AWARD WINNING: THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT PRESENTS * College Admissions --- 101*

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TAKING AP TESTS

2012-01-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

When we begin working with new students on their testing plan and strategy, they are often surprised that AP tests are included; they mistakenly think that AP tests are for college credit only. Actually, AP scores have become important for the purpose of college admission. Not only does taking an AP-level course show colleges that you have taken a challenging course load. By earning scores of 3 or better on the AP’s 1-5 scale on enough exams you earn not only the distinction of an AP Scholar, but it can also assist you when applying for scholarships.. To get more information about this, you can visit http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/scholarawards.html.

If you are at a school that does not offer AP classes, any high school can order AP tests for students. Y ou must be pro-active and ask your couselors ahead of time. All schools must order the exams by March, so if you are in one of these schools without a program, plan on applying in January or February.

If for some reason your school refuses to order a test for you, you can take AP tests at a neighboring public high school as long as you order them ahead of time. Remember that colleges only see AP tests from the junior year or dates before since the results come back in July and the tests are only offered in May. That means you want to front-load AP tests, taking as many as you can prior to senior year.

Finally, in addition to proving your rigor of course load and giving you a nice honor to add to your Common Application, performing well on AP tests in a specific academic area can back up your honed academic focus. For example, if you want to present yourself as a budding psychologist on your applications, taking AP Statistics and AP Psychology would certainly help to back up that interest.

An article last year in USA Today noted that AP scores of students from around the country are dropping. Despite the fact that students are taking nearly three times as many AP exams as they used to (from 1.1 million in 1999 to 2.9 million in 2009), the failure rate (students scoring a 1 or 2) has risen by over 5% in the same time period.

Nearly half of all students in the United States who take the AP exam are failing – therefore, nearly half of all students in the United States are not gaining even the most elementary level of knowledge necessary to compete at the university level and beyond. This gives you an opportunity to be in the other half of students to show your level of expertise along with rigor of course load.

What’s the average AP score at your high school for specific tests? Find out. Read your high school profile, which is sent with your transcript to colleges when you apply. If you don’t think your AP class is preparing you for the AP test or your school doesn’t even offer AP classes, take matters into your own hands and self-study for the tests. There are plenty of resources available to do so. MIT OpenCourseWare, for instance, offers free online classes in physics, biology and chemistry. (http://ocw.mit.edu/high-school/for-students/). Some additional test prep website resources are CollegeBoard's APCentral, SparkNotes and McGraw-Hill.

If you live in California, UC College Prep offers free self-study AP courses:

http://www.uccp.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=78

Kahn Academy offers no cost AP test prep videos in courses such as Calculus, Biology and Physics. There are AP test prep books galore as well as AP textbooks corresponding to AP classes.

When more and more students are performing poorly on their AP exams, your strong AP scores will help you stand out. The earlier you start preparing for your AP exams and using all of the tools available to you, the more likely it is that your scores will improve the quality of your application.

Some interesting facts about AP Tests:

As of this year, guessing is encouraged if you are unsure of an answer. The quarter-point penalty for a wrong answer has been eliminated, so experts are advising students to play the odds.
Foreign language AP exams are often broken up into a "language" test and a "literature" test. The former tests knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, the latter tests understanding of literary texts (such as Don Quixote for Spanish Literature). The literature tests are considered more difficult and somewhat less common but don’t shy away from them.
Some exams have different levels: Calculus BC is higher than Calculus AB; Computer Science AB is higher than Computer Science A; Physics C is higher than Physics B. If you take the higher level AP, the lower level will usually not count for any additional credit in colleges although you may gain additional grounds for AP award eligibility.
AP Exam Dates: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/cal/cal2.html
You can suppress a low AP test so there is NO risk to taking one you are unsure of. In fact, this past year many of students reported that they were allowed to first SEE their score and THEN cancel it – but in either case, you can suppress a 1 or a 2.

ADMISSIONS HURDLES FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2012

2012-01-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

Today, there is an article on the high number of student applications that have been submitted to colleges and universities across America written by a collegian reporter, Marie Jayme. She is talking about the "college" graduation class of 2016, which is today's high school seniors.

It is interesting on what she has found out... it goes along with the numbers we are also getting from our own sources... "Colleges and Universities across America are receiving admissions applications in record breaking numbers, making it more difficult to get it."

This is where a well trained college admissions consultant can come into play. They are able to relieve the stress of high school juniors and seniors as well as their families by showing them specific ways to navigate the system to their own specific needs.

Here is the article, you be the judge~ ~ ~

The University of Richmond’s Office of Undergraduate Admission has received 10,121 applications for entry into the Class of 2016.

Gil Villanueva, dean of admission, said that the number of students who applied for admission this year was the highest number of applicants in the school’s history. These numbers represent a 50 percent increase in applicants since 2007 and a 28 percent increase within the last three years, Villanueva said.

The admissions office is looking to enroll 765 students for the Class of 2016. With 10,121 applicants, this means 13 high school students are competing for one space in the class.

Villanueva said the school had enrolled 270 new students from the fall early-decision pool, and they were reviewing the winter early-decision applications.

A number of factors attract prospective students to Richmond, Villanueva said.
The school’s rising national rankings, its inclusion as a “Best Value” school by guidebooks and magazines and generous financial aid policies appeal to students and families.

