Posts Tagged ‘college counselor miami’

Get Your Teacher Recommendations Now

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Juniors, we’re talking to you.

Even if you don’t know what schools you’re applying to, the time to ask for a Letter of Recommendation is now. If you’re applying to almost any private college at all, you’ll need a Letter of Recommendation.

By asking for a letter early, college counselors know you’re

1. Making life easier for yourself. You will be busy next year.
2. Making life easier for your teacher and he or she will appreciate it. More importantly, that appreciation may be reflected in your letter!

By giving a teacher more time to write the letter, you’re giving him or her more opportunity to write a letter tailored for you. The best letters of recommendation say something special about you. They provide insight about you, your talents, abilities, strengths, positive qualities, merits, achievements and more.

Choose who you ask wisely and carefully. Make sure you choose someone who likes you. You will most likely never even see the letter that is written about you so it needs to be someone you feel comfortable with.

Different schools may require different formats for Letters of Recommendation. However, the majority of students will be using the Common Application to apply to schools. This means it’s suggested that your teacher writes a general letter for you. Also, the idea here is that the teacher will store your letter on the computer and thus be able to paste it into whatever official letter of recommendation form you provide when the time comes.

International College Counselors note to International Students: Don’t feel you need to ask an English teacher because you think they’ll write the best. The letters need to be in English if you’re applying to a U.S. school, but the teacher can “Google” translate it or have someone in the school translate it. An exception to this would be if you know a school’s admissions office accepts recommendations in other languages and has someone on staff who can read them.

Please click here to read How to Ask for an Early Letter of Recommendation

If you have any questions on Letters of Recommendation and are a client of International College Counselors, please give one of our college advisors a call or send an email.

Decision making after the thick envelopes!

Sunday, April 8th, 2012

The envelopes are in.
 
If your student has more than one thick envelope in hand, they’re in the driver’s seat. The colleges have taken their sweeeeet time choosing you, and now it’s your turn to choose them. They’ve given you the month of April to make your choice. Far beyond the glossy paper of the brochures, here are some things college advisors at International College Counselors say you and your student should consider:
 
Economics. It’s hard to deny that this may be a factor for many students. If they’ve been offered a generous financial aid package or a scholarship, it’s going to be hard to ignore this “bonus”.
 
If the student has not received the full financial aid offer, college advisors at International College Counselors recommend you begin to explore your financial options through free tools like the one offered on FinAid.org.
 
The Ivies and a small number of other schools have policies that allow them to attend irrespective of their ability to pay. Contact each school separately for information on these policies.
 
Fit. Where does a student feel like he or she will fit in best? Some students thrive at universities where the city itself plays an important role in one’s overall education. In cities such as New York and Boston, the cultural and internship opportunities are enormous. However, city schools tend to be more impersonal. Residential campus schools like the University of Florida pride themselves on a school community atmosphere. Then there are considerations like the size of the school, the role of Greek life, the athletic culture, and more. College advisors at International College Counselors recommend that your student look for the campus energy that matches his or her own.
 
Academics. Ideally, a student should have a vague idea of a desired career path. What is needed is a school that offers a major or program that will allow your student to explore that option to fullest.
 
Culture. Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan College presents this consideration excellently:
 
“The evolution of student culture over many years that comes to define the way a place feels to the young men and women who spend these transitional years on campus. Students – not teachers and officials – make that culture. At Duke, for example, there are extraordinary programs and deep research going on. But over several weeks of the spring semester, it’s Blue Devil basketball frenzy that takes over campus culture. At Middlebury, there is currently an energetic student debate about the meal plan, which many students see as a defining element in their campus experience. At USC, the entertainment industry seeps into the fabric of the place, even when the subject areas are quite distant from Hollywood. At Wesleyan, the students have created vibrant music and film contexts that seem to fuel independent rock and hip-hop on the one hand, and popular film and TV on the other. Although most students here study neither music nor film, the energy of these areas percolates around campus.”
 
