College admissions is competitive,

I love the online platforms that help students stay organized. I use these extensively with my students. You can take a look at Big Future or check to see if your school uses Naviance.

One of the keys to staying organized is having a timeline with critical due dates. You might want to pick a day each week and review your timeline. My final suggestion to anyone applying to college is START EARLY. This is the best organizational strategy you can employ. This allows you to complete each task in a methodical manner.

Good luck!

The best way to negotiate your tuition is to choose during the college selection process. Once you have received all your acceptances, you need to review them financially. If you have two very similar colleges with different aid packages (which is common), you can write a letter to the college offering less money. This should be a simple, unemotional letter that states that you want to attend College X, but the package at College Y was much stronger. Then you attach the award letter from College Y.

It is critical to understand that the colleges have to similar in their acceptance rates, size, and test scores. You also should know that some colleges just have more money than others and while they have offered you an acceptance they may not have additional money to add to your award.

Remember to be gracious in your contact with colleges.

There are a variety of answers to this question. Let's look at the big picture first. You can manage your college expenses by choosing a college that is less expensive or a college that gives you the best aid package. This choice sets the stage for the largest percentage of your college expenses going forward.

Of course, you may already be in college and want ways to reduce costs. Consider graduating in 3 and half years rather than 4. This will save a considerable amount of money. This is a good option for students who have significant AP or college credits when they enter college. If you do not have the credits for this option, you might consider taking general education requirements at an inexpensive community college in the summer.

Finally, little expenses add up. Eat your meals in the dining hall if you have a meal plan. Consider a less expensive living situation such as a triple room. In some locations, it may be cheaper to live off campus. Buy used books or share books with classmates. Keep track of your expenses and evaluate them at the end of each month. You may be surprised at all the places where you can save money.

I love this question! Some might disagree with me on this, but I believe all degrees can be employable. It is critical that you begin to think about employment options starting in your freshman year. As an artist, think about your specific creative skill set and consider how you could use those skills to make money. You have to think outside the box. There are the obvious ways like becoming a teacher.

What might be less obvious options? Take your art talent and learn graphic design at the same time. Use your talent in film to create corporate videos.

I highly recommend getting internships while you are in college. These internships can give you valuable experience that will help you find employment after college. Consider art museums, radio stations, video developers, game development, or graphic design. The list can be as long as your imagination.

I think it is helpful to find out what the tour guide loves most about the college. This question can also lead to information that would not typically be included in the tour. You also might ask them the one thing they would change about the college. These questions give you chance to have a more personal conversation with the tour guide.

College tours provide a great opportunity for you to ask any questions that are on your mind. The most important question is the one you are basing your decisions on. If the music department is important- ask about that. Don't hesitate to ask about food, dorms, and night life, too.

I think overnight stays are really important when you are determining which college to attend. They allow to "try out" the college. You get to see what it is actually like to sleep in the dorm, attend classes, and live on the campus. I wish more students would do an overnight prior to choosing their college.

Preparing for an overnight is about like preparing for a sleepover. The college will provide you with a list of what to bring. Be sure to bring some homework as your host will likely need to study!

This is such a tricky question and it depends partially on the student's situation. You want to make sure that you apply to at least one college that you are very likely to receive an acceptance. Next, you will want to add in a number of "match" schools. These are schools where your profile matches closely to the middle 50% of the college's profile. Typically, a student will have 3-6 match schools. Finally, you may want to put that dream school on your list even if it is a stretch. Typically, my students apply to between 6-8 schools. You will find students who apply to many more than that; however, if your list is well crafted 8 colleges should be more than enough. The trick is to make sure you have a solid, balanced college list.

During the application process students with learning differences should typically go through the admissions process like any other student. If you have questions for admissions contact them. In most cases, I would not disclose a learning difference until after you have been accepted. Once accepted it is the Office of Disability Services that should be contacted.

No! Many students and parents are confused about this issue. Disability Support Services in college are different from high school. Colleges do not use IEP's or 504's. Don't let this discourage you.

I find many of my students get great services in college. The key is to understand the process to follow to access the services. The first step to accessing services is to have up to date testing that clearly states your diagnosis and needed accommodations. The testing must be done in the last three years. The next step is to complete the needed paperwork to apply for services. The Disability Support office will review your documents and determine what services and accommodations are offered to you. It is important to note that some colleges are more "disability friendly" than others. Find out about this process when you are considering colleges. A strong Disability Support Services office can greatly enhance your experience in college.

There is not a simple answer to this question. If you are applying to a college that works primarily with students with learning differences then I would suggest disclosing your disability. However, in general I do not recommend disclosing your disability. It is important to note that this will in no way hinder you from accessing services for your disability once admitted. You will submit documentation of your disability once you are admitted to determine the services you will receive.

Accessing Disability Support Services can feel a little overwhelming. The process is very different from high school. The key is to closely follow the outlined procedures from your college. I suggest you visit the Disability Support Office once you are admitted.

Students are required to have up to date testing in order to be eligible for disability support services. Typically schools require testing that was completed in the last 3 years. In addition to testing each school has a slightly different process. You will need to complete a school form or application for services. At many schools you will also have an interview with the disability office. The purpose of the interview is to provide the school with more information about your disability. The interview is also a great time for you to find out more about the disability office's procedures.

Once you have established eligibility for services, make sure to use the disability office. They are great resource for resolving obstacles you may face as you adjust to college.

Students with disabilities should search for a college in the same way a student without a disability searches for a college. First, begin to ask yourself what you are looking for in a college experience- big college vs. small college, location, major, vibe. Once you have set your parameters for your search, start exploring colleges online. I would look at the majors offered, read student blogs, and take an online campus tour. When you have a college list, go back through the colleges and explore the disability services offices.

For students who feel like they are going to need highly specialized disability programs, it may make more sense to look for colleges with these programs at the beginning of the search.

Yes! I think it is important for students to make contact with the disability office. This helps you determine if you are comfortable with the people in the office and the procedures for handling student's with disabilities. There are vast differences in disability offices and this will be one of the factors in the college you choose. I often hear students expressing concern about talking with the disability office because they fear it will hurt their application. I have not found this to be the case.

Yes, you can possibly get extra time on the SAT if you have a learning disability. However, this is not an automatic policy. You have to complete the necessary forms and include documentation of your disability. Your school should be able to help you with this. The College Board has become more strict about this policy. Be sure to plan ahead when requesting extra time. This will give you time to appeal if your request is not granted.

I love this question! I always tell my students with disabilities to start the college search process the same way any student would.

1. What are my interests? academic interests? personal interests?

2. What kind of college do I imagine attending? big/ small? public/private?

3. Are there particular colleges do I want to learn more about?

4. Do I want to be close to home or far away?

5. Do I prefer lecture based classes or interactive classes?

Use these initial questions to guide your search. Once you have a glimpse of what you are looking for in a college, then also look at the Disability Support Services. I find many students and parents do the reverse process. I caution you to resist this temptation. There are many, many wonderful colleges with good disability programs. Don't sell yourself short by only defining the process in terms of your disability, find a few colleges that really excite you and then review their disability programs.