Villanueva also attributes the increased number of applications to curricular offerings, the hiring of more faculty and staff, the growth of the university’s endowment and the addition of $70 million worth of new buildings.

There is data to suggest that academic excellence and prestige brings people to the school, Villanueva said. Last year, 89 percent of Richmond students who applied to law schools were accepted, he said. In addition, 81 percent of students who applied to medical school were accepted, where as the national average for acceptance is 47 percent.

In addition, Villanueva personally thinks that success in athletics and other extracurricular activities, such as the men’s basketball team’s journey to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament last year, contributes to the growth in application numbers as well. Smart students are interested in immersing themselves in a fun and vibrant community, Villanueva said.

Despite this shocking rise in applications, the requirements for admission have not been lowered.
“What’s interesting is how the academic quality and demographic composition of the applicant pool has grown along with the increase of applications,” Villanueva said. He said that with each new class come more talented and diverse students who recognize the university as a match for their academic and co-curricular interests.

Villanueva said that it was interesting that the retention rates have increased while the classes have become more diverse. There are more first generation college students, more low income students, and 20 percent of students are of color. Currently, Richmond’s retention rate is 93 percent and the intersection of academic quality and diversity affects this high retention rate, Villanueva said.
The admissions representatives have worked hard to visit many different places to get University of Richmond’s name out and to contribute to the increase of applications.

Villanueva said representatives have been all across the country and even across the world except for the Middle East, where they hope to visit this Spring. The Office of Admission has also formed strategic partnerships with various departments on and off-campus to represent the school’s value proposition including the offices of Enrollment Management and University Communications, said Villanueva.

It is not just the admission representatives who market the school, but also those who have a personal connection to the university such as students, faculty, and alumni. The facts and statistics about Richmond are on the Internet, so what most visitors are interested in are what makes Richmond amazing on a personal level, said Villanueva. The individual stories, everyday experiences, and first-hand knowledge of the school are great marketing tools.

Evan Lund, 16, and Joseph Norris, 16, are both juniors at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, M.D. They said that while their parents were the driving force that got them to visit the school, the dining hall and architecture was intriguing. Norris’ mother said that she knew the University of Richmond has a good reputation. She also mentioned that James Narduzzi, Dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, told her more about the school that impressed her and her son.
Taylor Durland, a Student Admission Representative, said that the tour groups have been getting increasingly larger since the first time gave a tour in January 2010. Joey Greener, another student representative, agrees. He said the groups used to comprise three or four families and now the number of visitors is up to five to eight families per group. In 2010, around 21,000 visitors went through the admissions office and this past year, 24,000 visitors have seen the campus and attended information sessions, said Villanueva.

“Richmond is the best of both worlds; a small school community with big school experiences,” said Greener. He said that prospective students decide to visit because they recognize that they can’t get these advantages at other places.

COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOPS SCHEDULE FOR STUDENTS IN LOS ANGELES & HI DESERT COMMUNITIES

2012-01-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT is proud to announce that it will be offering several "ADMISSIONS BOOT CAMPtm" workshops this summer for students who live in the Los Angeles and for those who live in the high desert community between Palmdale and and Ridgecrest.

Groups are limited to 25 students per group, and the sessions will run 4 days each.

If you are interested in getting some assistance on how to select a college, brag sheet and essays, interviews, SAT and ACT, early action and early decisions.. yes or no, you will learn it all here.

Call our offices for additional information if you are interested at (310) 883-8705 or visit our website at www.thecollegeadmissionsconsultant.com We are also signing up those who are looking for independent guidance now!

DO YOU NEED TO SIGN UP FOR THE SAT OR ACT NOW?

2012-01-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

If you are a student who needs to take or re-take the ACT or SAT, you can sign up for it from here.

Many SAT prep classes are happening right now. Palisades High in Pacific Palisades has a weekend long prep class the weekend of January 21 & 22.

Sign up now for your spot!

Upcoming Tests

ACT

2/11/12

Register

SAT/Subject Tests

1/28/12

Late Registration

3/10/12

Register

EARLY ADMISSIONS DEFERRAL LETTERS, DID YOU GET ONE?

2012-01-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

There is some confusion from students and their families who had their applications "deferred" in the early round and unclear about what to do going forward. If you are a senior with this problem here is a deferral plan we on how to appraoch these issues beginning in December when students hear from early admissions colleges and universities.

If you have been deferred from your early school, take a deep breath and take action as you must be proactive. If you simply do nothing, chances are you will not get in.

Here is a plan of action you can take.:

January

Focus on your grades! The biggest reason for a deferral is mediocre grades senior fall – cut out your extras and focus on GRADES. All A’s will help.
Retake the SAT or SAT Subject Tests on January 28th if that was a problem area (you can always go standby if you’ve not yet registered). If you don’t do better, just don’t send the new scores and no one will see them. If you do better, RUSH them to all your schools.
Are there any awards or competitions awards or competitions you can enter or have won and not yet reported to the college? Any concrete accomplishment will be brought up down the line.
Have you followed up with any professors at the college that you had spoken to? Let them know your plight and enlist their help.
Call (or email) the admissions office a few days after you receive the deferral letter and speak with your admissions officer – the person who covers your area or who you interviewed with or if you are a minority student, the minority representative. Tell him or her how disappointed you are, how much you like the school, and ask what else you can do. LISTEN to any clues he or she might give you in the conversation. It’s important YOU make this call NOT your parents. We had one student discover that by not visiting her early school she was at a disadvantage. She immediately made plans to visit.
Ask your guidance counselor to call both to support you, and to find out anything about WHY – any missing items? Tough year? Huge rise in applicants? School support is critical.
Ask a senior year teacher to write you a letter of support.
If you happen to know the headmaster/principal of your current school well, you can ask him/her to call or write on your behalf.

