College Admissions During Tough Economic Times
National Association of College Admissions Counselors President-Elect, Jim Jump, discusses challenges students are facing as they apply to college during this uncertain economic climate.
Graduate School Counseling
An increasing number of students are applying to graduate school and the variety of programs seems infinite. The same principles of good decision making apply to the application to grad school: knowing oneself and distinguishing among choices are vital in making a wise choice. I have helped numerous applicants decide which programs suit them, and then complete the application essays. As the price of graduate school has escalated in the last years, students approach this opportunity with increased care.
Important questions facing graduate students:
- How will attending graduate school contribute not only to my employability but to my quality of life?
- What is the best timing to take the standardized tests?
- How critical is my work history in comparison to my academic history?
Thoughts for Juniors
Many students tell me that their classmates are taking both the SAT and the ACT. There is really no need to do so. Simply download the free practice tests for each and compare your results. If you are uncertain about the differences between the tests, do call or email me.
Summer Newsletter to Rising Seniors and their Parents
Summer Newsletter to Rising Seniors and their Parents June 2009
At last, it’s June: school is out and it’s time to enjoy summer. I hope this newsletter will give you some ideas about profitable ways to spend the summer before your senior year.
1.There should be time for relaxation and introspection. Before the busy fall begins, give thought about what you really want post graduation? College, a gap year? A year to work? Determining this now will be a great benefit to you.
2. This summer should answer questions for you. If you think you might be interested in veterinary med. for example, volunteer or shadow a vet at an animal hospital.
3. If you believe you will want to present an art portfolio. Or audition for theater or music, use the summer to add to your repertoire. I just returned from a meeting and heard the Admission Chairs of Otis and UCLA Architecture schools emphasize that they require a large body of work to determine admissibility.
4. Complete your community Service and do it with heart…
5. Clean your desk drawers: you will need every bit of space to organize your college applications.
6. Go on a college tour: although many schools will not conduct summer classes on campus, some will do so and you might be able to determine fit by visiting now.
7. Call me for appointments so that we can see each other during the summer.
8. If you study this summer, get a recommendation now while your instructor has your work in his/her mind.
9. Read, read, keep a journal, take photos of things, people important to you, have fun too.
Best regards for a happy and restful summer,
Bonnie
Make your Summer Really Count
Give yourself time to relax but also some time for introspection. Think about where and when you are truly happy and productive and that will give you a path to choosing a college. Spend some time shadowing some people whose life and jobs you admire. Would you be happy doing what they do? If you are an artist or musician or actor, begin working on your repertoire and ask for a critique of your work in preparation for the Fall. Complete your Community Service and do it with heart; clean your desk drawers as you will need them in the Fall. Read, read, read a keep a journal. Have a happy and restful summer!
Thank-You Note Enters College Admission Game
The New York Times quoted Bonnie in an article on college admissions:
Bonnie R. Corman, an educational counselor and psychotherapist in Santa Barbara, Calif., does not put note-writing on her students’ to-do lists but advises those who want to send thanks to avoid lined paper. Still, she sternly rejected a young woman’s proposal to write on her mother’s personal stationery.
“I asked her, ‘How would I feel if I received a note with someone else’s name?’” Dr. Corman said.
College Admissions and the SAT
UC President Emeritus Richard Atkinson discusses the history of college admissions testing and the process that led to the wholesale change in the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) that began nationwide in the fall of 2006.
About Dr. Corman
Dr. Corman has a doctorate in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, a Masters in English and a Masters in Counseling. A Phi Beta Kappa Ivy League Alumna, she has been a college counselor and school psychologist in an independent school and in a public school. She currently teaches college English. As a psychologist with a special interest in adolescents, she is able to add a developmental perspective on the college application process.
Dr. Corman is a member of the major national and regional professional organizations, on the planning committee of the Harvard Club of Santa Barbara, the former chair of the University of Pennsylvania Club Of Santa Barbara.
Insider’s Guide to College Admissions
Douglas Christiansen is Vanderbilt University’s associate provost for enrollment and dean of admissions. He’s spent the last 20 years in admissions leadership roles in both public and private universities. Now he’s using his expertise to give students practical advice on what they can do to get into the right college, in hopes of clearing some of the mystery and misconceptions surrounding the admissions process.
In a series of short and direct video clips, Christiansen tackles questions such as, “How should I prepare for my college essay—what if I’m not the greatest writer?” “My parents have decent jobs, but we haven’t saved much for college. What are my chances of getting financial aid?” “As an admissions insider, what tips can you give to help me sound my best in my application?”
Christiansen also talks about when extracurricular activities can actually hurt an applicant and how to ease the stress surrounding the admissions process.
College Application Essay Tips
An admissions essay is your best chance to introduce yourself to the admissions committee as an individual, thereby making yourself stand out from the vast pool of other applicants. In this video a Senior College Consultant offers the “Do’s and Don’ts” to keep in mind when you are writing your essay.
