international college counselors blog

What College Admissions Officers Want..

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

Colleges are getting more and more applications each year. More students are looking to attend college. And the Common Application and similar applications have made it much easier for students to apply to more schools.

For college admissions officers, this means they have more work to do. Work they’re making easier for themselves by coming up with easy ways to cut applicants who try to beat the admissions system by getting easy A’s or plagiarizing their essays.

A summary of what admissions officers are now giving more weight to from an article in U.S. News and World Report:

“Recommendations and high school class rank matter less to many colleges, especially big public universities, than they used to. Instead, a growing number of colleges of all types are putting more emphasis on students’ essays and the difficulty of applicants’ high school classes.”

In more detail:

1. Less reliance on recommendations. High school teachers and counselors have been turning in more generic recommendations. Reasons given are that they are overwhelmed with requests and they have too many students to get to know them all. The result is that these bland recommendations do not give admissions officers the personalized insight on a student that they’re looking for.

International College Counselors strongly recommends that students still get to know one or two teachers well. Recommendations still count and if it comes down to you and similar student, a recommendation or two with thoughtful comments can put you ahead.

2. Less emphasis on high school class rank. You can thank high schools for this. More high schools are refusing to rank their students, so colleges are unable to give as much weight to this as an admissions factor.

International College Counselors always recommends you aim for the highest grades possible.

3. More emphasis on tougher high school courses. Growing evidence shows that students who take more rigorous courses in high school are more likely to succeed in college, so more weight is being given to grades in tougher classes. Admissions officer Kent Rinehart, dean of admission at Marist College, says he would prefer to “see a student challenge himself and get a B” than take an easy class to inflate a GPA.”

International College Counselors recommends students take high school classes one level above their comfort level.

4. More emphasis on application essays. Without a doubt, the essays can make or break your application.

Students working with International College Counselors should finish their essays over the SUMMER, to get maximum time to have them perfected.

5. More attention to the applicant’s senior year. Colleges no longer tolerate slacking off during the senior year. In fact, some want to see “acceleration of educational difficulty.”

International College Counselors says, “don’t ignore this fact. You’ve spent 11 years getting to where you are, don’t blow it in the 12th.”

6. More application auditing. A growing number of colleges are fact checking applications. One tool being used to do this is a plagiarism software program called Turnitin. It looks for phrases in essays that match those in millions of websites, articles and books.

Everything you work on with International College Counselors will be original.

Parents, as you can see, a lot has changed since you applied to college. International College Counselors can help your student choose the right schools and assist with the college admissions process. “Help us, help you!”

Tags: broward college advisor, college advisor miami, college counselor miami, international college counselors, mandee heller adler
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ICC 2011 Summer Recommendations

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

International College Counselors 2011 Summer Recommendations

Programs are grouped into 4 categories below:
1. ENGINEERING/SCIENCE MINORITY+GENERAL
2. SUMMER BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
3. OTHER PROGRAMS RELATED TO HUMANITIES, MUSIC, AND RESEARCH
4. SUMMER PROGRAM IN FLORIDA

CATEGORY 1
ENGINEERING/ SCINCE
MINORITY+GENERAL

Barry University: Summer Science Research Program for Internship

The Barry RISEE Program provides high school students with many great experiences and opportunities. As a high school student you are eligible to apply for our fully funded four week long summer introduction to research workshop. This 3 credit course will introduce you to the field of environmental science and to fundamental aspects of field and lab research. The course includes lectures, laboratory exercises, field exercises, and field trips.

From the students that attend our summer workshop, we select 3 students to conduct research with Barry University faculty during the school year. Students receive a research stipend for their work and a valuable experience to list on college application essays.
Requirements: 3.2 GPA and 2 letters of recommendation.

Boston University: Summer Program for Math & Science

Costs and Financial Aid: The approximate cost for 2009 participants will be $2,500 for instruction and room and board. Books may cost an additional $100. Need-based financial aid is available. PROMYS is dedicated to the principle that no student will be unable to attend because of financial need.
Eligibility PROMYS is a nationwide program. Students throughout the United States participate as well as many international students. Admissions decisions will be based on the following criteria: applicants’ solutions to a set of challenging problems included with the application packet; teacher recommendations; high school transcripts; and student essays explaining their interest in the program.

Requests for applications: High school students in grades 9 through 12, who will be 14 years old by June 28, may apply. You will be able to download the 2011 application in January.

Cornell University: CURIE ACADEMY: Minorities

The CURIE Academy is a one-week summer residential program for high school girls who excel in math and science. The focus is on sophomores and juniors who may not have had prior opportunities to explore engineering, but want to learn more about the many opportunities in engineering in an interactive atmosphere.

2011 Information not posted yet

Virginia Tech – CTECH Two – Minority

C-Tech²
Computers and Technology at Virginia Tech (C-Tech²) is a two-week summer camp, targeting high school girls. The purpose of the program is to introduce participants to engineering and related technologies through various hands-on activities, laboratories, and presentations. C-Tech² also provides participants with the opportunity to learn about college life – from residence halls to classrooms and everything in-between. Check out the web page for more information on C-Tech²

VANDERBILT PAVE PROGRAM –

PAVE is a six-week summer pre-college program designed to strengthen the academic skills of students who are planning to enter a college engineering, pre-medical, science, or technology program. If you are an eleventh grader and planning to take advanced placement or honors mathematics and science courses, the pre-college PAVE program will fortify your senior year and potentially improve your ACT, AP, SAT and TOEFL test scores while increasing your chances for admission when you apply to college. If you are a graduating high school student and are planning to attend any institution, this program not only exposes you to campus life, but also provides you with the experience to overcome the rough spots you may encounter.

Eligibility: The 2011 PAVE program is open to high school students who will be in the 11th grade (class of 2012), 12th grade (class of 2011) or PG year during the 2010-2011 school year and runs from June 20, 2011 to July 29, 2011. Please note that every year a number of students who attend PAVE have to arrive late (e.g. making up snow days) or leave early (e.g. the next school year starts early). If you are in this situation, make-up and wrap-up sessions will be provided.

Need to submit application via web site

Cornell Catalyst Program: Science and Engineering for Minorities

July 19-25, 2009 The CATALYST Academy is a one-week summer residential program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
The mission of the CATALYST Academy is to advance diversity in engineering and its related disciplines. Therefore, applications from students from backgrounds (African American, Latino/a, or Native American) critically underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math are especially encouraged.

During the CATALYST Academy, Cornell University’s world-renowned faculty and graduate students lead participants in classes, lab sessions, and project research. Social events, panel discussions, and other out-of-classroom activities provide participants with opportunities to network informally with Cornell faculty, staff, and students.

This summer, spend a week making new friends; experience life on a university campus; and explore the many exciting possibilities awaiting you in engineering!

