissions officers and students, and experience the life of the campus and surrounding area is the best way to figure out if a college is right for you. If you can make a visit happen, be sure to sign up for the tour and info session online ahead of time or at the start of the tour...because (no surprise) the college is keeping track. <span style="color: #e69138;"><b>Side note:</b></span> If a college is within two hours' driving distance from your home, there's no excuse not to visit. You'll just seem lazy and indifferent, which is not attractive. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Once you've demonstrated that interest, how do you make sure the colleges know about it? Personal connections will obviously be remembered (and noted in your application file), and the wonders (terrors?) of technology monitor most of the other contacts. You might also be given the option to list your "contacts" with a college on the application itself by checking off the ways you've learned about the school and noting the dates of visits and names of connections. Craftily working your efforts into an essay response is another way to provide evidence.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not every college tracks demonstrated interest (large state college systems like the University of California and California State University, for example, can't be bothered), but increasing numbers of private and smaller colleges are eager to figure out how much they mean to you. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So if you really do love a college, go ahead and show it; those clicks and calls could play an important part in bringing the two of you together. </div>
Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-279692808445706242019-03-30T14:32:00.000-07:002019-03-31T10:56:00.947-07:00Making the Most of Summer<br />
Not so long ago, summer vacation meant hanging out at the local pool, working at a part-time job, and maybe taking a family trip where you spent half your time having fun and the other half wishing you had a different family. But today's teens all too often see summer not as a well-earned break, but as yet another thing they have to "maximize" to create college applications that will stand out from the competition. They stress about what they should do, if it's "unique" enough, and whether it will impress admissions officers. They feel pressure to do international service trips or find professors who will take them on as research assistants. These things can be awesome, of course. But the best approach to summer is often simple, and involves just three things: Recharging, learning, and having fun.<br />
<br />
<b>Recharging</b>. A teen's life can be stressful and non-stop. The school year is packed with classes, homework, extracurriculars, and family responsibilities These days, adults and kids alike have to make a conscious effort to stop and rest. Adults and teens often have different ideas about what "resting" means. For kids, it could involve sleeping for long, hibernation-like stretches, relaxing in nature, pursuing creative projects, binge-watching Netflix, hanging out with friends, or (sigh) playing video games. Whatever they do to rest, it should result in an energy-gain, not an energy drain, and as long as it's part of a well-rounded summer plan, parents should do their best not to judge.<br />
<br />
<b>Learning.</b> Learning can mean many things. Maybe it's reading those books you haven't had time to enjoy all year. It could be studying for the SAT or ACT, taking an academic class in a subject you'd like to explore or one that will help you feel prepared for the coming school year. You could get a job at a local cafe, start that podcast you've been thinking about, launch a small business doing something you're good at. Take a cooking class, be a lifeguard, make an app, learn to silkscreen t-shirts, visit all the regional parks in your area. Learning doesn't have to happen in a classroom or a research lab: valuable opportunities to grow intellectually and personally are all around you. And here's a secret: Colleges are interested in hearing about whatever you do, even if it's not an "organized" activity. It gives them great insight into who you are and what kinds of talents and interests you'll bring to their campus.<br />
<br />
Word to the wise: Avoid the temptation to overload. Summer is only ten weeks long. You can't do everything. Pick two learning activities and make the most of them.<br />
<br />
One more thing: If you're planning to apply to a competitive major that you're passionate about, use part of your summer to deeply explore that subject so you can show colleges that your interest is genuine (and so you can confirm that interest for yourself). This is especially true for majors like engineering, business and the arts. Invent, launch, create, collaborate! At competitive colleges, you'll need to demonstrate your "strong interest and aptitude" if you want to have the best possible shot.<br />
<br />
<b>Having Fun.</b> Ideally, whatever you do to recharge and learn will bring fun along with it. But it never hurts to make room for even more fun, either planned or spontaneous. Enjoy the long, warm days of summer, and don't feel guilty about it. Sure, you could spend all day everyday doing "productive" things to add to your resume, but in the long run, you're likely to accomplish more and be inspired to give your best effort to your activities if your life is balanced and you invest in creating your own happiness.<br />
<br />
However you choose to spend your summer, it should reflect what's right for you. If you think taking on an intense, competitive internship will help you recharge, learn and have fun, go for it. If you want to study for the ACT while road tripping with your family and then learn how to use editing software to make a video documenting your travels, that's great, too. Keep in mind that the best summer opportunities don't have to be complicated, and they are often just a bike ride from home.<br />
<br />
Don't worry about what colleges want to see on your applications; focus instead on what will bring you the greatest personal reward. Colleges welcome students who are curious, self-aware, and willing to take risks in order to learn and grow. What that looks like is up to you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-1789563113449981522018-07-15T09:34:00.000-07:002018-07-15T14:39:59.302-07:00Is Community College Transfer Right for You?<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not all students can or should go straight to a four-year college after high school graduation. Maybe cost is a concern, or you're uncertain about moving away from home, or you just aren't ready to choose a college yet. For kids who want to begin college but find the timing isn't right for a "traditional" college experience, following a transfer path at a community college can be a smart choice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>How Does It Work?</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-7654f8bd-9f13-d3e0-05c6-855948764546" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Increasing numbers of kids attend community college as a pathway to transfer to a four-year college or university. State community college systems are designed to enable students to complete the first two years of general education and prerequisites required to transfer to a state college or university; by offering courses that are “articulated” to specifically fulfill the lower division requirements of a four-year university, they offer a straight “pipeline” into earning a four-year degree. Many state colleges and universities even guarantee a spot to community college students who successfully complete a transfer program and meet a minimum GPA requirement. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Many private and out-of-state public colleges and universities also welcome transfer students. While some, like Stanford, accept only low single-digit numbers of transfers, others, like USC, accept close to a quarter of those who apply. Some private colleges have “articulation agreements” with state community colleges that are similar to those shared between community colleges and state public four-year institutions, which facilitate a smooth transfer of credits. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">While students traditionally choose to transfer to a four-year college as juniors, some colleges do accept students as freshman or sophomore transfers after they have completed a semester or year of community college courses. This is more common at private colleges; at some public colleges, like the University of California and CSU system, it is very rare that a student will be accepted as a transfer with fewer than 60 credits (junior standing). </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Working with an on-campus transfer counselor is crucial for students planning a transfer to four-year college; it’s essential that kids take the right classes to fulfill the requirements of their future college or university, and the path can often be challenging to navigate on their own. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>The Benefits of Community College Transfer Path</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Lower Investment</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Community college can save thousands of dollars off the cost of the first two years at a four-year college. Completing two years of lower division coursework at a community college is inexpensive (and, in some states, may even be free). In California, the cost of one year is around 11% of the cost of attending a University of California campus and 20% of attending a California State campus. At a state college where the cost of four years of attendance is $100,000, for example, spending two years at a community college before transferring would bring the cost to nearly half. Because students typically attend community colleges near their homes, many choose to live at home while they complete their degrees, lower overall costs even further. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Support & Connection</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">While community colleges are bustling places, class sizes are generally small and afford students close contact with professors and peers. This is great for kids who value teacher support and the chance to build connections that can result in outside opportunities and strong letters of recommendation that can be useful when applying to four-year colleges. