The WP Answer sheet: The new risk of plagiarizing college essays
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/college-admissions/the-dangers-of-plagiarizing-co.html
I have to laugh, because several of my students have either finished or are in the throes of finishing up their essays. It is a difficult process because the essay supposed to be personal, and is very different from one that you would write for school. I tell my students to write the story only they could tell, and that when I am done, I want to be able to close my eyes and picture them in front of me. How that could happen if the essay is plagiarized is beyond me! Writing the essay should be a process of discovery, and not something that gets copied off the internet!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
SAT and ACT questions of the day
I know this sounds goofy, but for juniors and sophomores, this is a good time to sign up for the SAT and ACT question of the day. It will be sent via email, and if they check daily, their proficiency will slowly build. I also like the Word of the Day, which gets texted directly to their cell phones. It requires them to text back to agree, but after that, they can set the time of day it arrives and the frequency. It's a great way to build a vocabulary.
Here are the links:
SAT Question of the day
http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/sat-question-of-the-day?ep_ch=CO
ACT Question of the day
http://www.testprepreview.com/act_practice.htm
Word of the day (these two sites are not affiliated with the ACT or SAT, but they are great for building the vocabulary!
http://www.4info.com/browse/word-of-the-day/
http://www.merriam-webster.com/word/askmenow.htm
Here are the links:
SAT Question of the day
http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/sat-question-of-the-day?ep_ch=CO
ACT Question of the day
http://www.testprepreview.com/act_practice.htm
Word of the day (these two sites are not affiliated with the ACT or SAT, but they are great for building the vocabulary!
http://www.4info.com/browse/word-of-the-day/
http://www.merriam-webster.com/word/askmenow.htm
Friday, September 10, 2010
Is College Important?
Did you read this article in the Post today? (Some say bypassing a higher education is smarter than paying for a degree) It is certainly provocative and attention-getting. While it is true that some people, notably Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, do quite well without college, it is hard to make a blanket statement that is true for all. What about those students who don't want to start their own businesses? The ones who want to study science, or law or (heaven forbid!) get a liberal arts education? I agree that some students definitely benefit from a gap year or two before they begin to focus on what they want out of college... Overall, though, studies have shown that college graduates earn more in the long run, and are more marketable in a down economy than those with only a high school degree.
The other point that the article makes has to do with financial aid and the debt loads that students are carrying. This is a much more serious concern. A young man of my acquaintance is starting his Master's degree at Cambridge University. He already has a heavy debt load from his undergraduate education, and will be incurring more debt over the next year. But after much thought and discussion, he decided to take the leap and attend the university of his dreams. He feels that it will be worth the price, because of the cachet of the Cambridge name, and the chances that if he does well, he will have his choice of PhD programs when he returns. As a history professor, the Cambridge name will only enhance his resume.
Another student, one who does not have the grades or the drive might make a different decision based on economics and not reputation. There is nothing wrong with this, and in fact, makes an awful lot of sense. The point is: Where to go to college, and how much to pay for it is a very individual decision.
I would never recommend a student attend a college that is out of range financially for his or her family's finances. Parents shouldn't bankrupt themselves or mortgage the house or their retirement to pay for a $200,000 education. However, the ultimate value of an education is a personal matter, and because of that, some families may be willing to devote a larger percentage of their savings toward it.
Don't discount financial aid, either. I always tell my families that there is a lot of financial aid out there that they may not know about. I know many students who are attending private colleges for the same price tag as a public university. And the fees at out-of-state universities can be lower than you think. Have you heard of the Academic Common Market? Do you know that some universities offer grants to out of state students with good grades and scores, to increase diversity?
Remember the unofficial IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) motto: It is all about the "fit." And fit includes how much it will cost you in the end, as well as what you learn while you are there.
There is no dispute that a master plumber does not need a BA, and will probably make more in a lifetime than someone who works in the not-for-profit world. But that doesn't mean that the college degree is worthless. Not everything comes down to a matter of dollars and cents.
The other point that the article makes has to do with financial aid and the debt loads that students are carrying. This is a much more serious concern. A young man of my acquaintance is starting his Master's degree at Cambridge University. He already has a heavy debt load from his undergraduate education, and will be incurring more debt over the next year. But after much thought and discussion, he decided to take the leap and attend the university of his dreams. He feels that it will be worth the price, because of the cachet of the Cambridge name, and the chances that if he does well, he will have his choice of PhD programs when he returns. As a history professor, the Cambridge name will only enhance his resume.
