Sure you didn't stop world hunger or end global warming, but that family trip might be worth mentioning to the College Admission Officers. What about that job or when you went to work with your folks or a family friend? Chances are, that aside from your killer tan, you have worked on a few things that show your ambition and dedication- that's what counts!  

What you do with your free time can be a great show and tell for your college resume and maybe even a great essay topic- so let's think about this. What really impresses the colleges is that you make great choices that may expand your horizons, show responsibility, build creativity or help others.  

Here are a few things that colleges like to see:  

Job experience: Such as babysitting, tutoring, mowing lawns, and youth work programs sponsored by the government, city or county. Maybe you worked in a family business or within your community- think about what your summer job taught you about responsibility, working with others and self-motivation. Did you pick up any skills that might benefit you in college or a future career?  

Job shadowing: Did you go to work with somebody and watch them on the job? It is really helpful if you were in an industry that involves a major you have in mind!  

Summer programs: Did you attend any academic enrichment programs on college campuses with or without college credit as an additional benefit. Many of these programs, also known as “pre-college” programs are specific to an interest area such as engineering, technology, nursing, and visual or performing arts. Did you go to any athletic camps or a religious camp? Bonus if you were a student leader for younger campers!  

Community service: Did you help out the neighborhood, tutor at a local school, spend time at a retirement center, volunteer at a hospital? College admission officers are interested in seeing how you have helped others; it shows maturity, initiative, a strong work ethic, and even creativity.  

Traveling: is a great way to spend your summer and learn. If you’re lucky enough to do some extensive summer traveling make sure you journal your activities and who you meet along the way. Take lots of pictures as well, it helps jog your memory. Adventures such as these could make great topics for a college essay!  

Good news our friends: It's not too late! Start thinking about how you are going to show off your responsible, ambitious, adventurous self. Use your free time to invest in your future!  

Our advice: write a draft of your ideal college resume, use that as a guide to plan your activities, go accomplish your goals and become your ideal college's dream applicant!

Making the Grade: Is an easy “A” better than a hard “B”?

When it comes to choosing classes, most of us think about how easy it will be to make the grade, rack up credits for graduation, our homework load, the teacher's reputation and so on. But, have you ever wondered about how these classes are going to look to your future college admission officers?

What do you think goes further:

A) A perfect “A” in Bowling, the easiest Math class, easiest Science class, English with the least amount of writing, etc?

or

B) A solid mix of “A's” and “B's” in Honors English, AP Math, Advanced Chemistry, etc?

Remember, you have to take the hard stuff in college anyway and the college admission officers would like to see that you made the most of what your high school had to offer. The more selective a college is, the more that they “zero in” on how you played your cards in high school. Don't try to bluff them with a great GPA in “gravy” courses. College Admissions officers know their stuff when it comes to easy vs. hard classes at your school, your grading system and your coursework.

When students ask me about the best high school game plan for “getting in”, I recommend taking:

·         Four years of English with a strong writing component

·         Four years College preparatory mathematics including Algebra, Geometry and two units of advanced mathematics.

·         Four years Foreign language

·         Two to three years Laboratory science (biology, chemistry, physics)

·         Two to three years History

“I saw a commercial the other day that said that there are millions of dollars in unclaimed scholarship money available. Should I pay someone to help me find this “free money” for college?

First, never pay someone to find scholarships and financial aid for you. Remember that most forms of “need-based” financial aid are based upon your family's household income and ability to pay for your college education. In other words, we are all pretty much playing by the same rules when it comes to finding financial aid . Don't be tricked by scam artists claiming some “special access” to treasure troves of unclaimed scholarship money.

The Right Way to Find Scholarships and Grants

Let's recap the difference between “need-based” and “merit-based” aid. Your “Student Aid Report” (commonly as the FAFSA report) is going to tell you your “need” status based upon an equation that factors your household financial information, how much your colleges of choice are likely to cost, and how much your family can afford to contribute in deciding how much grant money you will receive. If you qualify for need-based aid with the Student Aid Report, then you should apply for additional scholarships and grants that award money based upon need criteria. If the Student Aid Report shows that your family financial situation does not qualify you for strictly “need-based” money, start thinking more about corporate scholarships, talk to your college admissions officer about scholarships that the college offers to attract students to certain programs.

Merit aid is out there- you have to be creative and ask everyone you know about scholarships through religious organizations and their employers. Getting scholarships and grants based upon “merit” is not something that anyone can do for you since you have to show off your talents and abilities primarily with applications and essays.

The Good News

Lots of people want to see you succeed in college and are willing to help you pay for it!

Start with the federal and state governments with the FAFSA, the college(s) your are trying to attend, your place of worship, community organization, high school and local businesses.

Have a great success story about how you are paying for college? Still looking for help on how to get money for college?

We are looking forward to hearing from you!