If you are wondering whether or not you need a college consultant to help you during your college admission process College Strategies has a way for you to "test drive" our services.
If you are a high school senior, college transfer student, or graduate applicant we will allow you to submit one (1) application essay for us to critique.
If you are a high school freshmen, sophomore, or junior we will find you two (2) scholarships that you could likely apply.
For more information please visit our web site at: www.CollegeStrategiesOnline.com
Friday, February 09, 2007
Friday, February 02, 2007
Financial Aid 101
I thought this was a good article on Financial Aid 101. Eight Tips To Getting Financial Aid.
For students that are already accepted, remember most schools will need for you to file for financial aid before they will consider you for any institutional scholarships. Many consider only students who filed for financial aid before March 1.
For students that are already accepted, remember most schools will need for you to file for financial aid before they will consider you for any institutional scholarships. Many consider only students who filed for financial aid before March 1.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Rising College Cost!
The title of the article says it all Average College Cost Break $30,000.
Now more than ever, students NEED to begin their college and scholarship search during their freshman year so they can maximize their opportunities to find money for college. If you are looking for help with performing a through scholarship search, regardless of your grade level, please contact me at: MyStrategyCoach@aol.com. College Strategies's 30-Day Scholarship Search Service can help you locate where the opportunities exist.
Now more than ever, students NEED to begin their college and scholarship search during their freshman year so they can maximize their opportunities to find money for college. If you are looking for help with performing a through scholarship search, regardless of your grade level, please contact me at: MyStrategyCoach@aol.com. College Strategies's 30-Day Scholarship Search Service can help you locate where the opportunities exist.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Financial Aid Season is Here
January 1st has come and gone, most students have heard or will be hearing back from schools on their acceptance status. Regardless, it is time for families to get their papers together to file for financial aid. Usually financing college is the biggest concern for most families, yet they wait to fill out the very paperwork that will not only determine if they can receive federal assistance, it is often used in the equations offered by individual schools when determining scholarships, grants, and loans.
Even if you don't plan to file your taxes any time soon, you can still complete the FAFSA with estimates on how you will file, and then revise the information later. You also do not have to wait until you have committed to a school, the form allows you the opportunity to send the information to a the schools you are or planning to apply.
To find out more about the FAFSA visit www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Even if you don't plan to file your taxes any time soon, you can still complete the FAFSA with estimates on how you will file, and then revise the information later. You also do not have to wait until you have committed to a school, the form allows you the opportunity to send the information to a the schools you are or planning to apply.
To find out more about the FAFSA visit www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Why Hire a Private College Advisor?
People are always curious about my company, and wonder if students truly need a college admission advisor, in addition to their high school guidance counselor. There is no simple answer because every situation is unique, but hiring a college admission advisor may provide a student with a variety of advantages both personally and professionally.
Often private advisors have worked in college admission so they are able to offer you advice and give you insight on the college admission process, as well as steer you away from making common applicant mistakes. The closest similarity that I think most people can relate is a when someone talks with a person who currently works or previously worked at a place where they are applying for a job. That insider can tell the applicant not only the ins-and-outs of the job and the environment, but they can also give them pointers on what to emphasize during the interview, give information to the applicant about who they will be interviewing with, and possibly give the applicant suggestions on how to stick out from the rest of the applicant pool.
College admission is cyclical in nature. The "application season" comes around once a year, and college admission counselors approach it like the many other aspects of their jobs. They usually are responsible for reading a stack of applications. They usually spend a set amount of time with each application, and have little time to even consider the effort that may have been put into an application if they consider it to be less than stellar. But on the flip side, if there are any errors, many will have the thought that the student isn't taking the process seriously since they submitted an application with errors, even if that is not the case.
Personally, as a private college admission advisor, I will work with students to not only ensure the applications are flawless, but also make sure they communicate a real story about a real person. Although I can't make any guarantees, I can assure students that they will feel confident the person reading the file will truly become acquainted with them, even if it is only on paper.
If you still opt not to use a college admission advisor, my advice to you is to remember ERRORS ARE NOT FORGIVEN and DO NOT ASSUME ANYTHING!!! Allow yourself some breathing room and at least investigate hiring a private college admission advisor, or at the very least pick up a good book that explains how to approach the process.
Often private advisors have worked in college admission so they are able to offer you advice and give you insight on the college admission process, as well as steer you away from making common applicant mistakes. The closest similarity that I think most people can relate is a when someone talks with a person who currently works or previously worked at a place where they are applying for a job. That insider can tell the applicant not only the ins-and-outs of the job and the environment, but they can also give them pointers on what to emphasize during the interview, give information to the applicant about who they will be interviewing with, and possibly give the applicant suggestions on how to stick out from the rest of the applicant pool.
College admission is cyclical in nature. The "application season" comes around once a year, and college admission counselors approach it like the many other aspects of their jobs. They usually are responsible for reading a stack of applications. They usually spend a set amount of time with each application, and have little time to even consider the effort that may have been put into an application if they consider it to be less than stellar. But on the flip side, if there are any errors, many will have the thought that the student isn't taking the process seriously since they submitted an application with errors, even if that is not the case.