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Growing Room</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Some kids need more time to mature before moving straight to college, and community college can be a great “stepping stone”. Kids build academic and personal independence, but generally still live at home and have the benefit of family support as they prepare to launch. Just as a gap year can be a great way for kids to mature and find their feet before heading off to college, community college provides the same opportunities in a more academic, structured (and less expensive) way. For kids who have faced mental or physical health challenges in high school, this interim educational phase can be even more important, as it affords additional time to adjust after high school and make sure everything is in place to meet a student’s needs before she moves on to the independence of a four-year college experience. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>A Fresh Start</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">In addition to providing a slower transition to college, community college can also give a student who has had academic challenges a “clean slate”. In most cases, once a student begins community college classes and has earned a certain number of credits (which varies by college) they are no longer required to submit high school transcripts or SAT/ACT scores when applying for admission to a four-year college. This means that regardless of what happened in high school, a kid who does well at community college can end up being accepted to many great four-year colleges that would have denied him admission as a freshman. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Improving Your Odds</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">In states like California, where admission to top-tier public four-year universities is increasingly competitive and out of reach to even the most highly qualified high school students, spending two years at community college can greatly improve the likelihood of acceptance. In fact, the <a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article208628779.html" target="_blank">UC recently announced that it will now guarantee a spot at a UC to all qualified transfer students</a>, hopefully as soon as 2019. Currently, this benefit is extended to some California community college transfers through the </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Transfer Admission Guarantee program (TAG). S</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">everal UC campuses participate in TAG, which guarantees students a spot at a single campus of their choice provided they meet all general education requirements and achieve a minimum GPA. Students can "tag" one campus and still apply to other UCs in the system. UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC San Diego don't participate in TAG, but it's an option at the other six campuses. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are shooting for a top-tier school like UC Berkeley or UCLA, attending a community college can also make admission to these campuses much more attainable; a student who wasn’t eligible for admission to these UCs as a high school senior will find it easier admitted as a junior transfer as long as his or her grades are very strong. </span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">No matter what path you choose to get your undergraduate degree, there will be pros and cons. Community college transfer students do miss out on some things, like the experience of living in a dorm and the sense of pride that can come with attending a prestigious college as a freshman. But for many students, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Community college can be a smart choice for kids in a variety of situations and who have a wide range of goals and ambitions. In college, as in life, there are countless ways to get where you want to go; community college might be the right one for you. </span></div>
<br />Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-11396916722565144202018-04-17T16:16:00.000-07:002018-04-18T07:48:02.829-07:00AP Classes: Maximizing Benefits, Maintaining Balance<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
The popularity of <a href="https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/home" target="_blank">AP classes</a> at U.S. high schools is booming. Most schools offer at least a few advanced placement classes, and many give kids the opportunity to choose from more than 20. Along with the increased availability of AP classes, so too has the pressure grown for students to take advantage of these advanced courses, which are now viewed as one of the keys to acceptance at competitive colleges and universities. As a result, many students pack their schedules with AP classes, often at the cost of sleep, social life and extracurricular activities. But are APs necessary to get into college? How many should kids take, and how many are too many? </div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
Colleges expect students to be actively engaged in learning and to demonstrate a high level of mastery in the courses they take. A common guideline is that students should take the "most rigorous courses available to them." This doesn't, however, mean that kids should take every AP offered at their high school. The key is to balance APs with regular college preparatory coursework, a process which should take into account the rigor of the class as well as students' interests, strengths, and tolerance for stress.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
Some APs are more challenging than others and carry heavier homework loads. Not surprisingly, APs in "academic" areas like science, math, English and history tend to be more difficult, while those in the arts, languages and social sciences are considered "softer". Of course, the relative challenge or ease students experience in a course depends in large part upon the areas where they excel and those where they aren't as proficient. </div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
In general, students should build an AP course schedule that includes the subjects of their greatest interests and strengths. If a student is equally strong in math/science and the humanities, diversifying to include courses in two or three subject areas can demonstrate that he or she has a solid foundation across the curriculum. It's also important to be sure that the course load is balanced; no schedule for a conscientious student should regularly consume more than three to four homework hours per day.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
If a student has already chosen a college major of interest, taking AP classes related to that field can be beneficial to demonstrate both strong interest in and aptitude for a subject (this is especially true of the sciences, computer sciences and engineering). While AP credit may be counted toward lower division major requirements at some colleges, don't be surprised if competitive majors at selective universities won't accept AP credit to waive foundation classes. This doesn't mean the classes aren't worth taking, however, as they will provide strong preparation for successfully approaching the major's coursework.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
If a high school doesn't offer an AP class in a student's area of interest or if he or she wants the flexibility to pursue advanced study outside the regular school day, there are alternative ways to take classes. Several accredited online and independent high schools offer AP classes throughout the year. While sometimes expensive, this can be a great option for kids who want to complete work over the summer or are unable to fit a course into their school day.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
Another frequently overlooked option is community college courses. While community college courses aren't APs (which is a standardized high school course), they are in some ways even more valuable in that they demonstrate a student's ability to master a college level curriculum as well as be successful in a college environment. Students can take general education classes or focus on a particular area of interest related to a potential major. When applying to college, students send their community college transcript along with their high school transcript, and the courses are "weighted" in the calculation of the GPA just as an AP class would be. If the courses are transferable, the credits earned can typically be used to fulfill lower-division requirements or even prerequisites for a major. Community college is affordable and students enjoy the freedom and independence they have outside the high school classroom.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
If a student wants to take an AP class but is worried about the challenge, consider adding the course to the school year schedule and then taking an AP "pre-course" over the summer through a platform like <a href="https://www.edx.org/" target="_blank">EdX</a>. These MOOCs (massive open online classes) are offered by major universities and are often self-paced. Students can get a head start on understand the AP material and hopefully relieve some stress and homework time during the school year by laying a strong foundation before the first day of school. </div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
AP classes can be a valuable aspect of high school education, but it's important to maintain a healthy perspective when choosing classes. Earning a B in a tough AP class is usually better than getting an A in a regular college prep class, but Cs should be avoided. Kids shouldn't take on so many APs that the place their sleep, sanity or GPAs at risk. They should choose classes that that will deepen their learning and help them develop as confident students rather than focus on racking up AP credits. In education, there is no single "right way" to do things, so don't be afraid to take the "less is more" approach at times or to look for non-traditional ways to show colleges that you are a curious and self-motivated learner. By pursuing the courses that are right for you in high school, you can trust that you will get into and thrive at a college that is the best match for you. </div>
Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-28278577542225463332018-04-02T07:11:00.000-07:002018-04-18T07:49:50.491-07:00Summer College Planning for Rising Seniors 2018<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Summer is almost here! If you're a college-bound senior, now is the time to begin key college planning tasks and alleviate the stress and chaos of the coming fall admissions season. There are numerous ways you can use your summer break to get ahead of the curve on your applications.</span><br>