For additional information, contact Debbie Moss at dlm45@cornell.edu or (607)255-6403.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year in high school. Applications should be accompanied with:
• A written essay (please type your essay or write legibly) of no more than 500 words, explaining:
o why you want to participate in this program
o what you hope to gain from the experience
o what interests you about engineering
o what thoughts you have about your future career
• A written recommendation from a math or science teacher or high school counselor
• An official high school transcript
• A high school profile (you may obtain a profile from your high school counseling office)
Application due in March: Not currently available.

NOTRE DAME- Introduction to Engineering-
Summer Engineering camp for rising seniors in high school. Two three-week sessions. $1500

Drexel University Summer Institute: Business, Engineering

Drexel’s summer academic programs are open to highly motivated high school students who wish to explore what a university-level program is all about. Workshops are led by Drexel faculty and utilize Drexel’s labs, facilities, and the city of Philadelphia’s many resources. Some have no charge, and some have a minimal charge.

Drexel’s 2010 Summer Institute Programs
This summer, we’ll be offering programs in:
• Business
• Engineering
• Music Technology
• Law
• Media Arts and Design
• Medicine
Application Link: enroll@drexel.edu

University of Michigan MMSS: Math & Science Camp

Two 2 week sessions offered
No Application Deadline
Commuter Students (1 Session) – $1,000
Residential Students (1 Session) – $1,700
Commuter Students (Both Sessions) – $2,000
Residential Students (Both Sessions) – $3,400

The Michigan Math and Science Scholars (MMSS), is a program designed to expose high school students to current developments and research in the sciences and to encourage the next generation of researchers to develop and retain a love of mathematics and science.

MMSS features small 15-student classes taught by University of Michigan professors, as well as other outstanding instructors from around the world. The small class size allows the student to receive a deeper exposure to a particular subject and to evaluate the University of Michigan not only as a summer program, but also as a place for future studies. Two 2-week sessions are offered; students are given the opportunity to attend one or both.

Each session offers courses from science departments at the University of Michigan including Applied Physics; Astronomy; Chemistry; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Geological Sciences; Mathematics; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology; Physics; Program in the Environment; and Statistics.

The MMSS program is a stepping stone for today’s high school student to become tomorrow’s university student. Students are able to use the first-class labs and technology at the University of Michigan while learning from their faculty, graduate students and advanced undergraduates.
Students are given the opportunity to participate in the exciting research that is ongoing at the University of Michigan, attending courses with titles such as Fibonacci Numbers, Roller Coaster Physics, and Human Anatomy and Physiology.

Santa Clara Summer Program / Science & Engineering

A Special Summer Program for High School Students
The School of Engineering at Santa Clara is pleased to announce its 20th Annual Summer Engineering Seminar (SES). This special summer experience is for high school students who have an interest in science, mathematics, and engineering. The program is designed to acquaint participants with the engineering profession, the academic expectations of college, and the nature of life at a university. Two sessions will be held during the summer of 2009.
Session 1 – August 2-6 , Session 2 – August 8-12

The Program: The SES is designed to motivate young people to enter science and engineering majors in college so they can ultimately participate in the scientific and technical work force. It provides participants with a chance to explore possibilities of engineering as a career while living in University residence halls staffed by program counselors. Participants eat their meals in University dining facilities, attend special classes, and do their own engineering projects. Participants experience the outside-of-class aspects of Santa Clara University through afternoon recreational activities and evening projects.

During their stay on campus, students are taught by engineering faculty. Course work in this unique program spans the range of the field of engineering. Class sessions for the SES will be held in the Bannan Engineering Building, the focal point for engineering education at Santa Clara University. Computer Sessions will be taught in the SCU Design Center, a state-of-the-art facility.

Who is Eligible?: Students are eligible to participate in the SES if they have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school by June 30, 2009 and are interested in the field of math, science or engineering. Women and other underrepresented groups in the field of engineering are highly encouraged to apply. Those entering their senior year in fall 2009 are given first priority.

Registration: In order to be considered for this program, applicants must submit (by surface mail) a completed application packet consisting of :
Application – available January, 2011
One letter of recommendation from a high school science, math, or technology teacher. Please have the teacher seal the letter in an envelope and sign across the seal.

A 100-200 word max essay detailing why you wish to attend this program.
A second 100-200 word max essay detailing who you believe to be the most influential engineer of the 20th or 21st century and why. Please be both creative and specific.

All on-site fees for the SES are paid by grants from Santa Clara University, School of Engineering and sponsoring organizations. These fees cover room costs, all meals, tuition, and supplies. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from campus.

Rutgers Young Science Program

The Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics is a summer program for mathematically talented high school students. It provides a mathematically rich environment to high school students interested in mathematics, and is designed to encourage them to consider careers in the mathematical sciences. Selected students participate in an intensive four-week residential academic program that provides a challenging introduction to discrete mathematics — a new and growing area of the mathematical sciences with many applications on the cutting edge of modern research. During the program, you will develop and enhance your problem-solving abilities by applying mathematical concepts to a wide range of problems. You will also meet distinguished professionals in the field of discrete mathematics who will serve as role models and mentors and help you decide if mathematics is the right field for you. Teaching assistants who are embarking on their own careers in mathematics will provide additional academic support.

Approximately thirty high school students will be selected for admission. Students will participate in instructional sessions, field trips, research projects, technology-based activities (including a Robotics Challenge), and workshops on careers in the mathematical sciences. Informal evening and recreational programs will also be provided.

The program is held on the Busch campus of Rutgers University. Students are housed in a modern, air-conditioned residence hall. The classroom building, computer laboratories, student center, and recreation center are within walking distance of the residence hall. Residence life staff members coordinate the residence program and recreational activities.

The cost of the program is $3,500; which includes tuition, materials, housing, and meals from Monday morning to Friday afternoon each week. Students will return home each weekend. A limited number of scholarships will be available for students in need.

Dates of Program – June 4th to July 29th, 2011

Application Link

National Institute of Health Research Training Institute (NIH) – Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research

Program Description: Summer programs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide an opportunity to spend a summer working at the NIH side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world, in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. The NIH consists of the 240-bed Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center and more than 1200 laboratories/research projects located on the main campus in Bethesda, MD and the surrounding area as well as in Baltimore and Frederick, MD; Research Triangle Park, NC; Phoenix, AZ; Hamilton, MT; Framingham, MA; and Detroit, MI.

Awards cover a minimum of eight weeks, with students generally arriving at the NIH in May or June. The NIH Institutes and the Office of Intramural Training & Education sponsor a wide range of summer activities including lectures featuring distinguished NIH investigators, career/professional development workshops, and Summer Poster Day

Eligibility: The Summer Internship Program is for students who will be sixteen years of age or older at the time they begin the program and who are currently enrolled at least half-time in high school or an accredited U.S. college or university as undergraduate, graduate, or professional students. Students who have been accepted into a college or university program may also apply. To be eligible, candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Stipend Information: The stipends for trainees are adjusted yearly; the level depends on prior experience. For details, see the Trainee Stipends page.

Application Procedure: Prospective candidates must apply online. The application is available from mid-November to March 1. It requires submission of
1. a curriculum vitae or resume,
2. a list of coursework and grades,
3. a cover letter describing the applicant’s research interests and career goals, and the names and contact information for two references.
4. Candidates may also specify the scientific methodologies or disease/organ systems that interest them.