Job connections. After college, your student will want to get a job so it’s smart to consider a college’s career services center. Call them and ask about job fairs, internship opportunities, on-campus corporate interviews, and the number of students per career counselor.
 
Only you and your student will know what is truly important to you. Ask questions and take a good hard look at the school. Visit the top two choices again if you can. This is going to be your student’s home away from home for the next four years.
 
Experienced college advisors at International College Counselors believe if a student is having a tough time choosing among two or more schools it is probably because he or she has done a good job putting together the list. Most likely that student will be happy at whichever college is chosen.
 
Worse comes to worse, a student can transfer.
 
Most importantly, don’t let your student procrastinate. This is probably the biggest decision they can make at this point in their life.
 
For help from an experienced college advisor, please contact the expert college counselors at the Miami based International College Counselors of http://www.internationalcollegecounselors.com

International College Counselors
(954) 414-9986

About International College Counselors
International College Counselors is a Miami-based company that provides expert college counseling on undergraduate and graduate college admissions, financial aid, tuition, essays, and college applications. The college admissions counselors at International College Counselors work with domestic and international students. International College Counselors, founded by Mandee Heller Adler, tailors college counseling and college coaching services to address the goals, needs, and dreams of each student.

International College Counselors has seven offices in three countries.

Make Summer Count

Monday, March 26th, 2012

High school students who want to shine on their college applications should consider the summer an ideal time to add some resume gold.

Contrary to popular belief, a student doesn’t need to build wells in Costa Rica, said college counselors at International College Counselors. There are many choices of summer activities that raise the APA (application point average).

“While there’s nothing wrong with a little down time, high school students with college aspirations should use the break to enhance their college applications,” said Mandee Heller Adler, founder of International College Counselors. Summer is coming up fast so here are some ideas for high schools students to make the most of the summer.

Enrichment Camp

There are hundreds of different summer enrichment programs, from the local to the international and, between them all, they offer thousands of opportunities. There are recreational camps, athletic camps, academic programs, volunteer programs, internships programs, and more. Some come with the opportunity to earn college credit. A number of programs give high school students the taste of life on a college campus.

Great summer job or internship

“Summer jobs and internships are great ways to gain valuable real-world experience,” said expert college advisor Adler. “In a tight job market like the one we’re experiencing now, your best bet may be the internship.”

An internship is unpaid (or token payment) work experience that provides students with an opportunity to gain experience in a field of interest. What isn’t gained in cash, is gained in experience, friends, and networking connections. Think of it as a summer course. With persistence and luck, you can even land an internship in a dream career.

Volunteering

It can be profitable to work for nothing. You can make a difference, gain experience make networking connections, and explore interests. For example, if you’re interested in a career in medicine, you can volunteer at a hospital or nursing home. The choices are endless and the hard work and time can pay off. Colleges and scholarship funds truly adore students who can demonstrate that they make the effort to help others. Then there’s always the fact that doing good is a wonderful reason to volunteer in itself.

Virtual Class or Dual Enrollment

Virtual classes and dual enrollment programs offer students a chance to explore something new. Both can help save time and money if you take classes that count both for high school credit and college credit. Depending on your school, the credit may reduce your course load per term or even allow you to graduate early.

For help from an experienced college advisor, please contact the expert college counselors at the Miami based International College Counselors of http://www.internationalcollegecounselors.com

International College Counselors
(954) 414-9986

About International College Counselors
International College Counselors is a Miami-based company that provides expert college counseling on undergraduate and graduate college admissions, financial aid, tuition, essays, and college applications. The college admissions counselors at International College Counselors work with domestic and international students. International College Counselors, founded by Mandee Heller Adler, tailors college counseling and college coaching services to address the goals, needs, and dreams of each student.

International College Counselors has seven offices in three countries.

Enter the 2012 Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

by Mandee Heller Adler
CEO of International College Counselors

High School students who have a great idea for a business, should enter the 13th Annual Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge, said college experts at International College Counselors.

