College admissions is competitive,

Demonstrated interest helps. This means that you have visited the campus, requested information and/or met with admissions representatives. You are much more likely to accept an admissions offer from a campus that you have demonstrated interest in, over a campus that you found online.

I typically recommend that students apply to anywhere between 9-12 schools. However, I consider UCs, CSUs, or other universities that are a part of a larger University system as "1" school. This allows for a good number of reach, safety and "fit" schools and will not bog you down with too much work in the admissions process. Also, do take into consideration that you will have to make a choice and having too many options can complicate the process. Also remember that you should want to go to every school on your list, even those considered to be a "safety" school.

Never get a recommendation from someone who does not know you. Why would an admissions officer want to hear from a stranger about your abilities or personal character. However, if your recommender happens to be from one of the universities you are applying to, I often suggest that they include a personal note along the lines of "As a graduate of x University I know that a student such as...can succeed in an environment that celebrates..." Essentially they are personalizing your recommendation to the university in question.

Rural campus often dominate the town they are located in and come Saturday afternoons in the Fall, football can dominate all. In suburban environments, you have the benefit of a small local community with the close proximity of a city to escape the college routine. In an urban environment, you can lose some of that "college" feel, but you can always enjoy all of the comforts that a major city can provide. It is best to visit all campuses as how they interact with their environment can vary from school to school.

Remember that the college's website is a marketing tool. Many hours were put into the development of the site, especially where admissions is concerned. Take some time to check out the areas that you will use as a student. How accessible are the course catalog; graduation requirements; professor emails; etc. Spend some time navigating the site and see what you can learn about the different departments. Do they place emphasis in a given subject area? A website can be a portal into a school, so use a critical eye to see what you can uncover.

Gerogretown, American and GWU are pretty active, especially with their location in DC. On the left side of the isle you have Berkeley and Hampshire, while on the right you have SMU and BYU. Their are many other small, lesser known colleges that could be added the the spectrum list, but when we think of activity, I often think of a political presence, which adds schools like NYU and Michigan to the list. The best way for you to get a feel for the political activity on a campus is to visit and take a look around. Protests? Banners? Political Clubs and Activities? These are all good signs of a politically active campus.

The quickest way to learn more about campuses is through an internet search engine. Sites like College Prowler can give you a student's perspective, while the search engine on College Board can give you a broad overview of campuses. The campus websites themselves are much more comprehensive and therefore more time consuming, but I would recommend you pay a visit there as well.

Make sure you continue to take an appropriately rigorous curriculum and take the SAT/ACT in the Fall to improve your scores. Demonstrate to the admissions office that you are continuing to grow as a student and that this growth will continue into college. Colleges are looking at the arc of student work from 9th-12th grade, so you want to demonstrate that you are working hard each step of the way.

Ask! Stay after your tour and ask a couple of kids in the dining commons or library. Another option is to check online for review sites. Take all of this information in with a watchful eye and careful ear as you can't weigh all of your decision on this "candid" information. Weigh it against what you have read and heard on tour and think about all of it as a comprehensive review.

The most important extracurriculars are those that are most relevant to you. Why would you be a member of the math club and science team if you express your lifelong desire to be a historian in your college essay. Spend your time wisely and effectively. Find those extracurriculars that will support your passions and interests and will be a meaningful experience. A couple meaningful experiences is much more impressive than a list of varied clubs and volunteer activities.

Do your best to get a full idea of that campus. Meet with local representatives at college fairs, email professors and visit sites like College Prowler, or Unigo to gain insight into the student experience. Also visit local schools with a similar make-up (i.e. liberal arts college in a big city). Do your leg-work, but to be honest, I would not recommend accepting an offer of admission until you have seen the campus.

Rest...that said: Whittle down your college list; prepare for the SAT/ACT; draft your essays; volunteer, work or participate in a leadership activity; visit campuses; and most of all, enjoy yourself. Find balance between the items listed above and your own personal growth.

Look to your local community college for classes. In many cases these classes are offered free of charge and look great on a college application. You can also take additional courses through programs such as Stanford's EPGY program or look for additional summer options. If you have a passion in science and your school does not offer AP Bio, volunteer at an aquarium or zoo. The opportunities available to students are larger than ever.

