6 Questions about transferring

A new study released this week showed that one-third of all students transfer at least once as they work towards a degree. (Students who earned an associate's degree and then moved to a four-year institution were not counted as transfers). The study followed nearly 2.8 million full and part-time students from 2006-2011. What's most interesting about this data is that 51.9% of students transferring from four-year public institutions transferred to two-year public institutions. Why this was the case isn't something the study examined, but I would think that the economy played a big role, at least for some of those students. Community college is becoming an increasingly popular option, especially amongst families with annual incomes over $100,000. A Sallie Mae study found a six percent increase over the last four years, from 16 percent to 22 percent. Community colleges can be fantastic options. They tend to have smaller class sizes and it could be a quicker path, depending on your career aspirations.

But plenty of students still transfer from one four-year institution to another. How do you know if it's the right move? A lot goes into a decision like this, but unless it's really, truly awful, don't transfer in your freshman year. Try to see your first year through instead of just one semester.

Ask yourself these questions:
1. Is it social? Are you putting yourself out there? Much of what makes college a great experience is your own devotion to it. Are you getting involved in clubs or other activities?
2. Is it because you aren't attending your first choice? Again, college is what you make it. If you never got over the fact you didn't get into your first choice, then maybe you aren't giving your current school a fair shake. For the sake of the tuition bill, make the effort.

Take transferring as seriously as you (hopefully) took applying to college the first time around. Be thoughtful about this. If you don't think you can make your current college the place you want to be, then you really need to think about what didn't go well. This might be made easier if you have a college in mind that you want to transfer to. If you know that transferring is what you need to do, consider these questions: 

3. Did you do your research? Simply put, if you know why you're transferring then you should know why you want to go to the school you're transferring to. Have you looked at the transfer admission rate at your targeted school? Some college make room for transfer students and some really don't, so it could be even harder to get in than at the incoming freshman level.
4. How many credits do you have? Make sure you know where you'll stand as a transfer student. If you're changing majors, will you lose credits at your new school? Will you be ok with that? Credits will also be important for how your new school will see you. Too few and you'll be seen as a freshman. Talk to an admissions counselor at your desired school to see how they handle things. And make sure you keep those grades up!
5. How does the school handle transfers? Are there any orientation programs or other activities to welcome transfer students? Maybe that's a big deal to you, maybe it's not. But what about housing? Ideally, you want a school that's as welcoming to transfer student as it is to incoming freshman.

Transferring can be tough. You've got to make a plan and stick to it, same as when you were a senior in high school. They're going to have deadlines and expectations too, so don't think that the application process for a transfer is totally different from that of incoming freshman. So, the sixth question I have for you: are you ready?

I can actually speak from experience on this one. I spent my freshman year at a school in Boston (my first choice school), wasn't happy, and transferred to a school in Philadelphia. These were the two schools I couldn't decide between when I was a senior in high school. I don't regret my decision for a minute. I changed majors, added a minor, and still graduated in the traditional four-year timeline. I made some wonderful friends who welcomed me just as though I'd been there with them the previous year. It can be very discouraging to go away to college and be completely disappointed after a multi-year build up to what are supposed to be some of the best years of your life. Take some of the pressure off yourself. Be thoughtful, weigh your options, and chances are it will all work out in the end.

Are you a Junior in high school or know someone who is?

Juniors, you're up. I firmly believe that it's never too early to plan for college (and I'll delve into that in a future post) but right now it's time to start paying attention. Seniors are rounding the bend into decision-making land, and the focus will shift primarily to Juniors.

A little organization will go a long way right about now. The end of the school year is overwhelming, but it's important to set yourself up for next year, now, too. It's time to come up with a plan.

Let's talk about the SAT and ACT. Based on your PSAT or PLAN test results, you should have a good idea of your strengths and weaknesses. March 9 is the deadline to register for the April 14 ACT exam. May 4 is the deadline for the June 9 exam. For the SAT, you must register by April 6 (April 20 is the late registration deadline) to take the May 5 exam. You can find test prep materials for both of these tests online (ACT, SAT) much of it is available for free. If you know you want to take the SAT or ACT twice, I would suggest a spring/fall split. December can be too late in the game, depending on the application deadlines for the schools you will apply to.

What else can you do to prepare over the summer? If your family is going on vacation and there's a college nearby that you think you might be interested in, it might be worth swinging by for a visit. College campuses are pretty quiet in the summer, so keep that in mind if you're hoping to get a "feel" for campus life. However, it could be a great opportunity to talk to members of the admissions office, especially if the representative for your area is around. Call ahead and ask.

Summer is also a perfect time to start working on the essay. Don't worry so much about a specific question or topic, but focus on getting into the habit of this kind of creative writing. Buy a notebook or create a binder and starting jotting down ideas. Try to keep all of these ideas together though, or the notebook isn't worth much. Think about your experiences and some of the things that make you, you. What have you found rewarding? Challenging?