Selection: The NIH Summer Internship Program is highly competitive. In 2010, more than 6700 applications were submitted, and about 1200 interns were selected. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis from November through April by scientists in the Institutes and Centers of the NIH. Individual scientists select their own summer interns; there is no centralized selection process.

Candidates will be informed of their selection by the hiring Institute. Successful candidates will be required to submit the following documentation to their Institute or Center prior to beginning their training:.

Minority Introduction to Engineering & Science (MITES) – MINORITY
mites@mit.edu
June 18 through August 2
70 Applicants accepted (Exceptional Minority Students)
FREE

(Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) is a rigorous six-week residential, academic enrichment summer program for promising high school juniors who are interested in studying and exploring careers in science and engineering. This national program stresses the value and reward of pursuing advanced technical degrees and careers while developing the skills necessary to achieve success in science and engineering. MITES is rooted in MIT’s belief in the importance of students from diverse populations to pursue higher education and careers in these fields. The program is 100% scholarship-based. Funding from industry, foundations, grants, individuals, and MIT covers all living and educational expenses for each admitted student. Students only pay for their transportation to and from MIT. Selected students build self-confidence in their ability to be successful in a demanding academic atmosphere, and have a chance to work with and befriend individuals of different racial, ethnic and other backgrounds. Although admission to MIT is not the focus of MITES, for its graduates, there is a strong record of successful admission to MIT and to other engineering and science universities.

Application link

MIT: This is the Research Science Institute (RSI) sponsored by Center for Excellence in Education and MIT

Each summer approximately 80 of the worlds most accomplished high school students gather at Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the Research Science Institute. Invited students enjoy a six week, cost-free program designed to kick-start their careers of leadership in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Participants experience the entire research cycle from start to finish.

Many RSI students use their RSI research projects as a basis for entry to science competitions, garnering top awards in the annual Intel Science Talent Search, the Siemens-Westinghouse Science and Technology Competition, and the All-USA High School Academic Scholarship.
Cost – Free

Penn Summer Program

Application not available yet. Students can take a range of classes for college credit on the Penn campus, taught by Penn professors.

Purdue University Minority Engineering Program – Minority

Session Dates – (July 10-22, 2011)
Minority Engineering Programs are open to all students. Our mission is to engage in activities designed to increase and improve the enrollment, retention and successful graduation of engineers. Our focus is domestic under-represented minorities from African American, Native American, Mexican American, and Puerto-Rican American groups.

Contact the following for application information – Allene Manning, amanning@purdue.edu

Cal Tech – The Youth Engineering and Science Scholars (YESS) Program – Minority

Three week summer residential program for exceptional underrepresented high school students. The YESS program aims to challenge students beyond the traditional high school classroom environment by providing first hand exposure to research scientists and engineers as well as an introduction to the university science and engineering culture.
Cost: Free

Smith College Summer Science and Engineering Program for High School Girls
Grades 9-12: Females Interest in Science, Engineering, Medicine, Hands on research

Information not yet posted for 2011

Stanford University Math Camp
Brings mathematically talented and motivated high school students together from across the US, and from the world, to Stanford University for four weeks of intense mathematical coursework

July 10 – August 6, 2011
Information available by January 19th, 2011

CATEGORY 2
SUMMER BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

UPENN – The Lead Program at Wharton – Minority
Program Dates: July 3 – 30, 2011

The Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program at Wharton introduces some of the nation’s brightest rising high school seniors to the world of business. Founded at Wharton in 1980 by Harold Haskins and Bill Whitney, the four-week LEAD Program attracts 30 students from across the nation to the campus of the University of Pennsylvania each July.

How to Apply: Applications for the LEAD Program are coordinated through the national offices of the LEAD Program in Business, Inc. For information on how to apply to the LEAD Program, please call 215.753.2490 or visit www.leadprogram.org.

Leadership in the Business World – Wharton

Program Dates: July 3 – 30, 2011
Application Deadline: March 1, 2011
Locations: Philadelphia or San Francisco
Application Fee $75

Sponsored by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Leadership in the Business World (LBW) is a summer institute for a talented and select group of rising high school seniors who want an introduction to a top-notch undergraduate business education and the opportunity to hone their leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Since 1999, LBW has brought students from six continents and nearly every state to the Wharton School.

Wharton will select 60 diverse participants to attend each program. Both programs will run from July 3 to July 30 and will cost $5,575, plus an additional $75 non-refundable application fee. The program fee covers tuition, housing, meals, activities and weekend trips. Limited financial aid is available. For students participating on the western campus, their program fee covers the cost of the flight from San Francisco to Philadelphia.Selections will be based on academic achievement, leadership in school activities, and interest in an undergraduate business education.

Application for either program requires:
• Official high school transcript
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers
• Short essay
• Official test score reports
• $75 application fee

DUKE UNIVERSITY TALENTED IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
Grades – 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th

Duke TIP Summer Studies offers:
• A community of motivated and engaged peers unlike any you have ever experienced.
• Course topics and learning experiences unavailable to most middle and high school students.
• Age-specific programs that are geared specifically toward gifted students.
• Expert instructors, 75% of whom hold or are working toward a terminal degree.
• A stimulating educational model that promotes higher-level thinking through interactive, inquiry-based learning
• Engaging social and residential experiences to complement your academic endeavors.
• An intense, accelerated pace in the classroom. Students attend a single class for 7 hours each weekday and 3 hours on Saturdays.

BROWN UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (Providence, RI)

Students develop knowledge and understanding of complex issues through case studies, lectures, films, simulations, discussions, field research and group projects. Your learning is stimulated by creative curricula, engaging faculty and peers from around the world. Last year we had students from 22 different countries and from around the U.S. Such diversity is key to our understanding of global challenges.

Note: 2011 Dates and Fees will be posted soon

Drexel University Summer Institute: Business, Engineering

Summer Institutes
Drexel’s summer academic programs are open to highly motivated high school students who wish to explore what a university-level program is all about. Workshops are led by Drexel faculty and utilize Drexel’s labs, facilities, and the city of Philadelphia’s many resources.
Some have no charge, and some have a minimal charge

CATEGORY 3
OTHER PROGRAMS RELATED TO HUMANITIES, MUSIC, AND RESEARCH

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY – SUMMER SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
Limited information at this time offered at web site

“Four hundred young people from 40 states and 13 countries will assemble this summer at American University School of Communication (SOC) for Discover the World of Communication, a hands-on interactive program that introduces high school students to a field that includes everything from weather broadcasting and backpack journalism to music video production and flash fiction writing.” Hands on learning is mixed with smart, fresh lectures

BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC (Boston)

Offers numerous summer programs, however the 12 week summer program offers an opportunity for high school students to gain college credit while completing the first semester of Berklee’s regular college-level core curriculum.

