I’m Going to Be a Senior Next Year…Will My Course Selection Make a Difference?

Many juniors (and their parents) want to know what courses they should take to improve their chances of admission to the college of their dreams. There is no magic formula but when weighting your course selection for the upcoming year, there are a few things you should consider:

•  Have you taken full advantage of opportunities available to you in high school?
•  Are you achieving at your highest level all four years?
•  Have you consulted with your counselor before locking in your course selection?
•  Ask yourself,  “Am I challenged by the courses I am taking?”
•  Are your courses a good foundation for college and will you be prepared to take college-level math, writing, and science courses?
•  Are your courses among the most rigorous ones available to you at the school? Read more suggestions for how to succeed in courses you choose.

What Are Colleges Looking For In a Student Applicant?

What are the factors that affect the decisions of the college admissions committee? Some carry more weight in the application process than others. These are ranked from most influential to least. Challenging Schedule; Academic Performance;  Standardized Test Scores Consistent with Grades;  Rank in Class;  Passionate involvement in Extracurricular Activities;  Contribution to Community through Volunteer Activities;  Application Essay – Personal Statement – Authenticity, reflective, impact-oriented;  Letters of Recommendation– Counselor/Teacher;  Tipping factors that can play a role in admissions;  Interview;  Family Ties and Legacy;  Internships/Portfolios/Jobs – Out of School Activities;  Geographic Diversity;  Academic Diversity;  Extracurricular Diversity;  Ethnic/Racial Diversity; and  Socioeconomic Diversity.

What Military Options Are Available?

Every year thousands of young men and women make the choice to serve their country. They enjoy a military career by enlisting in one of the following branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, US Merchant Marine Academy, and National Guard. Some individuals will apply directly to a four year service academy such as U.S. Military Academy-West Point, New York; U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the Air Force Academy in Denver, Colorado; and the Coast Guard Academy in Groton, Connecticut. Completing your education at one of these programs will earn you a bachelor’s degree, commissioned reserve officer status, and a commitment to the military for a number of years. Another option is applying to a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship program at a college. These are two, three, and four year scholarship programs which help you decide which direction you would like to pursue (ROTC College Profiles). You graduate with a degree and serve in the U.S. Military as a commissioned Officer.Your commitment for service will range from 2-5 years depending on the time your scholarship was in effect during your college education. Click here for more information.

Can I Earn College Credit by Taking a CLEP Exam?

Know Your College’s CLEP Policy

CLEP stands for College Level Examination Program. The College Board shared there are currently 2,900 colleges and universitiesgrant credit for CLEP, and each institution sets its own CLEP policy. Each institution determines the exams for which it awards credits, the minimum qualifying score required to get credit, and the amount of credits that will be granted per exam. CLEP exams test mastery of college-level material acquired in a variety of ways — through general academic instructions, significant independent study or extracurricular work. CLEP exam-takers include adults just entering or returning to school, military service members and traditional college students

How Much Credit Can I Earn?

If you pass a CLEP exam, you may earn up to 12 credits. The amount of credit you can earn on an individual CLEP exam varies with each college. Some colleges place a limit on the total amount of credit you can earn through CLEP. Other colleges may grant you exemption but no credit toward your degree. Some colleges may offer six credit hours versus three credit hours. Learn more about CLEP – click here.

The Value of Community Service

Do you have a passion for involvement in community service? Are you interested in the betterment of our society? Participating in community service is one way to give back, not a way to pad your resume. Start by thinking about your values and your interests.

Many students are involved in community service every day. Here are some reasons they found service to be of value:
• Gain an understanding about each other
• A sense of human compassion
• Never feels like an obligation or responsibility; can be energizing
• Provide support to others
• Affects someones life
• Builds a stronger community Read more comments about the value of community service.

Shopping for the Holiday? Build Your College Planning Library!

cb-2016-17-cvr-only-72dpiIt’s that time of year where students, parents, and educators stock their shelves with college planning tools. Dr. Christine Hand Gonzales has written several books you may find helpful to you in the college search and application process,  as well as the financial planning and scholarship search.

Top recommendations include College Bound: Proven Ways to Plan and Prepare For Getting Into the College Of Your Dreams,the companion workbook, My College Bound Plan, Your College Planning Survival Guide: Smart Tips From Students, Parents and Professionals Who Made It Through, and Paying for College Without Breaking the Bank: The Ultimate Students, Parent and Educator Guide to Over 500 Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources  (http://tinyurl.com/l7ofafs)- Read more about book choices – click here.

 “College Bound” and the companion workbook, “My College Bound Plan” guides you through the college planning timeline, the search and application process, and campus visits, with additional tips and resources. It will show ways to approach counselors, teachers, or moderators to request an effective letter of recommendation, give tips mcbp-2016-17-cvr-only-72dpion self-marketing through the college essay, provide suggestions for a top-notch resume of extracurricular activities, and offer advice for taking standardized tests. If you are a budding artist, a competitive athlete, or interested in a military career, or transitioning from being home-schooled to college, this book is for you. If you have special needs or a disability, this book is for you. If you are thinking about learning a trade or attending community college, this book is for you. Interested in understanding the “nuts and bolts” of financial aid and where to find scholarships? This book is for you. Looking for an extensive list of publications and internet resources that is beyond compare? “College Bound” is for you – giving you all these resources and more.Each book offers timelines, checklists, reliable internet resources and much more. See more books here!