The college application process can be confusing, and the vast majority of students applying to college have never done it before! So, of course there are going to be many unknowns when it comes to how to get into college. Here are 7 of the most common questions people have when they are considering applying to college:

1. Should I take hard classes and risk my GPA, or take easier classes and get straight A’s?

It’s all a matter of balance. The joke here is to take hard classes and get A’s. But, you have to make a decision based on your abilities and interests, and challenge yourself as much as you can. If you want to be a serious candidate for college, you must push yourself, but ultimately you must perform. Taking the easier class and getting an A+ is not too good either. The trick is to lean into your strengths. If you’re good in science, then push there. More of a writer? Then write. If you have to roll back in math, then do that. You are an individual human being, not a formula.

2. If I get bad grades, can I still get into college?

Of course, yes. There’s a college out there for you, especially a community college. The question is this: are you prepared for college? If you get bad grades, then maybe you’re not prepared for the rigors of a self-motivated academic life that college requires. Also, can you afford to go to college? If you get bad grades, then you won’t get scholarships.

If you made bad choices that led to bad grades early in your academic career, are you making good choices now? Is it your junior year, and do you have time to get back on track? The U.S. is the land of second chances. At the very worst, you can go to community college for 2 years, excel academically, and then transfer to the flagship college in your state to receive your degree there.

3. Are my ACT or SAT test scores really that important?

On the one hand, no, because standardized test scores are not an indicator of future success. Also, not all colleges look at these scores. But, yes, you should endeavor to do well because your scores are how scholarships are determined. So, take them seriously and do as well as you can.

4. How can I get into college with a scholarship?

Get good grades, get good test scores. The vast majority of merit aid comes from the colleges themselves, so apply to colleges that will give you the most scholarship money. They always give money to the best students. Think about it. Who plays in the NFL? The best football players. How do you get to the Olympics? Be really good at an Olympic sport. Want a scholarship? Then excel at academics and extracurricular activities.

5. How do I get good letters of recommendation from my teachers?

Go above and beyond what is required by your teachers. Talk to them, get to know them, treat them like human beings. Build a relationship. Let them know what is going on in your life. Most of all, your relationship with your teachers is about school. So, it’s most important to be a good student. Do your work, and hand it in on time. Demonstrate to your teacher that you care about their class. Just remember, it’s about being a good student first and foremost.

6. Which extracurricular activities should I do to get into college?

The ones you enjoy, and the ones you’re good at. The specific extracurricular activities you choose don’t matter. There is no formula. Spend time doing activities you like, and aim for excellence in those areas. It’s not about numbers, it’s about how well you perform. If you play a musical instrument, they do not measure how much you practice, they measure how good you are. The same is true for sports, and all other activities.

7. How do I decide my major?

Ask yourself, what are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Remind yourself that it might not matter when you start college. Do what you enjoy and you will excel at it. Place your focus on the subjects you enjoy. You may want to be an engineer, but if you struggle with math, then you may not succeed in an engineering program. It’s all about aiming for excellence. Employers after college are not hiring you based solely on your college major. They’re hiring you for what you know, and for your habits. Demonstrate a rigorous work ethic through academic and extracurricular success and you will continue to succeed beyond your college life.

Where can I get help to get into college?

Do you have questions about the college application process? The experts at Great College Advice can help you navigate the sometimes confusing and overwhelming task of getting accepted into college. Contact us to find out how we can help you master the college application process, and ultimately be able to attend the college of your dreams!

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.  

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With nearly 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other. 

The post The 7 Most FAQs About How To Get Into College first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about how to get into college.  

1. What is the best summer program that will make my application stand out?

This is actually not the right question to ask. The right question is ‘what is the best way to achieve something great?’ Choose programs that you would enjoy putting energy into and try to make a real difference. This will give you a better chance at getting into the college you want.

2. Which is better? Top grades or rigorous coursework?

The reality is both. Top grades in rigorous coursework are the best way to demonstrate to a college that you are prepared for the further rigors of academic life on a college campus.

3. Which club(s) should I join?

Join a club, team or society whose mission aligns with your interests and goals. Again, try to make a difference. Don’t just participate, lead and stand out. This will help you stand out on your college application.