Another student, one who does not have the grades or the drive might make a different decision based on economics and not reputation. There is nothing wrong with this, and in fact, makes an awful lot of sense. The point is: Where to go to college, and how much to pay for it is a very individual decision.
I would never recommend a student attend a college that is out of range financially for his or her family's finances. Parents shouldn't bankrupt themselves or mortgage the house or their retirement to pay for a $200,000 education. However, the ultimate value of an education is a personal matter, and because of that, some families may be willing to devote a larger percentage of their savings toward it.
Don't discount financial aid, either. I always tell my families that there is a lot of financial aid out there that they may not know about. I know many students who are attending private colleges for the same price tag as a public university. And the fees at out-of-state universities can be lower than you think. Have you heard of the Academic Common Market? Do you know that some universities offer grants to out of state students with good grades and scores, to increase diversity?
Remember the unofficial IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) motto: It is all about the "fit." And fit includes how much it will cost you in the end, as well as what you learn while you are there.
There is no dispute that a master plumber does not need a BA, and will probably make more in a lifetime than someone who works in the not-for-profit world. But that doesn't mean that the college degree is worthless. Not everything comes down to a matter of dollars and cents.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Top Ten Strengths and Experiences Colleges look for in High School Student
This list comes courtesy of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) and is a good benchmark for looking at the application process in a thoughtful non-reactive way. Students don't need straight As, or perfect SATs or millions of extracurriculars... just consistent effort and enthusiasm about what they are doing. Colleges don't want automatons. They want living, breathing students who want to learn!
Top Ten Strengths and Experiences Colleges look for in High School Student
3251 Old Lee Highway, Suite 510
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-591-4850 n www.IECAonline.com n info@IECAonline.com
© 2010 IECA
TM
Based on a Survey of IECA member consultants
Top Ten Strengths and Experiences Colleges look for in High School Student
- A rigorous high school curriculum that challenges the student and may include AP or IB classes.
- Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all As in less challenging coursework.
- Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT). These should be consistent with high school performance.
- Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important.
- Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselor that give evidence of integrity, special skills, positive character traits, and an interest in learning.
- A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values and goals. The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.
- Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting and well-rounded student body.
- Demonstrated leadership in activities. Colleges want people who will arrive prepared and willing to take leadership of student activities and events.
- Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school, leisure pursuits, and more.
- Demonstrated enthusiasm to attend, often exhibited by campus visits and an interview, showing an interest toward attending the college.
3251 Old Lee Highway, Suite 510
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-591-4850 n www.IECAonline.com n info@IECAonline.com
© 2010 IECA
TM
Based on a Survey of IECA member consultants
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Crucial 5: Looking Good on Your Application
What do colleges want?
This is a question that comes up repeatedly in the news, from parents, even between college consultants. Back in the old days (when parents applied to college) the buzzword was "well-rounded." We all wanted to be involved in a variety of activities that showed how balanced we were. Now the word is "passion." Colleges look for applicants who have explored one (or more) activities at depth. It is enough to make your head spin!
But aside from essays and extra-curriculars, colleges look at each applicant's quantitative mix. These mostly numerical scores are more important for large public universities who have less time to focus on each application individually, but they are also important for private colleges as well.
So what is this mysterious quantitative mix? Obviously, it includes SAT, SAT2, ACT, AP and IB scores. All of those numbers are factored in. Yes, they are important, but they are not the only thing(s) that colleges look at. Colleges know that standardized tests can show college readiness and ability in some but not all students. Timed testing can be undermined by anxiety and learning issues and are not a comprehensive measure for everyone.
Colleges also look closely at transcripts, and that is where the Crucial 5 come in. Successful applicants share one thing in common: they have 4 years of classes in the following subject areas: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and (one) Foreign Language. Can you get into college without all 4 years? Absolutely. But if you are looking at a competitive school, you will increase your chances by making sure you have all these bases covered. And all of these classes contribute to the mix.