Read this post I wrote for more writing advice: Just how important is the essay?

Applying to college is a stressful process and my goal is always to minimize stress. The stress level is up to you though. That's why having a plan is so important and I'll emphasize it over and over again.

'Twas the night before the SAT

I wasn't going to do another guest post, but this was too funny to pass up. It just felt necessary right about now.

Calculator shopping, the night before the SAT
By Daniel de Vise
The following is an excerpt from the “ The Neurotic Parent’s Guide to College Admissions,”a forthcoming book by J.D. Rothman, an Emmy-winning screenwriter and lyricist and recent veteran of two rounds of college admissions with her sons.

Q: What does "SAT" stand for?
A: It used to stand for Scholastic Achievement Test, but in 1947, the name of the exam was changed to Scholastic Aptitude Test. Then the folks at the College Board used their Critical Reasoning skills and came to the conclusion that a coachable exam could not be called an "aptitude" test. So officially, SAT stands for nothing, although at least one college refers to it on its Web site as the Scholastic Assessment Test.

Q: What time does Staples close, in case your kid can't locate his TI-183 calculator the night before the SAT exam?
A: Luckily, the Staples in our neighborhood closes at 9 p.m., as we discovered the night before our son’s exam. (Our son, who had "just had" his calculator the day before, volunteered to pay for the new one, which should add up to about a week of his summer wages.)

Q: What are some good snacks for the SATs?
A: A power bar, a peanut butter sandwich, and a banana. We typically procure all of these, but our sons typically leave the power bar at home and the sandwich and banana in the car.

Q: What is the ACT?
A: Another standardized test, which up until twenty minutes ago was popular only in the Midwest. But because there are no trick questions, they allow score cancelling and unpenalized guessing, and offer an early September test date, it is the test du jour . New Yorkers are now obsessed with the ACT, and it is gaining fans in other trendy cities. In fact, for the first time ever, the number of ACT test takers is about the same as the SAT. Poor SAT — it now stands for Sad Anachronistic Test.

Q: What is a superscore?
A: A superscore is achieved by choosing the best subscores from multiple sittings of the same test. (We know, a "sitting" sounds like you're posing for a portrait, but bear with us.) For example, let's assume you have these SAT results from these three sittings:

Sitting 1: 800M, 500CR, 450W

Sitting 2: 600M, 410CR, 780W

Sitting 3: 510M, 740CR, 530W

Your composite scores would be 1750, 1790, and 1780, but your superscore would be 2320.

Q: Wow! Do colleges superscore the ACT as well?
A: Not many superscore the ACT, because they'd have to work with five separate numbers, including a composite that often has been rounded up or rounded down. That would require advanced math skills, which would be too confusing, even for colleges. Except MIT, of course. They will even cross-superscore the SAT with the ACT...just because they can.

Q: Do you have to send in all your test scores to Yale, even the ones that suck?
A: No, that's Penn. Yale’s Web site says, "As long as you provide a complete set of score reports from one testing agency (either the College Board or ACT, Inc.), you are not required to report scores from both. You can choose to report either all of your SAT results (both SAT and SAT Subject Tests) or all of your ACT results. If you want us to have any scores from both the College Board and ACT, Inc., you must report all scores from both testing agencies.”

And if you're having trouble understanding this, you probably shouldn't be applying to Yale.

Q: I thought the SAT and the ACT offered Score Choice, so you can send in only your impressive scores.
A: They do, but Yale wants to find out if sitting for standardized exams was your only extracurricular activity. And they promise not to peek at your lousy scores.

Q: I heard you could cancel your scores so nobody will see them.
A: The SAT offers you a morning-after pill of sorts: If you were fooling around the night before or felt queasy during the exam, you can cancelbefore you find out your scores. But the more progressive ACT, which also allows you to guess without penalty, will let you terminate whenever.

Q: Do you really believe that Yale doesn't care about SAT Subject Tests if you send in an ACT score?
A: No — so we recommend you submit the results of your APGAR test. That's the score babies get from their doctors right after they are born, on a scale of one to ten. Yale's APGAR average is 9.8.

Q: What's with the writing section of the SAT? Some fine colleges, like Cornell, say they don't consider the SAT writing, yet if you take the ACT, they want you to take that with writing.
A: You're right. Some things are just not logical—or fair. Even the Neurotic Parent cannot write a decent essay in 25 minutes, especially using a #2 pencil while sitting in a stuffy classroom surrounded by smelly teenagers. But maybe we'd have success if they'd let us write about reality television.

Q: Let's get back to this ACT thing. That sounds awesome — no SAT Subject Tests! But I don't get those wacky science graphs. Where can I find a good ACT tutor in Bethesda?
A: Unfortunately, the ACT is still very...er...Midwestern. Because of this, only one-test prep company on the East Coast at this writing claims to have ACT specialists as tutors. And they charge $880 per session. But the always-resourceful Neurotic Parent Institute has located the top ACT tutors in the country. They are all in Evanston, IL, and they charge $40 an hour. So for the price of one $880 session in Bethesda, you can fly to Chicago twice for tutoring and splurge on a Cubs game, a taxi to and from O'Hare, and a deep-dish pizza.

