Finding Your Best Fit College

When students begin working on developing a college list, the task can be daunting. There are over 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States, but it’s hard to know which one will be a place where the student thrives. To help students dive into creating their best-fit college list, I provide questions  to ask themselves:

Is it affordable? Before researching colleges, parents should speak with their students about what the family can realistically afford to pay. With the help of websites like College Board, families can calculate the cost of attending using Net Price Calculator using current tax year information. Parents can check with the school's financial aid office to determine the percentage of students' financial need they met in the previous application season. Students being aware of the families' financial bandwidth is good for two reasons. First, it allows the student to avoid putting schools on the list that do not have a record of giving competitive financial aid packages. Second, the student can focus on finding schools that have the capacity to provide aid to make attending affordable.

Is it worth the investment? College is expensive. The average middle-class family will spend between $40,000 and $120,000 on public and private college costs respectively. According to the Pew Research Center,  94% of parents say they expect their children to attend college. As such, during the research phase, students must spend time learning the value-add that attending specific colleges would bring to their life such as deep-rooted knowledge, career opportunities, and connections to an expansive network of professionals and industry experts.  Students can find published lists by Forbes or U.S. News & World Report. However, actual value add will vary by student. For example, a student who's majoring in agricultural engineering may greatly benefit from attending Purdue University, while an urban studies student may be at a disadvantage being distant from a major city.

Does it provide a multi-faceted experience? Academics is a huge part of the college experience. However, universities are increasingly adopting admissions policies to diversify their class so that students will enrich the social and campus life. Extracurricular, experiential opportunities that add value to the program of study and prepare for adulthood beyond campus include special interest groups (e.g. Young Democrats, Organization of Asian American Students, Fencing Club), intramural sports, community service clubs, independent research appointments with professors, study abroad semesters, and paid internship programs to name a few. Students should spend time exploring the student life section of school websites. Also, students should visit schools several times through the exploration process, with at least one time being an overnight stay with a current college student host.

Does it feel right? In spite of technological advances that allow students to visit campuses virtually, there is no substitute for experiencing the real thing. It is understandable that when there are over a dozen schools on the list, visiting them all can be challenging. Often I suggest that students and their families visit their top three schools. The best time to visit is when the school is in regular session, which can mean visiting during minor school holiday breaks, or the less popular (but sometimes necessary) option - taking time off school. Families can make their way down the list, visiting as many schools as possible before the application season ends (and campuses break for winter holidays) in early-December. After acceptance letters have come in, families can visit schools that have moved up to a higher position of consideration.

When the student arrives at a campus, parents should observe their students' reaction. The student will know if it feels right and will demonstrate such feeling immediately. Students who are excited about a college ask a lot of questions, want to stay longer and see more, ask to make a return visit, and are more engaged throughout the process of putting together their application for admission. These students are most successful in gaining acceptance as this excitement will be displayed in their application.

Do you need help finding your best-fit schools? Our expert college admissions counselor can help you find, apply, and get accepted. Visit www.standout-collegeprep.com.

Parents: 6 Mistakes That Will Make You Go Broke Paying for College

The costs of higher education are rising. According to a recent College Board survey, today’s college education costs approximately $24,061 for an in-state public college and $47,831 for a private college, up 3% since last year.

Inadequate planning through the college financial aid process can bring the burden of unnecessary debt in the form of unsubsidized federal loans, private bank loans, or home equity lines of credit. In our years of working with middle- and upper-income families, we have learned that you can save as much as 50% off of tuition costs with proper planning.

Here are common mistakes to avoid that can potentially save you up to $30,000—

Mistake #1: Not filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other financial aid forms because you assume that you make too much money.

The reality is that most families with incomes up to $175,000 per year are eligible for some form of financial aid. The higher education industry is booming, with more than $200 billion available from the Federal Government, individual states, colleges, and private foundations and corporations to give in aid to deserving students.

To qualify for funding, you have to apply for financial aid.  The FAFSA is the form required at all colleges that award federal aid. Select colleges, typically private schools will require completion of the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE.  New York schools will require the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) form.

Mistake #2: Applying for private scholarships as your lead college funding strategy.

Private scholarships account for only 1% of college funding. 99% of college funding comes from the Federal Government, colleges, individual states, and private foundations and corporations. Much of this free money comes in both merit and need-based aid. However, having financial need does not necessarily mean being low-income. Your need is calculated by the FAFSA, but if your student is highly desirable to a particular college, then financial aid officers are willing to make sure financial barriers are not the reason your child cannot attend.

Mistake #3: Choosing colleges without comparing your student’s profile to the rest of the student body.

