Some Early Application deadlines pushed back

Right around this time last year, some of us on the east coast were surprised with an October snowstorm. Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy came with plenty of warning, but the aftermath is always a shock. November 1 is an early application deadline and this storm is definitely throwing a wrench in the works. Colleges were flexible with their deadlines last year, and it looks like the same will be true this year. (If you were procrastinating and these deadlines bought you some time, I won't pile on but let that be a lesson to you.)

I started to compile a list, and then found an extensive one here (thanks to Nancy Griesemer and her cabin fever):

Colleges who have pushed back early application deadlines

Of course, this isn't a complete list because colleges will make decisions as time goes on. If you're applying early and don't see your college on that list, check their homepage or social media accounts for news. 

Good luck!

7%...or, a little college essay inspiration?

So Erik Qualman tweeted out this link last week and it is just chock full of good advice. It's a column from the Plain Dealer in Cleveland, written by a 92 year-old. The list is 45 life lessons long, and you can read the whole thing here, but these are my favorites:

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

Good stuff, isn't it? If you haven't started on the essay yet, it's really time to get down to it. What's inspired you lately?

What to do if you get deferred

The decision letters from colleges are slowly but surely rolling in. Some of these letters are clear: acceptance or rejection. But if you applied early, there's another potential answer: deferral. This basically amounts to "maybe", which could be just about the most maddening answer ever, regardless of the question asked. This article comes from the Washington Post, and there are some good suggestions here, some of which are also relevant for the wait list. The underlying theme here is conveying your desire. If this is the place you want to be, the admissions office wants to know that. It's a difficult position to be in, and I would suggest you also explore other options. Be hopeful, but be realistic.

Deferred students lobby for admission
by Jenna Johnson
The boom in the number of students applying to college through early decision or early action programs in recent years has resulted in more students asking questions like: What happens when you get deferred?

The answer to those questions varies from school to school, but here are seven basic tips for what to do next:

1. Remember that a referral is not a rejection — but it’s also not an acceptance. Many universities will only keep an application in the pool if the student has a shot of getting in during the regular admissions process — so congratulations on making it to the next round. With that said, you need to have a back-up plan and apply to other schools before their deadlines hit.

2. Update your application with any relevant information. A lot has probably happened since you sent in your early application in October or November, so make sure that you update that application with all relevant information. “Relevant” means your first semester grades and major accomplishments, like being named class president or receiving a national award. (Things that are most likely not relevant: being named “student of the week” in your Spanish class or joining the foreign film club.) You can also use this as an opportunity to submit an updated letter of reference, especially if your favorite teacher (or a teacher who has recently become your favorite) was unable to write a letter in time for the early deadlines.

3. Take full advantage of any opportunities that the admissions department offers. If your applications is not as full as it could be, change that. If the school offers to interview applicants, set up an appointment on-campus, over-the-phone or with an alum in your region. If the school has an optional essay, make sure to submit one. If you can submit up to three letters of recommendation and have only sent one, recruit two more.

4. Don’t stalk the admissions office. Don’t be annoying. And don’t submit extraneous information. Right now, most admissions staffers are trying to work their way through hundreds of applications. So unless you have a legitimate question, let them work in peace.

5. Check in with your other contacts. Chances are that the admissions department is not the only entity on campus that wants to hear about your senior year. If you have been in touch with other people on campus — maybe a coach, professor, mentor or department recruiter — make sure to keep them up-to-date on your application status. Make sure you also keep the college counselor at your high school in the loop on what you are doing.

6. Write a letter. If you applied early action or decision, then obviously that school is one of your top choices. But it doesn’t hurt to reiterate that sentiment in a formal letter. At Johns Hopkins University, Daniel G. Creasy typed up six tips for deferred students, which included writing a letter: “Though not something all deferred applicants need to do or even should do, some of you may consider writing a personal letter to the Admissions Committee stressing your interest in Hopkins and why you feel you are an appropriate candidate for admissions. Consider this a cover letter to your overall application.”

At the University of Virginia, Dean of Admission Greg Roberts advised against submitting any information beyond midyear grades: “Some students ask if they should notify us that UVA is their first choice. While we’re flattered to see that level of interest, we normally don’t take this into account when making admission decisions.” (This is the first year U-Va. has offered nonbinding early action, although years ago it offered binding early decision. The university received 11,753 early applications and accepted 3,187 students.)

