Blog
Resources and information for college applicants.
Student Synergy Project: Nursing Brochure for my High School Guidance Office
The Student Synergy Project is a meaningful self-directed summer project for high school students. Below is a completed project by one of the student participants. Learn more about the Student Synergy Project
2020 Tips for completing your University of California Application
Steps to Completing your UC Application: Materials You Need: You will need a copy of your transcript, test scores, social security number (optional), CA statewide Student ID (for public HS students) and a
URGENT TESTING UPDATES
If you are waiting to take a test, please make sure to check your email regularly for information from the College Board and ACT. The ACT has just announced they will have a
The Three I’s—and Finding a Certain Purpose in an Uncertain Time
What Colleges Want and Advice for High School Students and their Families When people come into my office to learn about the college process they often ask, “What do colleges really want?” My
Learn.Create.Explore.Grow
We know these are trying times and we want you to know that we are here for you. Investigating your interests and learning something new (outside of class) can help you show colleges
Read.Watch.Listen.Grow
School is now virtual, you are stuck in your house and your summer plans are likely canceled. However, there are still ways to explore your interests, learn something new, and grow. Being productive
Making the Most of Virtual College Visits
View online tours. After you read about a college, take a virtual tour of the campus using www.collegetours.com, www.youtube.com , or the college’s website. Sign up for a virtual information session. A number
Preparing for your College Interview
Late August is the time to be thinking about college interviews. Watch our awesome College Calm 23 minute presentation on how you can prepare for your interview here. It may take you a
Recorded Webinar: How to Create a Balanced College List
During this presentation, we review how to gather data to determine Likely, Target, Reach and Lottery schools, the elements of a balanced list and a student profile example with outcomes. To view the video presentation, click
Recorded Webinar: What You Need to Know about Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Ever wondered what the form looks like for teachers and how colleges look at recommendations? In addition to LORs, Roxana and Jenny also discuss the best ways to keep track of your college
Recorded Webinar: Everything you Need to Know about SAT 2 Subject Exams and University Testing Policies
In 30 minutes Jenny Dumas and Roxana Dommer from College Calm cover the topic of SAT 2 Subject Test, when they are needed and how to find college testing requirements. For more resources
Recorded Webinar: The Myth of Fit and College Research
In 30 minutes College Calm explains how to find colleges that fit students in different ways and shows you all the tools you need to do really good college research. For hyperlinked slides
Student Synergy Project: The negative effects of plastics on our world
The Student Synergy Project is a meaningful self-directed summer project for high school students. Below is a completed project by one of the student participants.Learn more about the Student Synergy Project The Project: Animation
Recorded Webinar: Maximizing Your College Visits
There are many things students can do to make the most of their time while visiting colleges. In this webinar, we discuss things you can do before, during and after your visit to
Recorded Webinar: What’s My REAL GPA?
College Calm discusses different grade point averages, what colleges are looking for on your transcript and how to calculate your own GPA. All of the GPA numbers on your transcript can be confusing.
Recorded Webinar: Planning a Meaningful Summer
Summer is a great time to explore something new. In this webinar, we discuss many different ways you can explore your interests over the summer. From delving into podcasts to traveling abroad there
What is the difference between a liberal arts college and a research university?
Below are definitions and examples of different types of colleges (liberal arts colleges, research universities, specialty schools and comprehensive colleges). Much of the content is from College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, by
What’s in a College Mission Statement?
Choosing the type of college that matches your educational priorities and goals is just one step in the process of finding schools that are a good match for you. One of the best
Questions for Campus Visits
These are just ideas . . . . highlight the questions you are interested in and then plan to ask them on your visits. ACADEMICS: Do you have a learning community or other
Maximizing your College Visits
17 things you can do to Maximize your College Visits * to review our 30 minute talk click here and start at minute 11. 6 things to do BEFORE you visit Research the
Preparing for a College Interview
Below is the text from a great article by Audrey Kahane that was originally posted on www.northjersey.com. Whether you are making a college list or completing your applications, being introspective is an important
Seniors: October Checklist
Oh yes, October is busy Finalize your college list and complete your applications for early decision and early action schools. If you are applying early, make sure your Naviance is updated and tell
What is Demonstrated Interest?
In the world of the Common Application, demonstrating interest is showing colleges that you are truly interested in their institution and not just checking a box. Why do colleges care? Colleges are very
Understanding Your GPA
Most students will have a GPA summary box on their transcript. Each GPA is interpreted by colleges and universities in different way. While some universities and colleges take your GPA on your transcript
The Basics of Financial Aid
Now is the time to start thinking about how you and your family will deal with financial aid. From filling out the FASFA to checking the box on the Common Application, this process
Building your Team
BUILDING YOUR TEAM Getting into college is a team effort. You are the captain of your college application team, but you will need to surround yourself with individuals who can help make your
How to Start Thinking about Financial Aid
College Calm’s class of 2017 received aid offers of over 1 MILLION dollars in merit aid per year- over 4 million dollars over 4 years. We want to give you important information regarding
Find Some Time to Play
It is now officially SUMMER!!! I know here at College Calm we talk about how much we can “get done” over the summer for the college process, but the article below serves as a
Building a Balanced College List
Foundation, Target, Reach and Lottery Schools As juniors are beginning to investigate colleges and make an initial college list, we want to define the different categories potentially included in a balanced college list. A
APRIL- COLLEGE VISITS
As spring break approaches, we want you to take some time to focus on your college visits. In our sessions this month we will be going over, “Top Ten Ways to Test Drive