Think of the college search as a funneling process. You will most likely start with a large number of schools and by narrowing down your preferences (size, location, majors offered, etc.) you will see your number shrink to something more manageable. There are many interenet sites that can help with this, and as most students have a college board account, I would recommend this as a good starting point. As you learn more about what you want in a college you can refine your search. College visits, regardless of your interest in a college are a good way to learn about the difference between large v. small; conservatory v. traditiional; private v. public.

Although parents should take a back seat in the admissions process, they will most-likely be involved in paying for your college education. Therefore, it is important for them to attend a tour of the college's that you are seriously considering. They can also be a good sounding board for the logistical realities of being away from home, living options, etc.

College rankings can give you some ideas, but don't put too much weight into them. Instead select criteria that you are looking for and weigh these against the universities. Use the ranking system as a starting off point to get an idea as to who may have a good engineering program or a well recognized theatre program, but don't exclude a university just because it is ranked low.

A campus visit is a great way to learn more about a campus, but try and stay after your tour. Grab a bite to eat; listen to the conversations around you; hang out in the "quad" or library. By watching students who attend the school you can get a feel for what they are like. These students will make up your community. In addition, do they look happy, stressed, or even hungover. Remember that you are commiting 4 years of your life to this place, so do more than just visit.

If you can't amke it to the campus, try to get as much information as you can from web resources and/or alumni. Perhaps you have a friend, neighbor or family member who attended the school. How did they feel about their experience. Also look into regional counselors. Using the internet you can get college videos, personal ratings, or even take virtual tours. Look for regional college fairs sponsored by NACAC and meet with an admissions counselor. There are plenty of ways to learn more about a campus, but it will take a bit of leg-work.

Some people believe that the only good colleges are those that have name recognition, like those in the Ivy Leagues. This just isn't true. There are thousands of colleges in the US and each one has a distinct feel that may match with your learning style, personality, career objectives, etc. Expand your search. Speaking with a guidance counselor who will expose you to schools that match your interests and ideas is a good start to finding the right fit for you.

There are any number of search engine's out there that can help with this process, namely the one offered through College Board. You start by entering some criteria that will be used to refine your search and slowly but surely you can start to whittle down your choices. Unfortunately, with roughly 4,000 colleges represented, the list can still be quite large when all is said and done. This is why I recommend working with a college advisor, as they can help point you in the right direction and use their personal experience to find you that right fit college.

I typically recommend that students apply to 8 or so schools, with a couple of safeties and a couple of reach schools. If you approach the process in earnest you should be able to find the right amount of schools to fit this model. Remember that "safety" schools should be schools that you want to attend, and the same goes for "reach" schools. Don't just apply to MIT as a reach, make sure it is the right fit for you.

I say yes, with the following note: Don't overwhelm the admissions office with meaningless inquiries just to get your name known. If you have a genuine question that cannot be answered elsewhere, then ask. It is the job of the admission office to provide support. However, do your homework and don't ask questions that can be readily answered by a visit to the department's website. Also keep in mind important deadlines and dates so that you aren't making one of the hundreds, if not thousands of calls during the deadline.

Only "A" students can get into college. There are schools for all students. You just have to find the right fit for you and the application you are presenting. There are plenty of "good" schools for those students who have Bs and Cs on their transcripts. Work with an admissions expert to find campuses that will be a good fit for you and provide you with the education and experience you desire.

Depending on the history and size of your school, admissions officers may have little information about your campus. Counselors should submit a secondary school report with this information, but this can only say so much. Increase your school's presence by visiting with admissions directors and sharing a few words about your school. You are not only helping yourself, but laying the groundwork for years to come. While budget cuts may have limited campus visits, some schools may be willing to hold a virtual chat. Try working with your counselor to organize such an event and you will show some initiative to the college on the other end and increase the relationship between your school and the college.

Recent surveys have shown that many admissions officers review Facebook profiles (some have that number as high as 80%). You can protect yourself by setting your privacy settings or by simply having an appropraite Facebook page. Be smart about what you put online, as employers will also be searching your web profile in coming years.