More than straight As, taking the most challenging combination of the crucial 5 offered at your high school will help balance out your scores. A B in an AP class shows that you challenged yourself, and you are working as hard as you can in high school. No college wants to take a slacker or an underachiever! You don't need to take the top classes in every subject, so if you are stronger in language, and weaker in Math, don't panic. (Just make sure you get through Algebra 2, a must for college admissions). And make sure your transcript shows that you made the effort.
An old joke asks: what do you call someone who speaks two languages? (bilingual) and what do you call someone who speaks only one language (an American). Hopefully this is not true anymore, and colleges are actively looking for students who prove that joke wrong. Also, brain research has shown that you can learn languages more easily as a teenager than later on. So take your 4 years of French (or Spanish, or Latin), especially since it will probably get you out of having to take language at college, which will give you an opening for more electives once you get there.
This is a question that comes up repeatedly in the news, from parents, even between college consultants. Back in the old days (when parents applied to college) the buzzword was "well-rounded." We all wanted to be involved in a variety of activities that showed how balanced we were. Now the word is "passion." Colleges look for applicants who have explored one (or more) activities at depth. It is enough to make your head spin!
But aside from essays and extra-curriculars, colleges look at each applicant's quantitative mix. These mostly numerical scores are more important for large public universities who have less time to focus on each application individually, but they are also important for private colleges as well.
So what is this mysterious quantitative mix? Obviously, it includes SAT, SAT2, ACT, AP and IB scores. All of those numbers are factored in. Yes, they are important, but they are not the only thing(s) that colleges look at. Colleges know that standardized tests can show college readiness and ability in some but not all students. Timed testing can be undermined by anxiety and learning issues and are not a comprehensive measure for everyone.
Colleges also look closely at transcripts, and that is where the Crucial 5 come in. Successful applicants share one thing in common: they have 4 years of classes in the following subject areas: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and (one) Foreign Language. Can you get into college without all 4 years? Absolutely. But if you are looking at a competitive school, you will increase your chances by making sure you have all these bases covered. And all of these classes contribute to the mix.
More than straight As, taking the most challenging combination of the crucial 5 offered at your high school will help balance out your scores. A B in an AP class shows that you challenged yourself, and you are working as hard as you can in high school. No college wants to take a slacker or an underachiever! You don't need to take the top classes in every subject, so if you are stronger in language, and weaker in Math, don't panic. (Just make sure you get through Algebra 2, a must for college admissions). And make sure your transcript shows that you made the effort.
An old joke asks: what do you call someone who speaks two languages? (bilingual) and what do you call someone who speaks only one language (an American). Hopefully this is not true anymore, and colleges are actively looking for students who prove that joke wrong. Also, brain research has shown that you can learn languages more easily as a teenager than later on. So take your 4 years of French (or Spanish, or Latin), especially since it will probably get you out of having to take language at college, which will give you an opening for more electives once you get there.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Financial Aid for college
The article below in the New York Times (How to Get More College Financial Aid By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: April 6, 2010) and others have gotten me thinking about paying for colleges. I am not a financial aid expert, but I fill out forms for 3 students of my own every year, so I have some real-world experience. Here are some tips I have learned along the way:
Plan Ahead
The first point is the one mentioned by every financial advisor I have ever met: The sooner you start planning for college, the better. Even a small 529 is better than nothing. You don't want to leave it all to the last minute and hope for a huge financial aid package! That is like assuming that your child will become a baseball all-star because he likes little league. Too much of a gamble for my liking!
On the other hand, if your child does well academically, and has a good "quantitative mix" there is a good chance that some college will be interested enough to throw money your way. Don't assume that private schools are out of the question, just because you don't have $50K to throw around. I know plenty of families (mine included) where they have paid more for a sibling at a public university than a sibling at a private school because of scholarships and grants.
So the second "plan ahead" is to take the time to fill out those endless forms (FAFSA and CSS Profile) even if you don't think you will get much. You will also need to get your taxes done in a timely fashion. Early is better, because the sooner you are done, the sooner you can be considered.
Timing is particularly important for state financial awards. Where we live, the DC-TAG (Tuition Assistance Grant) is very important for students applying to public universities. I stand in line every year in late March to have my taxes certified by the Office of Tax and Revenue, and then head to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to get an award letter. Would I still get that award in May? Probably. But the lines are shorter, the anxiety is less, and every year they warn that they might run out of money.
