“Hanging back and allowing children to make mistakes is one of the greatest challenges of parenting.” This is perhaps one of the best points made in a recent New York Times article, Raising Successful Children, and couldn’t be more poignant than during your child’s senior year. In today’s college admissions, everything is competitive and overwhelming. This makes it easier for parents to want to step in, help, and guide their child through the … [Read more...]
Doesn’t Anyone Graduate from College in Four Years Anymore?
According to federal statistics on college graduation rates, only 27% of college students who attend public colleges graduate in four years. Private schools have a slightly better track record: 48% of students get their college degree in four years. Private for-profit colleges have even worse graduation rates (don’t get me started on those so-called “schools”). Either way, those are some disappointing figures! Colleges also use their 6 year … [Read more...]
Can My College Acceptance Be Revoked?
Can colleges revoke admissions offers? What behaviors can cause this, and how can students protect themselves? It’s the time of year again. No, not tax time. I’m referring to senoritis. The time of year when senior year high school students start getting acceptance letters to college and then, promptly, start slacking off in school. It’s tempting, I know. They already got into college, why bother with maintaining grades or doing homework? One … [Read more...]
New College Ranking Lists Published by Money Magazine
For the longest time, U.S. News & World Report was considered THE college rankings system. Every Fall, a "new" list would be released, which would almost always put Harvard was the best college in America. Every once in a while, it would tie with Princeton. Those rankings were based on many factors, including SAT scores, acceptance rates, and graduation rates. But it did not include many other factors that are becoming increasingly important … [Read more...]
How Brand College Consulting can help you save time and money
Why Do You Need an Independent College Consultant? 1. “A house may be the most expensive thing most families buy, but college--which is second most expensive--is far more important in the long run. College decisions are actually more crucial because they affect the teenager’s future” College consultants are specialists in helping you make this important investment and decisions. 2. The college application and admissions process is very … [Read more...]
How to Save for College and Start a 529 Plan
Parents of college-bound students know that the costs of college has risen dramatically. The College Board, the creator of the SAT, conducts a survey of average college pricing from universities across the country. For the 2013-14 academic year, the average cost for an in-state public college is $22,826, while the average private college is $44,750. These costs include tuition, room and board, fees, books, and an allowance for personal … [Read more...]
Upcoming College Tours with Students
We all understand that high school students should visit college campuses before deciding whether or not to apply to that particular college. Since it is going to be their home for the next four years (or longer), they should feel comfortable there, it should offer an educational program that interests them, and it should be in an area or city that offer activities that they enjoy. This is hard to tell from pictures on a college website or … [Read more...]
Testimonials from Clients
"Thanks so much, you could not have been more helpful and supportive throughout this process. We all appreciate the special attention and promptness you have given us." -Parent of Clear Lake High School student, class of 2014 "Thank you so much for your help! K’s SAT scores increased over 200 points after taking your prep class in September. She is now much more confident about college choices and I’m sure she’s in a better position for … [Read more...]
For High School Counselors and Teachers
Is your teenager’s high school counselor an expert on college? Probably not. In fact, the odds are high that your high school counselor’s knowledge about college admission strategies, standardized testing and scholarships, and financial aid is limited. Ironically, during this period of increasing college costs, financial aid is often the subject that high school counselors know the least about. Many high school counselors are unfortunately … [Read more...]
AP Scores Available Online
For the first time, AP scores will be available to students online for free. In the past, students have had to wait through most of July to receive their scores which were only available by paper. CollegeBoard will no longer be sending paper score reports to homes by mail. As of July 2013, students will be able to access their scores online through the CollegeBoard. Students must have a CollegeBoard account, as well as their AP number to … [Read more...]
