Stay Focused on Academics –

Don’t be a victim of Spring Fever. Final grades are around the corner. Finish on a high note by taking your schoolwork seriously.

Prepare for End-of-Year Exams -

Semester and final exams usually count significantly toward your final grade. At some schools a non-passing A.P. exam score will negate bonus points on your GPA. Some schools ask to see A.P. exam scores when you apply for admission. Many colleges award credit or advanced placement for strong performance in college-level courses taken during high school.

Attend College Nights, Fairs, Presentations & Information Sessions -

Keep your eyes open for college presentations, fairs and meetings in your local area. Your school’s guidance office may post them. You may also receive invitations directly from colleges, commonly after joining their mailing list. Some events (e.g. exploringeducationalexcellent.org and exploringcollegeoptions.org) are hosted by a group of colleges and universities. NACAC (www.nacacnet.org) College Fairs are held throughout the country and provide an excellent opportunity for students and parents to interact with college and university admissions counselors.

Set Up a College Admissions Email Account -

If you don’t have one already, set up an email account to use for college admissions. Avoid user names that an admissions officer might find inappropriate or immature. You’ll often be asked for an email address when you attend school presentations, college fairs and register to receive information.

Be Involved and Build Your Resume 
-

Seek out opportunities to “stand out” in a positive manner — tangible accomplishments & achievement, leadership, ingenuity, tenacity, intellectual curiosity.  You may even want to consider starting you own club or organization.  All competitive colleges seek a diversified and interesting student body.  Many successful applicants are high-achievers with at least one compelling “hook”.  A “hook” is an activity or interest pursued with depth and passion that sets the student apart from other applicants.   Depth, not breadth, of experience is critical.  These days, most colleges prefer to see fewer activities; ones that really interest you where you are involved in a significant way. Evidence of passion, leadership, initiative, commitment and meaningful engagement is crucial.  You may also consider an internship, research opportunity or part-time job in an area that interests you.

Meet With Your School Guidance Counselor -

If you haven’t done so already, schedule an in-person meeting.   Confirm that you are on track to meet graduation requirements and ask about curriculum planning, class rank, award opportunities, and PSAT/SAT/ACT testing.   Review your transcript and junior year course choices to make sure everything is correct. Have your parents join you, if appropriate.

Explore Your Interests, Potential Majors and Careers

You’re not alone if you are a high school student lacking clear direction about your future. Most young people can benefit from self-assessment tools to help define goals and explore college environments, academic majors and potential careers. InLikeMe provides useful advice along with information about self-assessment tools and career surveys. Family members, teachers, counselors, coaches and friends can also be helpful. Seek out mentors who can answer questions and provide guidance.  The summer after Sophomore year is a good time to explore possible majors and careers.

Plan to take the PSAT in the Fall of Junior Year-

A strong score on the PSAT / NMSQT exam can lead to thousands of scholarship dollars. The experience of taking the exam will give you a sense of what to expect on the SAT. Taking the PSAT also gives you access to the College Board’s My College QuickStart and MyRoad which provide personalized feedback, practice and college planning based on your PSAT/NMSQT results.  These resources can be helpful:

• TestRocker for SAT  (Until June 30, 2013, InLikeMe fans can get $50 off, and rising Juniors are eligible for an extra 3 months free to prepare  for the PSAT, by calling TestRocker at 212-675-1770 and using the Discount Code: InLikeMe)
• Kaplan PSAT/NMSQT Premier 2013
• PSAT Prep Books

Plan for Taking the SAT, ACT and Subject Tests -

The SAT is given seven times a year — in October, November, December, January, March, May and June. The ACT is administered six times a year — in September, October, December, February, April and June.   There are regular and late deadlines for each testing date.  Many students complete their testing in the Spring of Junior year while others retest during the Fall of Senior Year.   Some colleges require or recommend that applicants take SAT Subject Tests.  The following resources can be helpful:

• TestRocker for SAT  (Until June 30, 2013, InLikeMe fans can get $50 off using the Discount Code: InLikeMe)
• Official SAT Study Guide
• The Real ACT Prep Guide
• Princeton Review – Cracking the ACT
• Dr. John Chung’s SAT Math
• Painless Grammar (ACT)
• Word Power Made Easy (SAT and ACT)

Research Colleges, Universities & Majors:  Start Thinking About What is Important to You -

You may have a clear image of your perfect-fit school or no sense at all. Giving thoughtful consideration to what is important (to you) in terms of academics, size, prestige, location, cost, campus, activities, athletics and recreation is an essential first step. Learn about schools and majors with the goal of compiling an initial college list  divided into three categories: reach, match and likely.  Many colleges and universities give you the opportunity to request information by joining a school’s mailing list or by creating a prospective student account. The following resources can be helpful:

• Fiske Guide to College
• Colleges That Change Lives
• College Navigator
• Big Future (College Board)
• YOUniversitytv.com
• Unigo.com
• College Prowler
• CollegeXpress

Visit Colleges: Sign up for Campus Tours and Information Sessions -

While it’s best to visit when school is in session, you can get a feel for a college almost any time, even during your summer vacation. Sign up for (and attend) tours and information sessions when possible. Register (sign in) at Admissions office when you visit. Some schools log student visits and look favorably on “demonstrated interest”. If you are planning a trip, or visiting relatives, think about nearby colleges that may interest you.  The summer after Sophomore year is a good time to being visiting college campuses!

Get Organized -

It’s not too early to create a spreadsheet to keep track of potential colleges, majors, testing requirements and estimated costs.

The Admission By Design Student Portal (powered by MyCCA.net) has robust college and scholarship research capabilities along with time-saving organizational tools to manage your college list, related deadlines, requirements and  milestones.   Use of the Admission By Design Student Portal is available to non-consulting clients on an a la carte basis.

Brainstorm College Application & Scholarship Essays -

Most competitive colleges require at least one essay. Familiarize yourself with essay prompts from the Common Application and other schools that you are considering. While prompts may change from year-to-year, thinking about essay topics and how to best portray yourself can help prevent a brain freeze when you sit down to write your application essays. Thinking ahead will also give you time to enhance your raw material (e.g. activities, leadership positions, summer jobs, internships, advanced courses, community service).

Review Your Online Persona -

Examine your information on Facebook and/or other social networks. Consider updating or deleting content that might not be viewed favorably by college admissions officers.

Evaluate your Finances -

College affordability is an important component in finding the right schools.   A bit of searching should lead you to find  a College Cost Calculator (or estimator) on each institution’s web site.  Other tools such as the Common Data Set, finaid.org, the  FAFSA.ed..gov website, and the Admission By Design Student Portal can helpful as well.

Use Your Summer Wisely -

Summer is the perfect time to enhance your resume by reaching beyond your comfort zone and pursuing activities that could (1) help positively distinguish you as a candidate (2) help you clarify your interests and career goals and (3) may lead to compelling application essays. It can also be an excellent time to (1) research colleges, (2) prep for entrance exams and (3) take classes (in person or virtual).  May is a good time to finalize your summer plans.

Author:

Stay Focused on Academics –

Don’t be a victim of Spring Fever. Final grades are around the corner. Finish on a high note by taking your schoolwork seriously.

Prepare for End-of-Year Exams -

Semester and final exams usually count significantly toward your final grade. At some schools a non-passing A.P. exam score will negate bonus points on your GPA. Some schools ask to see A.P., I.B. and AICE exam scores when you apply for admission. Many colleges award credit or advanced placement for strong performance in college-level courses taken during high school.

Attend College Nights, Fairs, Presentations & Information Sessions -

Keep your eyes open for college presentations, fairs and meetings in your local area. Your school’s guidance office may post them. You may also receive invitations directly from colleges, commonly after joining their mailing list. Some events (e.g. exploringeducationalexcellent.org and exploringcollegeoptions.org) are hosted by a group of colleges and universities. NACAC (www.nacacnet.org) College Fairs are held throughout the country and provide an excellent opportunity for students and parents to interact with college and university admissions counselors.