Personally, as a private college admission advisor, I will work with students to not only ensure the applications are flawless, but also make sure they communicate a real story about a real person. Although I can't make any guarantees, I can assure students that they will feel confident the person reading the file will truly become acquainted with them, even if it is only on paper.
If you still opt not to use a college admission advisor, my advice to you is to remember ERRORS ARE NOT FORGIVEN and DO NOT ASSUME ANYTHING!!! Allow yourself some breathing room and at least investigate hiring a private college admission advisor, or at the very least pick up a good book that explains how to approach the process.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Times Are Changing
I recently completed the first draft to my dissertation "The Collegiate Expectations of Millennial College Students", so I am pretty current with many of the differences that today's students have while in college when compared to previous generations. However, one area I was not aware of until today is that some colleges are allowing men and women room together. For more information on this developing trend check out The Christian Science Monitors article on the subject.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Colleges Already Know You
Recently I was on WGN Radio on the John William's Show discussing my services and what students need to do to make themselves more attractive candidates for admission (and not wait-list or deferred-list). The host was surprised when I talked about the fact that colleges start collecting information on students as early as middle school, so by the time they apply in their senior year most schools already know who you are. A recent CNN.com article talks about some of the recruitment strategies that college admission offices are using to collect information about students as well as attract students.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Online Education
I am a full supporter of online educational opportunities. High school students can use the online format to continue to take classes in areas that interest them but are unable to take at their own high school or local community college. College students can complete whole degrees, or transfer the credit they receive from their online classes so they meet their graduation requirements.
However, all online schools are not created equal. In fact, some of them are not schools at all. For those of you who are interested in exploring online opportunities, please visit the US Department of Education's database that communicates the accreditation status of colleges and universities. If the school is not regionally or nationally accredited you may want to pursue other avenues.
However, all online schools are not created equal. In fact, some of them are not schools at all. For those of you who are interested in exploring online opportunities, please visit the US Department of Education's database that communicates the accreditation status of colleges and universities. If the school is not regionally or nationally accredited you may want to pursue other avenues.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Public Versus Private Colleges
I am often asked by my clients if there are any advantages to attending a private college versus a public one. Although type has its own advantages, I think it is more important to find the school that meets your needs as a student.
A recent article by The New York Times provides perspective on this topic for families. Check it out!
A recent article by The New York Times provides perspective on this topic for families. Check it out!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Sharing the Wealth
The following is an interesting article that appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer (Public colleges giving more aid to the wealthiest) on how more public colleges are providing more financial aid to wealthy families. As all types of schools become more competitive and want to be perceived as prestigious, this will continue to be the trend.
For students who are almost totally reliant on financial aid, you must educate yourself about the process well before your senior year to maximize your possibilities. In addition to having more time to prepare scholarship applications and write essays, you will likely have the opportunity to earn more money for yourself as well. Securing financial aid is something that shouldn't be taken lightly and requires a great deal of time and effort.
For students who are almost totally reliant on financial aid, you must educate yourself about the process well before your senior year to maximize your possibilities. In addition to having more time to prepare scholarship applications and write essays, you will likely have the opportunity to earn more money for yourself as well. Securing financial aid is something that shouldn't be taken lightly and requires a great deal of time and effort.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Money for College
Even if you get admitted to college, will you be able to afford it? Many students make the mistake to wait until their senior year to investigate scholarship opportunities, but then find out several things including:
1. They could have applied for a variety of scholarships earlier in their academic career.
2. They are too pressed for time to apply for college, remain involved in their academics and extracurricular activities, and then apply and meet the criteria for scholarships they find.
3. They don't know where to go to find the information about scholarships.
My advice: It is never to early to start searching for money. Begin your freshmen year, and if you can apply go ahead and give it your best. Also, you have got to make the time to apply even with all that is going on.
Some students are finding that even though they were able to get admitted to their college of choice, they are not able to afford it and are then forced to attend another school. Check out this article on this exact subject called Studies Show Most States Fail in Financial Aid.
1. They could have applied for a variety of scholarships earlier in their academic career.
2. They are too pressed for time to apply for college, remain involved in their academics and extracurricular activities, and then apply and meet the criteria for scholarships they find.
3. They don't know where to go to find the information about scholarships.
My advice: It is never to early to start searching for money. Begin your freshmen year, and if you can apply go ahead and give it your best. Also, you have got to make the time to apply even with all that is going on.
