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Application Strategy
The application process can seem daunting to the uninitiated. Should I apply early decision or early action? What is the right number of schools? How do I construct a balanced list that includes Safeties, Matches, and Reaches? How do I establish the elusive 'Demonstrated Interest' and how much does it help? We can help you decipher the lingo and navigate the process. We will help your student put together a solid list of schools. We will evaluate the list and help your student through the process..
Essays and The Common App
At the heart of the application is "The Essay." Some schools require only the Common App essay, others ask for six, seven, or even more. We have a process which we take the student through for every single essay. It begins with brainstorming ideas and analyzing essays that work. Then there are the drafts. WARNING: It generally takes about ten solid drafts to get the final essay. BONUS: Through this process, your student will become a better writer and will benefit from this in college. We will work with your student on all of the essays. The essays will be your students work.
We will also work with your student in completing the Common Application. Which honors, awards, and activities should he or she include in the application? How should they be prioritized and presented? Which teachers or coaches should I request letters of recommendation from?
The Resume (and beyond)
Many schools allow you to upload a one page resume highlighting your education and your accomplishments. We will work with your student to create a resume that tells your student's story. The resume can be included as part of your application and can also be handed to an alumni conducting a college interview with your student. Some colleges now encourage students to use web-based applications such as ZeeMee to tell their story. We can guide your student in creating a compelling online story.
Scholarship Identification
Many scholarships and grants are offered by the colleges and universities your student will be applying to. We will work with you to identify scholarship and honors opportunities and guide your student in applying. There are also countless scholarships out there ripe for the picking: you just need to find them. Whether you're interested in oboe or ornithology, there are scholarships for you! From large national contests, such as the Coca Cola Scholars Program, to those offered by niche and local organizations, scholarships both ease the financial burden of college and add valuable prestige to one's application.
Summer Plans
The summer before applying to college can be a valuable time for adding unique experiences to bolster an application, refine your interests or even get first hand exposure to a college campus. Many of these experiences, from educational programs to camps, have their own application processes and nuances. People often assume summer programs always come with a high price tag, but a surprising number are free/low cost, if you know where to look.