In this economy, it’s understandable that high school students are looking for jobs. As an alternative, if students can’t find a way to earn money, summer can be used to save money. Picking the right summer activities can equal money in the form of a scholarship or big savings at your student’s school of choice.
Through the dual enrollment program, students can take classes at a local college- free of charge. Dual enrollment allows high school students to earn postsecondary credit toward a career and technical certificate, an associate degree, or a baccalaureate degree. That saves money for a summer activity, and when it comes to paying for college! Depending on your student’s major, classes in this category may include: languages, maths, sciences and English. The college credit earned can also be applied to most schools students eventually attend. This will save them (and you) the cost of the class they took.
Going further, certain scholarships are available for students who show high interest in pursuing certain careers. By using the summer to take a qualified interest to a higher level, your student may become eligible for these scholarships. Taking classes at a local community college or school can also show colleges a deep interest in a particular scholarly area that may make your student eligible for school scholarships.
If you have any other college questions, I’d be happy to answer them. Please write me here or at my personal email which can be found on my website.
Mandee Heller Adler, Founder and Principal of International College Counselors
www.internationalcollegecounselors.com
Posts Tagged ‘college advisor miami’
College Advice for Summer Savings and Scholarships
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009College Admissions: FACTS every high schools student should know part 2
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009Fact: Early Decision is still the “easiest” way to get into a top school
Rationale: If a student wants to go, he/ she will apply early
What you should do: Don’t wait until December to choose a school- you’ll miss the Nov 1 deadlines!
Fact: Money talks
Rationale: Schools are struggling financially and many (note- not all) are considering ability to pay when making admissions decisions
What you should do: If you don’t think you will get aid, do not apply for financial aid. Parents can call financial aid offices to see if they are eligible in advance of sending in applications.
Fact: Science budgets are booming, and applicants (in particular FEMALES) are still not expressing interest in their applications. (I had two top admissions officers say to me- “if you have a female interested in science, we want them to consider our school!)
Rationale: As finance goes down, attention to engineering and the sciences is going up
What you should do: If science is a strength or interest, be sure to include it on your application
Mandee Heller Adler, Founder and Principal of International College Counselors
College Admissions: FACTS every high school student should know
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009I just returned from a whirlwind visit to NYC. I met with a myriad of schools and admissions officers, and came back with some interesting information I thought I would share. Some of it may be new news, some simply reminders of what is already known. But, it’s all very current and helpful to keep in mind as we embark on the college admissions process:
Fact: Due to the collection of email addresses via the PSAT and PLAN, schools are able to reach out to more and more potential applicants via email.
Rationale: Schools want to sell YOU too!
What you should do: RESPOND to emails if they ask you to. Show interest and get involved. It will help you learn about the school, and keeps you on the radar.
Fact: A key deciding factor for many admissions reps is how well you can communicate the “Why xxx school question.”
Rationale: Schools want to know that you’ve done your homework, and they are simply not another checkmark on the common app.
What you should do: When you visit schools or explore schools via the web, be sure to keep an eye out for programs, professors or clubs that interest YOU in particular. Take notes (so you don’t forget), and don’t forget to communicate your knowledge in essays and interviews
Fact: Schools are very focused on “increasing access” to minority groups, first generation students going to college, international students, etc.
Rationale: Schools are looking for diverse classes- not just diverse students
What you should do: If you are identified with a minority group, be sure to include it on your application. Also, get involved with something that reflects a connection to the minority group you are claiming to belong to (ie Latino Association, African Association, etc.)
Fact: The SAT scores are often judged in “bands,” especially when combined with a top transcript. So, for example, Penn considers 1400-1600 a “band.” Below that 1400 and you are in a different category, but anywhere within the 1400-1600 is considered a strong score.
Rationale: Give or take a few points, a 1400 is still a good score, most especially when it is combined with a strong GPA
What you should do: Don’t stress about getting 10 more SAT points, focus on your classes and your career direction. Your transcript means the most!
www.internationalcollegecounselors.com
BEWARE THE SALES PITCH THAT’S NOT A SCHOLARSHIP
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009“Congratulations on being nominated to attend the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.”, reads the fancy script on the expensive feeling card complete with gold seal. The card promises “lifetime advantage” and valuable resume padding. It’s hard to miss the words “elite”, “distinguished,” and “select.”
The letter is a marketing scam. These particular leadership conferences won’t enhance your college applications any more or less than that art club you joined but never attended.
Your child will meet other kids who are interested in government, attend workshops, hear speakers, and sightsee, but getting invited isn’t an “honor”. College admissions officers and college advisors are aware that attendance for most students depends on their ability to pay.
Solicitations for programs like these begin filling mailboxes, virtual and real, as soon as students reach middle school, and continue coming through college. Dozens of messages may be sent from one program, reminding you of enrollment deadlines and offering testimonials from participants and fundraising tips.
According to the New York Times, The company that organized the conference, a direct-mail powerhouse called the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, runs an alphabet soup of such conferences that it says are attended by 50,000 students a year. It solicits recommendations from teachers and alumni of previous conferences, and it culls names from mailing lists, for which the council paid $263,000 in 2006 alone.
Other companies in this business include: the National Student Leadership Conference, People to People Ambassador Programs, Leadership Classroom, Envision, and the Congressional Youth Leadership Council.