Some students are finding that even though they were able to get admitted to their college of choice, they are not able to afford it and are then forced to attend another school. Check out this article on this exact subject called Studies Show Most States Fail in Financial Aid.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Choosing College
The College Strategies blog is back! Looking for a reason or two or three about whether or no college is worth all the struggle? Check out: Why College Is the Intelligent Choice
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Saving for College
Death, taxes, and increasing college tuition are some of the things we are all guaranteed. This article highlights some of the growing alternatives that parents and students are investigating to help with rising college cost. http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascitystar/business/personal_finance/15589061.htm
Friday, September 22, 2006
Admission Anxiety
Going through the admission process can be overwhelming for most. Both parents and students know that the slightest mistake could either place you on a waitlist or even worse, cause you to be declined. Educational consultants, like my firm College Strategies, were created to help families helps feel more confident about the admission process, by providing professional guidance, however the stress students are feeling is real and unfortunate.
This CNN article talks about the pressures many are facing as they go through the process, and one woman’s call for change. http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/09/18/admissions.game.ap/index.html
This CNN article talks about the pressures many are facing as they go through the process, and one woman’s call for change. http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/09/18/admissions.game.ap/index.html
Monday, September 18, 2006
College Planning Starts Early
My company College Strategies constantly stresses that families should start even as early as elementary school to prepare themselves for getting their children ready for college. The experience has a huge impact on the family financially and child personally, this article also stresses the importance of starting early. http://www.robesonian.com/articles/2006/01/05/news/news/story07.txt
Cordially,
Chrystal
Cordially,
Chrystal
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Letter of recommendation
Letters of recommendation are crucial for college applications that require them. Even for the applications that don’t, I would still advise you to include at least one. The following article has excellent information about the role high school teachers play with letters of recommendation. http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-optre054877859sep05,0,2194849.story?coll=ny-viewpoints-headlines
Cordially,
Chrystal
Cordially,
Chrystal
Thursday, September 07, 2006
College Fairs Part II
This next tip may seem simplistic, but it is a necessary part of making the most of a college fair. The tip is to carry a small notebook and pen with you. The notebook can not only be the place you can reference questions that you determined before hand, but you can also write down important information shared to you by the different representatives you meet with, such as application deadlines.
To many times, students think they will remember what they heard someone say, or think that they will be able to find the information later. However I would advise you to be on top of your game and compile in one place all the information you received during your visit. Doing so helps you recall conversations, as well helps you remain organized.
Until next time,
Chrystal
To many times, students think they will remember what they heard someone say, or think that they will be able to find the information later. However I would advise you to be on top of your game and compile in one place all the information you received during your visit. Doing so helps you recall conversations, as well helps you remain organized.
Until next time,
Chrystal
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
College Fair Season- Tip #1
The Labor Day holiday is not only the unofficial end of summer, but it is the unofficial start of the college fair season. For the next few post I am going to offer you tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your time at any fairs you decide to visit.
Aside from collecting information from colleges, they are interested in collecting information about you. To create more time for you to actually talk to the college representatives I would advise you to invest in creating labels either yourself or professionally that contain your information. You will want to include things like: your full name, mailing address, your high school name, your GPA, class rank, SAT/ACT scores, academic areas of interest, and any activities you would be interested in participating in while at college (like the student paper, student government, etc.).
You can then just stick the labels on each information card and save yourself more time than you can ever believe. You will also appear prepared to the representatives, and when they are going through their cards at the end of the fair, they will likely remember your conversation with them since they were likely impressed by you being so prepared.
Until next time,
Chrystal
Aside from collecting information from colleges, they are interested in collecting information about you. To create more time for you to actually talk to the college representatives I would advise you to invest in creating labels either yourself or professionally that contain your information. You will want to include things like: your full name, mailing address, your high school name, your GPA, class rank, SAT/ACT scores, academic areas of interest, and any activities you would be interested in participating in while at college (like the student paper, student government, etc.).
You can then just stick the labels on each information card and save yourself more time than you can ever believe. You will also appear prepared to the representatives, and when they are going through their cards at the end of the fair, they will likely remember your conversation with them since they were likely impressed by you being so prepared.
Until next time,
Chrystal
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
The Power of the College Essay
Your college admission essay is a critical part of applying to any school that request one. Often, this is the only part of the application process that you have total control in regards to the message you want to send about yourself.
My company, College Strategies LLC, is one of many other companies that assist students in communicating the messages they want to relay to the person reading their essay. Check out this Wall Street Journal article that highlights the lengths that students are going to prepare the perfect college essay.
Cordially,
Chrystal
My company, College Strategies LLC, is one of many other companies that assist students in communicating the messages they want to relay to the person reading their essay. Check out this Wall Street Journal article that highlights the lengths that students are going to prepare the perfect college essay.
Cordially,
Chrystal
Monday, August 28, 2006
The Price of College
The Price of College
Last night I watched a really interesting show on Fox News about the rising cost of financial aid and if it is worth it. The Fox News website has some excellent information regarding college tuition, paying for college, and dealing with the college financial aid offices.
Cordially,
Chrystal
Last night I watched a really interesting show on Fox News about the rising cost of financial aid and if it is worth it. The Fox News website has some excellent information regarding college tuition, paying for college, and dealing with the college financial aid offices.
Cordially,
Chrystal
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