Admissions: For admission you must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program. You’ll also need a minimum of two years of formal music training or experience on your principal instrument or voice, and good working knowledge/familiarity with the written fundamentals of music theory (including rhythmic notation, melodic notation in treble and bass clefs, key signatures, major and minor scales, intervals, and construction of triads and seventh chords). Because you’ll be enrolled in classes with full-time students, it’s important that your musical abilities and written theory and ear training skills are at a compatible level.

During the summer semester, your classes will include:
• Private instruction (two credits, one 30-minute lesson per week)
• Instrumental/vocal labs or ensembles (one credit)
• Ear training (three credits)
• Harmony (two credits)
• Introduction to Music Technology (two credits)
• Writing skills or arranging (two credits)

Application: Visit apply.berklee.edu and create an account. Once you have created your account you will need to fill out the 12-Week Full Credit application in the Special Programs section and submit your application fee

Tuition and fees
• Application Fee (nonrefundable)1 $50
• Tuition Prepayment (nonrefundable)2 $100
• Tuition $11,555
• Health Insurance3 $538
• Comprehensive Fee4 $610
• Housing Deposit $300
• Residence Hall Fees $6,725

Boston University – Institute for Film, Television, and Radio Production

ITRP is a five week hands on program for high school students interested in the many aspects of Media Production and programming.
Application information is not up at this time

Carnegie-Mellon (Pittsburgh, PA) – Pre-College Drama Program

Cost: Resident $6550
June 25 – August 5, 2011
Are you going to be a junior or senior in high school? If so, consider spending June 25 to August 5, 2011 in one of our six distinct Pre-College programs. You can either explore architecture, art & design, drama, music or the National High School Game Academy to prepare yourself for study at the college level. Through our Advanced Placement/Early Admission program, you can take two challenging college courses in order to gain advanced placement and get a head start in college.

Eligibility: Students must be in high school, have completed their sophomore year and 16 to 18 years old (born between August 5, 1992 and June 25, 1995. No exceptions will be made.

New York University Programs – The Tisch School of the Arts

Tisch School of the Arts High School Programs, July 11 – August 7, 2010. Residential program in New York with courses in drama, dramatic writing, filmmaking, and photography and imaging. Acting and filmmaking in Dublin and acting in Paris. Application deadline: February 12, 2010.

For more information, visit:
Application information

New York Film Academy

Our high school programs are designed for students ages 14 to 17 with little or no previous filmmaking, acting, or animation experience. They are intensive, short and long term courses that fully immerse students in the craft of writing, directing, casting, shooting, acting in, editing, and animating their own films.

Each year hundreds of students from around the world benefit from the extraordinary education offered at the New York Film Academy. The Academy is a learning center for individuals who want to explore film and video arts or performance for the screen and stage. For students ages fourteen to seventeen, the New York Film Academy offers a pre-college enrichment experience that is unparalleled.

Apply at this web site

Northwestern University – National High School Institute Program

Summer 2011 dates: 5-week programs will be June 26 – July 30, 2011

Application information not yet posted

Penn Summer Program

Application not available yet. Students can take a range of classes for college credit on the Penn campus, taught by Penn professors.

The Pratt Pre-College Program
July 5- July 29th 2011

Brooklyn and Manhattan Campuses
Every summer, Pratt sponsors a college-level program for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors at its Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses. The program attracts about 400 students. It is an intensive immersion experience in art, design or architecture.

The summer program regularly attracts national and international students. Students choose an elective course such as fine arts/painting & drawing, graphic design, illustration (traditional or digital), fashion design (Brooklyn only), photography, architecture and creative writing. Students develop their creative skills, build an effective portfolio for college admission, and earn four college credits. Scholarships are available based on merit.

Eligibility: High school students who are at least sixteen years old, and have completed their sophomore year, as well as graduating seniors (minimum age: 16 years by June 30, 2011; maximum age: 18 years. No exceptions.)
Self-motivated and responsible students willing to immerse themselves in college-level study with other students who have similar interests
All levels of experience welcome
Application Information

Princeton University – Summer Journalism Program – Minority

What is the Princeton University Summer Journalism Program? We welcome about 20 high school students from low-income backgrounds every summer to Princeton’s campus for an intensive, 10-day seminar on journalism. The program’s goal is to diversify college and professional newsrooms by encouraging outstanding students from low-income backgrounds to pursue careers in journalism. All expenses, including students’ travel costs to and from Princeton, are paid for by the program. Students who attend the program come from across the country. Bios of our 2010 students can be found here. The program is currently in its ninth year.

CATEGORY 4
SUMMER PROGRAMS IN FLORIDA

FSU Young Scholars Program: Science and Math– MINORITY

6 week residential science and math program for Florida rising high school Juniors and Seniors with significant potential in the sciences

Free- Applications are due march 15

FSU Saturday at the Sea Summer Camp

The Saturday-at-the-Sea Summer Camp program (SATS Camp) is a week-long experience in marine science offered by invitation only to local students entering the 9th and 10th grades. During the SATS Camp, participants make their own original observations and from them develop a research project to explore these observations and the questions that they spark. During the week, the participants will collect, analyze, and interpret the data from their research project and write and present orally a paper that outlines the conclusions that they draw from the data. They also design and carry out a service project that benefits the marine environment in some way.

FSU – SciGirls Summer Camp

Launched in 2006, SciGirls is a two-week hands-on summer camp run by The Magnet Lab and WFSU that inspires middle and high school girls to pursue careers in science. SciGirls I and SciGirls II camps accept rising sixth graders through tenth graders as well as returning campers

UF Young Entrepreneurs for Leadership and Sustainability

Students will have the opportunity to take two college-level courses:
GEB4930 – Exploring Entrepreneurship
SYG2010 – Social Problems & Solutions
Students will complete 75 hours of community service (meeting the requirement for Bright Futures Scholarships or for the service portion of IB CAS hours). Additionally, we have planned a plethora of exciting activities and events to integrate the academic learning with engaging and interactive experiences outside of class.

UF Summer Journalism Institute

An intense and fun six days of journalism instruction open to rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders who have recommendations from their publication advisers or principals. Classes are open to rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders who have recommendations from their publication advisers or principals. You must be enrolled in a journalism course. Selections are based on first-come, first-serve/qualifications basis. Graduating seniors and middle-school students are not eligible.

Florida International University – Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute – Minority

Limited information available at this time
The office of Pre-College Programs is an area in Student affairs that is investing in the future of the university and the community. The programs are very successful in giving at risk and low income students, as well as students who excel, the opportunity to experience college life before it actually happens.

University of Miami Summer Scholars Program

About to complete your sophomore or junior year in high school?
Explore your career possibilities through the Summer Scholar Programs at the University of Miami. Each program offers a three-week, educational experience that lets you live like a college student on campus while earning valuable college credit.
Program dates – June 25th – July 15, 2011
Application not currently available

Tags: Add new tag, broward college advisor, college advisor miami, college counselor miami, high school summer, international college counselors, mandee heller adler, summer college programs high school student
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How to Apply for Scholarships

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Even if money grew on trees you’d have to work to get it with a ladder and a basket. The same goes for scholarships. They don’t just come to you. You have to go out and get them. The good thing is there are a lot of them. Many more than there are money trees.

