Dana’s grades would guarantee admission to the University of Texas, but acceptance to the highly competitive School of Communication was a different matter. Our application strategy was to showcase qualifications relevant for the particular program.
First, she focused her resume. She did not limit inclusion of her work in a youth organization as a single item on a long list of activities. She devoted a section to her responsibilities and accomplishments as an officer. Bullet points showed she had planned and run a campaign that increased membership 200%, and that under her leadership retention increased 30%. Her resume made her already look like a pro!
Then she focused her essay to demonstrate that she is creative and communicates effectively, without ever saying so directly. Elsewhere in the application, she referenced having both the quantitative (AP score of 5 in statistics) and people skills that would be useful in the fields of marketing, advertising and public relations.
Showing posts with label AP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AP. Show all posts
Monday, April 25, 2011
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Get to Know Your High School Counselor
While your school counselor is there for you if you ever have a problem, he is also there to assist you with college planning. Be sure to make the most of your counselor's help. Why Should You Get to Know Your Counselor?
Your school counselor plays a big role in helping you with the college planning process. Your counselor can:
• Help you determine your abilities and interests in future educational and occupational choices.
• Make sure you select the right courses and are on the appropriate track for the kind of post-secondary education and occupation(s) you would like to pursue.
• Help you in selecting and registering for appropriate college admissions tests, and then explain the results of these tests.
• Encourage you to participate in college fairs and financial aid workshops.
• Give you information on different schools (entrance requirements, curricular offerings, costs, etc.) and occupations.
• Encourage you to visit college campuses.
• Teach you about early action and early decision admission programs.
• Help you create a timeline, so you won't miss any deadlines associated with the admissions process.
• Write letters of recommendation for you.
• Help you develop interviewing skills and encourage you to participate in college admission interviews.
• Give you information about financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans.
• Assist or help you find assistance in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Help you prepare for your transition to college.
How Can You Get to Know Your Counselor?
Because your school counselor can play such a critical role in the college planning process, it is important that the two of you get to know each other. Be sure to:
• Visit your school counselor early. You should develop a relationship with your counselor during your freshman year of high school. This will give your counselor sufficient time to get to know you and your family, and therefore let you know about any college information or pre-college enrichment programs that come up along the way.
• Visit your counselor often. Be sure to visit your counselor at least twice a year during your freshman and sophomore years. Beginning your junior year, you will want to start visiting your counselor a little more often, as college preparation becomes more critical. Visit your counselor at least once a month during your senior year to keep him updated and to ask any questions that may come up.
• Open up to your counselor. In order for your counselor to be able to assist you to the best of his ability and provide a quality recommendation for you, he needs to know who you are. Provide him with a list of your extracurricular activities, jobs, volunteer experiences, etc. Let him know what kind of occupation you are thinking of pursuing. Give him a list of schools that interest you.
Your school counselor is there to assist you in planning for college. However, keep in mind that you shouldn't let your counselor (or your parents, for that matter) do all the work. As the student, you need to be actively involved in planning for your future. Don't forget to send a thank-you note to your counselor at the end of your senior year.
If your counselor is unavailable, and most are not, or if you feel that there is more to be done or more you feel like knowing to prepare yourself for college feel free to read blogs such as this or contact a consultant like me to assist you.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Why take AP Classes?
If you’re planning to go to college and your high school offers AP classes, you should take advantage of the opportunity. The successful completion of Advanced Placement classes has benefits during both the college application process and undergraduate life. Below are six of the biggest advantages to taking AP classes.
1. Impress College Admission Counselors
At nearly every college in the country, your academic record is the most important part of your college application. The folks in the admissions office want to see that you’ve taken the most challenging courses available to you. Success in difficult courses is the surest sign of your preparedness for college. The most challenging courses, of course, are college-level Advanced Placement classes.
2. Develop College-Level Academic Skills
AP classes require the type of high-level calculating and critical thinking that you’ll encounter in your first year of college. If you can write essays and solve problems successfully for an AP class, you’ve reached the level of many of the skills that will lead to success in college.
3. Save Money
If you take enough Advanced Placement classes, you can potentially graduate from college a semester or even a year early. Early graduation isn’t always a good idea, but for a student who isn’t receiving financial aid, it can save tens of thousands of dollars...
4. Choose a Major Sooner
AP classes can help with your selection of a major in two ways. First, each course provides an in-depth introduction to a specific subject area. Second, a high score on an AP exam often fulfills one of a college’s general education requirements. This means you’ll have more room in your schedule to explore different academic fields early in your undergraduate career.
