College Essay

Students hear a lot about writing an essay for their college applications. As a college advisor I recently worked with one student from the San Francisco Bay Area who wanted to apply to college but hoped there was a way to do that without writing an essay. The answer: Yes, there is. Not all colleges require an essay as part of the application. If you are a California student, check out the Cal State Universities. Or check out the University of Oregon. If you have a 3.4 GPA or higher, you will gain automatic admission. No essay required. So if essay writing is not your thing, don't let that stop you from applying to colleges. There are many opportunities available that don't require you to sweat over perfecting an essay. However, during your high school years, keep your GPA as high as possible so you can have choices when it comes time to filling out those college applications.

Get Started on Your UNC Essay This Summer

Thinking of applying to the University of North Carolina for Fall 2010? You can get started now on your college application essay. UNC's blog has posted the 2010 essay questions. There are 7 choices. Check it out at: http://unc-admissions.blogspot.com/2009/06/final-2010-essay-questions.html

Colleges Still Accepting Applications For Fall '09

Some colleges and universities are still accepting applications for Fall 2009. Colorado State University has on its web site that it is still accepting applications on a space-available basis until July 1, 2009. More info can be found at: http://admissions.colostate.edu/FutureFreshmen/

Hispanic Scholarships for '09-'10

Two Hispanic Scholarships are still accepting applications for 2009-10 yr ($2,500-5,000 each)! The deadline is fast approaching. http://tinyurl.com/npb7fp

Understanding Data in College Guidebooks

When you read college guidebooks or look on web sites of colleges and universities, test score data is given and referred to in the 25th and 75th percentile. How do you know where your test scores fit in? Here's an explanation by Allen Grove, About.com: http://collegeapps.about.com/od/theact/a/act-score-explanation.htm

Start Saving for College

Article from the Wall Street Journal on what college will cost in 18 years by Stacey L. Bradford...

If there's one thing parents think they should save for, it's their children's college education. In 18 years, a degree from a public school will cost around $200,000 and a private university will run closer to $400,000, according to the College Board, which administers the SAT standardized college admissions test.......http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124492913145812745.html

Juniors: Start Your College Planning Now

If you have just finished your junior year in high school now is the time to put together a list of colleges and/or universities that you would like to apply to. To find the schools that are the best fit for you ask yourself what your preferences are: do you want a large or small school; a city, suburb or rural location; close to home or far away; any religious preferences; specific academic subjects, etc.
College guidebooks are a good place to start to learn about each school, but then the best thing to do is visit, go on a tour of the campus, so you can see it first-hand.
If you spend the summer planning what schools to apply to, when fall rolls around you'll be all ready to start your applications.
A college adviser can help you narrow down the schools that are the best fit for you: http://acollegeforyou.com/