Our last International College Counselors newsletter let you know where to find scholarships. This is what to do once your child finds the ones he or she wants to apply for.

Applying for a scholarship is a lot like applying for college. There are a lot of choices that a student must go through in order to put together a list of worthwhile scholarships to spend time on.

International College Counselors Note: Make sure your student filters the scholarships during the search. Your child should only apply to the ones that match his or her skills, heritage, or other qualifications. Scholarships are very strict on this.

THE SEARCH

Start Early. The more time your student puts into looking for scholarships, the more choices they’ll have. Your student will also need time to request necessary information and put the materials together. Scholarships requirements may include:

Transcripts
Financial aid forms like FAFSA
Essay(s)
Letters of recommendation
Standardized test scores
Proof of eligibility, such as U.S. Citizenship, birth certificate, or tribal
membership card

Stay Organized. Make separate folders for each scholarship and keep track of what is needed and when things are due.
Track the Scholarships on a Calendar. Make triple sure deadlines aren’t missed.

THE APPLICATION

Follow the Instructions. Carefully. Count the words on the essay and provide the right materials. If your student has any questions about what the scholarship requirements are, or how to fill out a part of the application, have them call or email the scholarship sponsors. Many applications are eliminated because the directions were not followed to the letter.

Stay on topic in the essay(s). If the essay asks for the philosophic themes of an Ayn Rand novel, don’t be clever by comparing her to Batman. Give them what they asked for. Don’t give more. Don’t give less.

Check and Recheck and Recheck the Application. Words must be spelled right and all the questions answered. Make sure it’s signed and dated by the right people, for example, a teacher if that is what the application requests. And make sure all the words can be easily read.
Send the Application in On-Time. Make sure you do this!

***Scholarships DO Affect Financial Aid Packages***

Contact the financial aid office of any colleges your student is considering to find out the details. Each school has its own policy on which types of aid may be reduced or eliminated by the scholarship money. Different types of aid that may be affected by scholarship monies are loans, work-study and need-based grants.

If you need help, contact a private college counselor at International College Counselors to help you with college admissions and finances.

SOME SCHOLARSHIP SITES

International College Counselors Note: Legitimate scholarships and scholarship websites are free! If you are asked to pay money to apply for a scholarship, look elsewhere.

Scholarships.com
Fastweb
Scholarship Experts
Cappex

International College Counselors provides expert college counseling on undergraduate and graduate college admissions, financial aid, tuition, essays, and college applications. Mandee Heller Adler, lead college admissions consultant and Founder of International College Counselors tailors her wide range of college counseling and college coaching services to address the goals, needs, and dreams of each individual student, whether Florida college or Ivy League university. Our college advising company, based in Miami-Dade, Florida, works with domestic and international students. We also work with high schools in Miami, Boca, Broward and Palm Beach. Let us help you make the best decisions choosing, getting into, and paying for college.

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Grants, General School Scholarships, and Loans. Oh my!

Monday, October 11th, 2010

Parents. There are ways your student can go to college for free. Even to the best colleges in the country. Westinghouse scholars, Olympic champions, and tween founders of multi-million dollar companies all qualify.

But, there’s hope for the rest of us! It’s all about maximizing your financial aid and minimizing your costs.

Top ways the expert college counselors at International College Counselors recommend to make college more affordable include:

1. Government Loans
As International College Counselors wrote about in our last blog, the US government loans money to every student who needs it. To receive FAFSA aid, a student (or parent) needs to fill out and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (http://www.fafsa.gov). This federal application for financial aid is also used to apply for aid from other sources, such as your state or school.

For our clients with the United States from San Francisco to Miami, our expert college counselors recommend that ALL students fill the FAFSA out regardless of their house-hold income, if they even have the remotest need.

2. Grants
Grants are better than loans because students don’t have to pay the money back. (Free money!) But they’re not available to everyone.

Pell Grants are federal grants awarded strictly on the student’s financial need. Other federal grant programs include the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (also based on financials), and grant programs for students with good grades in competitive high-school programs or specific fields of study, such as math, nursing or teaching. States and colleges also have their own pools of grant money. Like loans, grants are awarded based on the FAFSA results.

3. General and School Scholarships
For students who are seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen, whether in public school, private school, or home schooled (meaning everyone in high school) scholarships are available. They’re highly desirable because recipients do not have to pay them back and a good number of scholarships are not based on financial need.

Thousands of scholarships are available. Sources of scholarships can be national organizations, employers, corporations, professional associations, local clubs, contests, and the schools themselves. The trick is finding the ones that best match the student. If you’re not a Native American there’s no point in going for the scholarship. You’d be better off knitting a clever outfit out of wool, measuring less than 4’ 10” in height, having the last name Zolp. All are scholarship worthy. Here are the details on those scholarships and other unusual scholarships.

There aren’t many of these scholarships with unusual eligibility requirements, but it doesn’t hurt to see what may be out there. Some scholarships are based on financial needs. Others are awarded to students with special abilities qualified as academic, artistic, or athletic achievement. Still more are reserved for people who have certain religious affiliation, ethnicity, memberships, hobbies, or special interests.

School-specific scholarships, where a student can usually receive the largest amount of scholarship aid, are typically given to top athletes, top test score recipients, and other outstanding students. In order to apply for these scholarships, you need to contact each school individually. A rule of thumb is that if you are in the top 25% of the admitted class, there could be some scholarship money waiting for you. So, a student who can get into MIT with no scholarship money may receive a full ride at Georgia Tech (still a great school!), and a student who can get into Penn could get a full ride at Drexel (a terrific option!).

HOW TO FIND SCHOLARSHIPS & APPLY FOR THEM
Students don’t have to look farther than their computer to find scholarships to apply to. Several free scholarship databases are available online, offering millions of different scholarships worth billions of dollars. For International College Counselors students, please be sure to look to Naviance for scholarship options. With thousands of scholarships to choose from, any student can find a scholarship to which to apply.
For non ICC students, and for ICC students who would like an additional resource, ICC recommends the scholarship database FastWeb.com. It’s large, most often accurate and frequently updated. Students should also look to their high school’s website for LOCAL scholarship opportunities. Clearly, a scholarship for students at your school, or your community will be easier to get than one that draws a national applicant pool.

Please remember during your search, if you are considering a legitimate scholarship site or scholarship you will not be asked for any money to apply or receive details.

Florida students should not forget to apply to the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program provides scholarships based on high school academic achievement, and could cover up to 100% of a public college’s tuition.

Scholarships pay off in more ways than just Free Money. College advisors can say with certainty that they also look impressive on your college applications.

Getting out of college with little or no debt is hard, but not impossible, and with initiative, you and your student don’t have to rob a bank to do it.

Next week, I’ll write about How to Apply for Scholarships.

If you need help, contact a private college counselor at International College Counselors to help you with college admissions and finances.