Last year three students from International College Counselors won the challenge!

More information can be found on the Miami Herald website here and I’ve pasted some relevant parts of the rules below.

Expert college advisors at International College Counselors say winning this Challenge will look good to colleges and, even if a student doesn’t win, it’s a great learning opportunity and/or a launchpad for some budding entrepreneurs.

A panel of judges will select the three best business plans submitted by high school students, grades 9-12, based on both the quality of the idea and the submitted plan.

According to The Miami Herald, general rules for high school students wanting to enter the Business Plan Challenge include:

* Students must live in South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach counties).

* The entry must be no more than three pages, type no smaller than 10 point. Students may include one additional page of supporting material, such as a product picture or diagram, a financial spreadsheet or marketing materials.

* The contest is open to students in grades 9-12 in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. A one- or two-page entry is fine in the student category. Put “High School Entry” at the top. A video of the top student winner with be filmed and it will be featured on MiamiHerald.com.

* Entries must be for proposed for-profit businesses or firms in the start-up phase. Companies launched before Jan. 1, 2010 are not eligible. If the submission is an original franchise idea, it will be allowed. Multiple entries from one person are allowed if they are different business ideas.

Entries must be e-mailed by 11:59 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012.

The top three competitors will be the subjects of a Miami Herald Business Monday cover story and section. Winners will also be invited to a luncheon in their honor.

If you are a client of International College Counselors and want us to review your business plan, please contact your advisor and they will be more than happy to do so.

May the best business plan win!

International College Counselors
(954) 414-9986
www.internationalcollegecounselors.com

2012 International College Counselors Scholarship

Monday, February 13th, 2012

International College Counselors is pleased to announce the third annual 2012 college scholarship competition. Students in grades 9-12 from Dade, Broward, Palm Beach counties and outside the tri-county area are invited to apply.

Students are asked to submit an essay that answers the question:

What makes a good college education?

Four college scholarships of $250 each will be awarded, three to students who attend school within Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County; and one to a student from outside Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County, including outside the United States.

Work will be judged on the basis of originality and effectiveness of argument or presentation.

Submissions may be in Spanish or English, 500 words or less.

The deadline for receipt of essays is April 1, 2012

The contest rules and submission information can be found at International College Counselors. Select the “Scholarship” section of the website for downloadable contest rules. You can also go directly to the entry application.

Students do not need to be clients of International College Counselors to enter or to win this annual scholarship competition.

The International College Counselors High School Essay Contest has established a Scholarship Fund to increase awareness of the value of higher education among high school students, as well as to give financial aid for tuition to college-bound students.

Good luck to all!

International College Counselors
(954) 414-9986
www.internationalcollegecounselors.com

Attend Your Local National College Fair!

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

International College Counselors encourages students to attend their local National College Fair!

Miami National College Fair
Miami Airport Convention Center at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel
Sunday, February 19, 2012
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

New York National College Fair
Jacob Javits Convention Center
Sunday, April 22, 2012
11:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.
 
Pittsburgh National College Fair
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 (9:00 a.m.-12:00p.m. and 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.)
Thursday, February 9, 2012 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00p.m.)

More National College Fairs
https://www.gotomyncf.com/

Online student registration is now open for students who plan to attend the Miami National College Fair, the New York College Fair, the Pittsburgh National College Fair and other College Fairs across the U.S. from Boston to Honolulu, sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

The fair is free and open to the public.

To register, visit www.gotomyncf.com.

When you register, a barcoded confirmation page is produced. When printed and brought to the fair, this page acts as your electronic ID. Utilizing this barcode eliminates the need for you to fill out inquiry cards at the booths you visit. Online registration leaves you more time to chat with more admissions representatives. So our expert college advisors recommend you try to register before you go to the fair!

