Improve your chances of getting into college,

Can't pay vs.don't want to pay?

First, as mentioned by other counselors on this site, this particular scenario should not ever happen. Applying to colleges hoping that scholarships and financial aid will cover all expenses is risky, at best, and totally ill-informed. Colleges expect families to bear the costs of a college education. I can understand a student exploring a couple of schools that may be more expensive just to see the results; yet, only applying to schools without any regard for financing is counterproductive. Students and families rarely receive ALL the money they think they deserve (or need) in the financial aid process, albeit, plentiful funding is available to very low-income, high-achieving students.

Options? Besides the community college route already mentioned by others, I suggest taking a year off to work, travel, or participate in a community service project. Upgrading one's personal profile/resume, completing more outside reading, and/or traveling abroad to gain valuable awareness and life experience can be viable options. I've had students do just these activities, reapply the following year, and receive even better offers of admissions and financial aid awards. .

Other students join the military reserves, which can provide valuable financial support and also give one an opportunity to serve our country.

No single option is best. Sit down with a college consultant/counselor and weigh all of the factors and options before making a decision.

I refuse to subscribe to the term "hook" because it often implies a lack of one's sincerity in the process. If a student is an accomplished athlete and wishes to continue his or her athletic career during college, then he or she should make this know to a potential college. If performance and skill are sufficient, a student should consider athletics to be an appropriate and useful addition to one's resume. College athletics are much too demanding for students/parents to consider it simply as a "hook" to gain admissions to a particular college. College coaches need committed performers and will usually spend scholarship monies only on potential athletes who have a proven commitment to their sport (i.e participation in off-season club tournaments, travel, and/or training). Many colleges need great athletes and will do their best to attract students to participate. While the high profile sports of football and basketball (hockey in the north/New England states) garner most of the attention, I see many high school students enjoy successful college sports careers with some of the lesser known, revenue sports, like crew or squash, which may have been previously unavailable during high school. Great athletes often make great students, so athletic pursuits should be continued in college if one has the desire and time.

Balance.

College athletics will be a rewarding experience if one can balance well all of his or her commitments -- classes, studying, traveling, playing, practicing, training, and having a college experience (retreats, social events, etc). Being prepared to be an independent worker and learner will contribute to one's success!

Recruiting varies greatly by sport. I can only offer these "brief" tips in this forum.

If you are involved with club/team sports that have frequent tournaments, you'll probably be seen by coaches and recruiters attending (i.e. swimming, soccer, wrestling, etc.). Initially, most students send their player profile to a prospective coach or the recruiting coordinator (usually an assistant coach). Potential college athletes (current high school students) are permitted to contact college coaches anytime, while there are limitations on when a college coach can speak to a high school student. My suggestion is to call or email a coach, mail in a player profile/resume and one's tournament or play schedule, visit the college--admissions office and athletic facilities, and submit videos when asked. This is usually enough to begin the process. Once a college coach is interested, he will contact the prospective student's coach and secure more information. Of course, an athlete's on-field/turf/court performance (andachievement) is the surest way in which to be recruited; success inspires interest, so do well.

Which arts? Performing Arts? Drawing/painting/design arts? Music performance or theory? Theatre? Musical Theatre?

It's important at the start of the college search process to use the correct language to help clearly identify your academic interests and pursuits. Simply asking about a "major in the arts" may not yield the information or options best suited for you. So, what are you interested in studying?

When you know, please ask again, and I will be happy to point you in the right direction!

In some settings, conservatory and college dance departments can be similar, but my understanding is that the peripheral activities for students vary greaty depending on whether one is enrolled in a college program or a conservatory. Conservatories are dedicated, comprehensive programs focused on developing a students' talents for professional exposure and/or placements. While conservatory programs many vary individually, students are usually screened to allow only the most gifted and motivated artists to be selected for work with a master teacher or artists. On the other hand, performance departments within a college setting usually offer greater variability with regards to the expertise required for selection and participation. Students often enroll in college departments may enjoy dance (or even musical theatre) and wish to improve their talents, but some may not wish to commit to a professional career as a performer. To my understanding,a college program may set the stage for professional work, but may not provide the comprehensive training to elevate one's abilities from school to stage. Some dance professionals have told me that if a student wishes to work on stage as a career, he or she should forgo college and enroll at a conservatory, where students do not have the "distractions" of college life or other academic requirements needed to earn a degree. I don't feel qualified to comment on this debate, but if professional selection and performance is the ultimate goal for a student, I usually suggest that she or he explore the conservatory route first.

