tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140696032011-10-14T19:51:34.295-07:00College MaterialsOrange County College CounselingColeennoreply@blogger.comBlogger521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-24017776330224928822010-01-31T22:29:00.000-08:002010-02-06T08:59:55.568-08:00ACT - SAT Conversion Chart SAT-ACT Conversion Chart
ACT Composite Old SAT New SAT
36 1600 2400
35 1560-1590 2340-2390
34 1520-1550 2280-2330
33 1480-1510Coleennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-87619205958900484282010-01-25T14:32:00.000-08:002010-02-06T08:59:55.571-08:00The College Interview: Don't PanicWhen the phrase college interview comes up most students panic, but quite honestly the interview should be one of the more enjoyable parts of the admissions process because you can learn more about the college and they can discover more about you. Most students come out of the interview relieved because they realize that the interview is not an interrogation and more of a conversation. Here areColeennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-78277813633947779582009-12-02T09:53:00.000-08:002010-02-06T08:59:55.572-08:00UC extends application deadline due to computer glitchHundreds of students were unable to send their University of California application due to a computer error, so the UC has decided to extend the deadline to tonight at 11:59 PM.Coleennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-37164385951686549202009-11-27T19:05:00.000-08:002010-02-06T08:59:55.573-08:00USC Application tips: Activity Summary
The activity summary for USC is quite extensive. I suggest that you start the process in a word processing program and than copy and paste. They provide a great example of an activity summary within the application, so make sure to use that format for reference. Remember not to make this a laundry list, but a highlighted collection of interests and achievements.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-77835813114684686232009-11-18T09:59:00.000-08:002010-02-06T08:59:55.574-08:00Finding a TutorSome students may need a tutor to help them master a concept or for enrichment in a certain subject. Before you hire a tutor you want to make sure that they have the experience necessary to meet the needs of not only your student, but also your family. To assess if the tutor is the right fit consider asking some of these questions:
Have you worked with students from this school district?
What Coleennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-65518799433544073892009-11-18T09:43:00.000-08:002010-02-06T08:59:55.576-08:00College Visits 101
College Visits are important elements of choosing the right campus for you because they allow a student to develop their own opinions about a campus. When you make your college visit be sure to leave your assumptions at home and open your mind to the possibilities of the college that you are visiting. Here are a few tips to make sure that you make the most of your next college visit.
1. Coleennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-67595606531858585542009-11-16T23:02:00.001-08:002010-02-06T08:59:55.577-08:00The UC Application OnlinePowered by WhrrlColeennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-64609299296024312662009-11-11T08:52:00.000-08:002010-02-06T08:59:55.578-08:00Cutback increase CSU competitionBudget cuts due to the recession force the CSU system to offer fewer spots for student this coming fall. Fewer spots increase competition and the CSU system is already seeing a surge in the number of applications they are receiving this month. According to some reports applications are up 53% from this time last year. Students need to get their CSU application in on time and make sure that Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-83330436026495308042009-06-07T17:15:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:55.579-08:00Make Summer Count!Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-89112686175920254732009-06-03T10:41:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:40.772-08:00Sample UC EssaySample UC Essay - Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-81201996955449245432009-06-03T07:52:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:55.580-08:00Did Rose Cheat on the SAT?Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-9967502097109266792009-05-06T08:50:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:40.774-08:00Sample College Essays from College PresidentsWSJ has a great series that includes various College Presidents writing college essays on different topics.Barnard EssayUniversity of Chicago EssayPenn Essay Reed College EssayColeennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-58154124371743822242009-04-23T20:58:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:55.581-08:00Columbia UniversityCongratulations, Jacquie!Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-90091725952994843712009-04-19T21:50:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:55.584-08:00Tour of UCLA HousingColeennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-34623212275015426972009-04-10T21:26:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:55.585-08:00Getting Off the WaitlistThe bottom line is BE PERSISTENT NOT ANNOYING.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-82508636521437705532009-04-09T16:40:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:55.586-08:00Orange County College Application Boot CampClick here for the latest press release regarding Boot Camp.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-41661225547183156952009-03-17T08:23:00.001-07:002010-02-06T08:59:55.587-08:00MicrolecturesThe attention span for students is shrinking, so colleges are starting to shorten lectures. Boston colleges is launching the one minute lecture. I wish they had this for my 3 hour Nutrition class at UCSD.