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special advertising section This Is ot Your Mother's College Application Process You went to college, right? You took the SAT's, had a quick chat with your guidance counselor, wrote the dreaded essay and sent them off. No big deal. Well, not any more! Today, your child is competing for spots at colleges with applicants from all over the world…you know, those kids who spent the summer in the rain forest looking for a cure for cancer and played second violin with the BSO on weekends. Today's college application process can be complicated, confusing, and lengthy but if you start early and understand the process, it can be a rewarding experience for both students and parents. Get Started Early Your student needs to begin thinking about college early by gathering as much information as they can, putting together a plan and sticking with it. From the first day of ninth grade through graduation, your student is adding to the list of qualifications that will differentiate them from other applicants - good grades, community service, special talents, athletics, student leadership. Visiting college campuses can be packed into junior year or incorporated into family vacations and other trips throughout high school. No matter how you plan it, visit as many of your child's potential choices as possible. There is no better way to get a feel for the atmosphere than actually being on a college campus. Starting to specifically focus on the college application process early in January of junior year will invoke confidence in both students and parents and allow for the proper amount of time, energy and effort necessary to convey the student's whole story and help their application stand out. Use Available Resources There is a wealth of information available to assist you and your student. • Use the high school guidance office and counselor • Utilize college search websites: collegeboard.org, usnews.com, petersons.com, princetonreview.com, nacacnet.org • Attend college fairs • Use an independent college advisor More Than a G A Every college uses their own formula for choosing from the vast pool of applicants. Those formulas change year to year, and while we might never really figure them out, one thing is for sure – a strong GPA is only one factor in the decision. Extracurricular activities? Here is where they pay off. Interesting and committed community service is an excellent advantage. An essay from the heart on a topic your student is passionate about is just as important as an A+ in AP Physics. Students should recognize that their applications are viewed for more than just their GPA and test scores. It is essential that students showcase their uniqueness and personality in their essays and make every segment of their application strong and concise. Where To Begin -The Colege Quest There are many things to consider when beginning the quest of college selection. Developing a checklist while taking into consideration the following may help with this process. • What do you want in a college or university? • What are your likes/dislikes, strengths/weaknesses? • Explore college websites, go on college visits, and attend college fairs. • Ask friends who are currently in college or relatives who \have graduated about their schools and experiences. There are many other factors to be cognizant of as you contemplate the college search. While considering these important factors, you must determine what is important to you. Location. Are you interested in staying close to home or are you looking for different climate? Ask yourself how often you want to come home and how far away are you willing to go. Setting. Do you want a college located in a large city, a small town, or something in between? Size. Size is determined by the student population. Some colleges have less than one thousand students while others have close to 50,000. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with any size. Type. There are colleges that only offer specific academic programs like liberal arts, engineering, business programs, specialty programs, or technical programs. Research colleges to ensure that they have the major(s) in which you are interested. Housing. Determine what housing is available and what percentage of students are residents or commuters. Amenities. Shopping areas, theaters located in the college area. More factors to consider : Specialty Interests restaurants, museums, movie (music, art and drama), Sports/School Spirit, Activities/Clubs, Culture/ Diversity, Learning Services/Tutoring, Career Services/ Job/Internship Placement, Student Retention Rates, Political Activism, Cost/Financial Aid, Religious Affiliation, Transportation, Resources/Library/Computer Labs, Study Abroad Programs, Student Faculty Ratio, Sororities and Fraternities After considering all of the factors, generate a list of 20- 30 schools. This extended list will enable you to effectively incorporate all the elements that are important to you. At the end of junior year, take your GPA, standardized test scores and student activity profile and compare to that the college's admitted student profile (on college's website) to determine what schools would be an exciting and realistic match for you. Acceptance is in the Details Prior to the start of the application process, make sure you have narrowed down your college list by balancing optimism with a realistic approach. Today's student applies to between