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.

About majors and careers...

Yesterday I participated in some online FAFSA training, and I could've written a FAFSA three-peat (Don't fear the FAFSA and Fill out the FAFSA yet?), but let's take a break from that, shall we?

I've seen a few articles recently highlighting the link between majors and careers and what that might mean for the student's future. (I even wrote a post about it awhile back-- Are you doomed to high unemployment because of your major?) Given the nature of the economy right now (especially for recent graduates) it's easy to see why a central theme here is how that major choice can negatively impact job options.

We're in a serious state of change right now. I didn't graduate from college that long ago (even though it doesn't feel that way), and I have friends who are currently employed in jobs that did not exist back then. Does that mean they picked the wrong major? No! What it means is that they used their education, stayed current, and kept themselves competitive.

They also love what they do.

Here's the thing-- if you don't love what you do, then you won't love doing it. If you pick a major just because it pays well, can you stay interested in it? The beauty of being in high school or college is that you have the freedom to explore all different kinds of careers. If you have access to a career counselor, I would highly, highly suggest you make an appointment and take some quizzes and interest inventories. (If not, this is another area where we consultants are a great resource.) If you have an inkling, take a look around and see who you or your parents might know in that position. Don't be afraid to ask for an informational interview. Many adults are perfectly willing to take the time, but you'll never know if you don't ask. 

Whether you've submitted your applications already, or you're gearing up for it, take some time to think about the things you're interested in or really love to do and how that could be a career choice. College is too expensive to just free-wheel all four years, but you can still discover what you're meant to do. 

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).

Fill out the FAFSA yet?

Well, it's January 5th. Back to work, back to school, back on the resolution train. The 2012-13 FAFSA is now available and NOW is the time to get to it. Yes, even if you think you won't qualify. The early bird catches the worm, right?

I was catching up on my reading and found 10 tips for filling out the FAFSA, and I couldn't have put these better than myself. Read these, gather your financial information, and make an appointment with yourself to do it. My tip--Don't put it off!

10 tips for getting federal student aid

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

(MoneyWatch) It's financial aid season, which means millions of families will be grappling with the FAFSA in the next few weeks. Chances are most families are going to make mistakes when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. These mistakes can be costly, and may even keep you from receiving the financial assistance for which you qualify.

Here are 10 tips to help you successfully complete the FAFSA:

1. Don't provide retirement assets
Families can dramatically hurt their chances for financial aid if they include assets from their 401(k) plans, Individual Retirement Accounts, 403(b) and other qualified retirement accounts on the FAFSA. The financial aid form only requires that you share non-retirement assets.

2. Don't include business assets
Parents who have a family-owned and controlled small business do not have to report the company's net worth on the FAFSA if it has fewer than 100 full-time employees.

3. Skipping deadlines
Colleges impose deadlines on families to submit their financial aid forms, and these dates can be much earlier for students applying through early decision and early action options. Find out what the deadlines are, and don't miss them.

4. File early
Although there are essentially no federal deadlines for seeking financial aid, states do impose deadlines for families who hope to qualify for financial aid through their state programs. State deadlines can be as early as February. In some states, aid is given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's best to file your FAFSA well ahead of the state deadline.

5. Seek help
Confused? FAFSA staffers can help. You can contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center via online chat, phone or email. Here's where to find the financial aid contact information.

6. List the most current marital status
You need to provide your marital status -- divorced, separated or married -- on the day that the FAFSA is filed. Separated and divorced parents will sometimes enjoy a financial aid advantage.

7. Have the right parent complete the FAFSA
In families of divorce, the parent who has taken care of the child during the majority of the 12 months dating from the day the FAFSA is submitted is considered the custodial parent. This can be especially advantageous in families when one ex-spouse earns significantly less than the other. Ideally, the child would live with the lower-earning parent for at least six months and a day. This parent would complete the FAFSA, and the other parent's income would not be included. If the custodial parent remarries, however, the income from the new spouse would also be included on the FAFSA.

8. Avoid blank answers

If the answer to a question is zero or not applicable, write "0" or "Not Applicable" on the online form. Leaving blank answers can cause miscalculations.

9. Pay attention to graduation rates
When you complete the FAFSA and designate that the application be sent to specific schools, the FAFSA website will provide you with the graduation rates of each school on your list. Try to avoid schools with low graduation rates.

10. Don't inflate your education
Plenty of schools will give applicants brownie points if they are considered first-generation college students. If parents didn't graduate from college, select "high school" as the highest education attainment.

Bottom Line: Following these tips can help you increase your financial aid award, and every dollar counts.