Set Up a College Admissions Email Account -

If you don’t have one already, set up an email account to use for college admissions. Avoid user names that an admissions officer might find inappropriate or immature. You’ll often be asked for an email address when you attend school presentations, college fairs and register to receive information.

Familiarize Yourself with the Common Application -

Each year’s application becomes available online on August 1st. New Common Application essay prompts for the 2013-2014 application year have already been announced. Preview versions (which also include the teacher evaluation and school report forms) can be found on the Internet. Keep in mind that many colleges and universities that utilize the Common App also request supplements (additional essays).

Be Involved and Build Your Resume 
-

Seek out opportunities to “stand out” in a positive manner — tangible accomplishments & achievement, leadership, ingenuity, tenacity, intellectual curiosity.

Meet With Your School Guidance Counselor -

If you haven’t done so already, schedule an in-person meeting. Most likely, your school counselor will be writing your “School Report” recommendation / evaluation. Confirm that you are on track to meet graduation requirements and ask about curriculum planning, class rank, award opportunities, college and scholarship suggestions, etc. Review your transcript and senior year course choices to make sure everything is correct. Have your parents join you, if appropriate.

Register and Prep for the SAT, ACT and Subject Tests -

The SAT is given seven times a year — in October, November, December, January, March, May and June. The ACT is administered six times a year — in September, October, December, February, April and June.   There are regular and late deadlines for each testing date.  Many students complete their testing in the Spring of Junior year while others study during the Summer and retest in the Fall.   The following resources can be helpful:

• TestRocker for SAT  (Use InLikeMe Discount Code for $50 off until June 30, 2013)
• Official SAT Study Guide
• The Real ACT Prep Guide
• Princeton Review – Cracking the ACT
• Dr. John Chung’s SAT Math
• Painless Grammar (ACT)
• Word Power Made Easy (SAT and ACT)

Research Colleges, Universities & Majors — Compile Your Preliminary List -

You may have a clear image of your perfect-fit school or no sense at all. Giving thoughtful consideration to what is important (to you) in terms of academics, size, prestige, location, cost, campus, activities, athletics and recreation is an essential first step. Learn about schools and majors with the goal of compiling an initial college list  divided into three categories: reach, match and likely.  Many colleges and universities give you the opportunity to request information by joining a school’s mailing list or by creating a prospective student account. The following resources can be helpful:

• Fiske Guide to College
• Colleges That Change Lives
• College Navigator
• Big Future (College Board)
• YOUniversitytv.com
• Unigo.com
• College Prowler
• CollegeXpress

Visit Colleges: Sign up for Campus Tours and Information Sessions -

While it’s best to visit when school is in session, you can get a feel for a college almost any time. Sign up for (and attend) tours and information sessions when possible. Register (sign in) at Admissions office when you visit. Some schools log student visits and look favorably on “demonstrated interest”. If you are planning a vacation, or visiting relatives, think about nearby colleges that may interest you. If you can’t visit in person, you may be able to take a virtual tour online. If you are visiting in person, and the school is of interest, investigate appropriate opportunities to interview and/or meet with sports coaches, music directors, etc.

Get Organized -

Create a spreadsheet to keep track of college application deadlines, scholarship opportunities, application types (e.g. early decision, early action, rolling, regular), testing requirements, supplements, interview options, and supplementary materials (e.g. art portfolios, dance, music and theater DVDs) and estimated costs.

The Admission By Design Student Portal (powered by MyCCA.net) has robust college and scholarship research capabilities along with time-saving organizational tools to manage your college list, related deadlines, requirements and  milestones.   Use of the Admission By Design Student Portal is available to non-consulting clients on an a la carte basis.

Brainstorm College Application & Scholarship Essays -

Most competitive colleges require at least one essay. Familiarize yourself with essay prompts from the Common Application and other schools that you are considering. While prompts may change from year-to-year, thinking about essay topics and how to best portray yourself can help prevent a brain freeze when you sit down to write your application essays. Thinking ahead will also give you time to enhance your raw material (e.g. activities, leadership positions, summer jobs, internships, advanced courses, community service).