Students within your school will have access to the same resources, courses and opportunities as you during the school day. If you have a similar GPA as another student, but your courseload is comprised of standard courses and electives, while the other student is taking a challenging course-load, there is a good chance you will be "placed" below that student in the admissions process. The same goes for clubs, sports and other extracurriculars. Remember that most schools list a class rank as well, which will place you against other candidates in your school. A 3.5 might be common at one school and a rarity at others.

This is where the "less important" factors of the applicant come into play. For example, demonstrated interest can help sway those admissions decisions in your favor. If they are selecting between you and another bubble candidate, your campus visit, meeting with an admissions officer at a college fair or registration for the campus admissions mailer, can push you over the edge. Maximize your chances for admission by building up relevant reasons for a college to choose you and it may move you from on the bubble to admitted.

Most schools have moved away from paper applications and it is much easier to submit online. Go to a school's website and look under the admissions tab for instructions on how to apply. Keep in mind that some schools will still require paper essays and supporting documents (transcripts, test scores, etc.) but most of your work will be done online today.

The universal application is similar to the "Common App", as it allows you to submit one set of information to many campuses, in essence streamlining the application process. They currently have 44 members, less than that of the Common App, but depending on the schools you are interested in, you may find yourself completing both.

Grades, tests score and strength of schedule still dominate admissions decisions at most campuses. Essays, Letters of Rec and Extracurriculars will help, but they typically won't make or break your application unless you are a borderline candidate.

Create a checklist for each of your schools and keep a folder for each. Checklists should include: deadlines, transcripts/test scores sent, letters of recommendations requested/sent, essays, interviews, and financial aid. I would create a second list for admissions decisions and your final acceptance so that you ensure all materials are sent.

Make sure you provide them with plenty of information to work with and give them a fair amount of notice. A simple sheet with some information about you, necessary deadlines, address etc., can go a long way to securing a quality letter of reccomendation. For more information, check: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/the-application/119.html

Having a prepared resume that you can provide a teacher with can ease the process for stressed out and overburdened teachers yielding a better letter of reference. Include relevant information that can help them write an informed letter.

Providing teachers and counselors with enough time to write a letter is important, but if you are in a hurry, ask as early as possible and a friendly reminder can't hurt. Provide them with all of the forms ahead of time (envelopes, addresses, dates, etc.) and don't forget a "thank you"!

ASAP. College can be quite expensive and even putting aside a little money at a time an make a difference over time. Research options with Tax benefits, such as a 529 plan and see how you can contribute directly from your paycheck. If you never see the money in your account, it will be much more painless. Another option is to ask family members to make contributions to a college account rather than buying an expensive gift each year. If this starts early on, your child will appreciate the smaller gifts and as they get older understand how this money will help them in the future.

A little money can go a long way. As a parent or student set aside a portion of money each time a holiday or birthday comes around and your receive a gift. You will be surprised how quickly it can grow. Now, we all know this wont pay for all of your college education, so you really need a plan. As a parent, start as soon as you have kids in mind. Start setting aside money directly from your paycheck, so that you cannot access it. Look for investment options with tax benefits, such as a 529 or IRA. Do the math, and create a realistic plan for investment. As a family you need to have the discussion early on so you know how much you can set aside and how much will have to come in the form of tuition assistance.

Schools often offer fee waivers for low-income students and some universities offer incentives early applicants. If you appear to be a strong candidate, application fees can also be waived for certain programs within the university reserved for exceptional students.

529 plans are tax free accounts that allow you to set-aside money for qualified educational purchases (tuition, books, supplies, etc.). They are typically low-fee and offer many different options for investment. They can vary by state, so see your local bank investment agent or financial advisor for more help. You can also do a search for your state's plan (i.e. scholarshare in California).

Negotiate is a tricky word. You typically will not "negotiate" a tuition but rather work with the financial aid office to find the package that is right for you. Entering into the process with as much information as possible is important, so play around with the FAFSA4Caster early on and speak with the financial aid department to clarify what aid is available. The "Net Price Calculator" will also help students navigate the information so do your homework and you will find that the process will come easier than you expected.