7. Let the process play out. Once your application is complete, then you just have to wait. In the meantime, enjoy your senior year and keep your grades up.

Don't fear the FAFSA!

Remember last week when I implored you to fill out the FAFSA? Yes, even if you think you won't qualify. (There's no ceiling for income and besides, it's not the only factor. It's much more complicated than that.) And yes, sooner rather than later. There are a lot of myths and questions out there about the FAFSA and federal aid in general, and understandably so. For a great Q&A series that will probably answer your questions, check out this New York Times blog feature, with Mark Kantrowitz, the founder of FinAid.org. (Here's another FAQ, courtesy of the US Department of Education.)

Still need convincing? Here's 4 reasons:

1. A lot of colleges award aid on a first-come, first-served basis. When it's gone, it's gone.

2. You can use estimated income amounts if you haven't filed your taxes or received paperwork yet. You can always go back and make corrections.

3. You might miss out on state aid deadlines, many of which require the FAFSA.

4. If you don't ask, you'll never know.

So now you're ready! I love making lists, so I'll leave you with one last thing-- a checklist, courtesy of http://www.fsa4counselors.ed.gov/. These are the materials needed to sit down and fill out the FAFSA. Round them up and get to it! 

1. Student's Social Security number 
2. Parents’ Social Security numbers (if providing parent information*) 
3. Student's driver’s license number (if you have one) 
4. Student's Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen) 
5. Student's Federal tax information or tax returns including IRS W-2 information, for you (and spouse, if the student is married, and for parents if providing parent information). If you have not yet filed an income tax return, complete and submit the FAFSA using estimated tax information. (Use income records for the year prior to the academic year for which you are applying: for instance, if you are filling out the 2011–12 FAFSA, you will need 2010 tax information.) 
6. Records of your untaxed income, such as child support received, interest income, and veterans non-education benefits, for students, and for parents if providing parent information. 
7. Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; investments, including real estate but not including the home in which you live; and business and farm assets for the student, and parents if providing parent information. 

*Not sure whether you will need to put your parents’ information on the FAFSA? Check out “Am I Dependent or Independent?” at www.studentaid.ed.gov/pubs or call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

3 Things to Remember About Your College Application

It's official-- we are in the throes of the holiday season. Between the constant holiday music and piles of decorations everywhere, there's no escaping it. And what do the holidays mean? Stress! Yet somehow it all manages to come together, even if it's at the last minute.

We're also in the the throes of another season, college application season, and that means another stressful deadline lurking behind the holidays--the regular application deadline. Those who applied earlier will actually get an answer soon; what a lovely present that could be. Just like the holiday eventually sorts itself out with some thought and organization, so do the college applications.

There are a three things to remember that I think will help, even if you've already got an application in.

1. Colleges want you
Think about it--do you think a college would exist without you, the student? This isn't meant to be a if-a-tree-falls-in-the-woods-and-no-one's-around kind of question but they need you, they really do. Yes, a lot of it is business driven, with staff to pay and a lot of building upkeep, but the professors are also there to teach YOU. None of it can really exist without students.

2. Admissions officers are people too
Ever see a teacher outside of school, in regular clothes? It's kind of a weird feeling, isn't it? Kind of like they shouldn't be there? Admissions officers seem like that too. Who are these people? Talk to them; you'll find they're quite reasonable. They're looking for the best qualities in each application they comb through.

3. You will go to college
I know sometimes it feels like this isn't true. And I don't doubt how disappointing it will feel if you don't get in to your first choice. But if the list of colleges is a thoughtful one, there's more than one good choice on that list. The common denominator in this whole equation is you. You are the only one who can make your college experience great. Take advantage of the incredible opportunity that's in front of you. If you do that, you'll thrive. And what's stressful about that?

4 Tips for All 4 Years continued

There's a lot of information here and a lot to think about. Don't get overwhelmed. Everything's manageable if you pace yourself.

Freshmen and Sophomores, you can find your tips here. Juniors and Seniors, it's officially college crunch time.

