Early Decision Buzz

The early decision buzz is all around!  Everyone is checking their email to confirm decision release dates.  If you applied early decision or early action soon it will be time to take the next step.  For those of you who applied rolling and have received news it’s also time for you to take action.  This is what you’ll need to do:

ACCEPTED: Congratulations!!

Early decision is binding.

• Confirm your intention to enroll by sending in the non-refundable deposit by the school’s required due date.
• Withdraw all your other applications.
• Check your inbox often. You’ll be receiving mailings relating to housing, medical and health forms, registration for special programs for admitted students, and invitations to special events that may require your response.

Early action is not binding.

• If you’re certain this is the school for you, send your deposit and secure your spot in the class of 2024. Although not required, it’s considerate to other applicants to withdraw your outstanding applications to other schools.
• If you’re not sure this is the school for you or need to evaluate your financial aid offers and want to leave your options open, hold off until you’ve received all your other admissions decisions.

Rolling admission is not binding.

• You don’t need to respond until you are absolutely certain this is the school you would like to attend.
• Unless you’re sure this is the school for you, finish your other applications and send them in by the due dates.

DEFERRED: Take a deep breath.

• Think about whether your early decision school is truly your first choice. If you believe the answer is yes, communicate that thought to your admission rep by letter, sending it both by snail mail and email. Express the reasons this is your top school and offer to provide any additional information they may want to further support your application.
• Talk to your guidance counselor about your plans. Also, ask him/her to reach out to your admissions rep to speak on your behalf.
• Turn your focus to completing all your other applications.

Whether deferred or rejected, please realize this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not qualified, it may simply mean there’s not enough room for all the accomplished candidates. Take a step forward and complete the applications for the other schools on your list.

For those of you who have committed to a school, remember to reach out and thank your teachers and counselors and anyone else who has supported you in your college bound process. A hand written note is a really nice touch. Also, keep in mind acceptances are conditional on maintaining your grades throughout senior year.

 

Get Ready For Tomorrow’s SAT and SAT Subject Tests

A few thoughts if you’re scheduled to take tomorrow’s SAT and SAT Subject Tests.

To minimize your stress tomorrow morning, it’s a great idea to get organized ahead of time. The last thing you need on test morning is a desperate scramble. These are some of the things you can do tonight to get your big day off to a great start:

First, check with your parents to make sure they know when and where you’re scheduled to take the test, and arrange how you’ll get to the test center. Next, gather and pack all the things you’ll need to take with you. Some of the things on this check list are “must-have” items, while others are optional.

REQUIRED: Don’t forget any of the following items or it will be a long ride home!

• An approved calculator
• Sharpened #2 pencils
• An acceptable form of photo ID
• Your admission or standby ticket

SUGGESTED: These are things you may want to bring along.

• Water
• Snack
• Sweater
• Back-up calculator
• Extra batteries for your calculator
• Watch (to keep track of time)

Set your alarm, get a good night’s sleep and have a healthy, satisfying breakfast.

Good luck!

Posted in Bound To Organize, Testing | Tagged SAT, SAT Subject Tests, test day | Leave a comment | Edit

Words Of Wisdom For College Bound Students

Current and former college students offer advice to incoming first year students in a recent New York Times article. The article covers a wide array of topics from personal health and well being to finances to academic growth. See what you take away.

Registration Reminder

Remember, today is the late registration deadline for the December 7th SAT and SAT Subject Tests.

Registration Reminder

Remember, today is the late registration deadline for the December 14th ACT..

How Many Campus Visits Do You Need To Make?

You may be in the midst of campus visits as you attempt to finalize your list of schools.  It’s helpful to visit a mix of schools, if possible, to identify the type of college thats a good fit for you. Although, it may seem like a good idea, it’s unreasonable to plan to visit every school you’re considering. Ann Carrns in Your Money Advisor column in The New York Times offers some good advice on how to get the information you need without breaking the bank. Some tips include:

1. Start out by visiting a mix of schools that are close to home, including, if you can, ones that differ in setting and size.
2. If your budget allows for only one visit, make sure it’s one of your top choice schools.
3. If you’re considering applying early decision, make the effort to visit the school as your acceptance will be binding.
4. Take virtual tours on schools’ websites.
5. Use online tools, such as Naviance, to help define schools that are safety, target and reach schools for you.
6. Contact the admissions office to see if you qualify for free fly in visits.

Another Option

Community college offers an alternative track to earning a bachelor’s degree.  For students who are not ready to commit to a four year program, are looking to stay close to home or would benefit from the reduced tuition, community college may be the answer.

Many four year colleges and universities have formal programs providing a path for qualified community college students to then transfer with little or no loss of academic credit. Students who are then ready to earn their Bachelor’s will find many agreements and innovative partnerships that allow community college students access to top-ranked programs in nursing, technology, business and science programs as well as a seamless transfer and little or no loss of academic credit.

An impressive 73% community college transfer students graduate from selective four year institutions as compared to 61% students who enter as freshmen.

So, if you are applying to college this year, you may want to add a community college to your “list”. Laura Pappano of The New York Times offers some insightful thoughts.