Work study is a federally funded program that employs students as they are getting their education. Almost 3,500 schools participate in the FWS program, so there is a good chance your school will participate. You will gain eligibility by filing a FAFSA, so make sure that is completed as soon after Jan. 1st as possible. Remember that the hours are set by the award given, so you will not be able to earn more money by working additional hours, but it is a good way to find work on campus.

The "F" stands for free, so we would like to keep it that way. Many programs offer free support for the FAFSA. It may take a bit of digging but there are options. Talk to your guidance counselor for help and use the FAFSA website for assistance.

The CSS profile is used by a selection of universities (the list can be found on the CSS webpage) and should be completed if you are planning to attend one of these universities. The FAFSA is free and provides Federal Student Aid, whereas the CSS costs money and will provide additional information to those schools listed on the CSS website.

Review the information regarding your loans on a regular basis and see if you can find a better rate and what a difference making additional/larger payments can make. Making the minimum payment can appear attractive, but in the end, you will be paying more in interest. Add a little bit to your principal payments each month, or add an extra payment when you can. Also look into programs that help pay-off loans for working in particular fields, like education.

If you receive an unsolicited request or are asked to pay for a scholarship, stay away. Protect your personal information and go to your financial aid office to get reliable scholarship assistance.

As soon as you set foot on campus you will be greeted by a series of individuals just waiting to get you signed up for their credit card featuring your college mascot or local sports team. Don't get caught in this trap. Before you know it you could find yourself over your head in debt. Try, as much as possible, to keep your expenses within the cash you have on hand. Colleges have numerous free opportunities for entertainment, so take advantage. Go to the ASB, read the posters around campus, ask your RA what is happening and take full advantage of what your school has to offer. This is a great way to get to know your peers as well.

While most universities do a good job of providing students with a list of costs, don't forget transportation costs. As you plan for college, think about the expense of coming home for holidays, parking costs, gas, etc. There are many additional costs that come with living away from home, so keep this in mind if you plan on travelling cross country or even across the state while at school.

While I don't like the idea of squeezing money out of a school, you can increase aid amounts by performing at your highest levels. Merit Aid is increasingly available at schools considered "less selective", and you can earn yourself significant aid through these schools just by maintaining a decent GPA and good test scores. Don't forget that you can always appeal your award, but contact the admissions department of the school in question to cover the particulars.

What makes it the "best" school? Is it becuase of expected earning after graduation, job placement, best match for your particular interests? In the long-run, the best school for you,should be the one that gives you the best chance at success. Don't worry about the rankings. If you put it the work prior to applying the "best" school should be the one that will lead to the best opportunities for you, which should in turn mean more success. What is that worth? Happiness is hard to quantify in terms of dollars and sense, so I would say accept the debt as long as it wont be impossible to pay back, as the "best" school should most likely equal more earnings for you in the future.

I recommend that students take both the SAT and ACT. As a freshman and sophomore see if you can take the PSAT or Plan tests to prepare for the actual exams. In the spring of your junior year sign-up for the SAT and ACT and compare your scores. This way you can create a preparation plan over the summer based on your performance. Typically the last time you can take the test is in December of your senior year, but check with individual colleges for deadlines. Realistically I would not recommend taking the test more than two times. If you can, schedule your tests for May of you Junior year so you can review your scores with your counselor and have enough time to prepare for the summer. If you wait until June, your counselor may be long gone before your scores are received.

First, I would recommend that all students take both the SAT and ACT in the Spring of your Junior year to get a feel for the test. Make sure you sign-up for the ACT plus Writing which will make sure both of your tests will be accepted almost universally. In addition, it is important to review the requirements of universities that you are applying to. Some universities will ask for Subject Tests or specific testing deadlines. Based on the scores you receive in the Spring, you can craft a study plan over the summer for a re-test in the Fall. I also recommend that students take the earlier versions of the test (PSAT or Plan) as available in preparation.

Wear a watch and practice. By taking timed tests in preparation for the final exam, you can get an idea as to the "flow" of the test. Don't try it cold. There are enough sample tests out there, so sit down, get out the kitchen timer and begin.

