The (Increasing) Cost of College

The price of college has increased at both private and public schools again this year. The average cost of attendance at a 4 year in-state college or university is $15,213 , an increase of 5.9%. Private colleges and universities charge an average of $35,636, an increase of 4.3% over the past year. There are now over fifty colleges with a price of over $50,000 per year. The ever-rising price tag is leading many students and families to look for alternative ways to reduce their expenses. This Washington Post article shares some interesting insights into how some families are adjusting to the budget buster called college.

College Admissions Questions

Want to hear what an admissions officer looks for in an application? Take a look at this video posted on youtube by Vanderbilt University on the admissions process. It takes a little while to view, but it is very informative.

Top Ten Reasons to Finish Your College Applications

10) Your mother will stop asking you "have you finished your applications?"
9) You will be able to eat turkey in peace without extended family asking "have you finished applying yet?"
8) You may get an admissions decision prior to the winter holidays.
7) You can go back to watching your favorite TV shows without nagging guilt hanging over your head.
6) You can sleep in peace...especially if you have included an application to a college where acceptance is highly likely.
5) You can concentrate on other things-like senior prom and graduation.
4) If you have forgotten some part of your application, you will still have time to send it in.
3) Many colleges and universities give housing assignments based on the college application receipt date.
2) Many scholarships are offered to students who apply prior to or by a stated priority deadline.
1) Did I mention that your mother will stop asking you "have you finished your applications?"

Go ahead. Get them done. You'll be glad you did!

College Highlight: Coastal Carolina

Coastal Carolina is a public university located in Conway, South Carolina. It is located close to South Carolina's beautiful beaches, and this fact attracts many in and out of state students.

Coastal offers 41 undergraduate majors and 37 minors. The largest major is Business Management. Coastal is also known for its marine science major which features its own coastal lab. Check out all their majors here.

Getting in:
GPA: Average is a 3.3 for entering freshmen
SAT: 1040 for the critical reading and math only
ACT: 22 for the composite score

Living:
All freshmen are required to live on campus. All residence halls have internet access. All residence halls are co-ed either by apartment or wing.
Residence halls are first come, first served.
Cars allowed? Yes

Coastal Carolina is offering the ability to have your application fee waived at their "Carolina Comes First" Application Reveiw Day on November 13 at Coastal. All South Carolina and North Carolina students will receive a $45 application fee waiver for attending the program and submitting a completed application! You must sign-up for the program by calling the Office of Admissions at 843-349-2027.

Explanation Needed: When to explain a deficiency in a transcript

Your test scores are stellar. You took rigorous courses. Your grades are superb....except for that one semester. So you ask yourself, "do I tell the admissions office why?" When should you explain the low grade or the semester of low grades? Let's take a look at when you should explain and when you should not.

The following may be included in reasons you should explain.
You suffered from an extended illness or injury that kept you out of school.
Your home life was significantly changed, either through divorce or the death of a parent or sibling.
You moved and changed schools in the middle of a semester.


Just as important as knowing when to account for a deficiency, is knowing when to avoid clarification. Never use excuses. Never try to blame others. Justifications that include "the teacher was unfair, " "I broke up with my boyfriend/girlfriend," or "the class was boring" are best left unspoken.

Use these guidelines to help you decide whether to expound on your transcript! Happy searching!

Choose the right test for you!

Taking the SAT or the ACT this month? Knowing what to expect may help you choose the test that is right for you. Here is a breakdown of the two tests:
SAT
10 sections: 3 Critical reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing(includes essay),1 Experimental (unscored)
Length: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Scoring: Total score possible 2400
3 scores: 200-800 each section
Score: Each correct answer=1 point
Incorrect answer subtract 1/4 point (except math grid-in answers)
Leave blank=0 points
Guess: Collegeboard publications recommend guessing if you can rule out one answer

ACT
Sections: 4 sections (5 if you choose to take writing)
1 Reading, 1 Math, 1 English, 1 Science (optional writing section at end of test)
Length: 3 hours, 25 minutes if taking optional writing
Scoring: 1-36 possible on each section, Composite score with average of all sections 1-36
Score: No wrong answer penalty, always guess

College Resource

US News and World Report has published their newest edition of America's Best Colleges 2010. As with any ranking, please use this in conjunction with a variety of resources to find the best college fit for you.