Don't Make Yourself Crazy
While you are being thorough on the forms, and looking at meritaid.com and fastweb.com and studentaid.com, don't apply for everything that comes your way. The smaller grants can take just as long to apply for (even when they don't require an essay) as the larger awards. I would concentrate on aid that your child is particularly qualified for, especially if it is local. These smaller awards (high school alumni awards, military awards for those with parents and grandparents who served, church or synagogue awards) are not as well known, and are better bets. Look for those if you can. Ask some parents who have older children to see what awards they got.
Don't Be Afraid To Ask
The awards are in, and there is a gap between what you think you can spend, and what the college thinks you can pay. Most colleges offer awards to students that end up going elsewhere. It never hurts to ask for more. The worst they can say is "no."
How to get more financial aid
Plan Ahead
The first point is the one mentioned by every financial advisor I have ever met: The sooner you start planning for college, the better. Even a small 529 is better than nothing. You don't want to leave it all to the last minute and hope for a huge financial aid package! That is like assuming that your child will become a baseball all-star because he likes little league. Too much of a gamble for my liking!
On the other hand, if your child does well academically, and has a good "quantitative mix" there is a good chance that some college will be interested enough to throw money your way. Don't assume that private schools are out of the question, just because you don't have $50K to throw around. I know plenty of families (mine included) where they have paid more for a sibling at a public university than a sibling at a private school because of scholarships and grants.
So the second "plan ahead" is to take the time to fill out those endless forms (FAFSA and CSS Profile) even if you don't think you will get much. You will also need to get your taxes done in a timely fashion. Early is better, because the sooner you are done, the sooner you can be considered.
Timing is particularly important for state financial awards. Where we live, the DC-TAG (Tuition Assistance Grant) is very important for students applying to public universities. I stand in line every year in late March to have my taxes certified by the Office of Tax and Revenue, and then head to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to get an award letter. Would I still get that award in May? Probably. But the lines are shorter, the anxiety is less, and every year they warn that they might run out of money.
Don't Make Yourself Crazy
While you are being thorough on the forms, and looking at meritaid.com and fastweb.com and studentaid.com, don't apply for everything that comes your way. The smaller grants can take just as long to apply for (even when they don't require an essay) as the larger awards. I would concentrate on aid that your child is particularly qualified for, especially if it is local. These smaller awards (high school alumni awards, military awards for those with parents and grandparents who served, church or synagogue awards) are not as well known, and are better bets. Look for those if you can. Ask some parents who have older children to see what awards they got.
Don't Be Afraid To Ask
The awards are in, and there is a gap between what you think you can spend, and what the college thinks you can pay. Most colleges offer awards to students that end up going elsewhere. It never hurts to ask for more. The worst they can say is "no."
How to get more financial aid
Thursday, April 1, 2010
College Admissions: Waiting List Woe
Admissions letters are starting to trickle in. High School Seniors are anxiously checking their computers on the appointed day and time to see what their status is. I know one Senior who refused to visit a college offering him a scholarship today so that he can be at his computer at 5pm exactly to find out about his Ivy League responses. Will it be the dreaded rejection or the hoped for acceptance? Or will students be relegated to that purgatory that is the waiting list?
This year, even more than 2009, colleges will be relying on waiting lists to help gather together what they hope will be the optimal composition of students for their incoming classes. Some colleges will have more students on waiting lists than on the actual "accepted" roster. Why? Because admissions is a bit of a crap shoot for the the colleges as well. They may offer acceptances to a fabulous set of students (and waitlist a group of equally fabulous kids) but they have no idea how many of those students will actually accept them back. This is because way back in the fall, what looked like a perfect fit may not be as perfect today, taking into account other acceptances, parental finances, and merit and financial aid offers.
So in order for colleges to get that "perfect" mix of athletes, artists, legacies, minority students, full payers and scholarship students, they will be looking to draw heavily from their waiting lists.
It all sounds pretty much out of anyone's control, but there are a few things that a student on a waiting list can do:
Stay Positive
They want you. They do. They just didn't have room for you. You wouldn't be on the waiting list if they didn't think you were worthy and capable and fabulous. You may even be more fabulous than other people they accepted, but because they had to balance their numbers, they didn't have room right now. Wait a few weeks. That may change. Feeling sorry for yourself will not help matters.
