How should I start my college search?

“I’m ready to start looking for colleges. I’ve got plenty of time, right?”

I just got the above text from a friend of one of my current students. She was busy over the summer, and was just now starting to think about her college plans. 

She’s….a senior. 

After a pause, I set up a meeting and said, “There’s still time left, but be ready to work hard. You need to define your roadmap and start driving now!”  So the key takeaway for parents and students is to get started early and enjoy the journey together. Waiting for senior year only adds stress and limits the time you have to focus on your goals. 

Here are some tips for creating your college roadmap: 

First, think about what you want out of college. If someone gave you $125,000 to buy a car and told you that you had to choose a car in less than a year, would you go out and just buy the one your friends liked best or had the prettiest color? No, I’ll bet you would do your homework first to carefully plan how you would spend this amazing windfall. You’d think of key factors before shopping, like what will the car be used for (commuting long distances or just for fun?), and what types of factors are important to YOU, since you will be the primary driver of this $125,000 vehicle.

Start with a list of YOUR key college factors. The same approach for choosing a car applies to college choices. Think about your college tours (haven’t taken any yet? Visit any local colleges, just to get ideas! Sign up for tours online through the Admissions office via the college website). What appealed to you? Did you like the idea of smaller class sizes where you can interact with the professor and students? Do you need to be near ski slopes because that’s your favorite hobby that relaxes you? 

Next, think about locations and the experience you want for 4 years. Are you ready for new adventures, or do you need to stay close to home or friends/relatives to feel comfortable? Think about where you have traveled and what you enjoyed. Do you need to be near an airport for easy travel home? Think out of the box and if you are ready to spread your wings a bit. There are so many amazing colleges not near big cities that offer fun experiences, lovely communities, and a great atmosphere for your academic adventures.

Most importantly, think about budget
Your family needs to be honest about what can be sustained for 4 years, not just the first year. Applying to see what financial aid comes in, and then making a decision later, often ends in heartbreak. What if all the colleges you applied for come in over budget without enough aid? Create a financial parameter, have honest discussions about what is affordable and who is paying for what parts of college. TODAY. Make it part of your college application process to know what schools are financially ‘safe’. And, be excited to attend those colleges as much as any others on the list.

Need help jump starting your college process? I have great ways to start your journey for any age of high school student.  Email me for an Introductory Session so I can help you plan ahead and be ready to enjoy the journey early! 

Stay tuned for next month’s blog: How to create your activities list and resume for a strong college application that truly reflects YOU.

YOU are the Success factor, not your College

“If your self-worth is tied to being better than others, you’re headed for trouble. “

I am so proud of the seniors that chose to work with me this year - they applied to over 100 different universities all over the United States and the UK. And the best part is that they chose for so many different reasons - it was their decision, influenced by what they decided was important to them and their family budgets.

But, their peers are not always kind. Other students seem to ‘know’ what’s best for them, and yesterday some of them were approached with questions like, “Why did you choose THAT college?”

I was told that some of my students held their heads high and remembered their key reasons. And, if they chose to share, great. If they didn’t, they laughed it off and said it was a great personal decision for themselves and walked away from that person. It’s not easy to handle peer pressure. Really, does their opinion matter? You won’t see most of them in about 6 weeks after high school graduation.

This New York Times article is about understanding that college does not define “YOU”. Success is not a specific diploma. So, as you look forward to your next chapter, whether it’s next Fall or you’re still looking for colleges, keep YOU in mind first. What you define as success is unique, just as you are, so own your decisions and BE PROUD.

You're Admitted! Now what....

And now…the decision.

March is over and all your admissions finally been announced. Whew. Now, the choices…how to make that final decision? Here are a few tips from my former students/families on what tools they used to choose wisely.

1-   Use the Force..aka ‘social media’ (That was a direct quote from a student, really!)

Facebook Admitted Student groups: For those of you admitted to colleges that use these closed FB groups, you probably got an email invitation to join it. DO IT. Use all avenues to see if you fit in with this group of students!

2-  VISIT! Nothing beats your ‘boots on the ground’. Go during an Admitted Students Day, if you can. Beware that everything will be hyped up to its shiny best during this spotlight weekend. GO ANYTIME to visit the campus that you can fit it into your schedule. While you are there as an Admitted student, call/email for an appointment with a professor in your major to ask questions about the facilities, the research going on, anything that makes this college unique. Ask students where the local coffee/boba tea/sandwich place is that they all go to and SIT  THERE. Observe the type of students. Do you feel comfortable? Make notes before you leave campus, especially if you are visiting more than one college in a day.

3-  MONEY $$$: Please keep this key point central to your decision. Yes, the name of the college can be very attractive. Will it ‘give’ you success? NO. YOU will give yourself success. I can give you countless stories of students who went to lesser known colleges that found successful careers after college. And, I can give you even more stories of students who went to ‘prestigious’ colleges, only to graduate with no connections or very few career opportunities. YOU MAKE THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE. The college does not make YOU. Graduate with less debt. Think longer term than 4 years, because the debt you may incur in those short 4 years could impact the following 10+ years of your lifestyle.