<a href="http://keystocollege.blogspot.com/2016/05/summer-college-planning-for-rising.html#more">Read more »</a>Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-86353968748492280652018-02-18T11:47:00.000-08:002018-04-18T07:50:29.790-07:00SAT Subject Tests: A Crash Course<span style="color: orange;"><b>What Are They?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">The <a href="http://sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests/sat-subject-tests" target="_blank">SAT Subject Tests</a> are one-hour exams designed to test your knowledge in specific subjects. Students can choose from among 20 different tests in five subject areas. The tests are based on material that is taught in high school, and they give you the chance to showcase what you have learned and demonstrate to colleges how you are uniquely qualified in your best subjects. If you're doing well in your classes (and especially if you're taking advanced classes such as honors or AP) you're probably prepared to take subject tests and do well on them. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Should I Take Subject Tests?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">Around <a href="https://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-subject/about/institutions#inst_using_SAT" target="_blank">160 colleges and universities </a>require or recommend that students provide two (and sometimes three) Subject Test scores along with their SAT or ACT scores. They may also require scores if you are applying for a specific major. Check the websites or call the admissions offices of the colleges you are planning to apply to to see if you will need to submit scores. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">Even colleges that don't require Subject Test scores will often consider them when reviewing your application. This can be a great opportunity to differentiate yourself from other applicants and give colleges are more complete picture of your academic interests and abilities. If you're planning to apply to a particular major or program, subject tests can also let you show your preparation in those areas. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">In short, if testing doesn't make you a crazy person or a complete basket case, it's probably worth it to spend an afternoon taking Subject Tests in areas where you excel. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange;"><b>When Should I Take The Tests?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">Since Subject Tests are based on material taught in high school, it makes sense to take the tests in subjects you are currently studying (and doing well in) as close to the end of the course as possible. For example, if you take Chemistry as a sophomore and are getting great grades, take the Subject Test in May or June of sophomore year when the information is still fresh in your mind. After taking the main SAT reasoning test in March of junior year, you might take Math 2, US History, literature, or some combination of tests in May or June. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">If you're taking AP classes, you're exceptionally well-prepared to succeed on the Subject Tests, but the college-level knowledge that AP classes teach isn't required to score well.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">You can take up to three Subject Tests at a single administration, but you can't take the reasoning test and Subject Tests on the same day. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Am I Prepared?</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">For the Literature Subject Test, 3-4 years of college-preparatory study is recommended. The test reflects what is commonly taught in high school, but due to differences in high school classes, it's likely that you'll find questions on material that you've never studied. Don't worry about this: It's possible to do very well on the test even if you haven't learned everything that is covered (you can even get an 800 without answering every question correctly). This also applies to the U.S. and World History tests. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">fter taking one year of Biology, Chemistry or Physics, you are ready to take Subject Tests in those areas. Again, don't be concerned if you haven't learned all the material that is on the test. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are two Biology tests: Biology E and Biology M. Take Biology E if you feel more comfortable answering questions about biological communities, populations and energy flow. Take Biology M if you feel more comfortable answering questions about biochemistry, cellular structure and processes, such as respiration and photosynthesis. You can't take both tests on the same date, but you can take them on two different test dates. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">While the SAT offers two levels of Math Subject Tests, Math 1 and Math 2, almost all colleges are only interested in Math 2, which covers three years of college-prep mathematics (two years of Algebra plus Geometry) as well as trigonometry and elementary functions (pre-calculus). For most students, this means that the earliest the Math 2 Subject Test should be taken is the end of junior year. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">There are also two types of foreign language tests: With listening and without. Like Math 2, almost all colleges want only scores from foreign languages "with listening". You should have at least two years of strong preparation in the language (more is better). Ideally, take the test as close to the end of the last level of the language that you plan to take in high school. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">Just to make things even more fun, </span><i><span style="color: orange;">the College Board only offers foreign language tests with listening in November</span></i><span style="color: #666666;">. In general, this means the best (and probably only) time to take the tests are in November of senior year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">The College Board website has a wealth of information to help you <a href="http://sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests/sat-subject-tests" target="_blank">l</a><a href="http://sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests/sat-subject-tests" target="_blank">earn about and sign up for Subject Tests.</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">Even if you find you don't need to take them, Subject Tests are probably worth the time and brain fatigue. When it comes to college admissions, you never know what might make the difference between getting in and getting passed over. It can pay to take advantage of every opportunity you've got to shine. </span><br />
<br />
<br />Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-40120728236848655032017-08-30T11:13:00.001-07:002017-08-30T11:13:59.077-07:00IRS Data Retrieval Tool Returns to FAFSAFamilies who plan to file the <a href="http://ww.fafsa.ed.gov/" target="_blank">FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)</a> for the 2018-19 academic year may find the process easier this year, thanks to the relaunch of the <a href="https://fafsa.ed.gov/fotw1718/help/irshlp9.htm" target="_blank">IRS Data Retrieval Tool</a>. After being shut down last spring following ID hacking that may have put up to 100,000 tax payers at risk, the tool has been revamped to address security issues. Starting October 1, families can use the tool to upload their tax information for 2016 directly from the IRS to their FAFSA, saving time and the potential headaches of entering data by hand.<br />
<br />
As part of the new process, the exact income numbers from filers returns will be "masked" once they have uploaded. The data fields on the student aid report will simply say "transferred from the IRS". This new data security measure is worrying to some, who are concerned that potential errors in their tax returns that they are unable to see on the FAFSA could damage their eligibility for financial aid. If accuracy is a worry, however, entering data by hand directly from returns is still an option.<br />
<br />
Whether you decide to utilize the Data Retrieval Tool or not, it's a great idea to get started on your FAFSA as soon as the site goes live on October 1. You'll be well ahead of submission deadlines and you'll be able to determine your family's expected family contribution toward college costs prior to submitting college applications, which can be valuable if you are trying to adhere to a budget and want to be sure your college choices are affordable.<br />
<br />
Want to learn more about financial aid for college? Check out my previous blog posts on <a href="https://keystocollege.blogspot.com/2015/01/understanding-financial-aid.html" target="_blank">understanding financial aid</a> and <a href="https://keystocollege.blogspot.com/2017/08/smart-tips-for-college-financial.html" target="_blank">tips for planning a successful financial aid process</a>. Additionally, here are some useful links to help you navigate financial aid.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://fafsa.ed.gov/" target="_blank">FAFSA </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.finaid.org/calculators/finaidestimate.phtml" target="_blank">Expected Family Contribution Calculator</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/next-steps/how-calculated" target="_blank">How Federal Student Aid Is Determined</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-53147963091653358822017-08-30T11:11:00.000-07:002017-08-30T11:11:09.678-07:00Smart Tips for College Financial Planning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYXQB_OMj_cfp-ETfgk_Sz0nZ6hG5ztchDIaZXatA4k5poVO1T0y1tVDrHuN6YrprgrVjoW7Nc379s4qcVUZeyywwlr6k8heHUsxcKPrXblDaopvgLW3hwnvs0N7gA9SvEf-tJtUbgoY/s1600/FinancialAid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYXQB_OMj_cfp-ETfgk_Sz0nZ6hG5ztchDIaZXatA4k5poVO1T0y1tVDrHuN6YrprgrVjoW7Nc379s4qcVUZeyywwlr6k8heHUsxcKPrXblDaopvgLW3hwnvs0N7gA9SvEf-tJtUbgoY/s200/FinancialAid.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">For many families, the cost of a college education today is daunting. The total cost for a year at a CSU is now around $26,000; at a UC, $33,000; and many private colleges have sticker prices of $40,000 or more. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">To help manage college costs and make informed financial decisions, I recommend families do three things: </span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<li>Plan ahead</li>
<li>Set clear priorities</li>
<li>Understand actual costs</li>
</ul>