Stay in Touch
Definitely fill out the form to stay on the waiting list if this is a school you really want to attend. Next, sit down and write a letter outlining your achievements, since you sent in your original application. Include anything interesting that comes to mind: community service, fun facts, personal bests. Achievements are not just academic. Also make sure you let the admissions staff know that if you are accepted you would definitely matriculate, but don't say it unless you mean it. And don't pledge yourself to more than one college — admissions officers from different colleges do communicate with one another! Also, if you are in a financial position to do so, let them know that you won't be applying for financial aid. Sadly, waitlists are not need-blind.
Make a commitment
Just to keep your bases covered, make the best choice you can with what you have been offered. Go to their accepted students events, and see how that option feels to you. Keep an open mind. College campuses look very different with an acceptance in your pocket, and you may feel your second choice will be a better overall fit. But remember, you don't have to make a choice until May 1, and waiting until then may give the waitlists some time to start moving. Finally, don't commit to more than one school. It is not honorable, and it can get pricey, since you must be prepared to sacrifice the registration fee if you change your mind.
Don't Bear a Grudge
There are many stories in the admissions world of students who pledged their undying allegiance, and then rejected an offer off the waiting list because it wasn't early enough. Remember to stay positive, and not take this personally! If they didn't want you, they would have rejected you. Really. And getting in off the waiting list will not make you a second class citizen on campus. No one will know except the people that you choose to tell. You would be surprised at how many students end up attending a different college in September from the one they told folks they would be going to in April.
Best Wishes, and Hang in There!
The College Lady
This year, even more than 2009, colleges will be relying on waiting lists to help gather together what they hope will be the optimal composition of students for their incoming classes. Some colleges will have more students on waiting lists than on the actual "accepted" roster. Why? Because admissions is a bit of a crap shoot for the the colleges as well. They may offer acceptances to a fabulous set of students (and waitlist a group of equally fabulous kids) but they have no idea how many of those students will actually accept them back. This is because way back in the fall, what looked like a perfect fit may not be as perfect today, taking into account other acceptances, parental finances, and merit and financial aid offers.
So in order for colleges to get that "perfect" mix of athletes, artists, legacies, minority students, full payers and scholarship students, they will be looking to draw heavily from their waiting lists.
It all sounds pretty much out of anyone's control, but there are a few things that a student on a waiting list can do:
Stay Positive
They want you. They do. They just didn't have room for you. You wouldn't be on the waiting list if they didn't think you were worthy and capable and fabulous. You may even be more fabulous than other people they accepted, but because they had to balance their numbers, they didn't have room right now. Wait a few weeks. That may change. Feeling sorry for yourself will not help matters.
Stay in Touch
Definitely fill out the form to stay on the waiting list if this is a school you really want to attend. Next, sit down and write a letter outlining your achievements, since you sent in your original application. Include anything interesting that comes to mind: community service, fun facts, personal bests. Achievements are not just academic. Also make sure you let the admissions staff know that if you are accepted you would definitely matriculate, but don't say it unless you mean it. And don't pledge yourself to more than one college — admissions officers from different colleges do communicate with one another! Also, if you are in a financial position to do so, let them know that you won't be applying for financial aid. Sadly, waitlists are not need-blind.
Make a commitment
Just to keep your bases covered, make the best choice you can with what you have been offered. Go to their accepted students events, and see how that option feels to you. Keep an open mind. College campuses look very different with an acceptance in your pocket, and you may feel your second choice will be a better overall fit. But remember, you don't have to make a choice until May 1, and waiting until then may give the waitlists some time to start moving. Finally, don't commit to more than one school. It is not honorable, and it can get pricey, since you must be prepared to sacrifice the registration fee if you change your mind.
Don't Bear a Grudge
There are many stories in the admissions world of students who pledged their undying allegiance, and then rejected an offer off the waiting list because it wasn't early enough. Remember to stay positive, and not take this personally! If they didn't want you, they would have rejected you. Really. And getting in off the waiting list will not make you a second class citizen on campus. No one will know except the people that you choose to tell. You would be surprised at how many students end up attending a different college in September from the one they told folks they would be going to in April.
Best Wishes, and Hang in There!
The College Lady
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