Refresh your memory. In many cases, students aren't regularly practicing Geometry and it is important that you practice formulas and remember all of that math you learned in the earlier years of high school. In addition, take a few sample tests to help you with pacing and to identify what you do and do not know.

Yes! Have someone read over your essay for errors. Don't allow them to make corrections directly, but have them provide input. You don't want to change the voice of your essay, but you can always use a second set of eyes to find mistakes in grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Editing for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes is fine, but don't change the voice of the essay. If an essay is too "polished" it may seem inauthentic, creating confusion in the reader. Make sure that you are confident in your essay and accept feedback, but don't allow others to change your essay in any way that will cause it to lose its original message.

The essay can tie into the rest of the application by explaining some of the "data" present in the rest of the application. For example, why you changed schools, or the reason your grades dropped. However, only do so if the reason is compelling. Also, in some ways you can go into more detail about your extracurricular activities or other accomplishments. Remember that the essay also provides you with a chance to include information not present in the rest of the application, so don't just repeat the same information over again.

While rated below GPA, Course Load, and Test scores for most universities, the essay still remains an important factor in admissions. The essay allows the candidate to express something that cannot be determined based on data alone. Make sure you spend plenty of time on this part of the application and that it represents the best you have to offer.

A resume can be a valuable addition to an application for some of the smaller liberal arts colleges. You will find that some ask for them within their application materials, while others will accept them in a separate mailing. Once you have a well composed resume, contact the admissions office and ask them about their receptivity to such an item. Larger campuses may not have the time or simply the space to store such an item.

Do: Keep it current. Don't include cub scouts or little league.

Do: Include not only the activity, but your role as well.

Do: Keep it clear but concise.

Don't: MAKE STUFF UP

Don't: Be too wordy. Your resume will be one of many.

Don't: Fail to proofread.

They are trying to get to know you better. Your resume may include information not present within a standard application. Some schools limit the amount of information you can include, so use this opportunity to include information about your work, volunteer and educational experience.

Don't forget to include volunteer activities and leadership responsibilities. You are young, and your work experience is most likely limited. However, never underestimate the experience you have gained as a volunteer or member of an organization.

Typically, the most important factors in college admissions are: Grades in College Prep Coursework, Curriculum, Test Scores, and overall GPA. However, some universities, typically those with holistic approaches to evaluation, will give merit to the information included in the resume. It will not necessarily include or exclude you from a class on its own, but it can push you over the edge if you are a candidate who is on the fence.

Internships can provide you with experience in researching and help you solidify your understanding of a given field. They can also help build relationships and connections within the academic and employment fields, providing opportunities for the future. An internship can often lead to a graduate degree opportunity or a job in the near future. Choose wisely and make sure you are working within a field you enjoy and furthers your learning. Don't just participate to pad a resume.

Practice, practice, practice. Don't go in to an interview cold. Have your counselor, parents, sibling or friend ask you a series of questions. Get feedback. Try answering a few questions in front of a mirror. It is ok to be nervous, but you don't want to shut down in an interview.

Students can be recognized by their performance or work with agencies to promote their play. In addition, player's will have opportunities through bigger platforms, such as tournaments and clinics to be recognized. In many cases, coaches will also assist players in the recruiting process. In today's technology driven world, information is shared more freely and athletes can post reels on youtube or other sources to showcase talents for schools out of the area.

What art are you interested in? This is an important question as institutions can limit the offerings available. For example, they may have theater program, but limit musical theater options. Look at their course catalogues and majors and see if they have a program that supports your specific discipline. After you have gone through this process, you will have a basic list of schools that support your field. Whittle down this list by other criteria such as size, location, etc. and see what you can learn about each institution's artistic philosophy. Do they appreciate alternative forms of expression? Offer contemporary as well as classical music options? Do they focus on the arts or is it simply an afterthought? You will be surprised as to how this can refine your search.

