Building a Balanced College List

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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 balanced college list should have at least 2 foundation, 2 target and 2 reach schools. Many students will also have a few lottery schools. The typical student applies to between 8-12 schools, depending on the number of UC/CSU schools on his/her list. All of our students begin with a list of at least 20 schools to investigate in an effort to determine personal priorities. By mid summer, students should have a balanced list of 8-12 schools. .

FOUNDATION SCHOOL

  • The college possesses most of the significant features you desire and are important to you.
  • You meet all the requirements for the recommended coursework.
  • Your SAT or ACT score is significantly above the average that was accepted last year.
  • Your un-weighted GPA is significantly above the average accepted last year.
  • Your objective academic credentials fall at the top of the college’s admitted class. (more…)

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APRIL- COLLEGE VISITS

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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 a College,” originally published by IECA and a list of questions we put together that goes beyond asking things you can find on any college website.

Sample Questions for Tour Guides:

– Why did you decide to come to this school?

– What have you been most surprised about in your time here?

– How do students interact with faculty- inside and outside the classroom?

– Do students tend to stay on campus or get involved in activities in the surrounding area?

Sample questions for Admissions Officers:

– What impresses you the most in a student’s application?

– Is demonstrated interest a factor in your admissions decisions?

– What changes do you see taking place on campus in the next five years?

– Are the admission standards higher for certain majors? (more…)

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The College Search- How to find the college that is right for you

Read more about the article The College Search- How to find the college that is right for you

I love this graphic as it is just the start to how 17-year olds can think about college. This month students are starting to investigate colleges to begin to determine what is important to them in their next educational adventure. This graphic comes from a New York Times article, “How to Choose a College” and I think it is a good read for both parents and students. The author presents s

ome of his suggestions of things to consider like the number of students from other countries (as a sign of an international environment) and the percentage of students who study abroad. The goal this month and the month to come is to really start to think about what is important to you, what you value in your education and how you can find a school that matches up with your priorities. Rest assured, many students change their priorities during the college process and we are adept at handing changes because all our students are still maturing and growing.

(more…)

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What Juniors can do now to prepare for the college process

Read more about the article What Juniors can do now to prepare for the college process

Commit to your classes. By now you have heard it dozens of times: Your junior year grades matter a lot. It is true. College admission personnel will focus on your performance in this year’s core academic classes. Your first semester is now behind you. How did you do? Are you proud of your effort and results? Set new goals for the second semester and plan a schedule that allows success. If you need a tutor for a difficult class, get one. If too many extracurricular commitments dragged down your grades, consider taking a break from one or more non-favorite activities. (more…)

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