Why You Don’t Need to be a Well Rounded Student

During this time of year as teens are getting more involved in school activities, a question that many students and parents raise is whether it’s best to be more “well-rounded.” The term “well rounded student” refers to someone who has experiences in a range of varied activities. “Should I(my teen) be “well rounded” often translates to ‘”Will this help me(my teen) get into college?” The concept of “well–rounded “ was born in hindsight from a 1980’s myth of how students got accepted to most selective colleges.

My question back to them is “What’s your goal?” It’s not meant to be a smart-alecky response but the emphasis on every aspect of the college admissions process is the student. well rounded student, Colgate Campus

My recent e-newsletter shared what colleges today want and many parents were abuzz about what this means for their college-bound teen. Colleges want engaged, curious learners. This new revelation can be unsettling because it’s the opposite of “well-rounded”.

Over the years, I’ve read thousands of applications and spoken with numerous admissions officers about what they seek in prospective candidates and “well-rounded” isn’t just dead among the most selective colleges but an even broader landscape. The activities resume filled with 15-20 activities may show busy-ness, but too often lack evidence of these qualities:

    • Interest – are you really that interested in an activity that you’ve only spent a few hours doing in 9th grade? Based on your activities resume, what are you interested in?
    • Commitment – where is the evidence of your commitment? College communities thrive on student commitment.
    • Impact – what difference was made by your participation? do your activities show what impact you made on your school or community through your involvement? When a student is doing an activity for the sake of appearing “well rounded” then they may not be around long enough to take a leadership role, influence the direction, mentor other students, or make any impact at all.

In closing, I go back to my initial response, “What’s your goal?” The entire college admissions process is about the student NOT the college. If the student is doing an activity just for the sake of getting into college, it will come through in their laundry list of activities and especially their application essays. When students focus their time and efforts on those activities they enjoy, have an interest in pursuing, and make an impact on others involved with them . . . that’s when students have the best chances of getting in and getting money for college.

well rounded student

Is Occidental College a Good School? Let’s Find OUt

Occidental College

Minutes outside of downtown Los Angeles, Occidental College is tucked away in a beautiful campus full of trees and flowers. Even more colorful than Oxy’s environment though is its school culture: energetic, socially conscious, supportive, and motivated.

Here are a few quick facts about Occidental:

Acceptance: 42%

Freshmen out of state: 43%

Most popular majors: Diplomacy and World Affairs, Economics, Politics, Science, Urban and Environmental Policy, Theater, Art History and Visual Arts

Housing: Required for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors

4-year Graduation rate: 78%

Occidental College

Academics: Classes stay small at Occidental, and students and professors build strong relationships quickly. Because so many students are motivated in diverse fields, Oxy provides its students with a number of special programs and encourages learning experiences outside of the classroom. For students interested in international relations, Oxy has a unique program with the United Nations, unlike any other offered.

Social: Having L.A. in your backyard is nice, and free vans can get you downtown or on the beach in ten minutes. But Oxy’s campus usually brings a lot of its own excitement on the weekends too. Spirited games, concerts, dances, parties, and Greek functions are all available for students.

Financial: Oxy offers need-based financial aid, grants, and merit scholarships. 100% of the need is met. Although the tuition and fees are $63,901, the average financial aid package is $42,541. 81% of students receive grants and 11% receive merit scholarships.

Motto: “Occident Proximus Orienti” – The West is nearest to the East

What do you think about this college? What else would you like to learn about it? Please post your comments below.

Is it too soon for a Campus Visit?

Parents ask me all the time “Is it too soon to go on a campus visit?” Unfortunately, the parents who usually ask that question are indeed asking too soon. There is such thing as too soon for campus visits because too many students get burned out on-campus visits when they start their visits well before the application process.