5. Take More Elective Classes in College
Not only do AP classes help you zero in on a major sooner, but they also free up your schedule so you can take more elective classes (college classes that are not required for graduation). For many students, a college’s general education requirements and major requirements leave little room for fun and exploratory classes. If you want to take that interesting class on glass blowing or dance, AP credits will make it much easier to fit the course in your schedule.
6. Add a Minor or Second Major More Easily
If you’re particularly driven and have multiple interests, AP credits can make it more feasible to add a minor (or two) or even a second major to your undergraduate academic plan. With a standard work load and no AP credits, you might find it impossible to complete the requirements for two majors in four years.
1. Impress College Admission Counselors
At nearly every college in the country, your academic record is the most important part of your college application. The folks in the admissions office want to see that you’ve taken the most challenging courses available to you. Success in difficult courses is the surest sign of your preparedness for college. The most challenging courses, of course, are college-level Advanced Placement classes.
2. Develop College-Level Academic Skills
AP classes require the type of high-level calculating and critical thinking that you’ll encounter in your first year of college. If you can write essays and solve problems successfully for an AP class, you’ve reached the level of many of the skills that will lead to success in college.
3. Save Money
If you take enough Advanced Placement classes, you can potentially graduate from college a semester or even a year early. Early graduation isn’t always a good idea, but for a student who isn’t receiving financial aid, it can save tens of thousands of dollars...
4. Choose a Major Sooner
AP classes can help with your selection of a major in two ways. First, each course provides an in-depth introduction to a specific subject area. Second, a high score on an AP exam often fulfills one of a college’s general education requirements. This means you’ll have more room in your schedule to explore different academic fields early in your undergraduate career.
5. Take More Elective Classes in College
Not only do AP classes help you zero in on a major sooner, but they also free up your schedule so you can take more elective classes (college classes that are not required for graduation). For many students, a college’s general education requirements and major requirements leave little room for fun and exploratory classes. If you want to take that interesting class on glass blowing or dance, AP credits will make it much easier to fit the course in your schedule.
6. Add a Minor or Second Major More Easily
If you’re particularly driven and have multiple interests, AP credits can make it more feasible to add a minor (or two) or even a second major to your undergraduate academic plan. With a standard work load and no AP credits, you might find it impossible to complete the requirements for two majors in four years.
Monday, May 3, 2010
AP Test Advantages
Did you know there are more than 30 Advanced Placement classes and test you could take in order to get college credit while still in high school?
Taking AP exams can potentially save you (or your family) thousands of dollars in tuition bills depending on where you go to college, how well you score on the tests, and the number of test you pass. Some students will even enter college as a Sophomore due to AP credits – putting you further ahead in the registration cue, getting into more advanced classes earlier, or letting you enter that "Just of Majors" course long before others that started college with you…
Here is a list of potential courses:
Art History
Biology
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chemistry
Chinese Language and Culture
Computer Science A
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
English Language
English Literature
Environmental Science
European History
French Language
German Language
Comp Government & Politics
U.S. Government & Politics
Human Geography
Japanese Language and Culture
Latin: Vergil
Music Theory
Physics B
Physics C
Psychology
Spanish Language
Spanish Literature
Statistics
Studio Art
U.S. History
World History
Check with you counselor or instructors to see which classes are offered at your school. Remember to check with your potential college or area universities what the AP credits would count for (electives, GEN ED courses, etc) depending on your score. Some college will give you credit for English 101 if you get a 4 or 5, but only an English elective credit if you get a 3.
Also, remember that you generally don’t have to take the AP class in order to sign up for the test. So if you’re a history buff but your school doesn’t offer that class you may be able to take the test elsewhere (another high school or testing center) and try for credit. Each test does cost money but $86 (or $56 if you show financial need) now is better than hundreds in tuition later… Plus, depending on your state and your financial need you may even be able to take multiple AP exams for free or at very low cost. See this website for more information on your state.
