Improve your chances of getting into college,

There is simply no better way to learn about whether or not a college is a good fit for you than to set foot on its campus.

Try to arrive at a college the evening before so that you can have a look around the surrounding town or city, settle in and be fresh for your tour, information session, and/or interview the next day.

Visit no more than one or two schools in any given day.

Bring a camera to record your impressions - after a while schools may start to run together.

Aside from the tour, information session and interview here are a few more things to do while on campus.

Have a meal in the cafeteria.

Visit the student center to observe the students in action. What type of clubs, activities, events are going on. Can you picture yourself living and studying among these students?

Sit in on a class if available. You may have to schedule this in advance.

Check out some areas that may not be on the tour such as the gym,theater or athletic facilities.

Finally always send a thank you note or email to your tour guide, information session leader and interviewer. Schools keep track of demonstrated interest.

Francine Schwartz M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

When you are unable to visit some of the schools on your list, here are some alternatives.

Attend local and regional college fairs put on by NACAC. You will have an opportunity to meet college representatives and ask questions. Many schools offer visits during the school day from college admissions staff. This is an excellent way to meet face to face with someone who may be the person actually reading your application.

There are some virtual tours available through sites such as youniversitytv.com and collegeweeklive.com

Once accepted try to find a way to visit the school before finalizing your decision. There are usually day long programs for accepted students.

Going to school in state generally means you will be living closer to home. It will be easier to come home for weekends and holidays to see your family and friends who may also be close to home. There is a sense of familiarity being in your home state which will help ease the transition to college. If you plan to continue to live in your state after college obtaining certain certifications such as for teaching may be less complicated.

Drawbacks include possibly not having as much diversity as you would venturing farther from home. Also it may be harder to become independent if you have the comfort of home to fall back on.

Francine Schwartz, M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

As the former College Consultant at a large independent high school, I hosted return of the alumni events. Former students returned during the winter holidays to share their insights with current juniors and seniors. Invariably the one thing that they always mentioned was they wished they had developed better study habits, particulary being organized, and not procrastinating. Developing that discipline in high school will serve you well when there is not one keeping track of whether or not you complete assignments or even show up at class. You simply must have that internal motivation and organization to succeed in college!

Francine Schwartz

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

In my role as a college consultant for a large high school I had the privilege of meeting hundreds of admissions representatives.

Usually colleges assign admissions officers to territories and they cover the same high schools year after year, though changes definitely occur.

Each high school sends what is called a "high school profile" to every college where their students apply. The profile gives detailed statistics about the high school demographics and curriculum. In that way admissions officers can make fair comparisons between high schools. For example if you attend a rural high school in North Dakota they know that the number of AP classes available for a student to take will not be the same as a high school in suburban Washington DC for example. They would therefore not expect a student to have taken as many AP classes if they were not available to them.

Francine Schwartz, M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

Most colleges will tell you that they prefer to have applicants apply online. With the Common Application students can use one form to apply to hundreds of colleges. Be aware that many colleges also require a supplement to be completed with questions specific to their school.

Francine Schwartz M.A, , LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

Students should begin to form relationships with teachers as soon as they start high school. Not just for recommendations but because teachers can be incredible mentors. Students should plan to ask teachers to serve as a recommender during the second half of junior year. They should provide the teacher with a resume and graded papers or work from that teacher's class, to jog their memory. At the beginning of senior year ask teachers that you plan to for recommendations. Be sure to allow plenty of time and provide them with the appropriate forms or utilize the online portion of the Common Application. Always send a nice thank you note!

Francine Schwartz M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

Decide early junior year who you would like to ask for a recommendation. Choose teachers who know you and your achievements well and where you were an active participant who contributed to the class. Next provide the teacher with a resume and a sample of your work so that they will have material to write about. Ask your teacher by the end of junior year if they would be willing to write a recommendation. Early senior year before the crush of other students, ask your teacher to write the letter. Be sure to provide them information about the school, where to send the letter and other necessary information. Always follow up with a nice thank you note or email.

Francine Schwartz M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

I don't think you can get the results you desire by doing things quickly or last minute. The best way to get great letters of recommendation is to plan ahead. Decide junior year who you want to ask and prepare your teacher or other recommender by providing a resume and a sample of work from their class.

Francine Schwartz M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

That is a tough question. I think it is important to take a serious look at the type of major they are considering and the job prospects for that major including typical starting salaries. If the student is entering a profession that they will not be expected to make a high enough starting salary to make the minimum payments on their student loans, it may be wiser to choose a school that is more affordable. If the student is also going on to graduate or professional school they will have more dollars free to spend on additional education. They can consider applying to the more selective school as a graduate student where they may be awarded a teaching or research assistantship.

