4 College Search Pitfalls and Solutions

University of Vermont

Spring break for juniors often means the beginning of the college search process. For those embarking on the college search process, I offer you 4 College Search Pitfalls and Solutions:

1.    “I love Harvard.”

Far too many students fall into the “say yes to the sweatshirt” mentality when searching for a college. They find one that fits “perfectly” and commit. But, this is college: you aren’t searching for a significant other. And, truth be told, said University just might not be that into you. No one is “likely” to earn admission to Harvard University which admitted fewer than 10% of all applicants in each of the last 5-years.

Solution: Determine the desirable characteristics in your ideal school and fall in love with those instead. It’s more productive to search for a school with a happening college scene, excellent research opportunities, and great alumni connections than to become overly invested in earning admission to a single institution.

 2.    “It’s not fair.”

Without fail, students and parents in the college search process identify elements that lack “fairness.” Parents and students are plagued by a myriad of “unfair” parts of the process: “we don’t qualify for aid, but we don’t have the money to pay what they expect” or “if she was a legacy” or “they have to save room for the athletes” or “the SAT is overly emphasized.” Ultimately, it’s true: it’s not fair. But, this mentality merely stalls the college search process.

Solution: When you find yourself railing against injustices, you’re stuck in a rut. Make forward progress with things that you can control (like the personal statement you keep putting off). Remember: action cures anxiety. Do your best, let go of the rest.

See the complete article here.

The Art of Negotiating Financial Aid Packages

Denison University (Granville, OH)

To remain competitive, colleges are increasingly willing to negotiate financial aid packages. But, no college is interested in dealership-esque haggling. And some elite institutions have a firm “no negotiation” policy. Beyond a significant change in financial circumstance, need-based awards will remain fixed. However, for enrollment-hungry schools, offers may come with wiggle room. Consider these tips for successfully improving an offer:

1. Don’t Ask Often Negotiate an offer only for a first choice institution when money impacts the final decision. Maintain the mentality: it can’t hurt to ask, but the answer is probably “no.” If it isn’t imperative to request more money, wait. If your school decreases the rate of award in future years you will have more bargaining room.
2. Ask Early Evaluate offers right away so that you have time to negotiate. There is very little time between receipt of financial aid package and the national candidate reply deadline. Making a request before May 1 is essential, remember that for a college money and enrollment are tied tightly together. If you have already submitted a deposit, you have lost your trump.
3. Request a Specific Amount Be precise about the award increase that will be a “difference maker.” Below are some paraphrased requests that proved effective for students that I have worked with on the college process.

“Thank you for your generous offer. Blank University is my daughter’s top choice and we hope that she will enroll there in the spring. With our daughter’s present financial aid offer, our family budget will be strained beyond our comfort level. We were hoping for an offer closer to the package we received from Blank Northern University. As you can see from the enclosed documents, there is a $5000 gap between award packages. Increasing Sara’s grant award by even half that gap would make Blank University a more clear choice for our family. Thank you for your consideration.”

OR

“Thank you for your generous offer. As you know, my family’s expected family contribution is presently $0. The University of Notre Dame is my first choice, but I have received a guaranteed loan-free award from Cornell University. I am writing to request that you adjust my award to minimize the student loan debt I will incur by enrolling at Notre Dame. I realize that all financial aid students graduate with some indebtedness, but any decrease in this burden would make it more possible for me to enroll at my dream school.”

‘Twas the Night Before the SAT: 3 Tips to Improve Your Score

Tomorrow morning, students around the country will take the first SAT administration of 2012. For a comprehensive standardized test like the SAT, cramming is a waste of time. Below we offer advice you can use for last minute test prep.

1.    Pack up for test day
Get everything ready for your test the night before. Use this checklist to keep from forgetting a key item. Preparation helps to minimize pre-test anxiety.
2.    Go to sleep at 9:00 p.m.
Getting a good night’s sleep before a big test will enable your brain to quickly access information. For a timed, all-encompassing exam, you can’t afford to waste time while your brain recalls freshman year geometry. Finding clarity quickly is essential. And, note that this tip is for “sleep” and not “bed.” Shut down all electronics at least a half hour before bed (this means that you should turn off your cell phone at 8:30 p.m.). If you are having trouble falling asleep at your new bedtime, try mindfulness meditation.
3.    Plan on protein for breakfast.
Avoid allowing hunger to distract you during the test, and eat a protein-fueled breakfast. Two options that will minimize test-time grumbling: scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast, and a banana, or toasted English muffin with peanut butter, half a grapefruit, and a yogurt.h

 

College Review: Southwestern University (Georgetown, TX)

Enrollment: 1,350

Setting: Limestone buildings with classic collegiate architecture combined with majestic live oaks set a picturesque backdrop for this small Texas gem. Located about 25 minutes from the ever-sprawling Austin, Southwestern University has pumped up their liberal arts curriculum with extensive off-campus opportunities for student engagement. The University is situated in a residential neighborhood of Georgetown, which evokes small-town America with a charming town square.

Type: Southwestern University is a small, liberal arts college in a small town setting. Though, the exceptional growth of Austin could argue for Southwestern as a suburban university. Similar to its counterparts in Loren Pope’s book, Colleges That Change Lives, Southwestern puts a premium on great teaching and student engagement. While Southwestern is off the national radar, it holds an esteemed regional reputation.

Check out our full review here.

Selecting a Top College Dance Program

Courtesy of Prospective Dance Major

Talented prospective dance majors seek out high quality programs to enhance their abilities. But, they often rely on the opinions of others to identify “top programs.” This fall, a great prospective dancer helped me develop a list of tips to gauge the quality of college’s dance program. This will enable family’s to assess a program autonomously.

1.    Size up the Space

The quality of a school’s facilities will help you determine the college’s investment in the dance program. Some schools may not include dance facilities on the general tour, but you should ask to see them. High-caliber dance facilities will have sprung floors—so take a little leap when you check out the studio. Also, black box performance space (which highlights the dancer’s movement) is indicative of a college committed to the dance program.

2.    Make them audition for you

If you become seriously interested in a college, make a second trip to observe class. Reading the credentials of dance instructors won’t help you learn if the dance program has good teachers. A dance instructor may have had a career as an esteemed professional, but that doesn’t mean the teacher will offer constructive correction. Look for teaching styles that match your learning style.

Visit College Guidance Coach to read all 5 tips!