Junior year
1. It's time to work.
This is by far the most important year for your grades. Think about it--when you're applying to college there's a good chance your first semester of your senior year won't be over yet. So which year's grades will be sent? You got it. Don't worry if your grades from 9th and 10th grade aren't perfect. You'll make a strong argument for yourself if your Junior year grades show an upward trend.

2. Lead.
By now you should be involved in activities you care about. This is the year to start to take a leadership position. Go after an editor position if you're on the school paper or chair a committee.

3. Study for the test.
I already mentioned your grades…am I repeating myself? The PSAT, SAT, and ACT are all tests. You'd study for a history test or a vocab quiz, so why wouldn't you study for these? Prepare yourself--it's worth the effort.

4. Start the list.
This is when you think about college in more concrete terms. What do you want to study? Who offers those programs? Maybe it's been your dream to go to State U., but what if they don't have the program you need? Expand your horizons. There are thousands (literally) of schools out there and you'll attend the one that's right for you.


Senior year
1. GRADES.
Don't think for a minute that because your applications are in you can go easy on your work. Colleges have the option to rescind and believe me, they'll do it. You've worked hard for three years, don't let it all be for naught.

2. A little organization goes a long way.
There are a lot pieces to your applications and you've got to keep it all straight. Colleges get inundated with material and they'll lose stuff. Make sure you have copies of all of your material.

3. Fill out the FAFSA.
Hopefully you've taken a thorough look at the family finances before this. Think you don't need to or that you won't qualify? Do it anyway. There are grants, scholarships, and work study opportunities that require the FAFSA. Don't miss out on something because of an assumption.

4. Breathe!
Take some time to enjoy your last year of high school. You've accomplished a lot and you should reap the benefits of it. Go to events you wouldn't normally go to. You've been thinking about the future a lot, but don't forget to enjoy the now.

4 Tips for All 4 Years

Ah, October. The official start of fall. Everyone has been back in school long enough to establish some routines, get some grades back, and if you’re a freshman, get a handle on this whole high school thing. If you’re a senior, college is looming large on the horizon. (And if you’re one of my senior clients I’m encouraging you to get your applications finished by Thanksgiving.) But seniors aren’t the only ones who should be thinking about college right now. Here are 4 tips for all 4 years. Today, Freshmen and Sophomores:

Freshman Year

1. Sign up for some activities.
Start to get an idea of what you’re interested in and what activities you’d want to see through to Senior year. It’s ok to sign up for a bunch of different things now because the whole point is try.

2. Start off on the right academic foot.
Make sure your course load is in line with a college preparatory degree. Requirements will vary from college to college, of course, but they’re looking for 4 year of English, 3 years of science, 3-4 years of math, 3 years of history, 3 years of foreign language, and 2 years of art.

3. Start volunteering.
Don’t do this just because you think this is what colleges are looking for. This goes hand-in-hand with your activities. Just sign up for things you think might be interesting. It doesn’t have to be forever but you never know when you’ll find something you’ll really like.

4. Read!
You should absolutely be reading for your assignments, sure, but I’m talking about soaking up other information too. Books, magazines, opinion pieces, anything. There’s a big world out there and it’s important to be well-informed. And besides that, reading is a great way to expand your vocabulary for when you have to take the (drum roll) SAT’s or ACT.

Sophomore Year

1. Keep up the good work.
Your grades will always be important. If you had any struggles, now’s the time to sort it out. No one said it was going to be easy but it’s only a weakness if you don’t do anything about it.

2. Remember those activities?
Time to start getting serious. There’s no need to stick with something you absolutely hate, but hopefully you’ve found some things you can really get into. If you haven’t, get at it. If you have, now’s the time to ramp up your involvement.

3. Test Prep. Yes, those tests.
As a sophomore, you can take a practice PSAT or the PLAN, which is the pre-ACT. If you do well, then that’s fantastic! If you don’t, then you’ll know where to focus your energy. And remember, it’s only practice so even if you do well on the practice PSAT you’ll still need to take it again as a Junior. If you don’t want to take any actual tests, then get yourself some prep books. Just make sure they contain actual test material.

4. Have some fun!
High school is not simply the means to get to college. Go to dances, go to games. Or don’t, if that’s not your thing. High school is an experience for us all. There will be high points and low points, to be sure, but believe me, you’ll be stronger for it.

Juniors and Seniors, tomorrow is for you!