Get a Jump Start on Recommendations -

Recommendations from your high school counselor and teacher(s) are required when you apply to many colleges and universities. Plan ahead. Consider whom to ask, and how they can support your candidacy. Approach teachers before the end of junior year about writing a favorable recommendation for you. Some teachers are overwhelmed with requests and limit the number of students for whom they write recommendations.  Your resume and some writing points can be helpful.

Review Your Online Persona -

Examine your information on Facebook and/or other social networks. Consider updating or deleting content that might not be viewed favorably by college admissions officers.

Compile Information for Your Admissions Resume or “Brag Sheet” -

Your College Admission Resume is a special resume that highlights your accomplishments during high school. It can be tremendously helpful when you fill out applications, meet with interviewers, ask for recommendations, and apply for scholarships.   You’ll find various posts about composing your resume at InLikeMe.com

Recalculate Your GPA -

Some colleges and universities have minimum GPA thresholds. Often these schools count only core academic courses and give bonus points for advanced classes.  For my Florida clients, we typically use the UF (University of Florida) methodology.

Evaluate your Finances -

College affordability is an important component in finding the right schools.   A bit of searching should lead you to find  a College Cost Calculator (or estimator) on each institution’s web site.  Other tools such as the Common Data Set, finaid.org, the  FAFSA.ed..gov website, and the Admission By Design Student Portal can helpful as well.

Use Your Summer Wisely -

Summer is the perfect time to enhance your resume by reaching beyond your comfort zone and pursuing activities that could (1) help positively distinguish you as a candidate (2) help you clarify your interests and career goals and (3) may lead to compelling application essays. It can also be an excellent time to (1) research colleges, (2) prep for entrance exams and (3) take classes (in person or virtual).  May is a good time to finalize your summer plans.

Author:

With early action, students can apply for early notification without having to make a binding commitment.   Early action and early decision applicants generally learn by year end whether they’ve been accepted, rejected or deferred to the regular admissions pool.  U.S. News compiled two lists of interest to those considering early action and early decision:

• “Colleges Where Applying Early Action Helps”
• “Colleges Where Applying Early Decision Helps”

The chart below contains selected information (based on recent years) from U.S. News.  Consult U.S. News, Specific College and University Web Sites and the Common Data Set for confirmation and additional information.

As reported in The College Finder, in recent years, a number of leading colleges accepted a large percentage of the freshman class through early decision:

• Cornell (41%)
• U of Penn (32%)
• Columbia (25%
• Brown (22%)
• Williams (19%)
• Dartmouth (18%)
• Bowdoin (17%)
• Swarthmore (17%)
• Middlebury (16%)
• Colby (15%
• Colgate (15%)
• Barnard (15%)
• Wesleyan (14%)
• Johns Hopkins (13%)
• Duke (11%)
• Emory (11%)
• Tufts (10%)

Sources: U.S. News – Early Decision   U.S. New Early Action

The College Finder: Choose the School That’s Right for You!

InLikeMe has compiled this page to assist our readers and does not take responsibility for accuracy.  Please independently confirm early action & early decision information and related requirements.

Admission Statistics Don’t Tell the Full Story

• At the University of Pennsylvania, Early Decision applicants comprise more than 45% of recent classes.  Penn’s acceptance rate for Early Decision is in the neighborhood of 30% compared to 14%-17% for regular admission.  These admission statistics convey only part of the story.   At Penn, legacies (children of Penn alumni) comprise about 15% of Early Decision candidates and nearly half of those are typically admitted.     When assessing the likelihood of your admission, don’t rely on admission percentages alone.  It’s important to consider factors such as legacy applicants and recruited athletes, because the admissions rate for everyone else can be considerably lower.

Early Admission Programs Are Not All the Same

• The two most common types of Early Admission programs are Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED).   Some Early Action programs are non-restrictive.  That’s not the case for Early Decision and Single-Choice Early Action.  You’ll find nuances and different rules for different schools. Make sure you understand the policies and obligations.