February

By the last week in February, you want to write a “deferral letter” stressing the following info:

Anything NEW -- grades, scores, awards, prizes, etc... -- Since my deferral, I ... (Don’t waste space with insignificant achievements as that would only weaken your case.)
Have your school send your updated transcript including all new grades.
Any interesting extracurricular additions, achievements, etc...
Anything else that is interesting you didn't mention elsewhere.
An impassioned paragraph on WHY the school is still your first choice - summarize and stress WHAT YOU WOULD ADD to the college campus.
Don’t forget to use the heading you used on all of your essays which includes your DOB, Name, High School and last 4 digits of your SS # (ie: xxx-xx-1234).

March

In early March, CALL again and speak to your regional admissions officer to touch base, ask if he/she got the letter, stress how it’s your first choice, and mention a few notable accomplishments (I pulled my grades up to all A’s and had the best quarter of my high school career…). You can email if they do not accept calls.

Some final advice:

If you have any strings to pull, now is the time to pull them.
While we want you to advocate for yourself, don’t become a pest. You don’t want to stalk the admission office.
Don’t let this deferral erode your confidence. Keep focused and remember that the odds these past few years have been at all time lows and you stood out enough not to be rejected.

If you need assistance, please contact us. www.thecollegeadmissionsconsultant.com

JANUARY MEANS FINANCIAL AID AND "TIME FOR FAFSA"

2012-01-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope your holiday break was filled with happy memories and lots of relaxation.

The start of the new year means one thing: "It's time to file the FAFSA!"

If you are looking for financial aid, this is your chance to qualify for need-based loans and grants. While we encourage families to start entertaining financial aid questions early on, the FAFSA is the start of the whole process and all colleges and universities will require it.

The FAFSA is a form to be completed by the family and it is renewable every year. Everyone should apply, even if your family makes $400,000 per year. You may be eligible for some type of aid.

Here are a few things to remember about filing:

FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This means that it is FREE to file. You can access the forms by heading to the following website: www.fafsa.gov
The deadline to file is February 15th. For the best possible financial aid package, filing by this date is highly recommended. It is done on a first come basis, and it must be filled out correctly or it will be kicked back to you.
You will need to obtain the school codes in order to file.
You must be accepted into school before the college or university can award your financial aid.

As always, if you have any questions about the application process or the FAFSA filing process, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

IT'S TIME FOR THE CLASS OF 2013 TO PREPARE FOR COLLEGE APPS

2012-01-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

We are now signing up Students who are Juniors who will be graduating in 2013 as well as those who are still planning on transferring or applying to graduate school.

Contact our office to see how we can assist you.

Our Summer Group Sessions will be held in both the Greater Los Angeles area and California City.(Kern County) and serving those who live in the High Desert area. ( Palmdale, Lancaster, Rosamond, Cal City, Ridgecrest, Bishop, Mammouth, and the surrounding areas.).

Remember we offer a FREE 1/2 hour consultation to all students.

ARE YOU PLANNING ON TRANSFERING TO A FOUR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY? GOING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL?

2012-01-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

For decades, the transfer population has seemingly played the role of second fiddle in the college admission process – a factor that has served to the detriment of prospective transfer students and the institutions in which they express interest. While many community college advocate that they have a high success rate in percentages to higher schools of learning, the hard truth is the percentage of students who transfer from community colleges to four year schools is not as much when you look at the actual numbers.

In our recent economic shifts and changes, these issues are now effecting those who are applying to the postsecondary education landscape. It has given rise to a record number of transfer applicants at many of our nation’s colleges and universities.

As a result, schools, admissions officers and students are looking from both sides of the fence and are now searching for ways to ensure that transfer students receive the attention and support required to facilitate postsecondary success.

We are aware of the issues that face both college and post secondary students. If you are looking to transfer this year to a new school, please contact our office for a FREE 1/2 hour consultation to see how we might be able to assist you in your quest to gain entrance to a school of higher learning and achieve your goals.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT

2012-01-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

All of us here at THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT want to wish you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012! May this year bring all good things your way.

If you are a parent, we wish you peace and calm as you help your children navigate their high school years. For students, we wish you calm as well...but also confidence that if you work hard, stay true to yourself, and keep organized you will make the college admissions journey less stressful and -- dare say -- fun and exciting.

Please keep in mind that we are here to offer you and your family our insight, guidance, and resources for this all important time in your lives.

Best wishes in this year!

TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY TO FILE YOUR FAFSA FOR FINANCIAL AID

2012-01-01T15:27:00.000-08:00

While we believe the school selections are more important than the cost of the school, we find most families believe at the they

1) can not afford to work with a consultant and
2) that the schools available to their children are based on what they can afford;

and so, students as well as their families cut their choice of school dramatically.

When we start to work with students and their families, one of the first questions that we inquire about is how a family plans to pay for college. This is a question that is very important because there are many myths and incorrect information that people begin to believe as they go through the application stress of college admissions.

