Admissions Expertise How do you know if community college is right for you? The first thing you have to do is visit the college. Check out your options, during this time your most important factor in deciding between a community college and university is, how much of a dedicated student am I, how would I function better - in a small setting or large setting, and finally look at costs. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. How many schools should students apply to? I always tell my students to choose their top ten schools. Apply to all of them if you can afford it, if you qualify for free or reduced lunch, your school counselor should be able to provide you with application waivers. Then wait and see what schools accept you and what they offer you. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. How should art students prepare for the college admissions process? Have your portfolio ready and available for reps.Make sure your portfolio is up to date and that you have all areas of your expertise, drawing, shadowing, coloring, what types of supplies you know how to use, etc. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. Any tips on getting the most out of campus tours and info sessions? The best tip is, always visit any campuses you are interested in.Many students feel they already know which campus is "right" for them. But the reality is, you won't find out until you actually visit them, once you're there, you might feel right at home, or you might feel like you're in a different world that you don't belong in. The best advice once you're visiting the campus is ask questions, even if they seem simlpe and not very intelligent, ask away. I've taken many students on campus trips and the best questions are always related to how the student guides feel in school. Are they liking the classrooms, the teachers? But make sure you have a list of possible questions before you go... Once there, visit the dorms, try and find a student mentor there, and go with them to classes, many schools now offer this option of attending classes with current students for a day. And finally, always ask about financial aid and scholarships. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What are the benefits of taking AP exams in high school? One of the benefits of taking AP exams is that if you score a 4 or 5 on the test, it might be considered for college credit, depending on the university you are applying to. But most of all, taking AP courses in high school will result in a stronger preparation for university courses. These courses make the student realize the importance of maintaining a schedule, and becoming organized in school related studies. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. As a high school junior, what are the most important things for me to do before senior year? As a junior, make sure you take the PSAT exam always offered in October of your Junior year. Make sure when you are taking the test that you mark the answer sheet that you want to receive scholarship information. During the spring of your junior year, you should be planning on taking the SAT or ACT. Although these tests are not always used for admission, they also help with scholarships offered through the universities. Only take these tests if you are planning on going straight to a four year university and not to a community college first. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. We don't have time or money to visit some schools I’m really interested in. What can I do? The majority of schools, if not all the schools offer virtual tours. These online tours offer students the option of "visiting" the school of interest without being there. Do virtual tours, that will help you eliminate the options of actually visiting them, and once you have your top three or your top one, then maybe try and visit that school in person. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What do admissions officers look for in an applicant? One of the main myths students have when it comes to university admissions is in thinking all universities look at are their grades, when in reality, universities look at the whole person. They look into academics, extracurricular activities, summer jobs or internships, after school jobs, community service, and some schools require a personal statement or personal essay. This essay or statement should reflect what the students have gone through, without going into details such as extracurricular, etc... For example, are there any factors that have prevented you from obtaining better grades? Did you overcome any obstacle during high school? Anything that the regular admission application doesn't ask. Remember, they want to know who you are, not a make believe person. Be truthful! Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. When should parents begin saving for college? My suggestion is, start as early as possible. Many students have found that if their parents start saving money once they are in high school, it will not be enough for them to suffice in college. If you can start saving from the time they are in kinder, that would be ideal, if not, as early as you can. It also depends on how much you will be saving, the earlier you start, the lower your savings can be, the later you start the larger the quantity should be. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. Are there ways to waive college application fees? If you are planning on attending state universities, many states provide high schools with fee waivers. These are provided to you by your counselor if you are on a free or reduced lunch plan. Aside from this, waivers are also offered through different counselor organizations that they (counselors) should be aware of. Private schools usually do not offer any waivers, and some schools only offer waivers to in state students. Always ask your counselor, or call the admissions office for the school you're interested in. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What is work study? Work study is the best option for having a part time job while attending college. The school you will be attending will give you a work schedule around your school schedule, making it easier to work and attend all your classes. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. Is it ok to have someone proofread your essay? Always have someone proofread you essay before you turn it in. I have heard many admission representatives tell families this. It is extremely important to have someone proofread your essay before submitting it. Ask your English teacher, or your librarian, or your counselor. Words of advice, always give the person at least two weeks to proofread your work, as their time is valuable as well. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What are the differences between college and conservatory dance departments? A college is part of a university. And a conservatory is dedicated only to dance, or fine arts. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What are the strongest ballet departments? Many online websites offer different suggestions. The strongest would always depend on the student, where do you want to go? Look into the Fine Arts departments of each school, check out collegeboard.com for different suggestions. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What can I do with a major in the arts if I don't get full-time work as a performer /artist ? Many students wonder, how will getting an education in the arts provide me with an income? My answer is always the same, as long as you have an education, in any area, you will find a job easier than if you had no education. With a major in the arts, you can search any area that interests you. If you want to become a teacher you can, you would need additional certification, which would require around a year of additional classes and an exam to become certified as such, and become a fine arts teacher. You can go into law enforcement, where many agencies are looking for people with a degree, it wouldn't matter in what area. As such, there are many options, as long as you have an education, and work towards reaching a certain goal. In the meantime, there are other options for jobs. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. Has social media impacted the way colleges communicate with students? Yes it has. Many colleges and universities offer students information via their website, facebook, twitter or any other social means for students to reach out to them. It makes the school seem more reachable and less frightening. Many students feel that this is step is frightening, but with social medias so accesible, they feel more at ease in asking questions through a chat room or through a facebook page than they would in person. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What should parents do during campus visits? Always ask questions. Make sure you always ask questions regarding school accreditation, financial aid support from the school, career services upon graduation, and costs. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. How many schools should I apply to? What I always tell my students is choose your top five schools, your dream school, your for-sure school and three in between. Apply to all, and see what each school offers you. Make sure to check all admission criteria for each of these and make sure you have the necessary requirements. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. TOEFL or IELTS, which test is better for college admissions? I would recommend student taking the TOEFL, this test is administered in many places, and taken by the majority of schools. Always check with the school you are interested in to make sure that's the score they will accept. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. See More Questions Close