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Planning ahead </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">means not just saving money for college, but understanding early on what the cost of college is likely to be and how much financial aid through scholarships and loans your student can expect to receive. You can get a head start by using the </span><a href="https://fafsa.ed.gov/FAFSA/app/f4cForm?execution=e1s1" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">FAFSA Forecaster</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> to determine how much colleges expect you to pay toward the cost of college (your Expected Family Contribution). Knowing your EFC can help you estimate what your actual costs will be at various colleges and use this information to make smart choices about where to apply. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Setting clear priorities </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">early can also help guide a successful college search. What are the top three to five things that matter to your student and family? If cost is one of those factors, be sure to make it a priority in your search. Looking only at schools that are within your financial parameters or that you can reasonably assume might be with the assistance of scholarship dollars can help you avoid disappointment and wasted time. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Understanding the actual cost </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">of colleges can be tricky. While at a public college you can generally expect to pay close to the "advertised price" (most public colleges offer few scholarships), the actual cost of a private college can vary widely and is usually far less than their "advertised price" (thanks to plentiful scholarship offerings). But many other factors such as graduation rates, travel costs, and extremely varying costs of living at certain campuses also impact the overall total cost. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">In an effort at transparency, colleges now provide a net price calculator to help families get an estimate of the total cost of attendance based on the college's financial aid policies. These tools are very helpful and can easily be found on the financial aid page of college's websites. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">If you need help navigating the complex world of college financial planning, I provide basic guidance on the necessary forms and timelines as part of my comprehensive packages. </span><a href="http://www.loralewisconsulting.com/financial-planning---scholarships.html" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">For families in need of more extensive guidance, I offer three options</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> to provide you with in-depth understanding of the financial aid process and your expected costs, detailed financial comparison of various colleges and expected scholarship dollars tailored to your specific situation, and much more. I'm happy to work with your family to make college a rewarding and affordable experience!</span>Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-61170452654317190572017-07-27T09:51:00.000-07:002017-08-13T12:35:24.070-07:00Legal Housekeeping for College Students & Their FamiliesThere's a lot to think about when your kid goes off to college. In the scramble to take care of the big things -- packing, shopping for dorm decor, negotiating travel logistics, trying not to have a nervous breakdown -- it's easy to forget some of the less exciting but nonetheless essential tasks...like signing advanced health care directives.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When kids turn 18, they are legal adults, which means that parents lose the legal authority to make decisions for them. You won't legally be able to access their medical, academic or financial information or represent them in these areas. Should the student have an accident or become otherwise incapacitated, you won't be able to act on their behalf unless documentation is in place. You may not be even be able to get information from hospitals about their condition in the event of an emergency.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You'll need the following to be able to continue to assist your kid with regard to medical and financial information and decisions: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Durable Power of Attorney</b></div>
<div>
This document will able you to act of behalf of your adult child in legal and financial matters without them losing any ability to act on their own. It gives you the ability to do things such as pay bills, apply for loans, and access or transfer funds, which can be useful if your child is studying abroad, sick or injured, or just overwhelmed with school work and in need of some help managing his/her affairs. This document can be drafted to become effective immediately upon signing and can be revoked at any time, as long as the adult child isn't under a disability. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Advanced Health Care Directive</b></div>
<div>
If your adult child has an accident or other health emergency and is incapacitated, this document gives you the authority to make decisions on their behalf. It can also include information about the child's wishes regarding organ donation and end of life decisions. A HIPAA waiver will give you access to your child's medical records so you are able to make informed decisions regarding care. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You might also consider as a separate document an Advanced Directive for mental health care, which would enable you to make decisions and direct care for your child should they experience a mental disability and need you to represent them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>FERPA Release </b></div>
<div>
Parents are sometimes surprised to learn that they are not able to speak to colleges to discuss their adult child's grades and academic progress. A FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) form must be signed for you to access records and talk to colleges about your child. The forms may be requested from colleges. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While most families see the benefit of advanced health care directives and durable powers of attorney, the FERPA release can be tricky. Should students have privacy regarding their academic records and progress? Is it healthy/valuable for parents to monitor adult children in this way? At what point do students become responsible for their own educations? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While we all hope there will never be a need to intervene in a medical or legal situation on behalf of our children, for many families, knowing that you do have the ability to make decisions and direct care in an emergency is comforting. Clearly, whether or not to create these documents is a decision that should be made only after clear discussion and agreement between parents and adult children. For young adults, privacy is often a sticky subject, and it may be difficult for them to see the benefit of what may, on the surface, look like intrusion into their new adulthood. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Regardless of what you and your child decide, this is a worthwhile conversation about issues that all responsible adults should address. None of us can predict the future, and thorny situations and emergencies unfortunately do arise. Investing a small amount of time and energy now can enable you to contribute to your child's well being in critical times, and by negotiating and navigating the process, they'll take another small step on their path to becoming a grown up. </div>
Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-69115593771140568832017-06-14T16:18:00.000-07:002017-06-14T17:22:16.325-07:00SAT or ACT: Which is Best for Me? <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many college and universities require applicants to take the SAT or ACT (for a list of those that don’t or are test-optional, check out </span><a href="http://www.fairtest.org/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fairtest</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">). All colleges that require a standardized test will accept </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">either</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the SAT or ACT. There is no need to take both! </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Until recently, there were significant differences between the two tests. The SAT, introduced in the 1920s, was a “reasoning” test designed to assess “college readiness”, not what students learned in school, while the ACT was aligned with high school curricula. In 2016, the SAT changed its purpose and format and is now much more like the ACT. However, there are still differences that may make one test preferable for students. Here are some things to consider: </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Overall Testing Experience</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The SAT is a “slower” test, giving you considerably more time per problem than the ACT does. If you like to pace yourself and take your time with each question, the SAT will probably be better for you. If you can move through problems quickly and with good focus, the ACT will suit you. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reading</span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How quickly can you read with a high level of accuracy and comprehension? The ACT is a fast test and is text-heavy, so students who read more slowly will probably do better on the SAT. </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Science Reasoning</span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The ACT has a science section, while the SAT doesn’t. The ACT science section tests critical thinking ability rather than specific science knowledge, and requires students to read accurately and with strong comprehension at a fast pace. </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Math </span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Both tests cover arithmetic, Algebra I & II, Geometry and Trigonometry. The SAT also covers Data Analysis. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The SAT has math sections where you </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">may not use a calculator.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> If you need a calculator for math, the ACT is a better choice.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the ACT, all questions are multiple choice. The SAT has 13 “fill in the blank” questions as well as multiple choice. </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Essay</span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The SAT writing section tests comprehension of a source text; it requires you to come up with an argument and support it. The ACT writing section, on the other hand, tests your ability to analyze and evaluate complex issues; it gives you an argument and asks you to evaluate it. </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The easiest way to determine which test is best for you is to take full-length practice tests. You’ll get the most useful insights if you take the tests under realistic testing conditions. Many test prep companies offer proctored practice tests free of charge. You can also use practice tests from the Official SAT Study Guide and the Official ACT Prep Guide. </span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-18b0e39a-a8e5-bd91-fb24-c3a3cfe31229"></span><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Remember, standardized tests are just one piece of your college application. Do your best, but don’t stress. If your college list is well-balanced and includes schools that are great fits for you, you’re sure to be accepted to the colleges where you will thrive. </span></div>
Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-65713766790905098212017-06-12T13:01:00.000-07:002018-04-18T07:48:35.330-07:00Staying Safe at College: Simple Ways to Be Prepared & ProtectedKids have many things on their minds when they head off to college, from what classes to take to how to decorate their dorm rooms. In all the excitement, it can be easy to overlook one of the most important aspects of being a college student: Safety. While college campuses might seem like special worlds where real life is far away, they aren't exempt from emergencies and natural disasters. Students can also face dangerous situations in their personal lives both on and off campus. While you don't want to spend your college years worrying about the worst that can happen, it's just smart to be well prepared.<br />
<br />
All campuses have plans in place to respond efficiently and protect students in the event of an emergency. Pay close attention when emergency preparedness comes up in orientations (especially if you are attending college in a part of the country whose potential natural hazards are unfamiliar to you--Californians, for example, know how to respond in an earthquake, but may be clueless about tornadoes). If you need a refresher, find the campus safety page on your college's website and check it out. The <a href="http://oem.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank">Office of Emergency Management </a>page at UC Berkeley is a great example of the kinds of information you should be looking for. Be sure to sign up for text and email alerts so you (and your parents) can receive immediate information about emergency situations on campus; these notifications have proven vital in many recent campus incidents. Some colleges may also have a "crisis management" app that can assist students with information and instructions during an emergency.<br />
<br />
What else should you do to protect your safety at college?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Trust your instincts & take care of yourself. </b>Sometimes the most important things you can do to stay safe are listening to your gut and doing what it takes to protect yourself. If the little voice inside your head says, "I don't know if I should" or "This doesn't feel right"...listen. Don't be afraid to ask for help or walk away when you need to. Taking care of yourself is part of being a responsible adult. </li>
<li><b>Use campus escort services and shuttles</b> when out and about at night. Find out how to contact transportation and escort services and keep this info on your phone. Many colleges offer door-to-door service throughout the night, and some also provide students with transportation via services like Uber and Lyft.</li>
<li><b>Memorize the phone numbers of key people.</b> Thanks to "intelligent assistants" and cell phone contact banks, many people don't even know their parents' phone numbers, let alone their friends'. Commit the numbers of some key people to memory in case you lose or are separated from your phone and need to contact someone for help.</li>
<li><b>Consider using a personal safety app</b> like <a href="https://www.companionapp.io/" target="_blank">Companion</a>. It lets you enter a destination and enable friends and family to check in on you as you travel. You can alert your companions if you're feeling unsafe and also call 911 with a single tap. </li>
<li>If you choose to drink at parties and social events, <b>have a designated "sober friend"</b>. The vast majority of sexual assaults, medical emergencies and accidents on college campuses happen in situations where there is alcohol and drug use. Discuss in advance what constitutes a dangerous situation and then take turns looking out for each other. When you are the "sober friend", don't hesitate to call for help if you feel anyone is in danger. You could be saving someone's life. </li>
<li><b>Know your limits</b>. It is easier than you'd think to overdose on drugs and alcohol, and consuming to the point of impairment also makes you far more vulnerable to sexual assault and violence. Know when to quit. Also be sure to <b>watch your drinks. </b>Never leave a drink unattended or drink something that you didn't pour or watch being poured yourself. Incidents of drinks being spiked with drugs are not uncommon at college parties.</li>
<li><b>Be aware of your surroundings.</b> When you go into a restaurant, party or concert, it only takes a few seconds to locate your closest exits in case you need to leave quickly during an emergency. If you sense that something isn't right or someone seems out of place, don't hesitate to leave. Never stay at a party or event where you can't find clearly marked and easily accessible exits.</li>
<li><b>Lock your doors.</b> In dorm or co-op situations where you feel comfortable with your fellow students and have the added security of locked main doors and even security guards, you may feel like it's safe to leave your door unlocked at night. It isn't. Non-residents can and do access dorms. Your neighbors might also not be as trustworthy as you think. Always lock your door when you leave your room (even if you're just going to the bathroom down the hall) and never go to sleep without locking up. </li>
</ul>
<div>
It can be difficult (if not impossible) to prevent or predict dangerous or threatening situations, and you can't go through life constantly looking over your shoulder or worrying about what-ifs. But it's easy to be prepared and maximize your safety both on and off campus. The added peace of mind and sense of personal responsibility that comes from taking care of yourself will make your college experience even more rewarding and enjoyable. </div>
Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-63294544169468923302017-01-09T13:19:00.004-08:002017-06-12T13:18:51.915-07:00More Changes to the SATJust when we think the dust is settling around the new SAT, more changes come our way. Fortunately, the latest changes bring good news! While I'm still not a big fan of standardized testing, I think these developments will benefit kids and families and make what can be a "necessary evil" of the college admissions process a bit less stressful.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Added Test Dates</b></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b><br /></b></span>
It might not seem significant, but the addition of a late August test date is something to smile about. In the past, the first time the SAT has been offered during the school year is early October (the last test administration each year is in June--no testing over the summer). For the 2017-18 school year, College Board is adding a test date of August 26.<br />
<br />
This addition is important for a few reasons. First, it gives students a chance to take the test before (or shortly after) the start of school, when workload hasn't kicked into high gear yet. Kids can prep over the summer and take the test right after, without worrying about losing the knowledge they gained or struggle with trying to balance homework and test prep before the October test. Second, for those who plan to applying to colleges using Early Action or Early Decision, they now have an additional chance to take either the main SAT or SAT subject tests and have their scores arrive in time for the November 1 or November 15 deadlines, which was always hit or miss with the October test date.<br />
<br />
Want to plan your testing schedule? Check out the test and registration dates for 2017-18 below.<br />
<br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-c2ee6ee5-8535-88c7-143f-993aa006dbef"><br /></span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 10.5pt;">
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><colgroup><col width="111"></col><col width="189"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Test Date</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Normal Registration</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aug 26, 2017</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jul 28, 2017</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oct 7, 2017</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sep 8, 2017</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nov 4, 2017</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oct 6, 2017</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dec 2, 2017</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nov 3, 2017</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mar 10, 2018</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Feb 9, 2018</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">May 5, 2018</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apr 6, 2018</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jun 2, 2018</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 3px 11px 1px 11px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">May 4, 2018</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Changes to Accommodations</b></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b><br /></b></span>
It's sometimes been difficult for students with learning differences or special needs to get accommodations for the SAT; at best it involved a long and complicated process that was a challenge for many families and school counselors to navigate. The College Board has announced that, as of January 1, 2017, they are making changes to the accommodations process, creating a streamlined process that allows for automatic approval of accommodations in more situations.<br />
<br />