4. What is a good SAT / ACT score?

You want to earn the highest score you possibly can. This means you must prepare ahead of time. Take the preparatory classes, take the practice exams. Learn as much as you can about how to earn a high score and do your best.

5. How much community service must I do?

You do not necessarily have to participate in community service at all in order to get into college. What you need to do is stand out in your extracurricular activities. So, choose activities you enjoy, so you will be more likely to invest your time and talent in them. Be sure to check out must I do community service to get into a good college for more information.

6. What’s the most important academic activity?

Read books. Read for class, and outside of class. One of the most common traits of academically successful students is that they read for enjoyment outside of their regular academic coursework. Of course, do your homework, and complete it on time. Give yourself ample time to study for exams in order to get the best grades that you can. But reading is the best way to expand your mind.

7. Is getting good recommendation letters one of the best ways to get into college?

It is advisable to get three letters of recommendation although colleges do have different requirements. Typically, a college wants to see two recommendations from teachers and one from your school counselor. The best way to receive a good recommendation is to put forth effort in those classes, participate, collaborate, and to get to know your teachers outside of the classroom. Talk to them before and after class, about anything. Let them know about your interests. Show them you are motivated to succeed in life and they will be more than happy to share that information in the form of a recommendation letter.

8. What’s the best way to prepare for the English portions of the ACT or SAT?

Read books. This is the answer to two of these questions for a reason. It is that important. It’s a great indicator of academic success and it’s a great way to learn outside the classroom. Yes, it expands your mind, but in answer to this specific question, it expands your vocabulary. This is of crucial importance for the English portion of the ACT or SAT.

9. What’s the best extracurricular activity to pursue?

Pursue activities you enjoy. It is in those areas where you are most likely to put in real effort, and where you are most likely to truly excel. This is what college admission officers want to see. Mere participation in extracurricular activities pales in comparison to demonstrations of leadership in those activities. Go where you want to make a difference and then make that difference.

10. Should I apply Early Decision?

Applying early decision (ED) is an option but only if you are truly competitive for acceptance into that school. It is not a random lottery. Schools are looking to lock in top performers and get an idea of the remaining spots they have open for the regular admissions process. It’s also a great way for you to put the stress of the college application process behind you sooner than later. But again, if you wonder about your ability to get accepted into a school or program, or feel like it is a stretch for you, do not apply early decision. 

Have more questions about the best ways to get into college?

Do you have questions about how to get into college? Let the experts at Great College Advice help you navigate the complicated and sometimes confusing world of college applications. We have several tiers of services we can provide that can fit any budget. With our years of experience in the world of college applications, we’ve helped thousands of students get into the college of their dreams. We can help you, too!

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2023 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

The post 10 Questions About The Best Ways To Get into College first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

The college application process gets more complicated and more stressful every year, especially for ambitious, Ivy-bound students. With such a high-stakes, complex decision looming, it’s no wonder more and more families are turning to independent college counselors for guidance through the process. But even that is not as simple as it seems! If your student is high-achieving and aiming for the top, do you find the best college counselor for Ivy League schools?

While there are many independent college counselors out there, the scope and quality of the services they offer vary widely. Especially if you’re looking for the best college counselor of Ivy League schools, it’s important to know what you’re looking for and do your research carefully. Here are some factors to consider when trying to find the best college counselor for Ivy League schools.

Consider the counselor’s experience with Ivy League and other top schools

Many independent college counselors have worked in the admissions offices of Ivy League and other top schools. Counselors who have been “on the other side” have invaluable insight into how the inner workings of the admissions processes at these rarified institutions. They can help you understand just what goes on in admissions offices.

There are many other types of experience an independent counselor might bring to the table: many attended top colleges and universities and may have worked at those institutions in capacities other than admissions. Some may have been professors, deans, or even vice presidents!

Some independent college counselors, like the team at Great College Advice, have been working with students and families for fifteen or twenty years. With so many admissions seasons under their belt, you can bet that these counselors have seen it all and will know how to guide your family through the process in the smoothest, least stressful, and most successful way possible.

Ask about the counselor’s record of admissions success, especially with Ivy League and other top schools

Working with a college counselor is about more than the admissions outcomes: it’s about the admissions process. Working with an independent college counselor can give your student the opportunity to engage in deep introspection about who they are and what they want at a critical inflection point in their development. It can also make the college application process less stressful and less conflict-prone for the whole family.

