College Applications and Essays-It's Time to Stop Procrastinating

I know how easy it is to put off getting to those final applications and essays. After you have completed a few and maybe even applied early action or early decision to some schools, it is hard to finish up the rest of your college applications and essays. The easiest way to get to them is "just do it." We all procrastinate and then wonder why. Colleges and universities are serious about deadlines and most will not accept your applications if they are late. If you are submitting the common application, don't forget the supplements. They are a required part of your applications unless a particular school does not require one. Make sure you request your SAT and ACT test scores be sent directly to the your colleges from the College Board and ACT. This all can be done online. Check to see that your teacher recommendations are complete and sent to your colleges also. Request that your high school send your transcript and any other information that will complete your college applications. What a relief it will be to get all of this finished. No more hounding from your parents and things can get back to normal Then you can sit back and enjoy the holidays.

Until later, this is Susie Watts from College Direction in Denver, Colorado signing off.

College Applications - 5 Mistakes You Don't Want To Make

1. Lack of Proofreading - Students do not always proofread their applications and check for misspellings and grammatical errors. It is a good idea to have someone else read your college applications before you submit them.

2. Ignoring Directions - Read the directions for all college applications because they often differ slightly from one school to another. Better to take the time to make sure you are answering a question than answer it incorrectly.

3. Missing Deadlines - Some schools accept college applications on a rolling basis up until a particular date. Others have a specific date when all applications are due. If your application is late, you may be out of luck. This has to do with scholarship applications also.

4. Incorrect Information - Too often students do not select the correct information in a drop down box. If the information you provide on your college applications does not make sense or is incomplete, college admissions officers may have some questions about you as an applicant.

5. Supplements – Colleges often request supplemental material as part of their college applications. This may be some additional questions or another essay that you need to write. If you do not fill out the supplements or send them in, your application is not complete.

Until later, this is Susie Watts at College Direction, signing off.

What Parents Need to Know about Educational Consultants and College Planning

How does a parent know about the latest trends in college planning and college admissions? How can you help your high school student apply to college without this information? Last week I attended the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) annual conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Much of what I learned I will pass on to the families I am helping with college planning.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Richard Light, a professor at Harvard who talked with the group on the topic of, “Guiding Students to Making the Most of College.” During the five day conference, the educational consultants heard speakers and had group discussions on many topics related to the college planning process. It is professional development like this that really helps me be a better, more informed college consultant..

The HECA members heard directly from the authors and creators of college guidebooks and websites. We attended sessions on college affordability and counseling students with learning disabilities. We discussed the SAT and ACT, the importance of college visits and providing college planning for high school athletes. Following the meetings, we all embarked on busses to visit seven colleges in Minnesota. This we believe is the only way to help our students find schools that meet their academic needs and personalities.

Since a college education is one of the biggest investments a family will make, many families are turning to educational consultants to help their students select colleges and provide assistance with the college application and admissions process. HECA is a professional organization that has some of the best college consultants in the country.