From the College Board press release: "T<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">he vast majority of students who are approved for and using testing accommodations at their school through a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan will have those same accommodations automatically approved for taking the SAT</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">®</span><span style="background-color: white;">, PSAT</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">™</span><span style="background-color: white;">10, PSAT/NMSQT</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">®</span><span style="background-color: white;">, SAT Subject Tests</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">™</span><span style="background-color: white;">, and AP</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">®</span><span style="background-color: white;">Exams. Most private school students with a current, formal school-based plan that meets College Board criteria will also have their current accommodations automatically approved for College Board exams."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">To learn more about the recent changes and how the benefit students, <a href="https://www.collegeboard.org/students-with-disabilities/whats-new-2015-16" target="_blank">visit the College Board website</a>. </span></span>Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-52585021976957444852017-01-09T12:57:00.001-08:002017-06-12T13:19:57.209-07:00Find Your Best Fit Colleges: Research, Research, Research! <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">With over 3,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. alone, students today have an almost overwhelming number of higher education choices to consider. When you first begin thinking about which schools might be good matches for your needs and goals, the possibilities might seem overwhelming. But if you develop a plan before you launch your research, you can minimize stress and keep your college search sane.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It's easier than ever to access information about colleges. Official websites, guidebooks, and online college resources like <a href="https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/" target="_blank">College Navigator</a>, </span><a href="http://www.unigo.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #ff6fcf; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Unigo</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> and <a href="https://www.cappex.com/" target="_blank">Cappex</a> offer many ways to learn about potential schools and explore whether they might be good fits for you.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">If you have a list of things your future college must (or must not) have, such as a particular major or extracurricular, location or size) it can facilitate your search to use a search engine that will narrow down possibilities based on your criteria. The old standby, </span><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #ff6fcf; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">CollegeBoard</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">, can be a good place to start.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Once you have this initial list, however, and you've narrowed it down to around 15 schools, your research should be anything but quick. It takes time and effort to learn about what a college has to offer, and even more time to reflect and assess thoroughly whether it is a place where you will thrive. As with most aspects of the college admissions process, be prepared for this step to take time--a LOT of time. Don't cut corners here, and you'll likely end up saving yourself time later on.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Your goal is to find 8-10 schools that will make your final applications list; 3 safety schools, 3-4 target schools, and 2-3 dream schools is a good mix. If possible, try to visit these campuses when school is in session to sit in on classes, check out the dorms and dining hall, and experience the unique atmosphere of each.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Be open-minded and thorough in your college search and take full advantage of the available resources in your research. It will pay off when you discover the college of your dreams.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://wwwloralewisconsulting.com/resources.html" target="_blank">Need suggestions about what to look for as you research? Check out these guidelines</a>. </span>Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-12260789126917564702016-07-08T13:07:00.001-07:002017-06-12T13:05:22.250-07:00College Degrees Abroad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6Gle6g1gB73NOmCO2nuysZvfJK8uzsIztVbs89EHwtGHv02Pb9iRA2p8dfoWYsuK8fJboxp5hJm8stCLkAzDQ6zCAZkkRwhXnb3gZ2ngrzeOqyv4Pdtn8wqgB-MDIAI1aiCOUXcYJfY/s1600/o-OXFORD-UNIVERSITY-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6Gle6g1gB73NOmCO2nuysZvfJK8uzsIztVbs89EHwtGHv02Pb9iRA2p8dfoWYsuK8fJboxp5hJm8stCLkAzDQ6zCAZkkRwhXnb3gZ2ngrzeOqyv4Pdtn8wqgB-MDIAI1aiCOUXcYJfY/s200/o-OXFORD-UNIVERSITY-facebook.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Everyone has heard of studying abroad, which gives college students the opportunity to study in another country for a semester or a year. But what about earning your degree abroad? Growing numbers of American students are choosing to go overseas for their undergraduate educations, and while it isn't for everyone, the benefits might surprise you.<br />
<br />
For one thing, it's cost effective. While the average tuition at a US college is currently $9,139 for in-state tuition at a public university, $22,958 for out-of-state tuition at a public university, and $31,231 at a private university, the average cost of an undergraduate degree in Europe is around $8,000. Add to that the fact that many students can complete a degree in less than four years, which further reduces costs. At some public universities, some universities are tuition free, even for international students.<br />
<br />
But what is you don't speak a foreign language? Even in non-English-speaking countries, hundreds of European universities offer degree programs in English. They welcome American students who can enrich their student bodies and bring unique perspectives to the classrooms.<br />
<br />
Even better, they don't all expect you to be a 4.8 student with a perfect SAT score. While you may have to meet specific requirements for admissions that differ somewhat from those of American universities, their requirements are often not as stringent, with many European universities not even requiring standardized test scores. In countries where education is considered a right, not a privilege, there is room for all types of students.<br />
<br />
Of course, there are trade-offs, such as distance from family and the possible challenges of adapting to a new culture, but when you look at the pros (not to mention the opportunity to finally perfect another language!), earning a degree abroad might just be the smart college choice.<br />
<br />
Want to learn more about college degree options overseas? <a href="mailto:lora@loralewisconsulting.com" target="_blank">Get in touch. </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-3763128560267333172016-07-08T10:11:00.001-07:002017-06-12T13:07:23.686-07:00Beyond APsLike it or not, Advanced Placement high school classes are the new norm for college-bound students. Many believe that without a majority of AP classes on their transcript, they won't be competitive for highly selective colleges. Whether or not this is true, each year more and more kids take on more and more AP classes, often assuming workloads that cost them sleep and sanity.<br />
<br />
AP classes are awesome. The offer academic rigor and the opportunity to study with a highly trained teacher alongside highly motivated and sharp peers. If you score a 3 or above on the AP test at the culmination of the course, you can earn college credit and, assuming a score of 5, demonstrate that you are more prepared the 80-90% of your classmates. When everyone is taking APs, are they still the best way to distinguish yourself and demonstrate that you are exceptionally well prepared to take on the challenges of college? What are the alternatives?<br />
<br />
Community college courses are often overlooked by students, but they can be an excellent way to deepen your learning, demonstrate your initiative and intellectual curiosity, earn transferable college credit, and show that you have the skills and maturity to succeed in a college environment rather than just a high school classroom. With the approval of a high school administrator, almost every high school kid is able to register and take community college classes either to explore a personal interest or to get a head start on fulfilling lower-division college requirements. They are also a great option for kids who can't fit all of the high school classes they want to take into their schedule, who want to spread out their workload by taking courses over the summer, or who need to make up high school classes where they earned low grades or fulfill requirements they missed.<br />
<br />
MOOCs (massive open online courses) are also an exciting opportunity for kids to learn new subjects beyond those offered by a traditional high school and to experience firsthand an actual course at Stanford, MIT, UC Berkeley, and many other universities. Designed to provide unlimited participation and open access to learning via the Web, MOOCs provide the chance to explore a vast array of subjects. In some cases, they can be taken for credit or a student can receive a certificate acknowledging course completion. But simply enrolling in and completing a course in a subject like Data Science (Johns Hopkins), Buddhism and Modern Psychology (Princeton), or Social Media Marketing (Northwestern) can show colleges that you are intellectually curious, self-motivated,and capable of taking on the rigors of a top university (in the often even more challenging virtual environment). You can check out the possibilities at <a href="https://www.coursera.org/" target="_blank">Coursera</a>,<a href="https://www.edx.org/" target="_blank"> edX</a>, and <a href="https://www.udacity.com/" target="_blank">Udacity</a>.<br />
<br />
With so many ways to take your learning beyond the high school classroom, there's no reason to limit your learning to the AP curriculum. Take advantage of the AP classes that are right for you, but open your mind to the world of opportunities that are there for the taking. <br />
<br />
