 |
|
The source of the best business, financial and legal news |
|
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
 | |
| |
 |
Business Informations |
|
|
|
Creating the Acceptable College Applicant
America's colleges and universities no longer have enough room to accommodate all the qualified students who apply. As a result, schools are forced to reject far more applicants than they accept. The goal of admissions committees is to weed out the qualified masses and fill their halls with resourceful, well-rounded acceptable students. In today's highly competitive college admissions process, knowing how to present a student to be acceptable not only substantially increases the chances of being admitted, but is an essential factor for success after college. No one knows exactly how every school goes about the acceptance and elimination process, and no two schools follow exactly the same guidelines. However, it's safe to assume that they go about their arduous task something like this: First, the admissions committee assembles around a large conference table. Everyone is handed a huge pile of folders containing student transcripts, applications, essays, and countless letters of recommendations. No more than 15 to 20 minutes is likely spent on any one applicant! They then begin to eliminate unqualified students - those deficient in the numbers. Next, they look for professionally prepared applications with thought provoking, interesting, and grammatically flawless essays. They are most impressed with student resumes dating back ten years, detailing academic life, extra curricular activities including community service hours, and a cleverly written special essay, perhaps entitled, "Why I Must Attend The University of?" Admissions committees are ever on the alert for uniquely talented students in the arts, or those having demonstrated exceptional athletic potential. These factors all weigh heavily in the final decision. You cannot give birth to an acceptable student, nor can you adopt one, and I've never seen one listed in any mail order catalogue I've ever read. Acceptable students are made, not born, by families determined to see their children successful in life. To create one; to insure pre-high schoolers have every possible advantage to succeed and go on to their college of choice, the stage must be set early in preparation for the high school years. If the student's home is a circus, and not conducive to studying, it's time for some major changes. Students must have access to a comfortable place to study with virtually no distractions. A bare minimum of 1˝ to 2 hours each night should be devoted to schoolwork, and students should maintain a normal daily routine including a healthy diet and eight hours of sleep. Ideally, college-bound students should not be left alone without supervision for long periods of time, certainly no longer than 24 hours! They should not spend more than 15 hours each week on non-academic activities, and would be ill-advised to regularly burn the midnight oil. The benefits of a good night's rest cannot be overstated. All students should begin by electing to take courses with college in mind. By the time they enter the 12th grade, they will have created the right posture to make admission committees stand up and take notice. Four years of the core subjects are what all colleges are most interested in, unless the student has a special ability as an athlete, vocalist, musician, or artist. English, Math, a Foreign Language, Science and History make up the core Grade Point Average (GPA) or CGPA. There is also the Honors Point Average (HPA) which includes Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Electives such as Art, Physical Education, Music and Computer Programming are of less importance and should only be taken in conjunction with the core subjects. Students should take as many Honors and AP classes as possible. The risk/reward ratio comes into play here. Colleges are looking for students who take risks and challenge themselves academically and otherwise. The bonus for earning an 'A' or 'B' or even a 'C' is that it adds extra points to the GPA and gives the student that all-important edge in admissions. Receiving an 'A' in a non-honors class is not as impressive as earning a 'B' in an Honors or AP class. It demonstrates that the student took a risk and therefore a greater accomplishment is perceived. Admissions officers are as impressed by the challenge taken as they are with the result. I'm certainly not suggesting that any student become stressed out by taking classes they are not capable of doing well in, or working beyond reasonable limits. However, for families with an exceptionally bright child, it is highly recommended that they take as many advanced courses as they can comfortably handle. An outstanding academic record has always been and is still the greatest bargaining chip. Students should also pursue extracurricular activities such as clubbing, not to be confused with staying out all night partying. Membership in the Debate Club, Student Council, Key Club and the like is one of the absolute necessities to becoming a well-rounded, acceptable student. Even more beneficial, the student should hold office or take on a leadership role in as many of these clubs as possible. Leadership demonstrates taking a risk and assuming responsibility. Even students who are super athletes need some diversity, as sports alone is not enough. Students need to avoid the impression that they are one-dimensional, and do whatever is necessary to portray themselves as multi-faceted. Early on, students must also begin to accumulate community service or volunteer hours. However, don't confuse extracurricular activities with volunteer work. I define extracurricular activities as in-school participation. Community service takes place outside of school, i.e. scouting, working for one's house of worship, working with AIDS and/or Alzheimer's patients, seniors, hospice, involvement with the handicapped, and environmental work such as cleaning up beaches or highways. By participating in volunteer work with financially, emotionally and/or intellectually challenged people, students demonstrate their compassion and empathy for others, and this will make them shine with admissions officers. Working with those who are less fortunate also gives the student a much broader idea of how life is outside their own environment. Every college-bound student needs an edge in the admissions process whether they apply to Harvard or their local state college. Competition is fierce, and the painful truth is - no one really cares about any student's education except the student and their family. It would be ill-advised and unrealistic to expect any favors or kindly 'ole educators to bend over backwards to ensure the success of any student. Academic achievement is rarely an accident, and creating the acceptable student is the sole responsibility of the student and their family. This is one of a series of articles by college admissions and financial aid expert, Reecy Aresty, based on his book, "Getting Into College And Paying For It!" For further information or to contact him, please visit www.thecollegebook.com. For almost three decades, financial advisor & lecturer Reecy Aresty, has helped thousands of families to protect their assets, increase their wealth, and reduce their taxes. During the 1980's, he turned his attentions to the complex world of college admissions and financial aid. By the end of the decade, he was already saving his clients thousands of dollars on a college education! He has authored, "Getting Into College And Paying For It," also available in Spanish. Filled with trade secrets and insider information, it offers solutions for high school and college families guaranteed to give students the all-important edge in admissions, and parents countless legal ways to reduce college costs. In 2004 alone, Reecy saved families hundreds of thousands of dollars! He has become a major factor in obtaining affordable, quality educations for America's students. In doing so, he has restored the faith people used to have in one another by proving that there are still people who care, people who can be trusted, and people who actually do what they promise - and get results!