The College Admissions Consultant works with financial aid professionals who assist us when we are putting together a list of choice school especially crafted for each student. We are able to assist families with that they actual cost of attending a school with be well before the application is submitted.

However, if you are a senior who has applied to colleges already and you are looking for financial aid NOW is the time to begin the most important part of your college selection process - applying for financial aid.

Here is where you should begin:

All Colleges requires the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Information from your FAFSA is used to determine the types and amounts of aid that you are eligible to receive from the College, federal, and state programs.
File your FAFSA free at www.fafsa.gov as early as possible beginning January 1, 2012. Apply for a PIN for both student and parent to electronically sign your FAFSA by clicking on the PIN Site icon.
Or, request a paper FAFSA, by calling 800-4-FED-AID
(800-433-3243).

Starting as early as possible beginning January 1 through February is very important keeping in mind that a verification needs to be filed with FAFSA on March 2nd ( and make sure you get a proof of mailing or send it certified mail).

Financial Aid will begin mailing award letters to this year's accepted students who have completed the FAFSA.

The sooner you start the process, the sooner we will be able to get an award letter to you.

WE ARE EXPANDING AGAIN!

2011-12-26T16:45:00.000-08:00

The College Admissions Consultant, Inc has just secured a new location in California City, Ca. at California City Blvd and Tamarack Ave.

For those students who live in the High Desert Area, we are going to offer a special summer "Admissions Bootcamp" workshop that will assist students who are in the 11th grade now a chance to prepare and find the right schools for them as they prepare to attend college in Fall 2013. We are hoping to have our workshops at the new Best Western Hotel near by, which we understand is opening very soon.

Look for our signs posted on California City Blvd! We are offering a special promotional packages to our high desert friends this year to celebrate our grand opening in the area.

For Students in High School in the Los Angeles and the Indianapolis area, please see our website at www.thecollegeadmissionsconsultant.com for individual tutoring in addition to our "Admissions Bootcamps" schedule that we will be offering over the summer of 2012.

Sign-ups are happening starting January 9, 2012.

DON'T MISS OUT!!! SIGN UP NOW!!!

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN TO THE 2012 APPLICATION YEAR IS ON

2011-12-13T14:11:00.000-08:00

As many of you prepare for the holidays, you may also be considering other colleges you may want to apply to before the January 15th deadline. The most important thing to keep in mind as you apply is that you must be INFORMED about each school so that you are making solid decisions on your choices as you begin to narrow down the process.

Every year, we see our students come in with set goals of going to Harvard, Yale, Brown, USC, Stanford or UCLA. It is possible that none of these schools are right for them, and the admissions committees recognize it, leaving them out in the cold come admission time.

When we ask these students why they have chosen the schools they have, they have no specific reason. Unfortunately, today, Colleges want to know WHY you are applying— and how you are going to fit into the campus. Those are very tough questions, especially if you know little about the schools you are applying to.

We are accepting a limited amount of students to our senior program at this time, but we are available for consultations.

Keep in mind that when you are looking at schools, choosing a college solely based on its overall US News and World Report ranking is often misleading. We know that US News has spent a lot of time devising a precise formula for what they believe are the most important factors on which to evaluate a school, but students often time can make very serious and expensive mistakes can occur if you are relying on this periodical alone. International students need to be especially aware of this theory.

If you would like to see how the schools rank, check out the US News directory here.
(http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/graduate-schools/sciences/earth-sciences.aspx).

VIRGINIA TECH's SECOND TRADEGY

2011-12-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

We begin tonight offering our condoleses to those who have lost a loved one in today's shooting at Virginia Tech. It is such a tragedy, however given some of the pressure that students face today, I am not totally surprise. I get more and more students who are put in to a moment of disgrace with a university, and the fear of telling a family what has happened is totally unacceptable. What I see each year are those students who are crumbling under the demands of a school where the match of school is totally off.... and perhaps that is what causes these type of issues.

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/08/shots-reported-on-virginia-tech-campus/?hp

Students when they are applying to college need to find schools RIGHT for them... not for social standing, a boyfriend/girlfriend, a sororit of fraternity, or a football team, students need to follow their dreams....

Perhaps the reason for this shooting was that the student was not provided with the tools to succeed, and felt like an outside...

If you have a child seeking a college opportunity, remember that we assist kids from all walks of life.. Let us help you, We assist families seek the professjoninal

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, BUT DON'T LET IT HOLD DOWN YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATONS

2011-12-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

As we now look to the excitement of the holidays, it is tough to focus on the application process of college applications. While most high seniors in the class of 2012 have put in their applications to college, there are still students who are holding out and colleges that are continuing to accept applications and financial aid.

We get not only e-mails and letters from colleges and universities each and every day, but more. College Transfers still have time to apply and prepare applications for fall 2012.

If you are a high school senior who is still looking at colleges-- is still need of counseling, we are here to serve and assist you in your quest to get into the right fall 2012 freshman class. Applications will continue to be accepted through January 15th.

As for Juniors ( the class of 2013), -- this is the time to SIGN UP!   Juniors and their families should now be entering the more serious mode of preparing for applications, finalizing all the SAT or ACT tests to be taken (TOEFL for foreign students) and be seriously looking at completing their prep for the fall 2012 applications.

Juniors, if they have yet to start the serious "prep" work for applications, now is the time to start. The longer you wait, the more stress that will be created on not only the student, but the family as well. Additionally, it is an excellent time to start preparing for the financial aid process to maximize your awards.