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-76110182847181189512009-03-16T08:35:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:55.588-08:00This girl really wants to go to Notre DameA high school student launches the site iwanttogotonotredame.com in hopes to raise enough tuition for college. Its amazing the type of creativity that come from hard economic times. Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-57335458460068687302009-02-28T08:04:00.001-08:002010-02-06T08:59:55.590-08:00Honesty is the Best Policy for the UCThe application process encourages you to put your best foot forward and that includes making sure you are honest within your application. I have been asked many times-Do they check? Yes, they do check. A recent article in the L.A. times demonstrates that honesty is the best policy.The gray-and-green warehouse in suburban Concord seems an unlikely headquarters for a statewide detective Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1152642958233560492006-07-11T11:34:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:55.591-08:00New Eligibility Index for the University of CaliforniaHere is an update from the University of California:The University of California has just released its Eligibility Index forfall 2007 freshman applicants, which contains two important changes.The Eligibility Index defines the combinations of test scores and gradepoint average students must earn to be eligible for admission to theUniversity. Effective with applicants for fall 2007, the index¹s Coleennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1152639076129352252006-07-11T10:25:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:55.592-08:00Let your Priorities lead you to a CareerStudents are constantly asking me what jobs are "hot" right now, but they should really be asking what things are important to them when finding a profession that fits their strengths and priorities. The Career Journal identified several key priorities for individuals and found careers that may just fit your interests.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1152587825325664662006-07-10T20:14:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:55.593-08:00Transcripts go ElectronicA company called MHEC is working with states to make a mailed paper transcript a thing of the past. The company hopes to be able to create a national database that would allow high schools and colleges to exchange transcripts via the internet.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1152239173097122442006-07-06T19:24:00.000-07:002010-02-06T08:59:55.593-08:00Tufts Gets CreativeTufts University will change their admission process this year to shift the focus of admissions from the current scores of a student to the potential contribution of a student.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1151436978050407562006-06-27T12:34:00.000-07:002006-06-27T12:36:18.066-07:00How to Succeed in CollegeAre you off to college in the fall? Check out this article from a recent Dartmouth Alum who shares his advice on how to succeed in college .Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1150954277195278892006-06-21T22:26:00.000-07:002006-06-21T22:31:17.206-07:00SAT or ACTNot long ago students there was a general assumption that colleges in the west preferred the SAT and colleges in the east preffered the ACT, but times have changed and many students opt to take both exams. There are benefits to both tests , but students should take sample tests before making a final decision on which tests to take for college admissions.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1150491323863508352006-06-16T13:52:00.000-07:002006-06-20T13:27:08.786-07:00Top Ten Things About College AdmissionsStudents who have just gone throught the admissions process are a wealth of information, so here's the top ten things a student should know about college admissions from a student accepted to Harvard.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1150392817101252952006-06-15T10:32:00.000-07:002006-06-15T10:33:37.113-07:00Teachers feel the Competitive Climate of College AdmissionsEven teachers feel the competitive climate of college admissions and know that today deserving students may not be accepted to their first choice colleges.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1149833540930264942006-06-08T23:05:00.000-07:002006-06-08T23:12:20.940-07:00Making Your Summer CountSummer is a time to find interesting activities that encourage your intellectual development. Some students are using their summers to make themselves stand out in the college admissions process by going abroad to volunteer or study. Students need to remember that summer is a wonderful opportunity to find your niche, so make this summer count and take a class, volunteer, or find some other Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1149664089296345412006-06-07T00:04:00.000-07:002006-06-07T00:08:09.310-07:00Students should rush to consolidate loansGraduating college students should think about consolidating their student loans to lock in at a low interest rate now because interest rates are set to rise 2% by the end of summer.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1149091849622040752006-05-31T09:04:00.001-07:002006-06-01T09:30:52.046-07:00What Activities Get you into College?A study called, Chess Cheerleading Chopin, What gets you into College, sizes up the impact certain activities can have on college admissions. The study reveals that students who have parents who visit art museums increase their probability of attending an elite college. Additionally, the study concluded that students involved in yearbook, the school newspaper, and/or "hobby clubs" tend to be Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1149085640934745892006-05-31T07:25:00.000-07:002006-05-31T07:27:20.943-07:00How do I find an Arts College?The Washington Post has a very insightful article on How to Find a Great Arts College.