To increase the competitiveness of the college financial aid award, you should make sure your student is a highly desirable candidate. This is different from assessing your child’s chance of admission. To get the best college aid package, choose schools where your student has a GPA and SAT/ACT scores that put him or her in the top 10% of incoming freshmen. Nationwide it is a priority for colleges to attract high-quality students to their campuses. Therefore, top academic achievers will be favored in their financial aid packages with more FREE money (e.g. scholarships and grants) and fewer loans that have to be repaid.

Mistake #4: Applying only to in-state public schools.

In-state public schools are affordable options with tuition being half of what it costs to attend a private college. However, in-state public schools get no private funds and rely heavily on state and Federal funds. Moreover, state schools get thousand of applicants to share a smaller pot of financial aid.

This makes private schools a viable option for optimal funding. Though not all private schools are created equal and will not give you the same financial aid packages. Look for schools that are well endowed and get a lot of money from alumni and corporations.

We have seen cases when families would have paid more for an in-state public school than a better financially endowed private college where the student was highly desired.

Mistake #5: Not knowing where you keep your money matters.

In FAFSA’s calculation of the family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), money saved in the child’s name is weighted much more heavily than money saved in the parent’s name. This mistake could make the difference of $10,000 in financial aid dollars. Position your money legally and ethically in a way to maximize your financial aid.

Mistake #6: Going through the financial aid process yourself to save money.

Consider retaining the services of a college/financial aid expert to help you navigate the process. A hired expert can generate an average financial aid package of $60,000 in college merit scholarship funding for four undergraduate years. That’s an average of $15,000 tax-free dollars per student, per year of college. With this type of aid package, the cost of your investment returns a multiplied profit in the way of college aid that you would never obtain if you took the “Do It Yourself” approach.

Juniors: Who's Afraid of the New SAT?

Scheduled to launch in March, the new SAT has high school students afraid all over America. Feeling the fear more than anyone are juniors.

According to the College Board, the SAT redesign gives colleges a more accurate view of a student's ability to think, read, and write critically at the college-level. With all the frenzy that's surrounding the new exam, many juniors were advised by guidance counselors to complete SAT testing in January, four months ahead of when it's typically advised to take the exam for the fall 2017 admissions cycle.

What's the fear about? There's speculation that the exam will be more difficult than its predecessors, with a rigorous reading section, along with reading passages integrated in math and writing sections.

The last opportunity for juniors to take the current SAT exam before the transition happens is next Saturday, January 23. Otherwise new SAT dates for 2015-2016 are: March 5, May 7, and June 4.

The other alternative is the take only the ACT. Dates for the ACT are: February 6, April 9, and June 11.

Current SAT vs. New SAT

	Current SAT	New SAT
Number of Sections	11 (with experimental section)	5 (with optional section)
Critical Reading Tests	3 Sections (20-25 minutes each) 67 Questions	One 65 minute Reading Test 52 Questions
Math Tests	3 Sections (10-25 minutes each) 49 Questions	35-minute Writing and Language Test 44 Questions
Writing Tests	3 Sections (10-25 minutes each) 54 Questions	One 25-minute section without calculator (20 Questions) One 55 minute section with calculator (38 Questions)
Essay Tests	1 Required Essay Test (25 minutes)	1 Optional Essay Test (50 minutes)
Experimental Sections	1	0

New SAT Practice Exam: For the Redesigned SAT 2016

College Board New SAT Test 1 (PDF)

Answer Explanations (PDF)

Scoring (PDF)

Real-Time Scoring and Scaling from Ivy Global

Download Bubble Sheet (PDF) 

10 Tips for a Great School Year

A great school year does not happen on its own. You have to decide from the start to make it a success. Based on common pitfalls is school year happiness, read below for strategies that ensure you start the year strong and thrive.

Get 8 hours of sleep at night.

Eat a wholesome breakfast every morning.

Keep your locker and backpack organized.

Create a binder for each class, with a section for the syllabus, notes, assignments, graded exams, feedback and recognition, etc.

Build new friendships, and deepen existing ones.

Get involved in school and local community activities.

Attend your school's Back-to-School night with your parents.

Sit in front of the classroom, closest to where your teacher facilitates the lesson.

Study proof your homework areas to ensure its productive and quiet.

Prepare your lunch, clothes, and homework the day before.

Make Your Summer Matter, a High School Junior "To-Do" List

Summer is almost here. By now you are dreaming of sleeping in, road trips, and wasting the day away lounging at the beach. After all, this is your last summer before you start filling out college applications.