Personally, I avoid answering generalized questions that ask "what strongest...etc...department." I don't subscribe to most rankings list because the term "best" can be limiting and varies according to one's experiences and training. Talent and goals differ among students. College dance programs vary greatly depending on the master teachers available and the quality of students attracted each year. And a decision about where one attends a college will depend on many factors, not just the strength of a single department. I've had students say they attended a great program to find, after arrival, that their needs could not be met, for a variety of reasons. So, my answer is, choose five or six colleges with dance programs, majors or minors (although fewer colleges offer the dance minor), contact the dance department and begin a dialogue. [Trust me, they will be happy you did so.] As a student (or parent) you should examine the program's goals and see if these are consistent with the student's aspirations. Also, examine the level of training one needs to be qualified--and prepared for--each program. A program that is "best" for one student may not be so for another.

Many businesses and organizations employ students who have studied fine and performing arts for an array of tasks and jobs needed. Sales and marketing positions are often available to artists because of the vibrance, poise, and acumen needed to connect with consumers. An engaging smile or ability to build rapport well with clients and customers can't always come from someone with a business degree; so, actors, dancers, or musicians--those comfortable in public-- make great customer relations and outreach representatives. Artists can use their talents to help create marketing materials or light up an office space. So, never listen to people who say artists can't get work. These people have never owned a business (like I do)!

Typically, 5-8, so that you can compare financial aid packages and school choices. If you're considering the most selective schools, i.e. Ivies or other "top tier" colleges, my clients usually apply to 10-12 schools. At the highest levels, you're not seeking a clean sweep (which rarely happens for most candidates anyway). So, if you get admitted into half of your schools, you're in great shape.

Early application is important for most international students, whether or not one is applying early action/decision. If processing delays occur, applications submitted earlier than posted deadlines can usually be remedied much more easily.

Better? I don't know. Most universities request that students take the TOEFL. If you're not sure, or if there is an issue with test availability for your location, emailing your intended college/university is not hard to do and would get you a direct answer to your question. Admissions staff/counselors are happy to answer your questions, especially with regards to their application requirements.

There is no limit on the number of tests you can take. To my knowledge, though, fee waivers are only available on a limited basis (to US students with financial need). Consult the ETS site for more information on fee waivers.

First, write the essay yourself.

US colleges and universities and experienced a rash of "generic" essays during the past few years.

To write a strong essay, write clearly about...yourself. When seeking to admit any student, including students from abroad, American universities seek interesting and vibrant applicants. Basically, I want to know, from your essay, if I would want to hang out with you outside of the classroom as well as work with you within one. Discuss your passions, intellectual interests, hobbies, creative abilities, or any other subject that describes more of your own motivations, dreams, or personality. Tell us stories. This is not a research paper, so don't make your essay sound like one! Sometimes, I tell my students to write the essay as a blog or journal entry to their friends; then clean it up to make it something adults will want to read, too! Have fun and enjoy!

As in interviewer, I believe that most, if not all, interviews to many schools are necessary. Interviewers are advocates for students. A great interview can definitely enhance a student's candidacy and provide unique information not apparent on a written application. Students should accept any opportunity they have to discuss their personal goals, academic interests, readiness for college, and reasons for their college selections. More often than not, interviews can help more than they can hurt.

Always apply for financial aid if it's available and you need it. Policies regarding financial aid vary so always check your intended schools website first for the latest information.

US college admissions often vary by school, which makes our process so interesting and unique. Always review the admissions requirements at your intended schools to determine the appropriate action plans for your own particular needs.