Need help finding enriching learning experiences that don't involve an AP exam? <a href="mailto:lora@loralewisconsulting.com" target="_blank">Get in touch. </a>Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-33562908882502128092016-05-20T08:30:00.001-07:002017-06-12T13:08:32.509-07:00Understanding the New Coalition Application<strong><a href="http://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/" target="_blank">The Coalition Application</a> </strong>is the brainchild of over 90 colleges and universities (including many elite and top-tier schools) who want to improve access to education for all students. This application, which encourages kids to be working on their colleges applications throughout grades 9 - 12, offers tools you won't find on the two existing private school applications, The Common Application and the Universal Application, such as the opportunity to collect classwork, art and music samples, and other materials to support future applications in an online "locker." Though all of the features of the application are still rolling out, the <a href="http://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/students.html" target="_blank">"locker" and essay prompts are now available.</a><br />
<br />
It's likely that over 100 colleges will accept the Coalition Application as an option in the <strong>Fall of 2016</strong>, and some, including the <a href="http://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank">University of Washington</a>, will use it exclusively.<br />
<br />
<strong>What are the pros and cons for students? </strong><br />
For some kids, the Coalition application process will be an opportunity to highlight their unique talents and educational accomplishments. It also might encourage the planning process throughout high school and enable them to demonstrate their interest in particular colleges earlier and with more detail.<br />
<br />
On the downside, for kids who already feel like their entire high school experience is nothing but a breakneck race to college, the Coalition application might just be one more task to manage and one more thing to stress about. This might be especially true for kids in grades 10 and 11, who could feel like the game board they were beginning to understand was just upended beneath them: <em>Should I use the Common Application or the Coalition Application? Do colleges (as they say) really have no preference? What if I don't have work saved from grades 9 and 10 to add to my locker? Will not doing it mean I can't get into (fill in the blank)?</em><br />
<br />
There also seems to be no real plan for training high school counselors in using the Coalition application. Many of them are already busy trying to support students and families in using Naviance, another college planning tool which many high school have purchased to help families navigate the college process. And speaking of Naviance, will the new application interface with Naviance features like storing and uploading teacher recommendations (as it does with the Common Application), or will kids and teachers need to go though yet another process to add recommendations for Coalition schools?<br />
<br />
It's early days and there are still many unanswered questions. Our hope is that the new application truly will improve access for underrepresented students and support all students in having a kinder, gentler application process that lets them truly show colleges who they are and what they have to offer. But at least for the near future, his new application will raise questions and, no doubt, stress levels, for students and the parents, teachers and counselors who are working to support them.Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-89360689429860279522015-01-12T09:04:00.000-08:002017-06-15T12:51:11.175-07:00Understanding Financial Aid<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">No question about it, college is expensive. While there are still ways to make a college degree very affordable, these options are often impractical or undesirable for students and families, many of whom are looking not just for a college degree, but also a "college experience". For a lot of families, high college expenses translates to the need for financial aid. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Financial aid comes in two main forms: Scholarships (based on merit or need) and loans (for the student, parents, or both). Families with lower incomes may also be eligible for federal grants.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">For those at or above the middle-income threshold, scholarships are usually the best option to offset college costs. These days, the majority of scholarships that carry significant award amounts are given by the colleges themselves. Typically, students are considered for scholarships just by applying for admission. In some cases, colleges offer additional scholarships that require separate applications, so it is important to explore what is available. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Outside scholarships are also available, though they usually carry smaller award amounts. Still, they can be worth applying for; if it takes an hour to write an essay for a $1,000 scholarship and you get it, you've just made $1,000 in an hour! Keep in mind, though, that many colleges reduce the amount of the loans and scholarships they offer if you receive outside funds. Check with the financial aid offices of the colleges you've applied to to learn about their policies. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">If you are applying for financial aid (and, in some cases, if you are hoping to receive just merit scholarships) you will need to submit the </span><a href="http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">FAFSA</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">, </span><a href="https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">CSS Profile</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">, or both. Check the financial aid pages of each school's website or contact their office to learn what is needed. Deadlines for these documents vary by college, but are usually in late January to mid-February. It is crucial that deadlines be met!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">If you have a complex financial situation or feel more comfortable with professional financial aid guidance, there are many certified financial planners who specialize in financial aid. Most families, however, are able to navigate the process with a basic level of support. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">You can also find workshops and support in your community, often through your student's school or at the local library. Online webinars and resources are also available, including an upcoming series by Fred Amrein, a financial aid specialist who provides training to professional organizations for college consultants. </span><a href="http://collegeaffordability.com/webinars/" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">Learn more here.</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Have questions about the financial aid process? I'm here </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">to help. </span><a href="mailto:lora@loralewisconsulting.com" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">Get in touch</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> and let's create a strategy to get the most out of your college dollars. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Financial Aid Resources</b></span></span><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Scholarship Search Engines</span></strong><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.fastweb.com/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Fastweb</span></a></strong><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong><a href="http://www.cappex.com/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #336699;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cappex</span></span></a></strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #505050;"><a href="http://www.cappex.com/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #336699;"><br /></span></a><a href="http://www.scholarshipmonkey.com/" target="_blank">Scholarship Monkey</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.scholarshipmonkey.com/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #505050;"><br /></span></a><a href="http://scholarships.com/" style="color: #505050;" target="_blank">Scholarships.com</a><br /><br /><a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">C</a><a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">ollege Board</a><br /><br /><br /><b style="color: #505050;">Financial Aid Information</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.finaid.org/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #336699;">FinAid!</span><br /></a><span style="color: #336699;"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/troyonink/2017/01/08/2017-guide-to-college-financial-aid-the-fafsa-and-css-profile/#6a5c2ccb4cd4" target="_blank">Forbes 2017 Guide to College Financial Aid</a></span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/troyonink/2014/11/28/2015-guide-to-fafsa-css-profile-college-financial-aid-and-expected-family-contribution-efc/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank"><br /><br /><span style="color: #336699;">W</span></a><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/13/education/edlife/what-you-dont-know-about-financial-aid-but-should.html?_r=0" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">hat You Don't Know About Financial Aid (But Should)</a></span>Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-4178678379878093922013-12-05T17:13:00.001-08:002017-06-12T13:12:58.424-07:00Tips for Successful Supplement Essays: The Why Us? Question<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJ_KGpw8dg77eRvrisN3RersHeIaiDPXLRLEhw0Y_2z4XUEb4Lynt4XO4YToRIFbYJX-mgM9Ru8rxGHqn-vxbf6UkHlMe-SQXv3FTGoomlcQV1tvOXJY60kv-3r4heJVGs1uGVq1M3lk/s1600/carleton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJ_KGpw8dg77eRvrisN3RersHeIaiDPXLRLEhw0Y_2z4XUEb4Lynt4XO4YToRIFbYJX-mgM9Ru8rxGHqn-vxbf6UkHlMe-SQXv3FTGoomlcQV1tvOXJY60kv-3r4heJVGs1uGVq1M3lk/s320/carleton.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carleton College</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
College application deadlines are coming...and they'll be here before you know it. If you're applying to private colleges and universities, by now you've probably finished the main Common Application essay and are facing (or trying not to face) the dreaded college supplements. Specifically that oh-so-difficult question so many colleges want the answer to: <i>Why us?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Even if a school is your hands-down favorite, addressing this question can be daunting. It can be downright intimidating if the school is one you like but have never visited, or have just heard about through friends or relatives. So how should you respond when the colleges ask <i>why</i>?<br />