By all means embrace all the delicacies of summer, but take advantage of time you have now to put you at an advantage during the admissions process and positively impact your future.

Here's a list of things you can do this summer to prepare for college admissions:

 #1: Finalize your college list.

You have crafted a preliminary list. Assuming that you have had a chance to learn about each of them via college fairs, websites, and campus visits, it's time to reduce your list down to a final 8-12 hopefuls. A good list has 1 to 2 reach schools, 6 to 8 target schools, and at least 2 safety schools. 

For each school, ask yourself these questions: Do I qualify? Can I afford the school? Do I need to schedule an interview? Have I talked with students who now attend the college? Does the school offer my major? Does the school's housing meet my needs? Does the social life fit my style? Have I seen the campus? What are the summer opportunities regarding honors programs, work, study, etc.?

#2: Update your resume. 

  

Junior year is the most important year of a high school career. You're taking your most challenging classes yet. You are familiar and comfortable enough with your school and aware of activities to be involved in that align with your interests. You have been inducted in the National Honors Society, and picked up other scholastic awards this year. Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments and drop them into your resume.

#3: Get involved in a summer program or project that matches your interests and builds college skills.

Colleges like students who are productive during the summer, participating in activities that support their interests and cultivate skills such as leadership, discussion, advocacy, confidence, and an ability to work part of a team. Before summer recess begins, check with your guidance office for information on summer programs offered by local colleges, companies, or community-based organizations. 

If you're affiliated with a religious organization, your youth group leader is another good person to speak with about potential opportunities. 

Can't find anything? No problem, act like an Eagle Scout and design your own project. Identify causes that are important to you and make a plan to address that issue.

Summer programs for high school students

• Fast Web
• 80+ summer programs for high school students
• USummer

Design your own project resources and ideas

• DoSomething.org 
• Eagle Scouts: Scoutorama 

#4: Read three books not assigned in school. 

Although you're on an academic break, continue to read over the summer months to continue fostering your critical reading and literacy skills. Research shows that students who read over the summer do better in school in the fall. What's exciting about summer reading is that there's time to read books not normally assigned in school. When I was in high school, my favorite books, and books that I referred to as influences in my college applications, were ones I read in the summer such as Catcher in the Rye, Lolita, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

  

Read the list of books below, adapted from a Washington Post article printed last June 2014, on recommendation of college admission officers.

• Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America by Firoozeh Dumas

• A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

• Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocationby Parker Palmer

• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

• To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink

• Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

• Strength's Finder by Tom Rath

• Oracle Bones: A Journey Through Time in China by Peter Hessler

Seniors: Tips for College Enrollment from A to Z

Seniors - by now you have received your admit letter and are ready to enroll in college. Great! Here is a quick checklist for the steps to take between now and your first day of classes. Definitely consult with the enrollment letter provided by your school, and keep in close contact with your college during the summer before you enroll. Also regularly check your email and school portal account for important updates about your enrollment status.

  

As you navigate the enrollment process, we hope you find this A to Z guide helpful, along with other tips that will lead to matriculation success.

 

 

College Enrollment Guide, A to Z

Academic advisor: You will be assigned a college advisor who will meet with you every semester to assist with planning your degree program curriculum and registering for classes. Like with your guidance counselor, the academic advisor's time is in high demand. Once an appointment is made, do your absolute best to keep it. Not doing so could mean you risk not being able to register for classes you really want to take.

Blackboard: You will be provided access to an online blackboard portal that allows you to interact with professors and students; download course document resources, upload assignments, and receive important announcements. Like your email, you are advised to check the blackboard site daily.

Commitment fee: This is the fee you mailed ranging from $250 to $500 to secure your spot. Your commitment fee will be deducted from your fall tuition bill.

Deadlines: Carefully check deadlines on all forms due and departments to which they are due. Enrollment forms will need to be sent to various departments, from housing and college admissions, to the student health center, financial aid, and bursar's offices to name a few.

Email account: Upon being provided with instructions to set up your .edu email address, you can begin communicating as a college student. Make sure the credentials you set are highly secure, yet easy to remember as these will be used to access different technologies on campus such as library book reserves, WiFi and computer lab stations.

Financial aid: Meet with the financial aid office to obtain and sign your final award letter. Know that it's never too late to ask for additional resources if you need more aid. Be prepared to submit documentation supporting your changed circumstances.

Getting around: Learn about transportation options for getting around campus. Many colleges have shuttles with various routes around campus and town. Once you obtain your class schedule, practice commuting from your home or dorm, to classes to ensure you arrive on time the first day.

