When you apply to college, admission officers look at more than just your grades — they also take note of what you have done outside the classroom. Your extracurricular activities, such as jobs, sports, clubs and volunteer work, give colleges a better sense of who you are and show them what you can bring to their campus community. Remember that college folder you were supposed to be collecting throughout high school? The one stuffed with all of … [Read more...]
Five Things to Know About Scholarships
As the cost of attending some the nation’s colleges exceed $60,000 a year, many families start looking for scholarships to help cover the cost. However, too many people don’t understand the basics of college scholarships including the source and average amounts. Fortunately, educating yourself about these facts will help you find scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of a college education. 1. The largest source of scholarships … [Read more...]
PSAT Scores Release Dates
What to Do When Your PSAT Scores Come In Have you gotten your PSAT scores back? Scores from the October 2019 PSAT will be released on different days, depending on the area of the country. Texas students should get their scores on December 11, while Florida students will get their scores on December 9. No matter what your scores are, now is not the time to gloat, panic, or feel indifferent. Your scores can give you an insight into potential SAT … [Read more...]
When should you submit those college applications?
The short answer: as soon as possible. Most colleges start accepting applications August 1 or during the Fall semester of senior year. Even for colleges with Spring deadlines, it is strongly encouraged to submit applications during the Fall semester in order to be considered for scholarships. Plus, students who apply early are usually the ones who get a decision early! New Announcement: The Apply Texas application will open July 1st instead of … [Read more...]
Apply Texas College Essay Prompts for Class of 2020
The Apply Texas application is a common application form for most Texas public universities. It allows students to input their information for several different colleges at once. ApplyTexas college essay prompts for class of 2020 are: Essay A: (NEW)Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? Essay B: Some students have an identity, an … [Read more...]
I got offered Blinn TEAM at A&M but what does that mean?
Texas A&M is releasing final admissions decisions soon for students who applied for Fall 2018. If you got accepted, congratulations! There are also several other pathways that might be offered: Aggie Gateway to Success is a summer provisional admission program that gives students a unique chance to gain full admission to the university the following fall semester. This is a rare offer in which Gateway students who successfully … [Read more...]
Common Application Essays for Class of 2020
The Common Application is a website that allows over 2 million students to apply to over 480 colleges each year, using one platform. It requires one general Common App essay that is then sent to any colleges using the app. Students chose from seven different prompts to write this one essay, which needs to be between 250 and 650 words. This word length should be sufficient for most students and most topics, but be aware of the application … [Read more...]
Student’s and Parent’s Responsibilities in College Planning
Responsibilities of Students and Families While working with the college consultant, families and students have certain responsibilities in order to help the process run smoothly. The consultant's job includes guiding the student and family through selecting colleges, applying to those college, through the financial aid process, and to assist with college essays and scholarships. It is not within the consultant's services to write essays, … [Read more...]
Assured and Automatic Admissions at Texas Colleges
In 1997, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 588 – also known as the Texas Top Ten Percent Law – guaranteeing automatic admission to all state-funded universities for Texas students in the top ten percent of their public high school class. This law was later amended to allow universities to cap their admissions to the Top Ten Percent students as 75% of their freshmen 'seats'. This has allowed University of Texas Austin campus to restrict … [Read more...]
UT Austin Changes Admissions Requirements
UT Austin announced changes to its admissions process and requirements for students in the class of 2019. These students can begin applying August 1, 2018 using the ApplyTexas application. Essay Requirements All freshman applicants will be required to submit one essay -- Topic A -- in ApplyTexas. Other long-form essays in ApplyTexas (B, C, D, S, etc.) will no longer be needed for freshman applicants to UT (but may be required for other Texas … [Read more...]