Campus visits matter most in junior and senior year of high school. When students are visiting colleges at a time when it’s relevant then they tend to learn more from the experience. Also, for colleges that track “demonstrated interest”, having an official visit during that time can help with admissions prospects. The other benefit of visiting when students are actively engaged in the application process is that the visit helps with writing a more compelling essay about why that particular college is a good fit.

Rice campus
Rice has a beautiful campus, much like an urban oasis!

There are a few colleges that may host special events for 9th or 10th graders. I think those visits are OK to attend, perhaps as part of a family trip to that area. I don’t suggest making a special trip out of the way just to attend.

What I see more often is that parents are taking their middle schooler or 9th grader to visit the more prestigious, selective universities. That adds a lot of unnecessary pressure and stress. Yes, Princeton may have a beautiful campus, but is it really necessary to visit when it’s not even certain that Princeton is a good fit for your teen? It can even be a bit tricky when a parent takes their child to a reunion event. That too can set the expectation that your child should attend or at least apply to your alma mater.

The best time for students to visit in the winter and spring of the junior year after researching where it makes the most sense to visit. The summers are good for visits, but families should keep in mind that the campus vibe may be a bit quieter and less impressive. Some colleges offer special overnight visits for seniors. These are great to take advantage of but it can be hard to fit into the senior schedule, especially if a teen has a fall sport.

So the short answer to our initial question on is it too soon to do a campus visit is “Yes!” If your teen is a middle schooler or 9th grader, it’s too soon for a campus visit. Those years are better spent doing well academically and making good choices socially. The end of sophomore year is the earliest I would recommend a campus visit.

When are you starting your campus visits? Please post comments below.

 

ALERT College-bound Juniors – AP scores are back, Now What?

AP scores

High school sophomores and juniors can access their AP scores this week! While there may have been high anxiety and a few sleep-deprived nights in May, students may have some butterflies as they open their online accounts to see the results.

What do your scores mean

AP scores will range from 1 to 5. An AP score of “1” or “2” may feel like a real downer, given all the late-night studying. A “3” on the AP exam shows proficiency, but may not get any attention from colleges. The scores that colleges may notice are “4” and “5”. When I say notice, it can mean that the college will allow the student to either

  1. Skip an introductory level college course in that area of study
    -or-
  2. Get college credit

One of the things that students must be careful to do is check with the college’s department to determine whether any course upgrade or college credits will be granted. I advise doing so after a student has determined where they will enroll in college. It wouldn’t make sense to determine the college list based on getting college credit, since the colleges may change their policy.

Whether a college allows a student to skip an introductory level course or grant college credit is specific to each college. If the college does neither, then students shouldn’t feel as if they wasted their time. In the admissions process, colleges will consider the rigor of the high school curriculum. Taking an AP course is still a good way to show that students challenged themselves during high school.

What do you think about AP? Is it worth it?

3 tips every Parent needs to Know about the Common App

You have likely heard about the Common Application and have some questions about what it means for your college-bound teen. As a general overview, the Common Application officially started in the 70s. The system we know today, however, wasn’t really defined until about 2000. A significant turn for the Common Application then was that the organization determined that its focus would be on holistic college admissions. What that means for you today is that all the colleges that are members of the Common Application have a holistic selection process.

Common App
Common App opens August 1

Those colleges consider transcripts, test scores, teacher recommendations, essays, activities, and other supplemental materials which give the colleges a more complete perspective on how that student will contribute to the college community.

Here are 3 hot tips every parent will benefit from knowing:

  • Not all colleges are on the Common App – There are over 500 colleges on the Common App, compared to about 2500 4-year colleges. The colleges that are not Common App members can have any selection process that fits their college mission. On the other hand, some colleges may have a holistic selection process but may want to use their own systems for managing the volume of applications received.
  • When your teen signs the Common App, they are agreeing that . . .

a) the essays are their own writing,

b) all the information is true (i.e. all test scores and school suspensions must be reported, even if they happen in senior year), and

c) they will only send a deposit to one college when they make their decision.