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What you Need to Know About Financial Aid

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

If you are looking to receive financial aid, now is the time to start getting your finances in order. The US government loans money to every student who needs it. Two of the most important and most common ways of getting access to government money are the FAFSA and the CSS/Profile.

To receive FAFSA aid, you need to fill out and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (http://www.fafsa.gov). This federal application for financial aid is also used to apply for aid from other sources, such as your state or school.

The CSS/Financial Aid Profile, CSS/Profile, or College Scholarship Service Profile is also an application that allows students to apply for financial aid. It is distributed by the College Board and is much more detailed than the FAFSA.

Most schools require BOTH the FAFSA and the CSS/Profile in order to eligible to receive financial aid.

The FAFSA determines Federal funding and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is set by the government. The FAFSA does not take into account home equity, medical expenses or change in employment.

The CSS/Profile helps determine institutional money, in many cases. The EFC calculation may vary by institution, and can take into account home equity, deductions for medical expenses and provisions for special circumstances.

International College Counselors recommends that ALL students who feel they need aid fill the FAFSA out regardless of their household income.

With both of these forms, it is important to fill them out as early as possible.
The CSS/Profile has varying deadlines depending on the school and becomes available in the fall. If you are applying early admissions or early decision, the CSS/ Profile is often due by November 15. The CSS/Profile can be found at the College Board website: https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/prf/index.jsp.

The FAFSA always becomes available January 1 and should be submitted as soon as data is ready. The FAFSA application can be found at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

If you have specific questions, much like with the CSS/ Profile, the folks at FAFSA are EXTREMELY helpful. Please do not hesitate to call the contact numbers.
FAFSA contact info. CSS/ Profile contact info.

A family should fill out BOTH of these forms each year if you desire aid for college. Be sure to check your specific school’s website for further forms or information. Only rarely are there additional forms, but we never know.

In our next email we will discuss grants, general and school scholarships, and other ways to maximize your finances and minimize your college costs.

For more information on financial aid, please contact International College Counselors to learn more. We would be happy to send you a personalized list of your particular financial aid “to – dos”.

Also, when beginning your FAFSA, please refer to the “Common Errors When Filing for Financial Aid” page in your binder. If you are missing it, please let us know.

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How to Help your High School Junior

Sunday, October 3rd, 2010

Junior year is the homestretch. The critical decisions that are made this year could have a major impact on the next five years of your life –and long beyond. This is the year students start narrowing lists of colleges and career paths. This is the last full year of grades that college admissions officers will review.

Parents need to continue making this college admissions journey fun and positive. For many students, the college admissions process can feel so overwhelming, they become frozen, missing deadlines and forgetting important details. With the right strategy stress can be minimized – it isn’t realistic to believe it will be eliminated. Approach this as a bonding discovery process for all involved. Parents: Let your child know that you’re proud of your child and you’re there to give your support.

Here are some other International College Counselors tips for parents:

Time Management

• Review your student’s schedule with him or her at the beginning of the school year. The goal is to have your child enroll in challenging classes that will help them prepare for college. If your student is aiming for the more competitive schools he or she must take college-prep classes, including advanced-placement. Care must be taken not to overload on classes or extracurricular activities as junior year courses and grades are critical. A college bound student should be aiming slightly above his or her comfort level. A student needs to show the college admissions team that he or she pushes him or herself.

• Make sure your student meets with a college counselor to discuss college plans and review his or her transcript and experience.

• Help your student keep a calendar. Work with him or her to update it regularly with any important dates and deadlines.

Standardized Tests

• Make sure your student stakes the PSAT/NMSQT again, which is given in October. If your student does well on the exam, he or she can qualify for a National Merit Scholarship

• As quickly as possible, plan the junior year testing schedule. A student can take either the SAT or up to three SAT Subject Tests on one test day, or the ACT. Your student should take the SAT and the ACT tests before the end of their junior year. We always recommend that the student try BOTH the SAT and the ACT. The colleges accept them equally, and students often have a natural inclination towards one test.

• Invest in SAT and/or ACT test review material. Juniors should begin preparing for these tests as soon as possible so that the process isn’t rushed. SAT/ACT test prep can include an online course or traditional class, and practice tests. Make sure your student spends time studying the material for the test. Neither of these tests can be crammed for in one night.

Extracurricular activities

• Encourage your child to remain involved with extracurricular activities. This year is very important. Colleges want to see that a student sticks with something. Encourage your child to assume a leadership role in an extracurricular activity. If your child’s forte is sports or music, consider getting involved in regional, state or national competitions. Colleges aren’t looking for quantity in activities, but quality. And advancement.

College selection/ Application preparation

• Encourage your student to get to know the junior year teachers – and leave a positive impression on them. This is preparation for the all important college recommendations.

• Start narrowing down colleges and universities. Information can be gathered in books and on websites. Try to talk to alumni or current students. In the spring, your student should meet with his or her college counselor to draft a college list. Before the start of your student’s senior year, the goal is to develop a list of 15-20 colleges of interest.

• Talk about career choice(s). These may have a big impact on the list of potential colleges to be considered. The idea here is not to have a student commit to a career path, but to try and narrow down the career possibilities.

• Go on college campus tours with your student. Make sure you take a look at the whole range: public, private, large and small. Consider taking a college road tour over Spring Break. Schedule interviews with admissions counselors at the colleges your student is most interested in.

• Attend any college fairs that come to your area, as well as presentations by traveling college admissions officers.

Money

• Keep talking about financing college if you haven’t already. Talking about money helps students understand how much college really costs, and how they can help defray the costs through applying to private scholarships and getting good grades. Talking about money will also start introducing them to the adult concepts like financial aid and loans. Generally, if you treat your child like an adult now, chances are they will behave more like an adult later.

• Hop on the internet and research scholarships. Then help your student apply to them. Meeting deadlines is a must. Make sure everything is proofread.

Summer

• Help your student find a summer opportunity. This could include an internship, job or college program. Whatever it is, start early. You want to beat the competition. Many other students are going to be looking for opportunities, too. Do some networking on your student’s behalf. If your student is interested in medicine, see who is in your network that you might be able to call. The same goes for if your student wants to be a graphic designer or a lawyer.

• Help your student search online for summer school programs for high school students at colleges, if this is the route they choose.

All year round

• Encourage your child to read. It’s the best way to prepare for the SAT and all standardized exams. If they don’t have a favorite author? Take them to the local library to explore popular options within their age group.

Most importantly: Be there for your child. Be present in his or her life. Listen to his or her hopes, fears and goals. Working together can make these dreams more real and much more possible.

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Truth, Plagiarism & the Consequences on College Applications and Essays

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Mandee Heller Adler, president of International College Counselors, was quoted in The New York Times in an article titled, “If You’re Going to Be Edited, Be Sure the Result Is Still You“. She discusses the business of professionally edited college admissions essays.

Overall, the article concludes that professionals helping students with college admissions essays are performing an ethical service as long as they don’t write the college admissions essay for a student. The best college counselors allow students to just be themselves, but “a somewhat more interesting, more attractive, more eloquent” version of themselves.

