Northshore Magazine

May/June 2012

Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.

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special advertising section 10-15 colleges, which can be divided into thr ee lists: "Reach" schools (1-3), "Target" schools (5-10), and "Highly Likely" schools (2-4). Tho oughly review the specific application requirements for each college on your list. Every school has different specifi ations. A careless error on the application can cost you admission. Another important decision to be made prior to beginning an application is whether you will be applying Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision. Regular Decision is the traditional application procedure where the majority of students are admitted. Early Decision is a binding co mmitment. You are only allowed to apply to one college ED. Early Action is a non-binding commitment. Many colleges allow you to apply to as many EA programs as you like. Restrictive Early Action is a new program that has been initiated at a few schools, which prohibits you applying to more than one EA school but is a non-binding agreement. Rolling Admission gives students a co nsiderable amount of time to apply and applicants are usually notified of their decisi n within a few weeks of applying. It is essential that you read each college's specific Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision and Rolling Decision program requirements so as not to limit your college options. Determine if the institutio n uses the Co mmon App. Some Common App colleges have a supplemental application along with extra essay questions, so c heck ahead and be pr epared. (commonapp.org) Letters of recommendation are required for many college applications. Most students ask junior y ear teachers whom they either know well or in whose c lass they have excelled. Be sure to send them a handwritten thank you note. Essays are an essential par t of the col lege application so start early in the summer pr ior to senior y ear and display good writing skills. Review the essay prompts, brainstorm for ideas, and have someone proofread for spelling and grammar. Revise until completely satisfied with the ess y. Starting as soon as January of junior year in high sc hool, take and conquer standardized testing: SATs, ACTs, and Subject Tests. Obtain tutoring if necessary and send test scores to each college. Take note of the college's specific Financial Aid deadlines. The FASFA form (fafsa.org) needs to be co mpleted between January 1st and March 1st. If you are applying to a music, art or theater program, you may need to request an audition or send a portfolio. Check each college website for specific in ormation. If you want to play a sport in college, check the NCAA.org site for details and register before the summer of senior year. Arrange for an interview, and pr epare! Study the col lege's website before the inter view. Make cer tain that y ou dress appropriately and send a thank y ou note to the inter viewer after the interview. After your application has been submitted, follow up with each college admission's office to nfi m receipt of y our completed application materials. COLLEGE ESSAY COACHING be memorable & GaIN aN aDVoCaTe The college essay is the only human element in the admissions process - don't miss your opportunity to captivate your audience. At YourBestFoot, LLC, we help students write memorable essays that turn admissions officers into advocates. YOURBESTFOOT.COM 978.821.6130

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