Early?

Trying to decide what option to use when applying to a college or university? Schools have a variety of choices. Here are the most common:



Early Decision

• apply early (often prior to Nov. 15)
• notified of admission early (usually prior to winter break)
• Binding: if accepted, requires student to remove all other college applications
• if accepted, requires student to attend this college or university
• May not have financial award package information

Early Action

• apply early
• notified of admission early
• non-binding
• can apply to multiple schools
• can wait to see financial aid awards to help make final decision

Regular Decision

• apply prior to priority deadline (varies)
• notified on set date or on rolling admissions (notified when decision is made)
• non-binding
• can apply to multiple schools
• can wait for financial aid award to make a decision

Frugal SAT and ACT practice

In these difficult economic times we are always excited when we find cheap, or better yet free, ways to help you in the college process. One of the premier providers of college entrance test preparation is Kaplan. They often offer free events for students. In the Columbia area, there will be a free full length practice SAT given on Saturday, October 3 at the Kaplan Center located downtown. Sign up online at the Kaplan website. Check their website for other free events! If you don't live in Columbia, just put in your zip code under free events and find a session close to you.

*Kaplan also offers fee serviced test preparation that you may want to take advantage of.

ACT and SAT Test Dates

Have you registered? Don't end up paying late fees! Check the dates for both at the following links and register today! Remember, for each test you can send your scores to up to four colleges for free. Make sure you register the schools you want your test scores sent to at registration. If not, you will have to pay a send fee later. Schools are looking at your best scores. That means if you aren't happy with the first set of scores, take the test again and send them to the colleges again.

SAT TEST DATES

Fees for the SAT, if you register on time, are $45 and up to four colleges get your reports free. Additional reports sent to colleges cost $9.50

ACT Test Dates
The ACT costs $32 without the writing portion. The ACT including the writing portion costs $47. Most schools want the writing portion, but check your college or university to be sure. Four colleges may receive scores free with your test. Each additional college you want it sent to costs $9.

Best Recommendations

When you are applying to a college, especially to a highly selective college, recommendations can be very important. Just think, if everyone has terrific grades, outstanding test scores, and is ranked in the top percentages, recommendations can be one way to differentiate a student from the rest of the pack. So start smart. Follow these guidelines to get the best recommendations and recommenders.

Stick to the basics. Most colleges and universities want recommendations from academic teachers, not Aunt Sally. If a school wants a recommendation from someone other than a teacher or guidance counselor, they will specify that.

Early is good. Your best bet is to ask a teacher early in the year, or better yet, line them up at the end of the junior year. Good teachers may be asked to write dozens of recommendations, so ask early.

Details, details. Give your teacher a reminder about how you contributed in the class. Did he/she tell you that your project was one of the best she has seen in all her teaching years? Then remind her of that comment and perhaps bring in that old paper. Details are important in teacher recommendations. Don't hesitate to jog his or her memory with them.

Tick-Tock. Give your prospective recommender a proper amount of time to write the recommendation. A good estimate is to give at least two weeks for the letter. Strong recommendations are like strong papers. They take time. Do not ask one day prior to the deadline.

Ask politely and don't forget to thank your recommender. It is the best payment for extra work.

Dont' forget to include the stamped and addressed envelope. Include specific instructions and a due date.

For your eyes only...not. Remember, recommendations are usually considered invalid if the student reads them. However, it is alright to follow up with the writer to see if the recommendation has been sent. Universities and colleges also may have mechanisms in their application process to check the status.

OK, it is time to go. If you haven't already, line up those recommendations and get those applications completed.

A "Major" Advantage to Saving on College Expenses

Want an unexpected way to save money in college? Decide ahead of time what you want to major in. Take time to explore career choices. Head into college or university with a purpose in mind. So many students take over four years to complete college, which can increase the cost by thousands of dollars. All because they go in with no idea of what they want to study.

There are some colleges that even require that you indicate your intended major on the application. This can be quite tough if you haven't thought this through. Take advantage of this free website to help you explore college majors. This tool requires you to spend about 20-40 minutes answering questions. The end result is a list of three to five majors that may be potential matches for you. Just one more piece of the puzzle to help you save time and money!

College Application Check Up

Last week I visited my physician for my annual physical. An interview of sorts. This was a chance to see how my body was holding up. Two hours of various blood tests, measurements, and a full head to toe exam. It was also an opportunity for the dear doctor to see if I had heeded her advice. Advice to make the changes that could help me live a longer healthier life.

So how about completing your own college application readiness check-up? Take a look at where you stand. Here are some of the things you may want to assess:

What are you reading this summer?
What are you curious about?
Have you spent time improving on your own best skills and talents?
Have you used those skills or talents to better your own community?
Have you gathered up all your stats? GPA, Rank, test scores, etc
Have you looked over college application essay topics?
Have you checked to see when your favorite college applications are available?

There are a lot of other areas that you could include in your own check up. But start somewhere so you don't turn up empty at one of the most important interviews of your life.