That being said, the primary reason you’re going through this process is for the result! You want to maximize your student’s college options and put them on the path to choosing the right one. So it’s important to understand what kind of admissions success the counselor you’re considering has had.

Don’t be afraid to ask what percentage of the students they’ve worked with over the years have been accepted at Ivy League and other top colleges. But don’t be blinded by brand name: be sure to also ask what percent of that counselor’s students have been accepted at their personal top choices.

To find the best college counselor for Ivy League schools, ask about the type of scope of services the counselor offers

The application process for some colleges is more complicated than for others. For example, some colleges may only require a student’s transcript and nothing else. At the other end of the spectrum, some colleges may require five or more essays, an interview, and a video submission. Given the wide variety of admissions requirements, it’s not surprising that independent college counselors offer a wide variety of services.

Ivy League and other top colleges are almost always the schools with the most involved application processes. For that reason, if your student is Ivy-bound, it’s important to ensure that the counselor you’re considering offers a robust suite of services. At the minimum, you’ll want to look for a counselor who offers help making and evaluating a college list and brainstorming and editing the essays your student will have to write. Beyond that, many counselors also help students explore different major options and think through how to maximize their time in high school in order to best support a competitive college application.

Make sure to factor in the cost of the services

The cost of working with an independent college counselor can vary widely, depending on numerous factors. Like many service-based businesses, independent college counselors may not post their prices on their website, so be sure to reach out and ask what they charge.

Ivy League and other top colleges and universities tend to have more extensive application requirements, so an independent college counselor may charge more to support applications to Ivy League schools. Keep in mind that college counseling can be expensive, but your child’s education is one of the biggest financial investments you are likely to ever make. If you feel like professional guidance would be helpful, don’t hesitate to seek that support.

Personality is very important when choosing a college counselor!

Especially for high-achieving students, the college application process can be rigorous, and your student will be working with their college counselor quite intensively. It’s important to find someone your child will connect with. You want someone who will keep your student accountable to deadlines and moving through the process but who will help make your student feel comfortable enough to open up and write personal essays.

When choosing a college counselor, be sure to ask for a meeting between your student and the counselor. The only way to know if someone is a good fit is for them to meet your student!

How to find the best college counselor for Ivy League schools

This is a big decision, and it’s important to take your time! Ask your personal network for referrals, read reviews, and ask the counselor you’re considering for references. Be sure to consider a counselor’s experience, educational background, services, track record, price, and personality. With these factors in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best college counselor for Ivy League and other top colleges and universities.

Need more help on your college application to the Ivy League, Little Ivies, Public Ivies or other selective universities? We have helped hundreds of kids just like you find the school of their dreams while learning so much more about themselves in the process! Fill out this form to schedule a free consultation with Great College Advice.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2023 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

The post How to Choose the Best College Counselor for Ivy League Schools first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Here are some assumptions you may be making, or advice you may get, that is definitely not the right advice to follow.

‘Apply early decision, even if acceptance into that college is a stretch for your student, because you never know.’

The reality is that early decision is not a lottery. Even students that may get accepted under normal circumstances might not get accepted early decision. Colleges are looking for the strongest candidates to lock them in early. If your student does not fit that category, then don’t waste your money and effort on early decision.

‘Don’t worry about the cost. You’ll pay for it somehow.’

Not every family can afford every college, and not every dollar you invest in your college education is created equal. Finding the right school is the most important aspect of the application process. Finding a program where your student is a strong candidate, and that you can afford is a big part of your decision. College loan debt is a real problem for so many graduates. It can affect your student for years to come. Aggressive saving and proper budgeting is a crucial part of the college application process.

‘Colleges have “holistic” evaluations, so even if your grades and test scores are bad, they might still accept you.’

College admissions officers do consider many aspects of your student’s record beyond grades and test scores. But, the fact is that your grades and test scores are considered first and foremost in your college application. Being the first thing they look at, if your scores don’t pass muster, then your extracurricular activities will not outweigh a record that demonstrates that your student has struggled in an academic environment.

‘Do whatever it takes to get into an elite college, because it’s worth it.’