Some students do better on the SAT and some on the ACT. Others school about the same. Each test has pros and cons. The ACT may seem more like tests you are used to taking in high school and you are not penalized from guessing. The SAT works well for students who are good test takers and you do lose points for guessing. I suggest taking both at least once and then decide which to retake. Generally scores tend to go up on a second try. Beyond three times is overkill. Most schools super score tests, that is they will combine your best scores from various tests, sometimes between tests to come up with your best score.

Francine Schwartz, M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

Most college admissions personnel will tell you that the most important part of your application is your transcript. What you have done over four years carries more weight than four hours on a Saturday. That being said some schools weigh test scores more heavily than others. Large state schools with many applicants may have a formula that they use. Test scores and grades may balance each other out i.e. higher grades could balance lower test scores. Very selective schools often have students with high test scores which makes the playing field even in that regard. Other parts of the application will make a student stand out. Then again quite a few schools are now test optional and look at other factors all together. Submitting test scores may be optional or the student can substitute other types of work in lieu of test scores.

Francine Schwartz, M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

1. Do your homework - Explore the school or employer website and literature.

Take time to learn about specific aspects of the school or job that interest you. A great idea is to learn about what the faculty is researching in your intended major. Utilize this knowledge to ask intelligent questions in the interview.

2. Know basic information about your high school and/or past employers

You will be asked about AP, IB, honors programs and other facts about your school. Be prepared to discuss previous job duties in a job interview.

3. What to wear? For college interviews wear casual but neat clothing such as kaki's and a polo shirt or button down shirt for guys, nice slacks with blouse or sweater for girls or a simple dress. For business interviews dress in professional attire which may include suit and tie or sport coats for guys, skirt or pants suit for women.

4. During the interview be honest in your answers and not afraid to say you don't know the answer or need additional time to think and get back to the interviewer.

5. Establish good eye contact and be aware of posture and body language. Smile.

6. Follow up with a thank you note or email

Definitely. Always make eye contact and sit up straight. I heard a funny story about an interviewee who was so nervous that she kept swinging her foot until her shoe flew off and hit the admissions officer's desk lamp, breaking it. They laughed about it and she was actually admitted. So remember this and realize that you should relax and be yourself!

Creating a theme song means that you tie your interests, activities, volunteer work, community service and course work together around a topic that really interests you. For example if you are concerned about the environment you could take environmental biology courses, start a compost center at your school, help younger students learn about recycling etc. Start exploring your interests early in your high school career and continue to pursue those things that you are truly passionate about verse selecting something that you think will impress an admissions officer. When it comes time for your interview you will be able to have an engaging and comfortable conversation. Admissions officers will take note because you will show that you truly are passionate about what you do. You will ace the interview. Good Luck.

Schools known for their strong dance programs include:

Bard College, NY

Barnard College, NY

Bennington College, VT

Butler University, IN

Carnegie Mellon University, PA

Chapman University, CA

Connecticut College, CT

Dickinson College, Pa

Fordham University, NY

Goucher College, MD

Howard University, DC

Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

Marymount Manhattan College, NY

New York University, NY

State University of New York, Purchase, NY

Point Park University, PA

Skidmore College, NY

Francine Schwartz, M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

If you have the foresight to combine your degree with a teaching certificate you could find a job as a teacher. Check with the schools that you are considering to see if you could double major in art/music and education.

Many businesses and industries utilize the talents of arts majors. What about doing a minor in business so that you could manage an art gallery or museum. You may need to take specific classes to qualify for this. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit you could open up a business featuring local artists or crafters.

Combining art with a minor/major in journalism might lead to a career as an ads critic.

The possibilities abound but it may take some foresight and perseverance. It will all be worth it if you can pursue work in a field that you are passionate about even if that means performing part time or as an amateur for a while.

The best analogy I found regarding posting on Facebook was : if you would be comfortable putting that information on a billboard on the highway - then post it on Facebook

Facebook is a wonderful way to share information and connect socially. Just be aware that college admissions offices and employers too for that matter, are increasingly savvy about Facebook. They can and do check your profiles and posts. Be careful. You may also wish to have a professional sounding email address for correspondence.

Francine Schwartz M.A. , LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

Absolutely colleges have entered full force into the realm of social media. They have to be savvy about this form of communication to keep pace with today's students.

