What are some of the typical mistakes you see students make in terms of college planning?
Understanding the different ways to make a college decision in the fall.
There are many things I wish I had known earlier. One such lesson was not to buy your books in the campus bookstores.
How important are the college rankings in magazines such as US News and World Report?
Choose another college or hang on for wait-listed school
I am interested in learning more about certain colleges, but do not have time to travel to visit the colleges.
Answer: You describe a situation I see all the time, as few families have the time to see all the schools they might be interested in, especially if they try to limit their visits to school vacations when college is still in session.
Answer: I used to think that families should wait until winter or spring break of junior year, once they have a better idea of their student’s grade point average, scores and accomplishments. My opinion, however, changed dramatically after I returned from a college tour with my own daughter, a freshman in high school, who begrudgingly accompanied me to visit East Coast schools in Boston and New York as part of my consulting practice.
I was wait-listed for my top choice school. Is there anything I can do now?
I feel that it is ideal to meet with a college counselor early in the freshman year. I have learned from experience that many families and students regret that they waited to begin college planning until junior or senior year, as resumés and GPAs are fairly established by the end of junior year.
The annual Seattle NACAC College Fair, held at the Washington State Convention Center, is coming Nov. 4. The fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Nov. 4, and 12 to 4 p.m., Nov. 5.
I don’t think there are any optional choices when it comes to college admissions. This holds true for interviews as well as optional essays.
A resume is not a necessary component of your college application. However, I generally advise students to create one.
What are some ways to learn about schools if you don’t have the chance to visit?
Answer: While most students and their families are familiar with the popular guides such as The Fiske Guide for Colleges and Princeton Reviews Best of the 373 Colleges to name a few, many students and parents are unaware of the material that is available on the web. While I also advise students to research colleges online and send away for material from the specific colleges themselves, I also now advising students to familiarize themselves with some of the newer web sites that host student reviews and campus videos.