We are now signing up the class of 2013, offering not only one-on-one counseling to students who need more comprehensive assistance, but we are opening up again our small group sessions over the summer to allow students the same benefits are a reduced price. What ever your price scale is, we have something to assist you.

Our programs will offer crucial tips for leveraging the Common Application and UC applications, as well as "how to" set yourself apart, all before applications are due.

Our Summer 2012 programs will include:

Conquering both the Common Application and UC Application with our proven techniques.
How to build an Activity Sheet summing up high school awards, activities, and achievements, as well as samples.
Show you how to prepare multiple essays (including all required essays along with extra essays) that can be used for specific colleges using our proven strategy.
Enable you to Email us your questions and get them answered quickly.
Receive a packet of materials to assist you in completing your applications.

The regular round will be brutal this year with early applications at an all-time high. But, don’t panic, we are here to help. We are eager to connect with you and help you rise above the rest with winning applications.

For further details. go to our website to contact us. www.thecollegeadmissionsconsultant.com

ASIAN STUDENTS STRATEGY MAYBE INCORRECT WHEN IT COMES TO THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

2011-12-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

Today, the Assoicated Press reported that many Asian applicants are NOT checking the Asian box in fear of being rejected out of schools they are applying to.

The competition today in colleges and universities is intense and students need to figure out a way for schools to recognize them beyond what their ethic background is. If a school right for a student, they are most likely going to be accepted. There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. (7,000 schools when you factor in for profits, but those are not schools that we encourage students to apply to for a number of reasons).

Asian Students, if they are applying from out of the country as foreigners, or if they were born in the U.S. and seeking admissions to a U.S. School as a legal U.S. Resident living out of the country, they need to seek out a college admissions consultant who is trained and has knowledge as to the fears and anxieties a foreign student not only goes through, but knows the schools, can match schools with their clients, and can assist student in the financial aid process.

We are one of those consulting companies that not only assist student here in the U.S. with getting into top tier schools like Harvard, Yale, Brown, Cornell, USC, UCLA, Stanford, etc, but we also work with students who are looking to play sports in Division I and II schools for scholarship funds, Students who are challenged with learning differences such as ADD, ADHD, Asperger's and Autism, Gap Year Students, AVID, and International Students seeking admissions into schools here in the U.S.

Finding schools which are right for you, does not mean they are #1 or #2 on the US News List of the BEST schools, it does not mean that they have the best football team, nor does it mean that it is the school your boyfriend or girlfriend will do well at... it is the place where you are going to grow and explore and have the 4 years to live life to the fullest as a new young adult.

This article is very interesting to me, but it also says that these students do not have the resources and are being coached in the wrong fashion by some Asian or Indian Agents looking to collect fees--- having no concern for the families they represent. It is really important that if families have questions they seek out professional assistance from the U.S.

If you are in need of assistance to get into colleges and universities in the U.S. feel free to contact our office and get a free consultation on how we can assist you and your family reach your goals.

http://news.yahoo.com/asians-college-strategy-dont-check-asian-174442977.html

INFORMATION FOR HOME SCHOOLED STUDENTS APPLYING TO COLLEGE

2011-11-30T20:45:00.000-08:00

In general, home–schooled students follow the same college admission process as students in public or private schools. However, they may have to fulfill some extra requirements. For example, some colleges may request additional application materials — such as several SAT Subject Tests™ — from home-schoolers. Some colleges admit many home-schooled students; others do not.

Find out in the link below what "home school kids" need to know about applying to college!

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/the-application/56.html

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE, WHEN STUDENTS NEED TO START THE PROCESS

2011-11-30T20:05:00.000-08:00

One question that many anxious parents ask is when do you start the college process, and the answer is around the 9th grade. When you start in the 9th grade it allows a student the time to think through what they want to accomplish, look at colleges, and prepare. Students must start the college preparation process no later than the start of or middle of the 11th grade. It allows a consultant to help a family prepare for the financial aid process and to assist a student find not only the right schools, but tour the schools, and have time to think about the essays they will write, as well as their brag sheets and resumes.

We sometimes see junior high touring college fairs, which is a good start to the process, but it is really too early for both the family and student to start tying down decisions to college admissions process. There is no need to start molding a 13-year-old's love of computers into an activity that will help him get into Yale. But it's not too early for junior high students to develop habits that will help them be successful once they get to high school.

Here are five suggestions for the parents of junior high school students to work on:

1. Help your student to become independent.
Parents should raise a high school student to be responsible and accountable for their tasks. Kids need their parents, but when Mom or Dad makes all the decisions, you raise a student that is too dependent on his parents and ultimately not well-prepared for college. We’re not suggesting you need your 13-year-old to open and maintain a savings account or get a credit card, but you can have them get themselves up in the morning, organize their own school assignments, and maybe even assume some responsibilities for helping around the house.

2. Encourage kids to approach their teachers with questions or concerns.
If your junior high school student has questions or is struggling in a class, encourage them to on their own contact the teacher and to seek help. Its very important that you encourage your student to approach his teacher himself because the teacher will not only appreciate the student's ability to do so, but it will teach a student how to confront other issues down the road. This is a good time for kids to start taking some responsibility for their own education. They need to learn how to advocate for themselves, and how to seek help when they need it.

