College Search Process

Getting Started With the College Search Process

  A common question posed by parents of college bound students is “when should we start the college search process?” The answer: “sometime before your child goes to college!” The point being is that there is no hard and fast one size fits all answer to that question- it is all about each family’s situation and capacity to take on the college project. Findings from the College Parent Readiness Questionnaire (CPRQ) that I developed provide some insight about when the…

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Social Media

Make Social Media Work for You!

  There are many tips and articles on what you should not post on social media and the Internet, but let’s consider some ways that social media can be used in a positive way. LinkedIn LinkedIn is not only for your parents. This social media tool is an excellent way for you to promote yourself. More and more students are using this site to share their work experience, their successes and resources as well as finding a job. Start connecting…

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5 Reasons Why Juniors Should Begin Their College Search NOW

  Somebody recently told me that they thought talking to high school juniors this early about their college search was just a scare tactic.  The “scare” will be if you put off beginning your college search much past the Fall of Junior year.  Why the rush?  Here are just 5 good reasons:   It Takes Time to Figure Out Your Career Direction Sure, going into college as a “Still Deciding” major is just fine!  And, the more you know about…

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Parent Adjustment to College

Seeing your first child off to college is one of the more significant transitions parents face.   Advice abounds for parent adjustment to college, but as a parent who has been through this stage, I have some advice of my own to share. These tips will be most effective if you discuss them together as a family and agree on the decision. 1.  Accept that You’ll Miss Them If your child is going away to college and living away from home, this…

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If You Don't Ask, The Answer Is Always No

If You Don’t Ask the Question, The Answer Is Always No

I just explained this quote to my 9-year-old son.  He was puzzled.  What does that quote mean and why should he care? I think it’s an important life lesson; don’t you? It's Always Best to Ask We all have moments where we wish we had asked a question.  For instance, I learned the hard way that I would never get a discount for auto services if I didn’t ask.  I now ask EVERY single time if there is anything that…

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Sleep As A Study Habit

Why Sleep is a Good Study Habit

By Guest Blogger Sarah Jones Oops, did you hit another stone while sleepwalking? Do you realize how much your poor sleeping habits are affecting you at school? You might argue that you have lots of assignments and revision to do before retiring to bed but we all know that these are just excuses. If your plan your time well, then you won’t have to be the “last minute” type of student. Below are some of the reasons why you should…

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How Do I Get Professors to Know Me?

So many students are intimidated by college professors and with good reason.  The stereotypical professor is old, immersed in their own books and is way smarter than the student. Students assume correctly that professors are busy and they don’t want to waste their time. However, students need the mentorship of teachers.  Ideas and intellect grow with this nurturing.  Most faculty are excited about teaching young people. Many professors say that they sit at office hours waiting for students to come…

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Successful College Visits in Summer

Ah, summer!!! For high school juniors and sophomores, it is a popular time for college visits.   College visits are critically important in deciding your college, but summer is not really the ideal time.  Why?  You guessed it--no students! Realistically, for busy students, summer appears to be the only time available for college visits.  Challenging AP and honors exams, heavy sports schedules, multiple activity competitions all take up students' time and focus during spring semester of high school. Done poorly,…

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Why Sophomores Should Visit College This Summer

If you want to get a step ahead in your college application, then you're being really smart to make some college visits this summer.  Even"rising" high school sophomores, and certainly rising juniors can take a lot of stress off their college decisions by starting now. Here are 4 ways to check out your "smart quotient": The Idea of Going to College is Exciting to You Some kids want to go where all their friends are going, and that might sound pretty…

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College Planning

College Planning: The 3 Most Important Documents

We are currently meeting with many Sophomores and Juniors in High School.  Everyone has the same question before we meet: what do we need to bring to the meeting?  Here’s our answer for what we need to know for an initial meeting and generally what your family needs to start the college planning process. High School Transcript Colleges look at the type of coursework a student has taken and how they have done in those courses.  The GPA is a…

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