It’s easy to forget these details when students are excited about their admissions letters, but keep in mind that all admissions decisions are conditional and can be revoked at any time.

  • You can get your own Common App account – I suggest that if parents are curious about what their teen is submitting on the Common App then they can get their own account. This will allow you to understand more about the requirements and stresses of meeting the application deadlines!

This is an exciting time with your college-bound teen. I hope that you will allow your teen to own the process, as you participate in the journey.

What additional questions or thoughts do you have about the Common App?

Check out our Parent 2 Parent audio clip on the Common App, which has a juicy aside!

What Parents Need to Know about Testing for College-bound Teens

There are 3 tests that are used for college admissions:

  1. ACT
  2. SAT 1 – Reasoning test
  3. SAT 2 – Subject Tests

Each of these tests is different.

ACT ≠ SAT

The ACT is more of an achievement test and more aligned with knowledge gained during the high school years. SAT 1 is more of an intelligence test. As a rule of thumb, I’ve found that my students who are strong readers tend to fare better on the SAT, especially with its vocabulary. Students who do not read as much outside of school tend to do better on the ACT.

The SAT 2 is an hour-long test in a specific subject area. Here are the available subject tests:

  • Literature

These tests tend to match with an Honors or Advanced Placement course. For example, if a student is taking AP US History then they may want to consider the SAT Subject Test in American History for college admissions purposes. (Note: The AP tests are typically used for college placement, but not college admissions.) I recommend that students take the corresponding Subject Test at the end of the course, in May or June. For students who are interested in STEM fields, I strongly urge them to consider taking the Math Level 2 Subject Test soon after they complete Pre-Calculus.

Students will typically take the ACT or SAT in junior year. I do not recommend taking these tests in sophomore year and certainly not the senior year.

Testing Game Plan for Best Score

The best game plan for students is

  1. Determine which test you will focus on at the end of sophomore year. It is NOT necessary to take both tests. Colleges will accept either test.
  2. Take the ACT or SAT for the first time in the winter of junior year. This will give your teen time to get adjusted to a more-demanding junior year schedule and have time to study before taking the test.
  3. Leave time in the spring of the junior year to retake the ACT or SAT, if necessary.

Once the testing is completed, more time can be spent on developing a solid college list and writing application essays! What’s your teen’s game plan for acing the ACT or SAT?

Check out our 4 Tips to Help your Teen Study Better!

3 Study Tips for Teens

It is best to start building study habits in the middle school years because poor study habits will quickly come to light during high school when the demands of high school academics and homework load are much greater. Even if your teen is on the 12th, it’s too late for them to learn how to study better. The study skills they build in high school will greatly serve them in college.

Here are 3 time-tested study tips for teens that will make a difference in developing your teen’s study habits: (I’ve used them myself and know that they work!)

Help your teen set a daily study routine. 

This daily routine can be 4 to 6 pm for afterschool activities, 6-7 dinner time, then study from 7 to 10 pm. Part of setting this routine is making it realistic for how your teen is involved outside of school and in the community. 

To really stick with this routine, stay flexible. You can make adjustments when necessary on a week-by-week basis until your teen feels comfortable with knowing that if it’s Wednesday evening at 7:30, they should be studying and not watching a movie on net flicks.

Remind them to review their class notes each day. 

You may be thinking . . . I don’t have time to hover over them while they’re studying. I don’t mean to imply that at all. This means that from time to time, perhaps when they discuss a grade that was lower than expected, you suggest that they should consider reviewing their class notes each day. Another thing they can do if they have a study period is look ahead to what will be covered in class later that day.

Designate a quiet space at home (or library) to avoid distractions, i.e. texts, music, and friends who socialize. Designated space at home can be a desk in any room, a dining table, a comfy chair or couch as long as it’s free of obvious distractions. If studying at home isn’t an option, then perhaps suggest that your teen studies at the local library for a few hours.

Have dinner together. 