Housing: As soon as your housing application arrives, complete and return it to the housing office. The best dorms fill up fast, and housing for first year students, while guaranteed is reduced down to the less favorable dorm facilities. You can expect to be asked to pay a separate housing deposit fee to reserve your room, ranging from $250 to $500. This deposit amount will be deducted from first year room and board costs.

Immunization records: After getting a physical, submit your updated immunization and health record forms to the campus health services office.

Job search: Although not advised in the first year of college, if you are interested in obtaining part-time paid employment, learn where on campus you can find campus jobs and get assistance with your resume, cover letter, and preparing for job interviews. 

Keep your parents updated: Although on your own, it's important to keep your parents updated on how things are going during the first days of college. If you go too long without calling, you may get an embarrassing message from your mom via your resident assistant. It's your first time away from home, so they want to make sure you're ok.

Learn your campus map: Look through the campus map and get to know where important buildings are, such as ones where your classes will be held. Other buildings to find: your dorm, dining hall, student center, health center, and the writing center.

Major: Contrary to popular belief, it's common to matriculate into college not knowing your major. Many colleges, particular liberal arts colleges are designed to have first year students take core classes and electives to explore their academic talents and interests. There will be time at the end of freshman year, or during sophomore year to begin the process of declaring a major. Your advisor will walk through this process with you...just don't miss the appointment!

Nutrition: Read through your school's housing and dining website to learn about meal plans and dining food options. 

Orientation: Sign up for new student orientation immediately. Spots fill up fast and is related to your ability to meet with your advisor and register for the classes you want to take.

Physical: Don't delay this important step. Make an appointment with your physician to get a physical and any outstanding immunizations as required by the college. 

Questions: As a freshman or transfer student, the best thing you can do to get to know your school is ask questions. Remember your college has assigned a team of people to help you acclimate to your new environment and campus life.

Roommate: You don't have to wait until move in day to meet your roommate. Exchange social media handles and connect on Skype to start building a rapport.

Sign your Master Promissory Note: If you are taking out student loans, the student aid office will ask you to complete loan entrance counseling, often on-line, as well as sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). This is a required step before your loan will be dispersed to the bursar's office.

Testing: Placement exams are required tests that freshman and transfer students take to assess readiness level for the college's course series, usually in math, foreign languages, humanities, and the physical sciences. Take these exams seriously as doing well can save you time from taking classes you've already mastered, or money by giving you free college credits.

Username and password: Your log-in credentials are sacred. Come up with something that's easy to remember as you will need it for email, the blackboard, accessing Wifi, library book reserve, etc. Never share  your credentials with anyone, not even your advisor or resident assistant.

Verification: If selected for financial aid verification, you will receive a form that will need to be completed and returned back to the financial aid office before money is dispersed.

What to bring: Make a list of what to bring to your dorm and take it along as you shop at your local department store. Click here for a list.

Xerox everything: Over the course of the summer you'll be submitting forms to various offices across your college's campus, along with thousands of other students sending the same forms. Part of being human error is thing's get lost, mishaps occur. To reduce likelihood of delays in matriculating, make a copy of everything you send and confirm its receipt with the applicable department by phone or email.

Your college experience: The first days of college set the tone for your college experience. Get started the right way by submitting all that's required, keeping your appointment with your academic advisor, meeting peers, getting to know your campus, and asking  members of your college transition and support team questions.

Zero-tolerance: Know your college's zero tolerance policies with regards to alcohol usage, drug use, weapons, and anything that puts yourself and peers at risk. Remember the MTA's mantra: "If you see something, say something." Campus consequences for participation in zero-tolerance activities or failure to inform campus officials can lead to consequences ranging from moderate (warnings, fines, and parental notification) to severe (suspension or expulsion). 

You're Accepted! Now What?

This month, seniors you are hearing back from colleges. Assuming you applied to a fair number, you will hear acceptances (yay!) and unfortunately denials too (boo). 

I received a call recently from a student asking what to do after being rejected from his top choice school. Going into the admissions process, he had taken a chance applying there. His GPA was below the middle 50% score range of accepted students, and he opted to omit his SAT score. We both knew that the likelihood of acceptance was a reach.

Although we took this inbound perspective, he still wanted us to brainstorm together what to do. He asked if he should appeal, or if there was anything else he could do to convince them to change the decision. I took a moment to empathize with him, as I know what it’s like to want something and it not come through. But my advice to him, since he was accepted into five schools, was to get excited about those schools, as there were things he liked about them. Moreover after playing devil’s advocate with him, we came to consensus for why the other schools might be better suited for him after all.