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1148881711042922732006-05-28T22:38:00.000-07:002006-05-31T18:57:48.190-07:00High SAT scores can come at a costThe competitive climate of college admissions has many students enrolled in SAT prep courses that can cost hundreds of dollars. The SAT does require students to become familiar with test, so each student needs to consider how they can prepare for the SAT in a timely manner. There are affordable alternatives for test preparation; Number 2 offers free online test prep and The College Board, the Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1148662115297601942006-05-26T09:45:00.000-07:002006-05-26T09:48:35.310-07:00Parents Fear Paying for CollegeA survey of 300 parents ranking their greatest fears revealed that paying for college was their top fear. The increase of tuition weighs heavily on the minds of parents, but financial planning can alleviate some of the stress.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1148573546513668762006-05-25T09:05:00.000-07:002006-05-28T21:34:26.876-07:00Two competitive college announce the SAT will be optional for some studentsThis week Gustaus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota and George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia announced new admissions standards that may make submission of ACT and SAT scores optional for some students.Colleges are beginning to rethink admission policies and find alternatives to relying on the SAT and ACT as indicators of academic potential. There are currently 735 institutions Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1148309390685074492006-05-22T07:47:00.001-07:002006-05-22T07:49:50.686-07:00Should Middle School Students take the SAT?More than 120,000 students from 7th-8th grade took the SAT this year. If students decide to take the SAT they need to take into consideration that the SAT has content that they have not covered in their school curriculum and their scores will be lower.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1148233289376072862006-05-21T10:37:00.000-07:002006-05-22T08:12:51.716-07:00Few Students are Being Admitted off the Wait ListThe increase in college applicants this year has led to colleges accepting few students off their wait lists. For example, Harvard will probably take five to ten student versus the 28 students they admitted last year off their wait list.Here are some tips to help you improve your chances of getting in:1) Let them know that you are interested in their college2)Provide new information3) Don't annoyColeennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1147934001284728932006-05-17T23:29:00.000-07:002006-05-31T09:19:58.670-07:00The SAT can cause FatigueThe dip in SAT score has led some people to believe that the increase in time required for the new SAT is a strain on students. The SAT allows three hours and forty five minutes to complete the three sections, which is more time both the GMAT and GRE. Students are being stretched thin in the close to four hour SAT and scores are reflecting the change.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1143217229057464392006-03-24T08:14:00.000-08:002006-03-24T08:29:56.193-08:00What do Admission Officers want?Jacques Steinberg, an Education Reporter for the New York Times and author of The Gatekeepers had a great interview posted in the Jewish Ledger. Here are the main points he discovered while investigating college admissions-1) Follow your passions2) Grades and Test Scores do matter3) There are just too many qualified applicants to accept4) Admission Officers and not concerned with a formula, but Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1143147643847566592006-03-23T12:53:00.000-08:002006-03-23T13:10:25.043-08:00How Many AP classes should I take?Students constantly hear that they need to take challenging courses. The message has been heard and there is now a dramatic increase in the number of students taking AP courses across the nation. According to USA Today there has been a 743% increase over the number of seniors a decade ago who took nine or more AP exams. College Admissions officials now want to soften the message, "we want to see Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1143146864898431762006-03-23T12:41:00.000-08:002006-03-23T12:47:46.093-08:00The Reality of Talented Female ApplicantsGirls today are so prepared for college and success that they end up competing against one another for fewer spots. In To all the Girls I have Rejected, Jennifer Delahunty Britz, Dean of admissions and financial aid at Kenyon College writes about how hard it is to reject such capable young girls knowing that many of them have outstanding credentials, but many colleges face the fact that there Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1143054759891354512006-03-22T11:08:00.000-08:002006-03-22T11:13:28.470-08:00ScholarshipsYesterday on the Today Show Seppy Basili, VP of Kaplan shared some secrets on how to save money by applying to scholarships. The show discussed unusual scholarships and great sites for scholarship information. Here are some of the websites highlighted-www.Fastweb.monster.comwww.scholarships.comwww.Freschinfo.comwww.College-scholarships.comwww.Guaranteed-scholarships.comColeennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1142961764850525612006-03-21T09:06:00.000-08:002006-03-22T11:04:31.316-08:00How many colleges should I apply to?The trend for