An elite college is certainly attractive to consider. However, if your student is not a strong enough candidate, that may be a sign that they will struggle in that particular environment. And low test scores means a lack of scholarships and higher tuition costs for you. What you need to do is find the college that is right for your student. Not only will you be getting the highest value for your student’s education, but you will be doing everything you can to ensure that your student will be placed in an environment where they can thrive, learn and grow.

As you consider your child’s college application process, do you need some good advice? The experts at Great College Advice can help you navigate the complicated and sometimes overwhelming process of getting your child into college.

Visit greatcollegeadvice.com and find out how we can help you.

The post Getting Into College – The Worst Advice first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

First of all, the number of college age students is declining in America.

This means competition for slots at top universities are easier than ever to fill.

Also, the number of higher education slots is higher than ever these days. Schools have more slots for students than ever before. In fact, the U.S. has an overcapacity in university slots. So outside of the universities that reject more applicants than they admit, competition for students to enroll is very keen. This, combined with the decline in student population, really works in your favor.

The average acceptance rate for college acceptance right now is 70%. Many schools have acceptance rates of 80% or more. Again, they have their slots to fill if they want to remain active and vibrant places of learning, and this works to your advantage.

It’s especially easy to get accepted into college if you’re a boy. More girls apply than boys, 57% to 43%, and colleges always look to keep their student gender ratios in check.

The bottom line is this:

Try not to be too intimidated by the thought of getting into college. If you are a serious student who is looking for the experience of higher education, then there is a college or university out there for you. The trick is to know how to choose the right group of schools to apply to. And to make your application the very best it can be.

The experts at Great College Advice can help you navigate the complex and intimidating process of getting into college. They have years of experience helping thousands of kids just like you get accepted to the school of their dreams. They are familiar with colleges and universities all over the country and the world, and the programs they offer that would be the best fit for you. Contact Great College Advice to find out how they can help you make the best decisions about getting into college. As well as to maximize your chances of getting accepted!

The post Getting Into College – Why It’s Easier Than You Might Think first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Do they get good grades?

A well-rounded student is involved in more than just academics. But the basis of a solid college career is solid academic achievement. Is your student ready to handle it?

Do they like to read?

Exercising the mind for fun is a sure sign of academic potential. Readers demonstrate an ability to self-motivate when it comes to learning and mental growth.

Do they like what they are learning in school (at least most of it)?

Do they ever talk positively about their academics? Recall stories of enjoying themselves in class. Do their teachers say they are active participants in class?

Are their ACT or SAT scores above the national average?

Moreover, this is not a necessity for acceptance into any college. But it’s a good indicator of your student’s readiness to move forward in their academic career.

Are they active in the community in some way?

Good grades are the foundation of a solid college application. But your student can really stand out as prepared for life on campus if they are actively making a difference outside the classroom.

Is their main after-school activity “relaxing with friends”?

Do they enjoy intellectual stimulation? Are they motivated by a sense of charity, community, or activities that require self-motivation?

Are they able to manage their own schedule (without help from you)?

College students have to work independently and to take responsibility for how they spend their time. So, you won’t always be there to remind about due dates and deadlines.

These are all good indicators of whether or not your student is cut out for college. However, if you answer ‘no’ to some of these questions, all is not lost. Because, much of what is required for success in college is teachable, and can be learned over time and with and increased maturity. So the best solution is to start your student early on a path toward academic and extracurricular success with encouragement toward positive activities. First, find out where academic subjects and community activities intersect with your student’s interests and nudge in those positive directions.

Is your kid cut out for college? The experts at Great College Advice can help you find the right academic program for your student, no matter their level of success or engagement.

Contact us to learn about our wide range of services and find out how we can help you get into a top college.

The post Is Your Kid Cut Out For College? Take this quiz: first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Doing community service is a fine choice for extracurricular activity, if you enjoy it. It can be a satisfying and selfless way to contribute to society. But it is not necessary to have community service listed as an activity on your college application. You should put your extracurricular focus on areas you enjoy, where you are eager to make a difference. It is the impact of your efforts that will be looked upon positively by college admissions officers, not necessarily community service specifically.

2. I have to go to summer school.

What you need to do is excel as much as you are able in classes that are challenging. That is how you demonstrate to college admissions officers that you are able to handle the rigors of college academic life. Summer school by itself is a fine way to show academic talent. It is a great way to get ahead in your academic career. But is it necessary? No.