As any parent or student who has worked with International College Counselors knows, what Adler says in the article is true, “she has parents sign a form, part of which establishes that her counselors will ‘review, not do’ the essay.”

“I’m not going to write an essay,” she tells the Times readers. “It’s an ethical question and it’s a line I won’t cross. Of course, it’s a fuzzy line, but I have to feel comfortable that I haven’t crossed it.”

It goes without saying that a student shouldn’t have someone else write their entire college admissions essay for them, whether it’s a friend, parent, college advisor, or a professional writer. But what about the fuzzier areas, like when a student portrays himself or herself as better than they are?

Say International College Counselors: No matter how desperately a student wants to get into a school, don’t lie on the college application. If a university finds out a student has lied on an application or essay – even a little – they’re getting rejected, almost guaranteed.

How does a school know if a student fibbed/fudged/lied? Colleges are doing research of their own. A common practice is for college admissions officers to call up high schools to verify a student’s activities and awards. College admissions officers have also called jobs, internship organizers, and places where students have performed public service.

Thanks to the Internet, it’s easy to see if a student really has received a major award or a significant ranking, whether it’s in music or sports. Some universities like MIT have even hired private investigators to check up on student claims. While there is a chance a student won’t be caught, do they really want to risk it.

Embellishing the truth isn’t good either. If a student delivered meals to homebound senior citizens in their community, he or she shouldn’t write that they ended world hunger. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with presenting yourself in a positive way. This is where a student’s ethics (and clever adjectives) need to kick in.

Plagiarism is always wrong and schools are getting better at detecting it. Penn State, for example, is using an admissions essay service offered by Turnitin. This software service has been used by professors to check their students’ class work – with much success. College application essays are now being compared to a huge database of collected information and what’s already on the web. While most schools don’t publicize whether or not they use this detection system, at Penn State 29 students were rejected in 2010 because of plagiarism on the college application.

College essays are about the student. Who they are and not who they’re not. At International College Counselors, we believe that every student has a gem of an essay within them. What they need to do is find that kernel of truth – and remember to proofread.

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How to Help your High School Freshman. Tips from International College Counselors.

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Many parents ask our expert college counselors at International College Counselors how early their students need to start preparing for the college admissions process. The answer from our expert college counselors: as soon as possible, especially if your student is looking at competitive schools.

The secret is to make the process fun. And not stress your student out too early or too much. College admissions stress is inevitable but it can be minimized even if your child is aiming for the Ivy League. Plus, expert college counselors know, the journey towards a college degree can be a bonding discovery process for all involved.

Here are some International College Counselors tips for parents:

• Review your student’s schedule with him or her at the beginning of the school year. The goal is to have your child enroll in challenging classes that will help them prepare for college. Help your child be less afraid to reach slightly higher than their comfort level. Build your child’s confidence and offer your support. But, expert college counselors understand, be mindful of the realities and don’t push your student too far above his or her level.

• Make sure your student meets with his or her counselor to discuss college plans. Students tend to procrastinate. (You don’t need to be an expert, or a college counselor, or work at International College Counselors to know this.)

• Help your student start a calendar. Work with him or her to update it regularly with any important dates and deadlines.

• Encourage your child to get involved with extracurricular activities. Who knows your child best, but you? Take what you’ve observed over the past 13 years and encourage your student to explore their interests. Water polo, bowling, harp playing, choir, drama, debate, or starting a business. Explore interests outside the school as well. Is your child interested in science? Have them check out volunteer opportunities at a local science museum or center. If your student likes to write, maybe there’s a place for him or her to cover high school activities for the local paper. If a child has an interest in an activity, there’s a greater chance they’ll stick with it and accomplish something. Colleges like to see that a student stays with something and moves up in it. If you’re in Broward, Palm Beach, or Miami, college counselor at International College Counselors know you have many, many options.

• Start talking about financing college. Talking about money helps students understand how much college really costs, and how they can help defray the costs through applying to private scholarships and getting good grades. Talking about money will also start introducing them to the adult concepts like financial aid and loans. Generally, if you treat your child like an adult now, chances are they will behave more like an adult later. Even in 9th grade there are scholarship monies available to use towards college. Topics expert college counselors at International College Counselors suggest include how much money they’ll need for college, how much they should try to save, and ways to reach their goal, whether it’s part-time work or more AP classes.

• Familiarize yourself with the SAT Subject Tests and help build your child’s confidence in his or her strong subjects. Encourage him or her to take the tests as soon as they finish the course so the material is still fresh to them. Subject Tests include World History, Literature, Biology E/M, and Chemistry.

• Help your student find a summer opportunity. Do some networking on their behalf. If your student is interested in medicine, see who is in your network that you might be able to call. The same goes for if your student wants to be a graphic designer or a vet. Many businesses wouldn’t mind a free volunteer. Suggest opportunities around the community your student might not have considered. Students tend to be so caught up in their own world, they may not even realize there may be a cool museum nearby to volunteer at and gain the kind of experience college admissions officers smile upon.

• Help your student search online for summer school programs for high school students at colleges, if this is the route they choose.

• Go on college campus visits with your student. At this point in the game, it’s low pressure. Make it fun. When you go on any family vacations, make it a point to visit college campuses around your destination. Even if the schools are not on your child’s radar, these visits will give everyone a chance to get a feel for the options.

Most importantly: Be there for your child. Be present in his or her life. Listen to his or her hopes, fears and goals. Working together can make these dreams more real and much more possible.

Tags: Add new tag, broward college advisor, college admissions tip, college advisor miami, college counselor miami, expert college counselor, international college counselors, mandee heller adler
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How to Choose an Independent College Counselor

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Why work with a private college counselor?

Whether you’re in New York or Miami, a private college counselor can help stressed-out parents find ideal academic fits for their students. One can also help families save money by matching students with scholarships and schools that fit a family’s budget AND student’s goals. Putting an independent college expert at the helm of the application process is not a bad idea for family relations either. As parents of teenagers most likely already know, it’s better to have someone else helping your student stick to a plan of action and look over their shoulder or hold their hand through the process. Choosing the right expert college adviser in Dade, Broward, Palm Beach or elsewhere is the important first step

Something to consider about private college counselors.

There is no shortage of individuals and firms willing to help you get your student into college. However, just because someone calls themselves a Palm Beach or Miami college expert doesn’t always mean they are. Many people consider themselves a single source for all things college admissions oriented: college, scholarships, admissions, testing and more. The best independent college advisers know enough about each of these to be helpful, the worst ones can be harmful.

What to look for when you’re choosing a private college counselor?

1. Make sure you have a good, comfortable rapport with the college counselor. Feel you can trust them because, essentially, what you’re doing is entrusting them with your child’s future. Also it’s important that the student and the expert college adviser have workable chemistry.

2. Ask about the students with whom the college expert works. Are they all valedictorians, or does she have some underachievers too? Some expert college advisers have a high rate of success getting students into Ivy League schools because they’ll only work with students who would be getting into a top university anyway.