Here is how the process works:

Step 1 Visit www.gotomyncf.com prior to attending the fair to register. You will be asked a few short questions regarding your graduation information, home address, and interested major so schools can send you information after the fair.

Step 2 Complete the online registration form. Print the barcode identification page and bring it along to the fair.

Step 3 Colleges at the fair will scan your barcode to access your information, allowing more time for one-on-one conversations and less time filling out inquiry cards.

About College Fairs

Every year, more than 650,000 students attend College Fairs sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, seeking information about colleges, universities and other postsecondary institutions. Free and open to the public, National College Fairs allow students to interact with admission representatives from a wide range of college and other postsecondary institutions to discuss course offerings, admission and financial aid requirements, college life in general, and other information pertinent to the college selection process.

The college advisors at International College Counselors are available to help you with any questions you may have. Please contact us at

International College Counselors
Main office: 954.414.9986
http://www.internationalcollegecounselors.com

How to Handle a Deferral

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Many students who apply to college Early Decision or Early Action find that they’ve been deferred. This means they’ve neither been accepted nor rejected.

Typically, a deferral means the college wants to compare you with the full applicant pool because your application did not shine enough for them to admit you early.

Unlike a rejection, a deferral offers hope and chance. Ironically, hope is not always the least stressful option. As any expert college advisor at International College Counselors will tell you, you have work to do if you want to improve your chances of turning the ‘maybe’ into a ‘yes.’

Here are some of our expert college advisor suggestions:

Don’t panic. There was a reason you weren’t rejected straightaway.

Get information. Contact the admissions office and see if you can find out why you were deferred. Then ask for suggestions regarding turning your deferral into an acceptance. By doing this, you’ll make the school aware of your commitment and get more information. Do not call if the college has specifically asked that students not call them.

Send in improved standardized test scores. This is especially important if you believe your submitted scores may not have measured up

Send in your midyear grades. Make sure you meet their deadline. (This is another reason why it’s important not to let your grades slide.)

Write a letter. Sincerely express your continued interest in the school and reasons why you believe it would be a good match for you. Do not come across as whiny or negative. This is also where you can attach information about your new accomplishments that are not in your original application. Accomplishments could include new activities, new awards or leadership positions.

Send in a strong and relevant additional recommendation. The best letter of recommendation would discuss your unique qualities and why they make you an ideal match for a school. What you don’t want to do is send a generic recommendation. Make sure you check to see if the college allows you to send extra letters before you send them.

Let go. There is no one “perfect” school. Hope for the best but prepare to go to one of your backup schools.

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE COUNSELORS NOTE: At all times and with all communication with the college be polite, professional, positive and enthusiastic.

To work with an independent college advisor at International College Counselors click here or call (954) 414-9986.

Mandee Heller Adler

Give the Gift that Gives So Much Back: A College Advisor

Saturday, December 10th, 2011

Want to make the holidays even happier? Let the good elves of International College Counselors help you and your family.

Give the gift of a college advisor. It will be a gift to yourself, as well.
 
With a college advisor:
 
1. You won’t have to stay abreast of the changes in higher education and college admissions, because the expert college counselors at International College Counselors will.

2. It will be easier for your child to stay organized and focus on school/other priorities. As we all know, teens don’t necessarily like to listen to their parents!  

3. The whole family will know that the child’s application will be thoroughly reviewed and brought to the best light by experts.

4. Your family can find the right college match.
 
The earlier students start working with the expert college counselors at International College Counselors, the more advantage they gain.
 
Early planning gives a student time to sift through his or her interests, create a steady academic progression, and build a solid foundation of achievements, including focused community work and summer options.
 
Expert planning and strategic guidance can certainly help with admissions, but more importantly, an expert college counselor at International College Counselors can assist a high school student in understanding his or her potential earlier and making wiser personal decisions during these important years
 
And there are no batteries required.
 
Giving the perfect gift is easy. Just call International College Counselors at 954-414-9986 today.