In all the research that’s been done on what makes the most difference with doing well academically, it’s having dinner together. This can be tough to schedule especially if you have more than one child, nevertheless, it’s been shown to have the greatest impact, even more so than doing homework.

Please let me know what you’ve tried that works.

Check out What Parents Need to Know about Testing for College-bound Teens!

 

How To Get The Best Teacher Recommendation

studying in the library

During sophomore and junior year of high school, I discuss the importance of teacher recommendations in the college application. Learning what teachers should write in their teacher recommendation letter is quite eye-opening for students. More importantly, learning this information long before it’s required means that students will have an opportunity to work on developing those important student-teacher relationships.

For example, in a recent Common Application, teachers are asked to respond to these student qualities:

  • Creative, original thought
  • Productive class discussion
  • Disciplined work habits
  • Reaction to setbacks
  • Concern for others

These are in addition to academic and other personal characteristics.
If you are reading this shortlist and can’t think of ONE sophomore or junior year teacher who would rank you highly with these qualities, then it’s time for you to start nurturing 2-3 teacher relationships. This is meant in a sincere way. If you’re genuinely interested in the topic being taught, that’s one way of determining whether to further build a relationship with the teacher.

Many of my students will apply to selective summer programs. When they apply to a summer program during sophomore or junior year, this gives them a great opportunity to request a recommendation. The teacher who writes a summer program recommendation will learn earlier about your interests and how to write about your unique attributes.

Whether you’re requesting a teacher recommendation for a summer program or college application, here are 5 key things to do to get the best recommendation:

  1. Request the recommendation 3-4 weeks prior to the deadline, when possible. This will allow the teacher ample time to write a strong letter on your behalf.
  2. Provide the teacher description of the program of interest. Discuss why you’re interested in this program. When applying to colleges, let the teacher know the colleges of interest to you and why.
  3. Activities Resume – share your updated Activities Resume with the teacher so that he/she will learn more about your interests.
  4. If there’s a form provided or other instructions about what should be included in the teacher recommendation, give that to the teacher, as well. Make sure that if there’s a waiver for you to sign that you do so prior to giving the teacher the form.
  5. Most important . . . Give the teacher an addressed envelope to seal and sign. If the recommendation should be mailed, please fill out the address and place a stamp on the envelope. If the letter should be returned to yoMake sure that teacher signs across seal of envelope with your recommendation, to ensure confidentialityu, please write on the front of the envelope.”Teacher Recommendation for (Your Name)”. Please make sure that the teacher signs across the seal of the envelope (see photo). This ensures that the recommendation is confidential!

Teacher recommendations are an important part of your application portfolio, whether it’s for a summer program or college admissions. You may also follow these steps if a counselor recommendation is needed.

What’s worked for you in getting the best recommendation?

 

Should I Do Optional College Essays? Here’s Why You Should Consider It

High school seniors in the midst of college application season often find themselves grappling with a crucial question: “Should I do optional college essays?” It’s tempting to skip over these “optional” sections, especially when your plate is already full with mandatory essays, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and the looming stress of graduation. However, understanding when and why you should tackle these optional essays can significantly impact your college admission prospects.

The Temptation to Skip: Is It Ever Okay?

Let’s face it—senior year is busy. Between maintaining your GPA, preparing for standardized tests, and managing other college application requirements, finding extra time to write an optional essay can feel overwhelming. Some college applications, such as those from Emory University, include optional questions like:

“Please write exactly five sentences that best describe you.”

On the surface, skipping this question seems like a reasonable time-saving decision. After all, Emory even states that “if you choose not to submit this essay, it will not affect your admission decision.” So, why not take them at their word and save yourself the trouble?

Why Skipping Might Not Be the Best Choice

While it’s true that not submitting the optional essay won’t automatically count against you, opting out may also mean missing a golden opportunity to stand out. When you see the word “optional,” think “opportunity” instead.