3. The best kind of private college counselor will spend time learning about your teenager and finding out their likes and dislikes: academically, socially, and geographically. The aim is to get your child into the best school for him or her, which may or may not be the most prestigious school possible.

4. The best college experts work with your student’s individual strength and weaknesses to prepare them to get into the college of their dreams. And they should encourage them in a positive and constructive way. A student should not be forced to participate in extra-curricular activities and classes that provoke anxiety or increase the risk of burnout. In other words, if your student is not gravitating towards rowing, there are always bassoon lessons.

5. Look for an independent college counselor who understands scholarship and financial aid.

6. Ask the college advisor what qualifies her to offer college admissions advice. Look for a planner who has proven experience with college admissions and who has the right relationships. Don’t underestimate relationships whether they’re with college admissions offices or top SAT tutors. Determine what steps the advisor takes to stay current with changes and developments in college admissions. Also check what schools the college advisor has attended and what relevant professional organizations she belongs to, including those like NACAC and the IECA that will keep her in the local and national educational loops.

The answers.

Come in for a free consultation with International College Counselors. Or get 5 friends together and we will come out and hold a private seminar just for you and your friends. Just call us at 954-414-9986 or contact us at International College Counselors by email.

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International College Counselors
(954) 414-9986

International College Counselors has college counseling Broward, Palm Beach, and Dade college counseling offices. International College Counselors handle undergraduate and graduate college admissions, financial aid, tuition, essays, and college applications. Mandee Heller Adler, lead college admissions consultant and Founder of International College Counselors in Miami, tailors her wide range of college counseling and college coaching services to address the goals, needs, and dreams of each individual student, whether Florida college or Ivy League university. Our college advisors, Miami Florida based, work with domestic and international students. We also work with high schools. Our college counselors are in Miami, Boca, Broward and Palm Beach. Let us help you make the best decisions choosing, getting into, and paying for college.

The answers.

Come in for a free consultation with International College Counselors. Or get 5 friends together and we will come out and hold a private seminar just for you and your friends. Just call us at 954-414-9986 or contact us at International College Counselors by email.

Join our Mailing List
International College Counselors
(954) 414-9986

International College Counselors provides expert college counseling on undergraduate and graduate college admissions, financial aid, tuition, essays, and college applications. Mandee Heller Adler, lead college admissions consultant and Founder of International College Counselors tailors her wide range of college counseling and college coaching services to address the goals, needs, and dreams of each individual student, whether Florida college or Ivy League university. Our college advising company, based in Miami-Dade, Florida, works with domestic and international students. We also work with high schools. Our college counselors are in Miami, Boca, Broward and Palm Beach. Let us help you make the best decisions choosing, getting into, and paying for college.

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High School Athletes: How to get recruited

Monday, June 21st, 2010

The question many talented high school athletes come to International College Counselors with is: How do I get recruited?

The expert college counselor’s answer: An athlete needs to get noticed by the right coach.

It’s easier in some sports and cities. Athletes in AAAAA and AAAA football and baseball have scouts come regularly to their games. If you’ve ever seen Friday Night Lights, you’ll know that for some sports, and in some cities, whole counties come to games. In metropolitan areas, many sports are regularly covered in widely distributed newspapers or newscasts.

But, every year, thousands of other outstanding athletes are overlooked for one simple reason: the coaches didn’t know they were there.

Have a power drink and breathe. Whether you participate in baseball, bowling, cross country, fencing, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rowing, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, softball, volleyball, water polo, or wrestling, there are ways that you can help yourself be recruited.

Depending on your sport, start contacting coaches and building relationships with them as early as possible. Perhaps even in junior high if you’re competing in a sport like gymnastics. Try to get them to know your name without being annoying. For example, send them the occasional newspaper article about you and the teams you play for.
Create a professionally prepared resume that highlights your athletic and academic achievements. Then post it online.
Make a high-quality sports video of yourself in action. There is a real probability that a college coach will never see you play in real life until you play for him or her. The best video is a combination game video and skills video.
Use the Internet. Visit college sports sites and college sites and collect as much information about the different sports programs as you can. You’re looking for a school that will be a good fit for you and your talents, athletically and academically.
Get evaluated if you can. Many third-party people serve as the eyes and ears of the coaches who don’t have time to see every player. Get to know the evaluators in your area. Coaches and evaluators face immense pressure to fill their slots with the most gifted athletes they can find. Their jobs depend on it. Your pro-activity actually can make their job easier from their perspective.
Attend college sports camps if you can. The director of the camp is usually the college head coach. It’s also recommended that you gain experience by competing in any tournaments you can.
If a college does show interest you, answer any request they have immediately. If a coach or school is requesting more information chances are you are probably being seriously considered. Ask your high school coach to complete any requests for information about you as soon as possible, as well.

A BRIEF FOUR-YEAR TIME LINE

Freshmen: Take this year to grow and develop your skills. Also, plan your academic calendar. You want to make sure you meet the academic eligibility at the end of your high school career. Even a high school sports superstar is not be eligible to play as a college freshman if he or she does not have a transcript with the right high school courses. Athletes and parents of athletes, make sure you read the NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete (free PDF to download)

Athletes and their parents can also contact us at International College Counselors to arrange a meeting with one of our college counselors in Dade, Broward or Palm Beach County and we can help you plan your high school sports career.

Sophomores: Get serious if you are interested in competing in college. Start working on raising your visibility and building a reputation as a mature, hard-working, team player. This is also the year you should start researching the ins and outs of recruiting, regulations, colleges, coaches, and sports programs.

This is an ideal year for International College Counselors to help you, as well.

Juniors: This year is your most important one. It is the accomplishments of your junior year that will get the recruiting phone calls later in the year. Get on the coaches’ radar screens as soon as possible to better your chances of successfully getting recruited. Boost your visibility by reaching out to coaches with notes and calls, visiting schools and meeting coaches. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear from coaches. NCAA rules prevent them from contacting or calling you until late in your junior year.

Seniors: Make sure that you are eligible by completing all the classes you need for academic eligibility. Show continuing development in your sports skills. Don’t slack off until after you’ve received and signed the “Letter of Intent” and, even then, if you really screw up, they can drop you.

Talented athletes, good luck and take care of your body. Keep working hard to get stronger, faster and fitter. It’s a competitive environment out there – but if you’re a true athlete at heart – knowing that should only push you more.

If you need help, contact a private college counselor at International College Counselors to help you with college admissions and finances.

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International College Counselors provides expert college counseling on undergraduate and graduate college admissions, financial aid, tuition, essays, and college applications. Mandee Heller Adler, lead college admissions consultant and Founder of International College Counselors tailors her wide range of college counseling and college coaching services to address the goals, needs, and dreams of each individual student, whether Florida college or Ivy League university. Our college advising company, based in Miami-Dade, Florida, works with domestic and international students. We also work with high schools. Our college counselors are in Miami, Boca, Broward and Palm Beach. Let us help you make the best decisions choosing, getting into, and paying for college.

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