3. Help kids to follow their passions.
Colleges love students who are passionate about what they do, whether that's doing scientific research or riding dirt bikes. Teach your kids that interest is a good thing. Don't assign value to the interest based on how you think it will translate into an admission to college someday. Kids who have the capacity to enjoy something tend to seek out that enjoyment even when their interests change. That's a good trait. We don't care if your student likes making jewelry, walking dogs in the neighborhood or just playing basketball with his friends. As long as it isn't covered by the criminal code, it's probably an interest you want to encourage.

4. Help kids find a love of learning.
When you ask a successful college applicant what his or her favorite class, subject or teacher is, she's got an answer. Grades are important, but they are not the only measure of a student's academic potential; nor are the test scores. A sincere interest in learning goes a long way with teachers and with colleges.

If your student thrives on a math class and even joined the math club, share your student's excitement with them, and encourage them to pursue their she love for math. SHARE in the enjoyment. If your student is fascinated with , ask her how she might be able to learn more and decide together whether to buy some books, take a class, or maybe just do some bird-watching. If your son raves about his history teacher, let him know how lucky he is and ask him to tell you more. Don't tie academic enjoyment to grades alone. Curious learners are always appealing to colleges, and that intellectual love of learning is something you can foster in your kids.

5. Relax.
Much of the information you hear about seemingly 'perfect kids' being rejected from college and is usually exaggerated because no one is "perfect". There are more than 4,000 colleges in this country and there is a school for every student. When the school is right, the money will follow. Good kids who work hard, even if they aren't "A" students, still get into plenty of colleges. So let your kids be kids. They don't need to spend all their time maximizing strengths, fixing weaknesses and molding themselves into future college students. Let them play and hang out with their friends and maybe even goof off a little.

When your kid is 12, 13 or 14, you're not going to make a mistake that will keep your child out of college someday. So relax, and encourage your kids to do the same.

DIVISION 1 SPORTS IN COLLEGE

2011-11-30T18:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight, CBS Scott Pelley talks about gang members in Division I sport athletes and the impact it has on teams, schools, etc. See his report!

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31727_162-57334216-10391695/violent-gangs-impact-college-sports/?tag=contentBody;cbsCarousel

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SUBMIT UC AND CSU APPLICATIONS FOR FALL, 2012

2011-11-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

Today, November 30th is the final day to submit both of your UC application and CSU applications (http://www.csumentor.edu/AdmissionApp/) for the fall 2012 term.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you hit submit:

1. If you have any technical problems or questions about the application (including how to change submitted information), contact the University of California, or Cal State University.

2. Provide an email account that you will check regularly and keep until you enroll in a college. Email addresses must be no more than 50 characters.

3. The personal statement is your opportunity to give us information about your achievements that you have not provided elsewhere in the application. Speak in your own voice and use specific examples to give us the picture of who you are.

If you are thinking about applying to the Fall of 2013, perhaps you will want to get some assistance and guidance. We are available to help you with both your application and financial aid.

SAT and ACT Test Dates To Register for

2011-11-26T20:27:00.000-08:00

For Juniors who are looking to take their SAT and/or ACT tests here are some dates to note

ACT

12/10/11

Standby Testing

SAT/Subject Tests

12/3/11

Standby Testing

1/28/12

Register

THE ON-LINE VERSIONS OF THE COMMON APPLICATION, WHY IT IS DISLIKED

2011-11-25T16:49:00.000-08:00

The feedback that we have both experienced and heard back from students is that almost everyone has learned to dislike the Common Application and even more so now that the rules, forms, and procedures have changed without helpful guidance.

The complaint that we hear from students is that they continue to struggled with the online application and high schools are unclear about their policies and adapt to the new rules in differing ways. That leaves everyone in a quandary.

When we asked the college admissions administrators to answer some of the questions that students have about the Common Application, they denied our requests and referred us to the creators of the Common Application. HOwever, after searching, we did come up with some answers to the questions asked with the following: “Students can find detailed instructions on how to create alternate versions of their application in the ‘Application Versions’ section of the main instructions page.” For all follow up questions, the response was, “Again, I will direct you to the instructions regarding alternate versions.” Helpful? Nope! The “detailed instructions” make us dizzy.

The Common Application's values are "integrity, equity, reliability, access, service." We would like to add to that "confusion."

While working with our students, we always instruct them to customize their application to the specific school to which they are applying so they can ensure that they are showing WHY they specifically want to attend that school. The Common Application does not make that easy. They encourage students to dutifully follow their guidelines and submit one Common Application to all of your schools. We reject this approach. Fortunately, you can create up to 10 different versions. The Common Application does not want you to do this, so it makes it difficult, but it’s well within the rules. Some students make different versions if they decide to write a new essay or want to add an accomplishment. As well, many students make different version so that they can customized essays. Some students will send entirely different essays to different schools, especially if school-specific supplements compel them to mix-and-match. (For instance, you might write a great ‘in the nation’s service’ supplement for Princeton that then becomes your main essay for other schools.) The only catch is that the Common Application lets you make only 10 versions (it was 20 in previous years).

Some students apply to more than 10 schools and might want to create more than 10 versions of the Common Application in order to include customized ‘why’ essays appended to their personal statements or additional information essays. The Common Application will not allow this. However, because many schools ask for separate ‘why’ essays in their supplements, it’s highly unlikely that you’d submit more than 10 customized personal statements. Therefore, you can make one version with your generic essays and submit that version to all the schools with separate why essays. You then make customized versions for those schools that do not ask for separate ‘why’ essays. Please note that the decision to ‘why’ essays to schools that do not ask for them is entirely up to you. We recommend doing so. However, if you choose to go with all generic essays, then you don’t need to worry about different Common Application versions.