4-  This is YOUR decision: I know your friends mean so much to you, and that their approval is important. But, in less than 2 months, you will not see most of your high school friends very often. Please remember that. This is for YOU - after June, your life and those who surround you on a daily basis will drastically change.

5-  Waitlists: I know that some of you will want to be on a college’s Waitlist. This enrollment tool (college is a business!) was even more widely used this year.  Know your odds and follow the waitlist process carefully.  Are you/your parents willing to lose a deposit on a school that has accepted you if you don’t hear back from the waitlist until after May 1st? Each college gave you a link to indicate your interest for being on their waitlist. If they didn’t tell you how many students are on that list, do your own research (know the odds!) such as this UC Santa Cruz Admissions article posted about the admissions statistics. Google “Waitlist FAQs” in the college’s website search tool to learn more if the college didn’t provide you enough facts.

Meanwhile, put MORE research into the colleges that HAVE ACCEPTED you to help you make an informed decision by the May 1st deposit deadline. Enjoy the journey! 

How to Evaluate a College Career Center

Ikigai - the amazing intersection of finding one’s purpose in life…where what you are good at and what the world needs collides!

College Career Center - a good center can help your student find their “Ikigai”

A short interview with the Director of Career Services at Colgate University in the Chronicle of Higher Education highlights what Career Services can offer to college students and why a strong Career Center is vital for your student’s success in finding that career and ‘purpose in life’.

What does this Ivy League university offer in their Career Services to help students prepare for their career? 

1-      “Early and often” – Career Services has specific strategies and processes that start with the summer BEFORE freshman year! And they don’t help just to ‘find jobs’ for the students, but Career Services promotes self-awareness and helps students better understand who they were before they began searching for their career paths.

2-      Career services mission – Colgate’s Career Services help students find those on-ramps and entry points towards work. They also help students learn to invent new opportunities for their skills.  

3-      Engagement with Career Services throughout all 4 years of college - 97% of students engaged with the Career Center at Colgate U last year between workshops, internships, counseling and immersion tracks or recruitment programs

4-      Age appropriate Career Services education – They talk to freshmen about their passions, skills and strengths from their first year of college. Career Services helps students understand “who they are” first. As sophomores, Career Services moves into strategic engagement with alumni in programs such as “immersion tracks” or job shadowing opportunities. These are short ‘entrée-ships’ - where students are engaging with alumni and parents to understand better how a liberal arts education translates into career and work.

5-      Sophomore Connection – During the weekend before Spring break ends, all sophomores are brought back to campus and engaged with an alumni and parent conference around Career fair type program. Career Center teaches students how to do informational interviews before they start their interaction with alumni, with ‘reflective components’ to allow students to ‘understand the differences and how they might connect’.

While this career services strategy may not be offered at all universities, there are components you can look for in every college to help you gain these same advantages.

7 Questions to evaluate the Quality of a college’s Career Services:  

1-      Where is the Career Center located on campus? Is it central?

2-      How long does it take for a student to get an appointment with a counselor and do you get to see the same person each time?

3-      What type of alumni engagement is offered through the Career Center?

4-      How many Career Fairs are hosted on campus each year? Are they open to all majors or for specific colleges/majors?

5-      How often are workshops held and what types of topics are offered?

6-      Are there different types of services offered as the student advances?

7-      Who helps with connecting students with internships or other job shadowing opportunities – Career Center, professors in their major, or both? Any formal programs that exist to help this happen?

These 7 questions can give you a picture of what type of career support you will receive for your tuition. It’s vital to your future to ensure the guidance is there as part of your college experience!

How can I have a GREAT college experience?

The answer to that question is NOT answered by saying, “Go to an Ivy League or brand name college'.  But, isn’t that THE prize for all my hard work in high school, you ask? 

Take a moment to read this Gallup- Purdue University poll. In it, note the six key experiences that are vital to college satisfaction...AND strong career options after graduation.

The key is WHAT you do in college, not WHERE you go to college. Another great book to help you understand selecting the right colleges for you: "Where you Go is Not Who You'll Be", by Frank Bruni. Here's a YouTube video with Frank Bruni discussing his key points.   

Take a moment to think about this major investment in your life. Understand what factors are most important when selecting your college list. Before you dive into college, don't just follow your friends and their advice (now you know why the ducks are the picture of choice on this blog post!).

Learn the facts for yourself and discover what is important to YOU. Ground yourself in good information and enjoy your college journey! 

When Should I start Planning for college? NOW.

A well thought out academic plan comes with time. Starting in middle school, plan out your next 3 years+ of your core subjects. By taking Algebra 1 in 8th grade, where will that lead you by 12th grade? If math is your strength, you may find that you will run out of time to achieve advanced math courses by high school. That is why planning out your course schedule, reviewing it on a yearly basis based on your grades and interests, and then revising your roadmap is essential. You can do this on your own, meet with a school academic counselor, and/or call in and outside advisor to help you strategize your options. There are many creative alternatives to maximize your school course selections. There are also summer options at various institutions or with online coursework. And, independent study into your field of interest can show initiative and focus beyond what is offered to everyone in your school.  Focus on your long term goals and re-visit them yearly. Utilize your grades to check in on the reality of achieving that goal and continue adjusting the roadmap to your dreams by finding resources to assist you!