MORE RESOURCES:
college university - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Distance Education is Now Training the Next Genertation of Medical Assistants Some people are calling it distance-free learning for the Medical Assistant. Distance Learning happens wherever the learner is most available, free from the traditional boundaries of geography. Online College Programs - How to Apply The first step to getting your online degree is to apply to colleges. Research several colleges offering the degree program you need. Revolt of the Scholars http://www.realsci. Tips On College Selection It is highly recommended that early in the college selection process, parents and student(s) visit some schools to determine if they'll be suitable. The criteria that must be considered before any college is applied to include:? Average GPA, SAT I, class rank for acceptance ? The school should offer enough choices in the event the student changes their major ? Size, location, Greeks, religious affiliation ? Percentage of freshmen that return for year two ? Percentage of freshmen that graduate in four years ? Percentage of financial need met ? Percentage of gift aid/self-help awarded ? On or off campus job opportunities ? Meal plans and dietary situations met ? Name recognition ? Student/teacher ratio ? Average class size, semester or trimester ? Percentage of professors who teach and percentage of teaching assistants ? 2 or 4-year college or university ? Co-ed dorms ? Freshman cars permitted ? Handicap accessibility ? Cost of the sheepskinIt is also recommended that you determine if the school uses a need-blind or need-sensitive admissions policy. Scholarships not Working for You Neither, Huh? We're going to college, and we need cash. We have tuition and food, housing, books. How to Survive First Year Engineering So you just got accepted in your engineering program?joy, but you are still doubtful. You ask yourself, could I actually handle the stress, the sleepless nights, the solitary life style and the Exams? Well hopefully after reading this guide you might just be able to do so and perhaps without going insane or bald. What Makes A Penn State Online Degree Preferable To Other Online Degrees? A Penn State online degree is a college degree from Penn State University that is offered through the Internet. This is equivalent to a degree received from the traditional on-site Penn State University, and is advantageous because Penn State has a highly esteemed reputation in the academic world. Life-Long Students Make More Money You may not miss eating Ramen noodles everyday, but you are doing yourself a huge disservice if you have completely forgotten every aspect of the student lifestyle. Students learned and studied everyday - something that is essential for you to do if you want to be on top of your industry. Online Education Has The Power To Transform Lives And Fulfill Dreams Online education is a dramatic development in the advancement of distance learning. A century ago, a person without access to a school or training program could sometimes get the information that they desired through a correspondence course. Accredited Online Universities - Getting Good Grades Taking distance education courses requires more motivation and self discipline than traditional college classes. Being able to work at your own pace can result in you falling behind on your work, if you're not self directed. 9 Lessons for Success in College - That Actually Make Sense Most students know what it takes to be successful in college because some genius told them already. But here's the news flash: The prescription probably won't work. Researching the Pros and Cons of Getting Your Degree Online Are you considering getting your bachelor's or master's or other degree online? It's a growing field that's receiving acceptance and approval for all types of career and education goals.The biggest advantage to online degree education is that it's a complete college degree program that is delivered via the Internet. College Low Expectations Game Cost Students, Parents, & Taxpayers Thousands of Dollars During a recent conversation with a client, he shared with me his frustration when registering his son for his first year at college. This university, incidentally one of the big 10, would only allow his son to register for 12 hours. College Freshman: How to Get Over Homesickness Whether you're a freshman or a senior, studying abroad or going to college in your hometown - it's natural to have a period of adjustment when you leave home. Experiencing new things and meeting different people can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Getting Into College No Longer A Numbers Game! Sending your kids to college has never been more difficult or more expensive, and outstanding grades no longer guarantee admission! Student competition is at an all-time high and families now face the toughest admissions committees in history, soaring tuition costs, and a financial aid system designed to eliminate all but the most knowledgeable and persistent applicants.America is knee deep in an unsung higher education crisis that is affecting families from all walks of life. Get Your College Degree Online Have you long wanted or needed to increase your level of education with a college degree? Perhaps, you have desired a degree for your own personal satisfaction or because you have found it difficult to advance in your work field without one.One of the best blessings to come from the Internet is the ability to now obtain a college education online. The Key to Online College Classes - Have It Your Way Never before has online education been more esteemed than today. In most circles online learning is haled as a viable alternative to traditional classroom settings. Chiropractic Colleges Before CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGES & SCHOOLS accept one into their educational systems, it is recommended that students have earned a degree in the arts or sciences from an accredited college or university. Chiropractic colleges and schools also require applicants to have at least 90 semester hours in English, social sciences or humanities, organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, physics, and psychology as well. Dont Graduate - What Students Should Know About College, But No One Ever Tells Them For all the students even dreaming about going to college, I have one piece of advice: don't graduate. Yes. Free Money For College What if someone came up to you and offered you $5000 to attend college? Or after college, what if someone called you and asked if you wanted a couple thousand dollars to pay off some student loans? The obvious answer is, "Where do I sign up?" But, the truth is that there are hundreds of ways for you to receive free money for college today - you just need to know where to look.Search For "Free" Money FirstWith the emergence of the internet, finding places, companies, and events that offer free money for college has never been as easy.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
||||
|