Conservatories typically offer a sepcific area of focus and in this case, dance. A college dance department will provide you with both a dance background and a traditional education. Remember too, that some colleges have a conservatory within the university itself. If you are committed to dance and know that this is your path a conservatory is a great option. However, if there is any doubt, a tradiitonal college program will provide an easier transition if there is a change of heart.

Remember that best is a relative term. What is "best" for you, may not be best for someone else. SUNY Purchase, UC Irvine, Smith and Goucher have good reputations, but your best bet would be to review individual schools, visit those you can and really compare them. I am wary of "lists", but it does help to have a school that has a track record of success within arts/performance fields.

Remember that while you are earning your art degree to most likely satisfy your passion, you will have other options than being an "artist" upon graduation. You have seen advertisements, web pages, clothing, etc. that features artwork. Your education in the arts will most likely assist in you in any of these careers. A good understanding of perspective, color, and other artisitc concepts will play into any of these careers that are doing their best to capture the attention of a consumer. As a performer, you can also move into education or private consulting. Also keep in mind that your education and the attainment of any degree will always put you ahead of other candidates when applying for work.

Once again, this depends on the university. This is part of the selection process when working with a counselor. If you have interests outside of, let's say "photography", you want to make sure you are at an institution that offers more options. Some schools can be quite specific and others can place restrictions on courses you take outside of your area of concentration. With impaction occuring at some state schools, this is also something you want to consider when making a final decision.

You can always earn a MA in a different subject area if you can get accepted to the program. Depending on the amount of coursework you completed during your undergrad experience, you may find this transition easier. If you find that you have a deficiency of units, they can be taken through a variety of platforms until you meet the requirements of the university.

Assuming you have only applied to schools you want to go to (highly recommended), the next step is to make a decision. Many factors can determine where you decide to go. Look at financial awards, compare your pre-admission ranking lists and look over all the options. You should here back no later than April, giving you about a month to make that final decision. Use Spring Break to visit the campuses and look at what each has to offer. In the end, think about what made you apply to each school and make a decision based on what you want, not what others may think is best.

Freshman retention rates refer to the number of returning students to the college/university after their freshman year. This number can tell you a few things: 1. How did first year students do during their first year? Did they struggle academically or socially and leave school., 2. What sort of support systems are in place for freshman students.

Check out a school's support system for incoming freshman. Do they provide academic counselors? Shared learning communities? Freshman seminars? All of these programs can support a student during the transition from high school to college.

Colleges can revoke offers of admission. If you fail senior level courses, do not complete your reported coursework, change your schedule from what was reported, complete applications incorrectly, etc. There are quite a few ways. The easiest way to avoid this, is to make sure you double check all information and fulfill all obligations. While it is easy to "coast" once you receive your acceptance, do not thing you can stop doing work. You also want to avoid the development of bad habits prior to starting college.

Meet with all types of students as you never know where college will take you. See how receptive students are to your approach. Is the campus friendly? Do students seem stuck-up or stand-offish? If you have the chance, schedule a classroom visit in a major you are interested in. See how the class is conducted and determine if that environment appears right for you. In addition, you can tell a lot about a campus from the staff. How were you received by the admissions office? Immerse yourself in the experience and interact with as many people as possible as you may be spending the next four years of your life within this community.

Overnight stays can really make a difference in your understanding of a college. College tours, information sessions and events rarely take place at night. During your stay, you can see what happens at this time. Is the campus alive? Empty? Too much partying? This is a great way to learn more about a school and what you can expect if you decide to enroll. Prepare yourself by creating a list of questions you would like to have answered during your stay. Some of these may be asked of the student who you pair with, while others you will ask of yourself during the stay. When you return, review those questions and evaluate your experience while it is fresh in your mind.

You don't want your parents making calls to the admissions office or handling all of your appointments. Show initiative and maturity by contacting admissions officers on your own. When you get to college your parents will hopefully give you the freedom to manage your affairs and it is important that you start now. This doesn't mean you shouldn't have your parents read over your essay or ask you sample interview questions to prepare, but when interacting with the schools, it is important that you are doing the bulk of the work.

Different schools have different processes for appeal. I have seen a few students find success through this process. While there is only a slim chance of acceptance, it is worth it if you are hoping to get in to your top-choice. Typically they will ask for additional compelling evidence as why you should be reconsidered.