Juniors - College Tips and Tasks

It's Junior year....and yes, you can begin preparing for your college journey in easy and relaxed steps. 

1 - CREATE A TEST PLAN: Take a practice ACT or SAT (all colleges take both, so do not take both tests officially).  Practice tests are often given by your high school or a test prep company locally. Also, there are sample tests online. Do not take an official SAT or ACT 'just to practice'. Preview the test format, practice the questions and the timing, and be ready. 

2- LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Yes, you really should think about that this year. Why? Most colleges will want a teacher letter from this year's teachers.  How do help yourself? Make an effort. Participate in class or ask your teachers to help clarify any confusion. Be proactive - don't wait until the day before the test to ask for help. Teachers are more impressed with effort than they are with a silent and non participating perfect A student sitting in the back. 

3- CREATE AN ACTIVITIES RESUME: Choose quality over quantity. Your school doesn't have anything that interests you? So, GET OUT and look up on Google your favorite subject.  Write a blog (it's fun!) , build a plane from a kit, or learn Orienteering. Point? It doesn't matter. Cull your activities and make time to go deep in what matters to you! 

3 Tips - How to Choose Extra Curricular Activities

Where is your focus? One of the most common themes when listening to Admissions office presentations when I visit colleges is about the level of activities. They bemoan that so many parents fuel the myth that there is a magical activity "checklist" that all colleges seek. SO...NOT....TRUE.  Here are 3 main tips to choose activities: 

1) GO DEEP...OR START OVER : Evaluate your activities once a year in high school and decide what do you really still enjoy? If that club you joined in freshman year is not that interesting anymore and you don't care about that topic (or the group!), LEAVE. Try something new! There are  no extra points for staying in an activity through graduation if you do NOTHING with it (like go beyond just attending meetings).  This is the time to explore your interests! 

2) QUALITY....NOT QUANTITY:  Again, there is no magic checklist. No, colleges don't have to see you volunteering, joining clubs, playing sports, AND maintaining a 4.5 GPA in order to gain admissions.  What they do look for? What did you do on your own to explore what you like - it can be clubs at school, hobbies on your own, or groups outside of school.  Get creative! 

3) FIND YOUR VOICE: Give yourself time to just think....or journal...or read. Don't run from activity to activity trying to keep up with 'everyone else'.  This is your time to hear your own voice. When a student really knows what makes them tick, the college search becomes so much easier. Do you like to be outdoors? Do you love to explore art galleries? Take yourself out of your '5 square  miles' of your known community and go find adventures!

Don't believe me? OK fine....I don't take it personally. Here's the University of Virginia's Admissions blog (hot tip: university admissions blogs are great ways to learn about a college's culture).  Choose, change and explore - have a great new school year! 

SAT or ACT?

SAT/ACT – which should I choose?

Yes, choose just one.  Take a sample ACT or SAT this fall and then register/prepare for only one. ALL COLLEGES EQUALLY WEIGH EITHER CHOICE. Where to take a sample test?

·         At your school  (check if the College & Career office will offer one this fall or early spring)

·         Online – ACT and SAT both have samples (SAT – full test, ACT – you have to buy the ACT Test Guide to get a full sample test)

o   Sample ACT questions

o   Sample ACT Writing prompt

o   Sample SAT practice exams through Kahn Academy

·         Local test prep companies -  Compass Prep or Princeton Review also offer FREE in person tests on the weekends at libraries near you for those who can’t concentrate at home. Call and make a reservation.  I do not endorse one company or another, just offering choices!

After taking samples of each, you will notice some differences in the style, pace, and format. Choose one by comparing your ACT and SAT scores respectively on a Concordance chart, like that one offered by Compass Prep.   Save time & money – target your studying and test efforts! 

CSU Fullerton - Honors Program creates smaller college atmosphere at CSU pricing

Trivia – the largest CSU (California State University campus) is….? CSU Fullerton, located in Orange County in Southern California!

CSUF has over 22,000 undergraduates plus 2,000 grad students.  How can still benefit from the cheaper CSU tuition rates and not get lost in this large institution? CSUF Honors Program only requires a 3.5 GPA and will give you the benefit of priority registration, smaller, seminar style (discussion not lecture based) classes with your Honors cohorts. Bonus – you can decide AFTER enrolling at CSUF if you want to join the Honors Program – any current student with less than 40 units and have a GPA of 3.5+ can apply.  How to apply – the Honors Program requires separate application from regular admission, one essay and an academic letter of recommendation. That’s it – main benefit is you pay the low tuition cost of a CSU campus and still get the smaller class sizes of a more expensive private college.