College admissions are more competitive than ever, and optional essays offer you an additional platform to showcase what makes you unique. In a sea of applicants with similar grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities, these essays allow you to present new, insightful, and non-redundant information that might not be evident from other parts of your application.

For example, Emory’s optional essay prompt about describing yourself in five sentences isn’t just about completing another task. It’s an opportunity for you to highlight aspects of your personality, character, or experiences that haven’t been discussed elsewhere. It’s a chance to confirm to the admissions committee why you should be admitted.

The Rule of Thumb: When to Write the Optional Essay

The general rule of thumb is that if responding to the optional essay provides an opportunity to complement your application with new information, then you should absolutely take the time to write it. Here’s why:

  1. Provides Additional Context: The optional essay allows you to add context to your application. Perhaps there’s a unique aspect of your background, a challenge you’ve overcome, or a passion that drives you—things that are not fully captured in the rest of your application.
  2. Showcases Your Writing Skills: Even if the essay is short, it’s another opportunity to demonstrate your writing ability. Strong writing skills are crucial in college, and an optional essay lets you show the admissions committee that you can communicate effectively.
  3. Demonstrates Your Interest: Completing the optional essay shows that you’re genuinely interested in the school. It indicates that you’re willing to go the extra mile, which can be particularly important at competitive institutions where demonstrating interest can be a deciding factor.
  4. Sets You Apart: Optional essays can set you apart from other applicants who chose not to complete them. In a competitive admissions process, every little bit helps, and your optional essay might just be the extra nudge that sways the decision in your favor.

When It Might Be Okay to Skip

There are situations where it might be reasonable to skip the optional essay:

  • Redundant Information: If your response to the optional essay would simply reiterate information already covered in your main essay or other parts of your application, it might not be worth writing. The key is to provide new, valuable insights.
  • Quality Concerns: If you find yourself stretched too thin, resulting in an essay that isn’t well-written or thoughtful, it might be better not to submit it. Admissions committees can tell when an essay is rushed, and a poorly executed optional essay could do more harm than good.

Final Thoughts: The Optional Essay is Not Really Optional

So, should I do optional college essays? The answer is yes—if you can use it as an opportunity to enrich your application with additional insights, showcase your writing ability, and demonstrate your genuine interest in the school. Remember, in the highly competitive landscape of college admissions, every chance to stand out should be taken seriously.

In conclusion, while the term “optional” might suggest that it’s okay to skip the essay, viewing it as an “opportunity” can make a significant difference in your college application process. Use this chance to further highlight what makes you unique, and you might just find that it plays a pivotal role in your acceptance to the college of your dreams. Happy writing!

Different Types of Early Admission for College

Cedarville College

The college admissions process can be overwhelming, with numerous deadlines, requirements, and decisions to navigate. One aspect that adds another layer of complexity is early admission. So, what is early admission for college, and how does it impact your chances of getting into your dream school?

What is Early Admission for College?

Early admission is a process that allows high school seniors to apply to college earlier than the regular application deadlines, typically in November, with the promise of receiving an admissions decision by December. This process can take several forms, including Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), and Restricted Early Action (REA). Each of these options comes with its own set of rules and implications for applicants.

Early Decision (ED)

This is a binding agreement, meaning if you are accepted, you must attend that college and withdraw all other applications. ED is ideal for students who have a clear first-choice school and are committed to attending if accepted.

Early Action (EA)

Unlike ED, Early Action is non-binding, allowing students to apply early and receive a decision without committing to attend. This gives students the flexibility to apply to multiple schools and compare offers before making a final decision.

Restricted Early Action (REA)

Also known as Single-Choice Early Action, this option is non-binding but restricts applicants from applying early to other private colleges. It offers a middle ground between ED and EA, providing an early decision without the binding commitment.

The Impact of Early Admission Results

Early admission results are released well before regular decision deadlines, giving students who applied early a significant advantage in knowing their college options sooner. These results can also offer insights into the overall competitiveness of the admissions cycle. For instance, a spike in early applications at certain schools, like the 40% increase at Boston University or the 11% increase at Princeton for REA applicants, indicates a growing trend of students seeking the security and benefits of early admission.