Why was it your second choice in the first place? Don't forget that you liked this school enough to rank it this high and therefore, you should not be dismayed about the situation at hand. Colleges can be quite selective and remember that there are many more in the same boat as you. Be happy about your situation and make the most out of the school you will attend.

Transferring can occur for a number of reasons. The most common ins the community college transfer, but you can also transfer from a traditional 4 year institution. It is important in either case to know the amount of transferable credits that will be accepted by the institution. The process is more clear from a community college program and campus advisors can assist you through the process. However, if you are making a transfer from one 4 year to the other, you typically have not does this as part of a master plan. Really take some time to think about the reasons for your transfer and weight the costs and benefits of such an action and how it can impact your gradation.

There are scholarships for almost everything, so minorities are not excluded. Search any number of organizations (fastweb, cappex, etc.) and include your ethnicity and you will find that there are scholarships that target members of different minority groups. Another good place to look is within certain community organizations that work to support minority students.

Yes. The K&W Guide can provide you with a wealth of information on the best schools and the particular services available for students with disabilities. In fact, some schools have developed separate departments to provide services for students. Landmark College in Vermont is specifically designed for students with LD.

Typically home schooled students will be required to submit additional information as part of their application. This can actually serve as an advantage as you can demonstrate your individual talents and abilities. Your test scores will make a difference, but do not underestimate the power of letters of recommendation and experience. If you have the flexibility of many home-schoolers, use that to your advantage by interning or working in a field you would like to study in college. Building a solid resume will help you prepare for college and demonstrate your potential as an applicant.

It depends on the school. You can find a variety of services both in high school and at the college level. There some great programs for students with disabilities, but you will have to do some hunting. The K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities is a good start.

As in any situation, the most informed person will be you. Use your own knowledge to assist the DSS staff with finding the resources that will best support your individual needs. Self advocacy is important at the college level more than ever before as you will have to speak up for what you need to assist you.

Depending on the disability. You will have to submit the paperwork to the SSD office with the College Board. Extra-time is based on the recommendations of your individual evaluation and you will typically have this information contained within your IEP or Educational Assessment.

Rankings can vary greatly from publication to publication and ranking criteria. If you are going to consider ranking don't worry too much about what is 1 or 5, but instead look for those schools that constantly show up on more than one list. This will demonstrate a school's all around success and its ability to perform across many different ranking categories. Reputation is important when it comes to grad school and employment, but not as much as you might think. Look for how professors are connected in the field and this will help you make the right decision.

The official website carries the "official" tag, which means it has been reviewed by those who communicate the message that the school wants to convey. Do you notice the sports teams or the chemistry lab featured on the homepage? Do the students have an access portal in an easy to find location? All of these things can tell you something about the school. Look to the official website to help ascertain what the school places at the forefront of the school and it just may provide with some insight that you can find helpful.

Selectivity of schools will help you understand the number of applicants that are accepted. I have heard stories of schools encouraging a larger number of applicants through promotions, but I would like to think that most numbers are genuine. The selectivity of a school will generally drive up its admissions criteria as the more applicants that apply, the more selective a school can be. Just as with any club or new restaurant, this increases the interest in a school and a cyclical process begins. This means nothing of its quality of education or fit for you, so use this number with caution.

Speak to those that are "unbiased". Working with an independent counselor is a start, but on your own, talk to students on campus who really have little incentive to lie to you. If you know alumni at your school or within your community, you can also get good feedback there. Some online sites promise behind the scenes reviews, but I find that the majority of these are negative, so take them with a grain of salt. Also remember that there are an number of guidebooks out there written by professionals in the field with a good overview of schools without any interest of selling you on one school over another.

A few numbers I focus on are:

1) Student retention. Is the school doing a good job of accepting the right students and providing them with the experience and support they need to stay on into their sophomore year.

2) Graduation rates. What percentage of and how long does it take students to graduate?

3) Admission trends. Is the school becoming more or less selective? Are applicant numbers going up or down? Where are applicants coming from? Diversity? All of these statistics can show the direction a college is going.