Taking AP exams can potentially save you (or your family) thousands of dollars in tuition bills depending on where you go to college, how well you score on the tests, and the number of test you pass. Some students will even enter college as a Sophomore due to AP credits – putting you further ahead in the registration cue, getting into more advanced classes earlier, or letting you enter that "Just of Majors" course long before others that started college with you…
Here is a list of potential courses:
Art History
Biology
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chemistry
Chinese Language and Culture
Computer Science A
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
English Language
English Literature
Environmental Science
European History
French Language
German Language
Comp Government & Politics
U.S. Government & Politics
Human Geography
Japanese Language and Culture
Latin: Vergil
Music Theory
Physics B
Physics C
Psychology
Spanish Language
Spanish Literature
Statistics
Studio Art
U.S. History
World History
Check with you counselor or instructors to see which classes are offered at your school. Remember to check with your potential college or area universities what the AP credits would count for (electives, GEN ED courses, etc) depending on your score. Some college will give you credit for English 101 if you get a 4 or 5, but only an English elective credit if you get a 3.
Also, remember that you generally don’t have to take the AP class in order to sign up for the test. So if you’re a history buff but your school doesn’t offer that class you may be able to take the test elsewhere (another high school or testing center) and try for credit. Each test does cost money but $86 (or $56 if you show financial need) now is better than hundreds in tuition later… Plus, depending on your state and your financial need you may even be able to take multiple AP exams for free or at very low cost. See this website for more information on your state.
Friday, April 30, 2010
About AP Classes
Are you ready for a unique learning experience that will help you succeed in college? Each year, students around the world who want to learn and achieve at the highest level become AP (Advanced Placement) students. Through AP’s college-level courses and exams, you can earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in the admissions process, and learn from some of the most skilled, dedicated, and inspiring teachers.
Why Take an AP?
With 37 different AP classes and tests across multiple subject areas, there is something that will interest any student (and give them an edge for college). Here are just a few reasons to sign up:
Earn College Credit and Advanced Placement
• More than 3,600 colleges and universities recognize AP Exam scores. Over 90% of 4-year colleges in the U.S. provide credit and/or better initial placement for qualifying scores.
• Essentially testing out of basics like English 101 and Biology 105 (for example) will help you have time to move into upper-level courses in your field of interest, pursue a double major, or study abroad.
• Design a college experience that suits you and gives you the flexibility to get the most out of your college years.
Stand Out in the College Admissions Process
• Demonstrate your maturity and readiness for college.
• Show your willingness to take the most rigorous courses available to you.
• Emphasize your commitment to academic excellence.
Gain Skills that Will Help You Succeed in College
• Get a head start on college-level work.
• Improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques.
• Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work in college.
Broaden Your Intellectual Horizons
• Be part of a community of students and educators who are passionate, curious, and committed to academic excellence
• Engage in intense discussions, solve problems collaboratively, and learn to write clearly and persuasively
• Take courses that are developed by leading professors to reflect the level of learning happening at colleges throughout the country
How Do You Enroll?
• Talk to an AP teacher or the AP Coordinator (usually one of the counselors) at your school about the course you want to take. Discuss the course’s workload and any preparation you might need.
• If you are a homeschooled student or attend a school that doesn't offer AP, you can still participate. Each year hundreds of students participate through independent study. Some states even sponsor online AP courses.
Why Take an AP?With 37 different AP classes and tests across multiple subject areas, there is something that will interest any student (and give them an edge for college). Here are just a few reasons to sign up:
Earn College Credit and Advanced Placement
• More than 3,600 colleges and universities recognize AP Exam scores. Over 90% of 4-year colleges in the U.S. provide credit and/or better initial placement for qualifying scores.
• Essentially testing out of basics like English 101 and Biology 105 (for example) will help you have time to move into upper-level courses in your field of interest, pursue a double major, or study abroad.
• Design a college experience that suits you and gives you the flexibility to get the most out of your college years.
Stand Out in the College Admissions Process
• Demonstrate your maturity and readiness for college.
• Show your willingness to take the most rigorous courses available to you.
• Emphasize your commitment to academic excellence.
Gain Skills that Will Help You Succeed in College
• Get a head start on college-level work.
• Improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques.
• Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work in college.
Broaden Your Intellectual Horizons
• Be part of a community of students and educators who are passionate, curious, and committed to academic excellence
• Engage in intense discussions, solve problems collaboratively, and learn to write clearly and persuasively
• Take courses that are developed by leading professors to reflect the level of learning happening at colleges throughout the country
How Do You Enroll?
• Talk to an AP teacher or the AP Coordinator (usually one of the counselors) at your school about the course you want to take. Discuss the course’s workload and any preparation you might need.
• If you are a homeschooled student or attend a school that doesn't offer AP, you can still participate. Each year hundreds of students participate through independent study. Some states even sponsor online AP courses.
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