Early Decision

• Early Decision plans are almost always single choice (i.e. you agree not to apply ED to any other schools) and binding (i.e. you agree to attend the college if you are accepted ED).   Generally, if you’re accepted Early Decision, you are required to withdraw all other applications.  A major drawback to being admitted ED is limited leverage when negotiating your financial aid package.  From a statistical perspective, applicants with similar credentials are almost always more likely to be admitted when they apply ED.

Early Action

• Early Action generally means you can apply to as many schools as you like; and if you are accepted (EA), there is no obligation to attend.  You typically have until May 1 to respond with your decision.  This gives you time to compare financial aid offers and evaluate your options.  MIT, University of Chicago and many other schools have unrestricted Early Action programs.  If your application and credentials are ready by the deadline, there is generally no downside when applying unrestricted EA.

Single Choice Early Action

• Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA) programs are another matter.   Like unrestricted Early Action, SCEA applicants receive early notification (or deferral) without a binding obligation.  Generally students are free to apply (regular action) to other schools and to compare financial aid offers.   However, SCEA programs usually require students not to apply ED or EA to any other schools.

When In Doubt, Don’t

• Experts recommend that you apply Early Decision ONLY if you are positive you want to attend and have your credentials (e.g. application, recommendations, grades, entrance exam scores, extra-curriculars) in order.   Many students decide to forgo early application plans to give themselves additional time to improve their grades, activities or entrance exam scores.

Financial Aid

• If financial aid is an issue, and you wish to compare financial aid packages before deciding on a college, then Early Decision is probably not a good option for you.  Some colleges, including Harvard, have discontinued their early application programs due to concern that these plans disadvantage students who rely on financial aid.

Yield Considerations

• College admissions officers focus on yield (percentage of students who accept their offer of admission) and generally prefer a well-qualified applicant who they consider likely to attend over an exceptionally qualified candidate who they believe would probably choose not to enroll.   Binding ED programs directly impact yield as admitted students are required to enroll.  Early Action programs, while not binding, also enhance yield.  Many EA schools devote significant resources to courting admitted students, many of whom might otherwise enroll elsewhere.

Author:

Copyright InLikeMe.com and Phrazorp LLC. All rights reserved.

Summer is a great time to get a jump start on college admissions. With some thoughtful planning and organization, you’ll make progress on applications and essays …. and still have time for hanging out at the beach, movies, friends and sleeping late.

Below is InLikeMe’s suggested list for rising seniors:

1. Get started on the Common Application.  The “common app” is accepted by hundreds of colleges and is available at www.commonapp.org and https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/CA4.aspx After you register, you can complete the application at your own pace, revising and saving your work as you progress.  While you cannot complete your official application until it becomes available on August 1st, you can prepare your materials (e.g. essays, awards & honors, activities) in advance.
2. Brainstorm your application essays. Most competitive colleges require at least one essay. The Common Application offers a choice of 5 essay topics.  Consider your options and how you can best portray yourself. Usually it takes several drafts to compose a high quality essay. Be sure to invest the thought and time this important part of the application deserves! You’ll find these themes in various college applications.
   • A significant personal experience, transition, achievement, failure, risk or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
   • A belief or idea you have challenge and its impact on you
   • An issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
   • A place where you feel content, and why
   • An individual who has significantly impacted you and why.
   • A fictional character, historical figure, or creative work that influenced you and why.
   • How you can contribute to the diversity of the college community.
3. Review and fine tune your college list. Do your research.
4. Visit colleges on your list, in person or on the Internet. Make time to prepare for campus visits.
5. Review application materials for critical information such as supplements, interview requirement and recommendations.
6. Write your resume.  You’ll be glad you have when you ask for recommendations.  Bring it along on interviews as it will help facilitate conversation
7. Study for the SAT, ACT or Subject Tests if you plan to take them.
8. Make a spreadsheet listing the colleges you plan to apply to along with key dates and requirements.  Refer to this document as your work plan.  Add some columns as appropriate for interviews, recommendations, transcript requests, etc.  Update the spreadsheet over time.  You work plan will help you stay organized and on track.