<br />
First of all, understand why they are asking. It's not to hear about how awesome they are (because they know that already), but because they want to find out why you believe you and their college are a good match. They want to know what you're going to bring and what you expect them to give. To do this effectively, you need to research the college...and yourself.<br />
<br />
If you've been able to go on a campus visit, great: you have a lot of material to draw from as you pull together your ideas. Even if you haven't, you can glean a wealth of information about a college on their website. Check out all kinds of things--the academic departments, special programs, campus life, sports, clubs, student publications, campus happenings, current research--and make notes about the things that genuinely excite you or that seem like things you need or want to have a successful, satisfying college experience. If you can come up with even three things that really speak to you, you've got enough to write your essay.<br />
<br />
Next, think about who you are. Given what you've learned about the school in your research, can you really see yourself happily spending four years there? What do you think will get you jazzed or challenge you? What about you "fits" with the school and its culture? How can you see yourself being a part of its community?<br />
<br />
When you start writing, be authentic. This is your chance to share what you know about their school <i>in the context of who you are</i>. Let your personality come through. It's perfectly fine to mention quirky things that appeal to you, as long as you are genuine in your discussion.<br />
<br />
What should you avoid? Don't write about how beautiful the campus is. They know that. Don't write about how they offer an exceptional education. They know that, too. Don't write about their fabulous reputation. You get the idea. Your job isn't to kiss up to the schools by mirroring their wonderfulness back to them. It's to show them that the two of you are right for each other.<br />
<br />
The <i>why?</i> questions are challenging, but they're also a great opportunity for you to really think deeply about why you are applying to the schools on your list. In the process, you may find that some go up on your list of preferences, and that others go down (or even drop off). The <i>whys</i> are a lot of work, but they're one more way (and an underrated one) to ensure you're making a great choice...and at the end of the college admissions process, that's really what it's all about.Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-75764413858112527332013-10-02T10:56:00.000-07:002013-10-02T10:56:18.424-07:002014 Top 12 Strengths & Experiences Colleges Look for in High School Students<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRgy2cSyRLytVvCsaF6f-YRLjepq3CBAVfJet73XiQabe4IZOhbjg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRgy2cSyRLytVvCsaF6f-YRLjepq3CBAVfJet73XiQabe4IZOhbjg" width="200" /></a>The Independent Educational Consultants Association, <a href="http://www.iecaonline.com/">IECA</a>, today released the results of its annual survey of college admissions officers and professionals aimed at helping make the admissions process more transparent for students and families. The list is in keeping with the advice I give my clients: Work hard in rigorous classes (but don't fall prey to the "8 AP courses" insanity); pursue a few activities passionately and pursue leadership opportunities in those activities; be curious about life and learning; form connections with teachers who can speak to your strengths, challenges and intellectual curiosity in recommendation letters; write an honest, intriguing, kick-ass essay that no one else could ever have written; and don't be afraid to let colleges know how much you'd like to be part of their community.</div>
<br />
In this morning's Webinar for IECA members to learn the details of the survey, some interesting new points were also made. For example:<br />
<br />
Legacy is less important in admissions than it has ever been before. Even if your parents, your uncles, your aunts and 15 cousins all attended University of X, it won't get you in unless the colleges feels you are are good match for them and they are a good match for you.<br />
<br />
Social media and electronic communication are viable ways to demonstrate your interest in a college. You might not be able to visit a campus or meet with an admissions rep in your area, but everyone can like their top colleges on Facebook and take the time to open the emails they send you. The downside of social media and college admissions has been highlighted in recent years, but apparently there is also an upside: They may be watching when you post unsavory photos of a keg party on your page, but they're also watching when you give them a "thumbs up".<br />
<br />
Colleges are more interested than ever in your intellectual curiosity. Take every opportunity to show them the <i>genuine</i> interests and ideas that turn you on. Show them what inspires you by committing to related activities in depth and over time, by addressing interests in your essays, and by asking teacher and counselor recommenders to make this topic an element of their letters (assuming you have real, live intellectual curiosity for them to talk about).<br />
<br />
See what else colleges and admissions professionals from around the world had to say:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.iecaonline.com/PDF/IECA_CollegeTop12List.pdf" target="_blank">2014 Top 12 Strengths & Experiences Colleges Look for In High School Students</a>Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-49978689131342801732013-02-16T12:10:00.000-08:002017-06-12T13:13:39.458-07:00SAT or ACT? Which Test is Best?<br>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like it or not, standardized test scores remain a factor in the admissions decisions of many colleges. Unless you are applying to <a href="http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional" target="_blank">"test optional" schools</a>, you'll need to sit for either the <a href="http://www.actstudent.org/" target="_blank">ACT</a> or the <a href="http://www.sat.collegeboard.org/" target="_blank">SAT</a> as part of the admissions process.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The question is, Which test is best for you to take? Colleges are clear that they have no preference as to whether applicants submit the SAT or ACT (or sometimes scores from both), so how does a student decide? Will one land you a higher score than the other?</span><br>
<a href="http://keystocollege.blogspot.com/2013/02/sat-or-act-which-test-is-best.html#more">Read more »</a>Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-88068710545991897502013-02-05T08:56:00.001-08:002013-02-16T18:27:46.118-08:00New Common Application Essay Prompts <br>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's been a good deal of speculation, controversy and confusion about the <a href="http://www.commonapp.org/" target="_blank">Common Application's</a> decision to change their essay topics and word limits. For several years now, the six prompts, including an open-ended "topic of your choice" option, and unlimited word count have remained the same.</span><br>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The waiting ended yesterday when the <a href="http://www.commonapp.org/" target="_blank">Common Application</a> released its new essay prompts as well as the news that essays written for the 2013-14 admissions season and beyond will now be subject to a 650 word maximum, after which the essay will be cut off. The essay may be no shorter than 250 characters.</span><br>
<a href="http://keystocollege.blogspot.com/2013/02/new-common-application-essay-prompts.html#more">Read more »</a>Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-14990124261284551322012-08-03T11:13:00.001-07:002017-06-12T13:21:58.778-07:00Tips for Completing the Common Application<br>
The 2012-13 <a href="http://www.commonapp.org/" target="_blank">Common Application</a> went live on August 1. While the deadlines for most private colleges aren't until fall or early winter, the best time to get started on your application is <i>right now</i>. The following tips can help you complete your Common App accurately and with a minimum of stress.<br>
<a href="http://keystocollege.blogspot.com/2012/08/tips-for-completing-common-application.html#more">Read more »</a>Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7322814959922929492.post-9108947500753143792012-07-06T10:35:00.002-07:002017-06-12T13:17:29.067-07:00What the Top Colleges are Looking For<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyundIE_4NnIp9WEn6wnVGnsv2L-hKmw_R2ipIcVMVtBfkhedJDi5VEmRVVXUxzyFKnJAwB42R_-lQ8X_diysMn3XeYbxZWZsbCeaKzo0Nfvnsg76UzukTa0_h9riD3_lPM4Xv42DaUE/s1600/image.aspx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyundIE_4NnIp9WEn6wnVGnsv2L-hKmw_R2ipIcVMVtBfkhedJDi5VEmRVVXUxzyFKnJAwB42R_-lQ8X_diysMn3XeYbxZWZsbCeaKzo0Nfvnsg76UzukTa0_h9riD3_lPM4Xv42DaUE/s1600/image.aspx.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank">Harvard</a>. <a href="http://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank">Yale</a>. <a href="http://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank">Stanford</a>. <a href="http://www.web.mit.edu/" target="_blank">MIT</a>. Just the names of these colleges and universities conjure images of elite learning, rich traditions, and exceptional opportunities. Many people believe a degree from a highly selective school is the ticket to a successful, rewarding life and career; as a result, competition to gain admission to these schools is, to put it mildly, <i>fierce</i>.<br>
<br>
If you apply to a school with an acceptance rate below 20%, your application will land in a pool along with those of thousands of other kids who boast GPAs above 4.0 and SAT scores that are north of the 2000 mark. Apply to schools with acceptance rates below 10%, and you're being considered alongside other kids who appear to be more or less, well...<i>perfect</i>.<br>
<br>
So, assuming you've got the exceptional grades and test scores to put you in the running, what else are highly selective colleges looking for in potential students? How can you start preparing to be a competitive candidate long before it's time to complete those applications?<br>
<a href="http://keystocollege.blogspot.com/2012/07/what-top-colleges-are-looking-for.html#more">Read more »</a>Lora Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17577245913308421817noreply@blogger.com4