Advice for Parents of Students with Disabilities

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

The expert college counselors at International College Counselors recommend that students with disabilities follow the same steps for choosing and applying to a school as any other student.

As importantly, if you’re a student with a disability, you need to evaluate schools based on their ability to accommodate your needs.
 
There are support services available for students with learning disabilities at many colleges. The expert college counselors at International College Counselors understand these services vary in quality and extent from school to school.
 
Expert college counselors at International College Counselors recommend you start by reviewing your student’s needs.

Meet with the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team or an International College Counselors advisor. The goal is to better understand the disability and its effect on college choices.

Ask these questions:

How does my student’s disability affect how he or she learns?
What are my student’s academic strengths?
How does he/she learn best?
What strategies does my student need to help him/her learn?
What facilities may my student need?
What environmental conditions does my student need? For example, if a student is in a wheelchair, the best college may not be on a rural campus where it snows a lot.
What careers are your students interested in? (Stay realistic about how any learning or physical needs may influence these career areas.)

Once these questions are answered, help your student begin building a college list. After narrowing down the college choices, either you or your student should contact the disability services office of each school to determine if a college has the services and accommodations that can support your student’s needs and meet any specific requirements. Programs, policies, procedures, and facilities must meet the needs of your specific situation.
 
You may also want to ask to meet with one or two other students with disabilities enrolled in the school who currently receive support services. They are often the best resource for practical information about the strengths and weaknesses of the school and programs.
 
How to help your student be a strong candidate for admissions:

Give your student encouragement and support! Your student needs to succeed to the best of his or her abilities. It is important to know that a school cannot deny admission because of a condition if a student meets the basic requirements for admission including application deadlines, grade point averages, extracurricular activities and college entrance exam scores. In fact, you don’t even need to tell a school a student has a disability on your application, unless you want an academic adjustment or to explain something.
 
For more information on helping a student with a disability choose a school and navigate the college admissions process, contact a expert college counselor at International College Counselors at 954 414-9986. 

Why the PSAT Matters

Monday, October 10th, 2011

Many students are about to take the PSAT test in a few days and many of them are probably wondering why it’s so important. Here are some reasons:
 
The expert college advisors at International College Counselors understand that the PSAT is the best practice for the SAT.  It’s a standardized test made by the College Board, the same company that creates the SAT, and it tests the same three subjects as the SAT: critical reading, math, and writing.  The kinds of questions and the directions are almost exactly the same as the SAT.  Students also get to experience sitting down for a two to three hour test with few breaks. For many, it’s an eye-opener. The real SAT is about an hour and a half longer than the PSAT. 
 
PSAT scores indicate how a student might do on each section on the SAT.  Using the test results, students can then focus their test review on the areas and types of questions they most need to improve. Students and parents can also use the scores as a gauge to see what kind of additional study aids or tutoring is needed. Consider poor results as an early warning signal that serious work may be needed before a student takes the real SAT.  
 
By taking the PSAT, a student could become a National Merit Scholar.  This is a highly prestigious recognition. To participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program, a student needs to score above a certain percentile on the test.
 
Through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), different sponsor organizations offer different amounts of scholarship money to high-scoring students, even if the student reaches levels below that of National Merit Scholar.  According to the National Merit website, Merit Scholarship awards are supported by approximately 440 independent sponsors and by NMSC’s own funds. Sponsor organizations include corporations and businesses, company foundations, professional associations, and colleges and universities.
 
High scoring African American high school students become eligible to participate in the National Achievement Scholarship Program as well as in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
 
Students can see how their performance on the SAT test might compare with that of other students. This may boost self-esteem or be a good dose of reality/kick in the pants.

To all students: Good luck on the PSAT!
 
The college advisors at International College Counselors are available to review PSAT scores and recommend highly qualified tutors to help. Please contact us with any questions you may have.
 
 

                    
 
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International College Counselors
3107 Stirling Road, Suite 208
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 USA
(954) 414-9986

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