Author:

• Make Sure Your Applications are Complete – Confirm with the colleges you applied to that ALL application components  have been received (e.g. test scores, transcript, evaluations & recommendations, interview report, first semester grades, musical CD).  Many schools will not review incomplete applications.
• Study Extra Hard in AP, IB and Dual Enrollment Classes. The college credits you earn can reduce the cost of your education and/or allow you to place out of introductory courses.  A strong academic record can lead to merit scholarships.   Completing college in 3 years instead 4 can be a 25% savings.
• Research Scholarships – With billions of dollars awarded annually, it is worthwhile to research and pursue scholarship opportunities. ScholarshipRoadMap.com and your high school guidance office are good places to start.
• Apply For Financial Aid – FAFSA / CSS Profile. Many families who could receive assistance don’t pursue the financial aid process because they assume they won’t be eligible. Many factors are considered in aid eligibility, and it is not unusual for families with relatively high incomes and assets to qualify for aid and scholarships. Keep track of deadlines and submission requirements.
• Research College Majors – Learn about career paths and compensation.  These books can help.

1. College Majors Handbook with Real Career Paths and Payoffs: The Actual Jobs, Earnings, and Trends for Graduates of 60 College Majors and
2. Book of Majors (College Board Book of Majors)

•  Visit Colleges on the Web – Use the Internet to learn more about colleges you are considering.  In addition to the school web portals, there are a host of great sites offering everything from on-line tours to rankings. An InLikeMe favorite is Unigo.com, a no-fee site packed full of candid reviews (written by students), videos, photos, admissions information and more. While there’s no substitute for an in-person visit, you may want to save your money for visiting schools you’ve been admitted to and that genuinely interest you.
• Get a Job – Tuition is just one part of the college cost equation.Total cost includes tuition, room and board, student fees, books and supplies, transportation and other expenses.  Money earned from after-school, weekend and summer jobs can help pay for the high cost of college.
• Learn about Financial Aid and Prepare to Negotiate – Financial aid packages can be appealed and improved. Consider contacting financial aid officers directly if your situation has changed or if you’ve received a more attractive package from another school of similar or higher caliber. And, take the time to fully understand aid offers. Check to see if it’s for multiple years or just a single year and if there are qualifiers, such as maintaining a minimum GPA, pursuing a specific major or playing on an athletic team.
• Make Your Interest Known to Colleges – Take advantage of opportunities to show your interest.   Given similar qualifications, an applicant who appears likely to attend generally stands a better chance for admission.

Author:

Harvard University and Princeton University’s reinstitution of early admission programs for the Class of 2016 fed the ongoing controversy regarding the role of early admissions in the college application process, and caused an ED/EA ripple effect impacting many of the most-competitive schools, most notably Yale and Columbia.

Harvard and Princeton reinstated their early action options for Fall 2012 admission, after eliminating those programs in 2006.    Princeton received 3,547 early action applications for the Class of 2016, and Harvard received 4,245.  Both schools’ early action programs are non-binding, single choice (SC), meaning that admitted students are not required to enroll, but participating students are restricted from applying to most other early admission programs.

According to The Daily Princetonian, Princeton’s last early admission round was in 2006 with 2,275 applications. The Harvard Crimson reported that Harvard’s 4,245 early applications for the Class of 2016, represented a 5.9% increase from the number of students who applied early action when the program was last in effect

Along with Harvard and Princeton, the University of Virginia recently reinstated its early admission program.  UVA eliminated its early admission option in 2007.  This Fall UVA received 11,417 early action applications from high school seniors.

Early action applicants to Yale’s single-choice program dropped 18% from last year to 4,310 applicants.  Last year 14.5% of EA applicants to Yale were admitted.  At Columbia, ED applications dropped nearly 6% to 3,088.    Nearly 19% of ED applicants to Columbia’s Class of 2015 were admitted.

At the University of Pennsylvania, ED applications dropped about 1% to 4,526.   Last year Penn accepted more than 26% of its ED applicants.

At Stanford University, SC/EA applications dropped less than 1% to 5,880.   Last year Stanford accepted 12.65% of early applicants.

