1. What do Independent Higher Education Counselors do?
A. Independent College Counselors work to help students and their families navigate the college search and application process. Independent counselors do not work for colleges or universities. They do not push students to go to certain schools regardless of what is best for the student. They do not push students to attend a certain school, an independent counselor’s role is what is it in the best interest of the student.
2. How do colleges evaluate my application?
A. Most colleges consider your test scores, GPA, grade trend, strength of schedule, extracurricular participation, essays, letters of recommendation, etc. The admissions team tries to determine which students will succeed on their campus and make significant contributions. They try to build a diverse class with varying abilities and interests.
3. Do I have to choose a major?
A. That depends. Some majors require that a student be admitted to the program for that major and begin taking specific prerequisites during freshman year, but other programs are more flexible allowing for a broader range of general education courses taken during the first two years. Many schools require that you declare a major on your application, and it’s important to know if you need to be accepted to a specific program or major at the time of application, or how easily you can change majors at a later time.
4. When should I start my college prep?
A. While you should be thinking about your high school transcript when you register for your 9th grade classes, you don’t need to map out a full plan for applying to college until 10th grade.
5. Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
A. Most colleges accept scores from either test, and submitting high scores on both tests may give your application a competitive edge. Even if your dream school is test-optional, you may need test scores to be considered for merit-based financial aid or for scholarship applications. I can help you understand the differences between the ACT and SAT and identify the tests that will best display your strengths.
6. What should I write about in my college essay?
A. First, check with each college or university to which you plan to apply. Some may just require a personal statement on your topic of choice, but others may have a specific question to answer. It’s important to focus the essay on you – your thoughts, your opinions, your experiences.
7. What is the average tuition and fees for college in 2019-2020?
A. The average U.S. tuition for a public, in state college is $10,116. The average for public, out of state tuition is $22,577. Private schools tuition averages $36,801. (U.S NEWS education)
8. Is it best to go to a community college first?
A. There are a few main considerations to make while trying to decide if community college is the right move for you, including finances and professional goals. I can help you consider what works best for your goals. For some students going straight to a four year institution is ideal, while for others starting at a community college is best. Together, we will make the right action plan for you.
9. Should I go to college right after high school?
A. Not necessarily. Again, this depends on your individual goals and plans. For some students attending college immediately after high school is not the right choice and for other seniors graduating high school, it’s a given. I can help you outweigh the benefits and downsides of both.
10. What is the college graduation rate in the U.S.?
A. The average college graduation rate in the United States is 28.80%. 7.80% graduation rate with an associates degree and 10.80% with a graduate or professional degree.