Why Do Colleges Offer Early Admission?

Colleges offer early admission for several reasons:

  1. Enrollment Management: Early admission helps colleges manage their enrollment numbers more effectively by securing a portion of their incoming class early in the admissions cycle. This allows them to better predict how many students will ultimately enroll and adjust their regular decision admissions accordingly.
  2. Yield Rates: Colleges are keen to maintain high yield rates (the percentage of accepted students who enroll). Early Decision applicants, who are bound to attend if accepted, contribute positively to a college’s yield rate, making ED an attractive option for institutions.
  3. Identifying Committed Students: Early admission, particularly Early Decision, allows colleges to identify students who are highly committed to attending their institution. These applicants are often viewed more favorably because they have demonstrated a strong interest in the school.

Should You Apply for Early Admission?

Deciding whether to apply for early admission is a significant decision that should be made carefully. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Academic Readiness: Your junior year grades are crucial in your application, as they are the most recent full year of academic performance that colleges will review. If your grades are strong and your test scores are competitive, applying early could work in your favor.
  2. School Choice: If you have a clear first-choice college that you are committed to attending, Early Decision might be the best option. However, if you’re still considering multiple schools or want to compare financial aid offers, Early Action could provide the flexibility you need.
  3. Application Preparedness: The early application deadline means you need to have your application materials—essays, letters of recommendation, and test scores—ready well before the regular deadlines. If you feel rushed or unprepared, it might be better to wait for the regular decision deadline.

What Do Early Admission Results Mean for Regular Decision Applicants?

The release of early admission results can sometimes cause anxiety among students who are waiting to apply during the regular decision round. With many colleges admitting a substantial portion of their incoming class through early admission, it might seem like the odds are stacked against regular decision applicants.

However, there are a few important points to consider:

  1. Remaining Spots: While some schools do fill a significant portion of their class through early admission, many spots are still available for regular decision applicants. Colleges aim to maintain a diverse and well-rounded class, so they save spots for those who apply later in the cycle.
  2. Changing Dynamics: The profile of the regular decision applicant pool can differ significantly from that of early applicants. For instance, some students who apply early may decide not to enroll, opening up spots for regular decision applicants. Additionally, regular decision applications often come from a broader range of students, which can work to your advantage depending on the specific qualities and experiences you bring to the table.
  3. Keep Your Options Open: Even if a college admits a large number of students through early admission, it’s essential to keep your options open. Applying to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools during the regular decision round ensures that you have multiple opportunities to secure a spot at a college that fits your needs.

Conclusion: Navigating Early Admission Successfully

What is early admission for college? It’s an opportunity to potentially secure a spot at your dream school ahead of the regular decision process. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding the different types of early admission, assessing your academic readiness, and carefully considering your college preferences are all critical steps in deciding whether early admission is right for you.

Ultimately, whether you choose to apply early or wait for regular decision, the most important thing is to stay focused on finding the best fit for your academic and personal goals. Early admission can be a valuable tool in the college admissions process, but it’s just one part of a broader strategy to help you get into a college where you’ll thrive.

Additional Tips for Early Admission Applicants

  • Start Early: Begin working on your college applications the summer before your senior year to ensure you have enough time to polish your essays and gather all necessary documents.
  • Seek Guidance: Work closely with your school counselor and teachers to identify the best colleges for early admission and to get strong letters of recommendation.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up with any changes in the college admissions process, as policies and deadlines can shift from year to year.
  • Be Realistic: While it’s tempting to apply early to a reach school, make sure you have a balanced list of colleges that include safety and match schools where you’re more likely to be admitted.

By carefully weighing the pros and cons and preparing thoroughly, you can make the most of the early admission process and increase your chances of getting into a college that meets your academic and personal needs.