Colleges often have blogs, twitter accounts, and Facebook fan pages and will contact students. Students should use all of these opportunities to gain information about schools of interests and also to connect with other students.

Another way colleges use social media is by participating in virtual college fairs such as College Week Live.

Once accepted most college students meet their roommates on Facebook.

Francine Schwartz M.A. , LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

Unfortunately offers of admissions can be revoked, albeit rarely, for good cause. The biggest reason colleges take back offers of admission are due to involvement with the law i.e. the student is charged with a crime and a severe dip in academic performance. Colleges want to be assured that the student they admitted can perform the level of work at their institution and will be a solid citizen. Therefore do not succumb to senioritis and above all do not do anything illegal!

Francine Schwartz M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

A general rule of thumb is the rule of thirds. One third of college costs should come from current income, one third from savings and one third from financial aid such a s grants, scholarships, work-study and loans.

Always have a financial safety school. This is generally a state school. Don't discount the idea of having your student spend two years at a local community college. They are much more affordable and most have transfer arrangements with state colleges and universities. Your student's degree will be from the university and you may have saved yourself a boat load of money during the first two years, where most students are taking basic courses no matter where they are at.

Francine Schwartz, M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

The best way to handle this situation is to move forward with applying or evaluating your second and third choices. All students should have several "foundation" schools where they are at or above the mean 50% of students who were accepted to last year's class, several "expected schools" where they fall in the mid range of accepted students and several "dream schools" where they sit slightly below the mean 50% of accepted students.

When choosing a balanced list students should be comfortable attending any of the schools because that is where they very well may end up.

If you wind up getting selected for your wait listed school so much the better but if not you may just fall in love with your second or third choice and realize it was the best for you all along!

Francine Schwartz M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

First of all approximately one out of every four students find that their first choice college isn't right for them. It is okay to recognize this, move on and make another choice. There is not only one right fit for each student. Perhaps the school is too expensive or your family's financial status changed over the year. The major, school environment or distance from home may be not what you envisioned. It is important to sort out the inevitable adjustment period where enthusiasm wanes and doubts creep in verses needing to transfer.

If you do wind up needing to transfer be sure to meet with an academic advisor and the registrar to get a copy of your transcript sent to the new school and to plan how the courses already taken will fit with the new college. Also be aware that you will need to notify lending institutions of changes because loans will begin to come due if lenders are notified that you are no longer enrolled.

Francine Schwartz M.A., LPC, NCC

Founder and President

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

What I strive to encourage students to do is have a balanced list. The list should consist of Foundation Schools, schools where the student above the middle 50% of accepted applicants in terms of their transcript and test scores. Next there should be Expected Schools, schools where the student falls in the middle of the pack of accepted applicants from last years class. Finally the list should include Dream Schools, schools where the student falls in the lower range of the middle 50% of accepted applicants.

While there is no hard and fast rule on numbers of schools I would suggest at least two or three schools in each category. Too many schools and the student will be left having to choose all over again should they get into say 20 schools.

Finally today I believe that all students need to have a financial safety school - usually a state school.

Francine Schwartz

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

I advise students to apply for ED if they have a dream school, are strong within the applicant pool, are positive that this is the school they will attend no matter what and for whom need based aid is not a consideration. Since most international students do not qualify for U.S. government based aid based on financial aid this makes it less of a consideration regarding ED. Therefore if international students fit the other criteria, it may be to their advantage to apply ED. Certain schools select a large number of their applicants ED.

Francine Schwartz

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

I think international students face the same issues as other applicants in constructing a solid and effective essay. They should strive to tell a story that no one else can tell, in their own voice and not repeat what is said elsewhere in the application. It is particularly important for them to have a qualified teacher or other person proof read for grammatical errors.

International students should follow whatever the protocol for the schools they are applying to. Schools recognize that it may be difficult for international students to have an in person interview and can possibly arrange for phone interviews. Many interviews are informational verses evaluative, which are required.

I believe that if an interview is offered students should take the opportunity to have that face to face contact with the admissions staff or representative. Schools often track a student's interest and an interview definitely is a plus in that regard.

Francine Schwartz

Pathfinder Counseling LLC

Most Resident Advisors are upper clansmen who have received extensive training in helping students with the issues involved in transitioning to college and resident life.

They are your first line of defense when a problem strikes anywhere from homesickness to struggles with your roommate. They also are connected to a referral network including student health and mental health services and the Student Services Staff.