Getting Into College, From A-Z: All Your Questions Answered
This month we’ll do “A-M”
A: Athletic Scholarships
How can I qualify for an athletic scholarship?
The all-expenses-paid “free ride” college education is rare outside of Division 1 schools in income producing sports like football and basketball. Division Three schools do not offer athletic scholarships. As an admission consultant I suggest that you use your athletic ability to strengthen your ADMISSIONS application. You work hard to succeed and are goal-oriented. THAT is a PLUS in the minds of an Admissions committee.
B: The Business Major
Why should I avoid the most common major in America?
A savvy job search involves differentiating yourself from other applicants in the minds of the interview committee. Having the MOST common college major in America at the top of your resume will not do that. Be sure to specialize when you pick a major. Why International Business, Marketing or Entrepreneurship?
C. Five College Consortium, What a Great Idea!
There are two , one in southern California (The Claremont Colleges) and one in western Massachusetts. (The Five Colleges) . Whether it be in California ( Claremont-McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pomona, Scripps and Pitzer) or Massachusetts ( Amherst,Mount Holyoke,Smith, Hampshire and U Mass) in both cases a student at any one college in the consortium may take classes at any one of the to other four. A great idea for a savvy college consumer.
D: Application Deadlines
Will a college reject my application if I miss one deadline?
If it does not, it should. Why take the risk? The logistics of completing all the requirements and documentation for applying to college is not easy. View it as its own filter for getting into college.
E: Early Decision
Why should I apply early decision? Do you have a clear first choice on your application list, a dream school? Go for it! Both the application deadline and the decision will be much sooner than conventional applications. Plus you are telling the college it is your FIRST choice. That increase your chance of acceptance a bit.
Why should I NOT apply early decision? The reality is that you will need to begin the decision-making process no later than the end of your junior year in high school. That is more than 18 months before you actually start classes. Young people may change significantly during that time.
F: FAFSA
Should my parents fill out the FAFSA if we will not qualify for much aid?
Tough to make a blanket statement here that covers all situations, all families and every college. For example, the way that colleges approach merit aid varies from school to school and even year to y. BUT, the completing the FAFSa accurately and on time will not have an impact on the college’s admissions decision. Plus it very well may guide financial award decision-makers when distributing merit aid. Plus,do not forge that private scholarship organizations often require the FAFSA.
G: Hidden Gems
How do schools achieve diversity?
Yes, Affirmative action was rejected by the US Supreme Court. Putting it another way, race may not be used as a factor by a college’s admissions committee. Don’t forget that GEOGRAPHIC diversity, and even GENDER diversity survive. Most colleges aspire to a 50/50 male vs female balance in enrollment but more than 55% of applicants are women. If two candidates are identical in GPA and other measures and are competing for one last spot in the freshman class, more likely than not the ACCEPT will go to the young man. In a similar hypothetical, the candidate from distant state, or another country, may stand a better chance than a local candidate.
H: HBCUs
Should I apply to an HBCU if I am a minority candidate?
Visit the campus, sit in on a class, talk to a recent graduate. Then make your decision to apply, or not.
I: Mentored Independent Research
Why are graduates from colleges with mentored independent research successful in getting into grad school?
A great idea for the savvy consumer Princeton(NJ) , Wooster (Ohio) and Reed (Oregon) are three liberal arts colleges that feature a mentored independent research, project as a graduation requirement.Not surprisingly, graduates do very well in applying to graduate school, where self-motivation and goal -oriented discipline is essential.
J: Junior Year Abroad
Does it cost a lot to take a junior year abroad?
There are numerous cost-effective options that may cost the same or even less than the college you are attending. Many colleges have their own programs on a campus abroad or a working relationship with an overseas program. Something to watch for, can you get credit at your domestic university for the work you are doing at another campus? Colleges vary greatly in their openness-or not- to study abroad. Make that one of your data points in researching your college application list.
K: The Key to College Success.
How can I best get the most out of my college education and the best return on my parents’ investment?
Go to class. Be involved in non-academic life. Make a connection. Read Gaud’s COLLEGE SUCCESS GUARANTEED.
L: Student Loans
How are student loans a GOOD thing? Used wisely and in moderation loans can be a great tool for access to opportunities. A rule of thumb suggested by financial planners is do not borrow more than 1/3 of the college costs. Also, make sure your borrowing honestly reflects your income potential after you complete school.
M: Mental Health
Why are colleges in great demand to provide mental health support? Contemporary life is stressful for everyone. But college students are going through a tough transition, from child to adult. No one said it would be easy. Be a savvy consumer and research carefully the support services-both academic and non-academic offered by each college on your college application list.
Join me next month for N-Z!
David W. Clark, Ed.M.is an independent college admissions consultant who has been working with college-bound high school students and their families for more than thirty-five years. David is a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His website www.collegesearchnow.org is worth visiting and he can be reached there.