Applications to MIT’s Class of 2016, through its unrestricted, non-binding EA program, declined 4.7% to 6,102. Those 6,102 applicants represent over five times the target size of the Class of 2016 (about 1,130) and a 75% increase in EA applications from five years earlier.  Last year, 12% of early applicants were admitted to MIT — slightly higher than the regular decision rate of 9.6%.

This year Dartmouth had a record number of ED applicants, up 2.1% to 1,791. Brown had an increase of 5.5% to 2,904, and Cornell’s ED applicant pool increased 3.7% percent to 3,609.  Last year Dartmouth, Brown and Cornell admitted 25%, 19% and 35% (respectively) of ED applicants.

This year, Duke University received 2716 ED applications from 509 more high school seniors than last year, an increase of 23%.   Last year, Duke admitted 650 ED candidates, about 38% of its incoming class.

Many early decision programs received a jump in applications for the class entering in 2012. Johns Hopkins saw an increase of 7.65% to 1,440 ED applicants.   American University’s ED applicant pool grew nearly 10% to 624.   ED applications to Boston University increased nearly 20% 1,057.  Elon experienced a 16% increase to 400.  ED applications to George Washington increased more than 6% to 1,575.  Northwestern received 2,450 ED applications, 15.2% more than last year. William & Mary received 1,167 ED applications, an 8.5% increase from last year.

Non-binding Early Action programs remain popular with students whose applications and credentials are ready, but do not wish to make an early commitment.  Babson College (MA) received 1,675 applications representing a 22% increase.   EA applications increased more than 16% at Case Western Reserve to 4,300, from 3,700.   The University of Chicago received 8,698 applications, a noteworthy increase of nearly 25% over last year’s figure.   EA applications to
Georgetown University grew slightly to 6,750.   Fordam (NY) received 11,163 EA applications, a 16.6% increase from last year.  EA applications to Northeastern increased 14% to 16,092.  Notre Dame received 5,590 EA applications, up more than 5% from last year.  Applications surged nearly 11% at Villanova (PA) with 7,743 students seeking EA admission to the Class of 2016.

• Acing the College Application: How to Maximize Your Chances for Admission to the College of Your Choice

• 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays, Second Edition: What Worked for Them Can Help You Get into the College of Your Choice

• On Writing the College Application Essay: The Key to Acceptance and the College of your Choice Big Book of Colleges 2010

• The College Application Essay: Revised edition

• Fiske Real College Essays that Work, 3E

• Conquering the College Admissions Essay in 10 Steps: Crafting a Winning Personal Statement

The story offers advice from several types of applicants: the long shot with an interesting hook, who was admitted to his dream school, despite being discouraged by his college counselor; the strong candidate who didn’t get accepted to the reach schools and and didn’t have a suitable back-up; the aspiring Ivy League applicant who didn’t properly proofread the application and was rejected.

Advice: Have a backup plan, don’t get scared off by long odds and remember to carefully proofread.

Contrary to what you may hear from some college admission consultants,  it is unlikely that an adviser can influence your chances of acceptance.  In fact, many consultants consider lobbying on a candidate’s behalf, and talk about “secret angles”, a breach of professional responsibility.

What a college adviser can do, however, is help you help yourself.  Admissions consultants are generally familiar with the process and can help you research colleges, refine your list of schools, brainstorm and edit essays, search for scholarships, prepare for interviews and help with organization.  By understanding your needs, assets and goals, a consultant can also help you maximize your high school experience and position yourself advantageously.

Admissions officers will tell you that high school counselors provide sufficient guidance and advice for most students.  However, some families are more comfortable with more personalized counseling which may include comprehensive multi-year assistance.   If you are thinking about hiring an independent consultant, consider your specific needs and goals.   Should you decide that you can benefit from assistance with certain tasks, seek out a consultant who is flexible and can help with your specific needs such as developing a roadmap, finding the right “hook”, building a college list or fine-tuning your essays.

Lynn Radlauer Lubell, Publisher of InLikeMe, and founder of Admission By Design, a college consultancy that assists students worldwide, is a Professional Member of IECA and a HECA Member.