Are you still confused? Look at the demo presentation provided for by the Common Application. We are still assisting students with their application through December 15th. The Class of 2013 should take note, we are signing up students now.

Watch the DEMO of the Common Application here ---

https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/CommonAppDemo.aspx?src=S

NOW THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED APPLICATIONS, ITS TIME FOR FINANCIAL AID

2011-11-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

Financial Aid is one of the biggest, if not THE largest concern any student or their family have when looking at where a student should attend school.

Many times, parents right off at the start give us a list of where their children can go to school because of the way they perceive the financial aid process to be, not taking into account that IF the school is the right place the money WILL follow.

If you are applying to colleges this year, go with the school that feels right, not the cost of the school.

As the financial aid season starts its kick off on January 1, 2012, families and students will want to know where to start. Here is a list of where to begin----

Submit Your FAFSA

The FAFSA must be completed if you want to qualify for any financial aid. Do not minimize the importance of completing this form properly. The US Department of Education said the majority of people fill out the FAFSA form in such a way that they do not receive all the aid for which they are eligible.

• Register for and Submit the CSS Profile
Many private schools require the Profile form, which includes additional financial and personal information. This is due on March 2nd.

• Complete Any Institutional Form
Many schools have their own forms that need to be completed in addition to the ones already mentioned.

Many of you will think this is where it ends, but it only the start.

When we work with students, one of the first questions we ask families is whether or not they plan to file a FAFSA, and we encourage everyone to do so, even if your salary is $500,000 per year.

While our counselors are guiding your child into the schools which are right for them, our financial aid experts are busy working with you or your family at

Confirming the Accuracy of the SAR and Make Adjustments, if any.

• Analysis of Financial Aid Awards

• Direct Appeals Process

• College Loans

Recommendations to Reduce Your EFC

• Implementation of Strategies to Reduce Your EFC

• College Tracking List

• College Statistics

and they keep an

• College Payment Plan• On-going Communication so that you can get through all 4 years.

While there are a lot of computerized programs that do an excellent job, it is a real balance to match students with schools and then with a strategy work out the money issues.

If you feel you need assistance, please feel free to contact our offices for additional details.

CALIFORNIA ISTATE UNIVERSITY TO RAISE TUITION AGAIN!

2011-11-16T11:08:00.000-08:00

Today, several news agencies have reported the the CSU Board of Trustees will meet in Long Beach, California to discuss a tuition increase if "Plan A" does not work.

The CSU system to ask the State of California for an additional sum of $138.3 million to help keep all 23 campuses functioning. If the state turns down the request, that sum will be passed on to student in the amount of an additional $498. 00 per student, bringing the in state tuition rate to approximately $6,000.00 per year.

For many students, it will hurt, but in comparing it to its sister university system,THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, it is still a wonderful bargain to many students.

To hear more on this topic view this video. Tell us what you think!

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/11/16/cal-state-trustees-to-vote-on-ninth-tuition-hike-in-9-years/

NEW ALTERNATIVES TO A 4-YEAR COLLEGE

2011-11-15T17:06:00.000-08:00

This past week, we visited several different schools. These are not schools that are considered "top tier" within a traditional college or university, but they are top notch in what they do.

These schools were:

Vidal Sassoon Academy
Toni and Guy, and
LA Music Academy

A traditional college is not necessarily cut out for every student. Some student are looking for the "TRADES" as they are known. These schools are in the top tier levels within their profession and students come to these schools from all over the world.

Vidal Sassoon and Toni and Guy are schools hair salons specializing in specific hair coloring and cutting techniques. The L.A. Music Academy is a state of the art school which specializes in assisting students interested in playing guitar, drums, piano or going to voice to have a chance to advance to amazing levels of expertise.

There appears to be a common thread that all these schools has..... they all focus "intensely" on the topic that wants to be learned by students. If a student is in college and wants to specialize in one of these fields, they can go into these programs to perfect their training. If they are in high school and want to pursue a different way of life, that is available too.

Vidal Sassoon Academy has the mission to share the knowledge that we gain in the development of our craft. From the heart of their creative system in London, the Sassoon courses are developed, honed and delivered around the globe through their schools, academies and education centers.

Sassoon courses are developed and designed to be contemporary, relevant and forward thinking and are delivered with passion, commitment and technical excellence. Students will be inspired, with real commercial skills and receive an insight into the unique culture that is Sassoon.

The Sassoon in-salon seminars are ideally suited to small audiences and can last from one to five days, depending on the depth or level of education required. The environment allows for a high degree of detailed instruction, where every day begins with a demonstration, and the afternoon is devoted to hands-on learning.
. The optional addition of 'walk on presentation models can provide impact in illustrating the finished looks. The in-salon seminar format can be delivered in an alternative venue, should your salon not be spacious enough.

At TONI AND GUY, the focus is a little different. The schools philosophy is that if you have got a creative flair, passion for people, and the desire to be a leader in the fashion industry, this is the school for you.

This school has built a reputation as a leader in the hairdressing industry. What began 40 years ago as a single, small salon in London has evolved into a worldwide brand synonymous with fashion, quality, and innovation.

