Where will your roommate come from?

This cool interactive report from the Chronicle of Higher Education on "Where Do The Freshmen Come From" is so much fun! Pick a college and guess what percentage are from in-state. It's a great way to learn about geographic diversity on college campuses around the country.

What are the most important components of the application?

It depends on where you apply.

College admissions offices differ in the components that are most important. All colleges will take a close review of a student's transcript noting the rigor of the courses taken in the 5 core subjects and the progression of marks earned. Many will also review the SAT, ACT, and/or SAT Subject Tests or AP exams. However, a growing number of colleges will review applicants without testing thus enabling the readers to focus on other aspects of the application including the essay(s), resume of activities, and letters of recommendations. For the most highly selective colleges, these factors will "get you to the starting line" and it's the distinguishing features that wil make the difference (noteworthy talents, accomplishments, leadership, connections to the college - the "it" factor - that helps an applicant stand apart).

Do's and Don'ts of the College Essay

I'll be sharing tips from time to time on the blog....since this is the feverish time for college essay writing for seniors - this one's for them:

Write from the heart

College admission readers are very busy folks. Many read thousands of essays in a couple of months, so keep your audience in mind. Don’t write what you think they want to hear, write what you care about in a way that no one else could. It’s not so much what you write about, but how you write about it. The most insignificant occurrence can be communicated in an extraordinary way – if it’s meaningful to the person who experienced it. Keep your writing specific with descriptions that brings the reader into your life. Draw the reader in so that they want to know more. The best college essays leave the reader wanting to meet you!

Free College Seminar - Getting Started and PSAT Prep

College Counseling and Princeton Review Offering

Free Seminar with PSAT Prep

The Friends of the Palmetto Branch Library are sponsoring a Free College Counseling Seminar for area college-bound students and their parents on Saturday, September 10^th from 9-11:30am. Finding the right college, getting in and affording college are on the minds of most high school students and their parents. This Free Workshop is designed for 10^th and 11^th grade students gearing up for the October PSAT. Handouts and refreshments will be provided.

Robin Groelle, an area expert in college advising, will offer attendees tips for everything from how to begin your college search, where to go for financial assistance, how to increase the odds of admission, to tips on improving test scores. Elaina Clark from the Princeton Review will cover specific advice for scoring your best on the October PSAT.

To register call the library at 941-722-3333 or email debbie.reagan@mymanatee.org. The Palmetto Branch Library is located at 923 6th Street West, in Palmetto. For more information, please call the library or on www.collegecounselling.com.

Planning for College - Segment 3: Community Service

If you're looking for ideas for how to get involved in your community - check out this most recent edition of Planning for College. My speakers this time are Laura Tripp of Manateens and Rachel Dawson'10 Southeast HS, '14 U of Miami and youth leader for the American Red Cross.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtUZIYWGFIU&feature=player_profilepage

Letting Go: The Departure for College

For those of you heading off to college and for your parents - this second METV segment of Planning for College will offer tips for what to expect and how to prepare! Guest speakers: Dr. Wendy Bashant- Dean of Students from New College (FL), Anne Wetmore -Dir. of Student and Parent Services, Eckerd College, and Kristine Kelly -Green & Gold Guide & Student Orientation Leader, USF. Let me know what you think!
http://youtu.be/FKcYWiT5o4U

Article on Bradenton Patch

Great coverage offered by the Bradenton Patch on our Free College Counseling Seminar Series coming up this week!