3. My grades are not that important.

Your grades are of utmost importance. College life is academic life. There are many aspects of college life outside of the classroom, but you are there to learn. In order for a college to want to accept you, you must demonstrate the ability to learn, to self-motivate, and to succeed in their academic environment. The only way to prove this to colleges is to get good grades.

4. I’ll get a scholarship.

Scholarships are reserved for the strongest performers who are applying to college programs. The chances of you getting a scholarship depends on your performance relative to the college to which you are applying. If you apply to several schools, then your chances of receiving a scholarship to any one of those colleges is entirely dependent on your strength as an applicant relative to each college.

5. I’ll pay for it somehow.

College tuition is more expensive than ever before, and student loan debt is a huge issue in the U.S., which affects many adults for years and even decades after their college days are over. You need to look at your future college education as a cost/benefit equation. Choose colleges and programs that you and your family can afford, and take advantage of any scholarships available in order to help you pay for your college education, and to protect your future.

Are there any other misconceptions you may have about getting into college? Let the experts at Great College Advice help you navigate the complicated and sometimes confusing world of college applications. We have several tiers of services we can provide that can fit any budget, and with our expertise in the areas of scholarships and other methods of financing your college education, your investment in Great College Advice could end up saving you money in your overall college education costs. Go to greatcollegeadvice.com to learn how we can help you.

The post 5 Misconceptions About How To Get Into College first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Here’s a quick excerpt:

The first step for families trying to assess financial aid packages from different schools is to separate “family money” from “other people’s money.” This process helps focus the mind and the budget on forms of financial aid that truly reduce the overall cost of a college education.

Cost of Attendance

Each college provides a total Cost of Attendance — the educational equivalent of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. The COA includes tuition, fees, room, board, and a travel allowance. And a bit of spending money that is somewhat randomly determined by the director of financial aid.

Generally, I find these estimates a bit low. So I encourage families to think about these variable expenditures things like travel, pizza, cell phones, and dorm furnishings. And come up with a more realistic figure. Then I put these figures into a spreadsheet so that we can see how the starting price tags of similar colleges can vary widely.

Then we tally up the “other people’s money” in the financial aid letter — grants and scholarships with no strings attached. OPM reduces the bottom-line cost of a college education.

Throughout the college selection and application process, I like to help my families zero in on those schools that will be most generous. Assuming all has gone well, a good student may receive 50% or more off the price of tuition. That can be a good chunk of change.

Happy reading!

 
 

The post How To Decode a Financial Aid Award Letter first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

The post Financial Aid Primer: #8. Who Are The Parents? first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

• Adjusted gross income
• Income tax paid
• Exemptions
• Yearly earnings
• Money in Cash, Savings, Checking
• Value of investments
• Pension, IRA, etc. payments and deductions
• Child support paid or received

Although all of this data and more is requested, the formula that the FAFSA uses to calculate your EFC weighs earnings most heavily.  Why?  While the federal government wants you to sacrifice and pay your fair share to send your child to college, it doesn’t want you to go broke!  By weighing your recent income more heavily than your savings, investments or pension dollars, the government feels it is leaving you with a cushion for your future.
While some people may be tempted to manipulate their income so that the two years of information that they put into the FAFSA shows a much lower earning level than their true average earnings, be mindful that this kind of tactic often serves to little advantage. This move may provide a family with a lower EFC (Expected Family Contribution) for federal funds (money from the government), but it will generally not have much effect when applying for institutional funds (money allocated by the school) .  That is because institutional awards are often based on CSS PROFILE information, which is far more detailed and uses a different methodology.
Also, remember that federal grant aid is reserved for the most needy.  That means that even though the earnings that you note on the FAFSA may be low, if your other financial data does not show you to be particularly needy, your EFC may still turn out to be quite high (and thus your financial need low) making the machinations required to change your income level not worth the effort.
In the EFC calculation, student assets and earnings overall are weighted more heavily than those of the parents.  This fits with the idea that it is the student who is most directly benefiting from the college education, so it is the student who should provide the greatest relative contribution to fund it.
For more information about what information you’ll need to complete the FAFSA, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to download a PDF of the FAFSA or get a list from the website’s Help section.
Andrea Aronson
College Admissions Consultant, Westfield, NJ

The post Financial Aid Primer: #7. Information Required For The FAFSA first appeared on College Admission Counseling.