An education at TONI& GUY HAIRDRESSING ACADEMY feels more like working in a salon than taking classes in a beauty school because of their unique student experience and our commitment to preparing students for successful careers in hairdressing. Students don’t just complete Cosmetology State Board exams with confidence; they graduate and leave ready to embark on successful, exciting careers in a vibrant, sizzling industry.

The LA Music Academy building was originally built in the 1940’s for a school of NASA scientists to build satellites. The announcement in 1969 that "the first man on the moon" came out of an office in this building. The schools is small with an average of 150 students attending each year. There are over 40 faculty members on-staff, with a student/teacher ratio of 4 to 1.

The building’s facilities include large, modern classrooms equipped with Mackie Sound Systems, Yamaha drumsets with Zildjian cymbals, and Tech 21 guitar and Gallien-Krueger bass amps.
Through the school, students can have resources to apartment style living at a small discounted rate. Most students live close to the campus, and can find activities and a fun life style close to all the schools, but there are no dorms.

The LA Music Academy was founded in 1996 as a consortium of musicians and instructors who wanted to create a unique learning environment for talented students. Many faculty members had taught at other Los Angeles schools and on the East Coast. These musicans wanted to combine what they felt were the best attributes of these schools into a one-of-a kind curriculum.

Pasadena was chosen as an ideal location because of its safe streets and neighborhoods, still relatively close to the LA music scene with its nightclubs, concert venues, recording studios and entertainment companies.

The Recording Lab is a 625 square-foot studio-quality “floating construction” room that includes three iso-booths and a neighboring drum room. The Computer Lab is outfitted with ten 20” iMacs® and a 52” LCD monitor for instructor demonstrations. Each computer has Digidesign ProTools LE® software and an MBox2® recording interface. Ten fully-equipped practice labs are for drummers. Five practice labs and several practice stations are for guitar and bass players, as well as vocalists. The performance hall has room for 25 players onstage and holds an audience of 160.
Starbucks coffee shop is just a half a block away and Saladang Restaurant, a favorite with students. Pasadena's Old Town is within walking distance.

Financial Aid is available to all students, and the LA Music Academy has scholarships available in addition to federal funded grants. One of their famous alumni is David Archuleta from American Idol.

http://lamusicacademy.edu/jm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=141&Itemid=10

What comes across in these schools is that a great education is give in a a non traditional college. It is important to remember that a traditional college is not necessarily cut out for every student. Some student are looking for the "TRADES" as they are known. These schools are in the top tier levels within their profession and students come to these schools from all over the world.

Both, Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy are schools hair salons specializing in specific hair coloring and cutting techniques. The L.A. Music Academy is a state of the art school which specializes in assisting students interested in playing guitar, drums, piano or going to voice to have a chance to advance to amazing levels of expertise.

What ever your passion is, follow it! It may not be in a traditional college. A traditional four year college is a well rounded program, but if you want to focus on specifics, this might be a good choice. Tuition at each of these school ranges around $ 20,000 to $ 25,000 for tuition only. Living expenses are an additional expense.

TAKE A MOMENT TO GIVE THANKS THIS THANKSGIVING

2011-11-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

As we approach the holidays, please enjoy this like and give thanks, no matter how difficult things are for you this year!

http://us.mg4.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?.rand=0gc2kqv05b3og

AWARD WINNING: THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT PRESENTS ***** College Admissions --- 101*****

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TAKING AP TESTS

ADMISSIONS HURDLES FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2012

COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOPS SCHEDULE FOR STUDENTS IN LOS ANGELES & HI DESERT COMMUNITIES

DO YOU NEED TO SIGN UP FOR THE SAT OR ACT NOW?

EARLY ADMISSIONS DEFERRAL LETTERS, DID YOU GET ONE?

JANUARY MEANS FINANCIAL AID AND "TIME FOR FAFSA"

IT'S TIME FOR THE CLASS OF 2013 TO PREPARE FOR COLLEGE APPS

ARE YOU PLANNING ON TRANSFERING TO A FOUR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY? GOING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL?

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT

TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY TO FILE YOUR FAFSA FOR FINANCIAL AID

WE ARE EXPANDING AGAIN!

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN TO THE 2012 APPLICATION YEAR IS ON

VIRGINIA TECH's SECOND TRADEGY

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, BUT DON'T LET IT HOLD DOWN YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATONS

ASIAN STUDENTS STRATEGY MAYBE INCORRECT WHEN IT COMES TO THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

INFORMATION FOR HOME SCHOOLED STUDENTS APPLYING TO COLLEGE

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE, WHEN STUDENTS NEED TO START THE PROCESS

DIVISION 1 SPORTS IN COLLEGE

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SUBMIT UC AND CSU APPLICATIONS FOR FALL, 2012

SAT and ACT Test Dates To Register for

THE ON-LINE VERSIONS OF THE COMMON APPLICATION, WHY IT IS DISLIKED

NOW THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED APPLICATIONS, ITS TIME FOR FINANCIAL AID

CALIFORNIA ISTATE UNIVERSITY TO RAISE TUITION AGAIN!

NEW ALTERNATIVES TO A 4-YEAR COLLEGE

TAKE A MOMENT TO GIVE THANKS THIS THANKSGIVING

AWARD WINNING: THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT PRESENTS * College Admissions --- 101*