students in college admission is more is well, more. In the article, A New Twist on College Search, a First choice and 20 backups several students share how they applied to more than twenty colleges to increase their odds of getting into their dream schools. Here is a quote from the article-"Compared to my dad's day and my grandfather's day, it's much harder to get into college," Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1142869265867696902006-03-20T07:33:00.000-08:002006-03-20T07:41:05.883-08:00College GuidesCollege Guides are just a start to your college search, but can be an important starting point to discovering the numerous options in higher education. In the Old College Try, Jay Mathews rates the guides and gives a wonderful overview on how to select the college guide that's right for you. I personally like the Fiske Guide, but I know many of my students like the Unofficial Guide because of Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1142791480411977692006-03-19T09:47:00.000-08:002006-03-19T10:04:40.426-08:00College Fairs 101I had a workshop recently and parents brought up the fact that they felt college fairs were somewhat useless and overwhelming. The secret to making a college fair an effective tool is advance preparation. Students need to do their research before walking into the auditorium filled with 200 colleges. Prepare1) Identify at least 10 schools that interest you2) Research those schools on the web3)Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1142002053303511722006-03-10T06:32:00.000-08:002006-03-10T18:59:08.240-08:00A History Lesson for the SATThe SAT is a relative of the standards developed in 1900 by Nicholas Murray Butler of Columbia University , and Charles Eliot, President of Harvard University. The College Presidents convinced their colleagues to develop a series of examinations to increase the preparedness of students for higher education. "The Board" was developed and education underwent drastic reforms to ensure that every Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1141834535586055932006-03-08T08:10:00.000-08:002006-03-10T07:03:25.223-08:00Glitch in Scoring for student who took the SAT last OctoberApproximately 4,000 students received incorrect scores when they took the SAT last October. The scoring company claims that the "high moisture content" in the air at the time of scoring led to scoring mishaps. The College Board is contacting all those who may have been impacted by the technical errors in scoring. Colleges are already re-evaluating files and students who have any concerns Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1141690858977737122006-03-06T16:13:00.000-08:002006-03-08T08:09:56.533-08:00Test Prep and College Admissions meet the iPodKaplan will offer a podcasting program for test prepartion for the LSAT. Additionally, Kaplan offers free admissions advice via their college bound podcast.Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1141625484587367172006-03-05T22:01:00.000-08:002006-06-20T13:27:54.900-07:00Become a cultural anthropologist for your next campus visitJudy McNeeley wrote a wonderful article about how to be conduct an effective college tour. She adds depth to the routine college tour by encouraging individuals on tours to take the attitude of a cultural anthropologist. Her recommendation is a wonderful insight because students do need to see if the culture of the school is the right fit for their social and academic expectations. Make sure youColeennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1141405253260810072006-03-03T08:58:00.000-08:002006-03-03T21:15:14.290-08:00Students need to develop their own love of reading to prepare for college.One of my pieces of advice for how students can prepare early for college is to learn to love to read. This remains a vital piece of advice because according to US News and World Report only 51% of students were ready for college level reading. Here are some wonderful resources to find great books:American Library Association101 Great Books recommended for College-Bound ReadersBiographies for Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1141333621666660172006-03-02T13:02:00.000-08:002006-03-04T16:41:15.133-08:00Consultants cannot replace counselorsCNN's article regarding college consulting was interesting, but I find it shortsighted because the truth of the matter is students need everyone to be an active participant in the college admissions process. I feel as a consultant I add focus, expertise, and insight to the college admissions process, but cannot be a replacement to school counselors. School Counselors provide everyday guidance, Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1140917812410653862006-02-25T17:36:00.000-08:002006-02-25T17:36:52.423-08:00Save the Date! March 18, 2006, 2-4pm UCLA Summer Sessions and Special Programs invites motivated high school students, their parents, teachers, counselors, and friends to join us on March 18, 2006 from 2-4pm in the DeNeve Auditorium to learn more about the exciting and challenging programs we will be offering for 2006. You can meet with the professors, speak with Summer Sessions experts, Coleennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14069603.post-1137536301495770692006-01-17T14:17:00.000-08:002006-03-02T13:19:29.686-08:00College Admissions ConsultingApplying to college can be overwhelming. Our comprehensive consulting services change the college application process from a stressful situation to a rewarding experience. College Materials provides the knowledge and guidance necessary to make students competitive applicants.Our goal is to work with students to make sure that they are prepared to apply successfully to colleges that meet their Coleennoreply@blogger.com1