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  • Kim Roman

    Title: President

    Company: Custom College Planning, LLC

    • verified

    Years of Experience
    12

    Colleges I Attended
    UCLA, Loyola University, Oakland University
    Degrees
    Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree
    Certifications
    College Counseling Certificate
    Professional Affiliations
    NACAC, SACAC, HECA
    Prior Job
    Chattahoochee High School
    Prior Title
    College and Career Center Coordinator
    About Me
    My school social work background allows me to understand the emotional, social, and academic needs of each student and how those factors impact the family during the college application process. My experience as the College and Career Center Coordinator for two different high schools has provided me with not only the knowledge of the school’s role in the college process, but also the opportunity to meet one-on-one with hundreds of college admission representatives and visit hundreds of colleges

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  • Admissions Expertise

    • Any tips on getting the most out of campus tours and info sessions?

       

      Before your visit, it is important to research the school. Look at majors, minors, special opportunities, internships, study abroad, student life, etc. Then when you visit, you will be more prepared to ask questions. During the information session, pay attention to not only the school's requirements for admission, but also what the school offers you. Talk to current students and find out what they like and dislike about the school. Visit the buildings you will be in the most - dorms, your major's department, the athletic center, the student center, the disabilities office, the career center, etc. Look at kiosks and pick up a student newspaper to read about the current issues on the campus. Eat the food, sit in on a class and try to schedule an interview. Don't forget to drive or walk around the area surrounding the campus to see what it offers. Remember, you will be attending this college or university for at least four years. What you require as a freshmen is very different from what you will require as a senior.

    • What do college students wish they'd done differently in high school?

       

      The college students I have spoken with all say the same thing: I would have gotten involved in more extracurricular activities in high school. I would have learned how to manage my time more efficiently. I would have cultivated more effective study skills. And finally...I would have not worried so much about getting into college and enjoyed my high school years more.

    • What if you can't visit a school?

       

      First, don't worry. Colleges and universities understand that not everyone can afford to visit. Knowing that, many schools provide virtual tours of their campuses on their own websites. Another helpful site is http://www.campustours.com. They offer virtual tours of hundreds of college campuses. You can also visit with college admission representatives at local college fairs or when they come to your high school. Let them know that you are interested in attending their college, even if you won't be able to visit in person. Keep in mind though that nothing can really replace an actual college tour, so try to visit at least your top three college choices. If you can't visit for monetary reasons, let the admissions office know why, so they won't assume that you just weren't interested enough.

    • Where should students begin with the college search?

       

      The college search always starts with YOU! Before you begin looking for your best fit colleges, you have to understand yourself. Start by answering these questions: Who am I? What are my strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, interests and passions? What do I want to study? Where do I want to live for the next four to six years? What kind of academic environment works best for me? How will I get involved on a college campus? What can I afford? What do I hope to gain from the college experience? Once you have the answers to these questions, try a few college search engines to see what schools pop up. Pick some colleges that interest you from the generated lists and start your research.

    • We don't have time or money to visit some schools I’m really interested in. What can I do?

       

      First, don't worry. Colleges and universities understand that not everyone can afford to visit. Knowing that, many schools provide virtual tours of their campuses on their own websites. Another helpful site is http://www.campustours.com. They offer virtual tours of hundreds of college campuses. You can also visit with college admission representatives at local college fairs or when they come to your high school. Let them know that you are interested in attending their college, even if you won't be able to visit in person. Keep in mind though that nothing can really replace an actual college tour, so try to visit at least your top three college choices. If you can't visit for monetary reasons, let the admissions office know why, so they won't assume that you just weren't interested enough.

    • What can I do with a major in the arts if I don't get full-time work as a performer /artist ?

       

      If you majored in the arts, which I consider music, dance, theater, art, etc., chances are you are very creative person. Think of all of the talents and skills you have and how you can use them in the business world. An artist might network with other artists in an art cooperative, work at a museum, get a job at an advertising agency or work in film. A dancer might become an artist's model, teach children ballet at the local community center or open a dance studio. An actor might teach drama, work on political campaigns, get involved with fundraising or start an event planning business. There are lots of ways to make a living in the arts, if you just network and think outside of the box.

    • How should I deal with my parents stressing me out?

       

      Most parents just want their kids to be happy and the last thing they want to do is cause you more stress. So, just let them know how you are feeling when the stress starts to build up. Stress is often caused by not accomplishing the college tasks, so try sitting down with your parents and making a calendar of deadlines for accomplishing your college work. Ask them to help you by investigating financial aid options at each of your schools. Then make a deal with them - if you stay on track with your college essays and applications, then they can't bother you about it. Tell your parents that you want to enjoy your limited time at home, without constantly discussing college. Add that as long as you are staying on track, you would like to set aside one or two days a week to discuss college issues and the rest of days of the week should be "college free" days, used to discuss other more important things. If you keep your part of the bargain, they should be able to keep theirs.

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