Make sure to check out our July Checklists for HS Juniors and HS Seniors. Consult these quick resources to get you started on the process this month.
GUEST STUDENT OF THE WEEK: ehales3 is a rising sophomore at Cornell University. As a high school student, she always thought that she wanted to study in a more urban environment, but has grown to love Ithaca and all that it offers. ASK HER ANYTHING!
As we work to adjust to the current reality, make sure to check out these dedicated COVID-19 resources: our directory of virtual campus tours, our directory of extended deadlines, as well as the list of schools going test optional this fall.
All New Applicants- The Process and Timeline
This discussion has been closed.
Replies to: All New Applicants- The Process and Timeline
As you’re preparing for college, your high school transcript will most likely be the first piece of information reviewed by a university admissions officer. The transcript is a complete record of all the education coursework, grades and credits you earned in your four years of high school.
When planning for college, your high school transcript is paramount. With this transcript you can show admissions counselors how hard you work, what areas you excel in and which major or type of degree might be best for you.
When he obtains your transcript, the college admissions officer will look at:
Your grade point average (GPA) and class rank.
Be aware that some schools only consider core classes (like English, math, science and social studies) when calculating your GPA (What is a GPA?), while others look at grades for all of your classes.
The types of classes you enrolled in. AP/IB classes will show that you are serious about planning for college, while a course load of non-academic classes will not impress them very much.
How consistent your GPA was. When schools are looking for desirable candidates, they want to see that you are willing to work hard, and maintaining a high grade point average shows that.
Rocky start? Keep at it. Schools also like to see GPA improvement.
The number of pass/fail classes you took. Earning a passing grade in these classes is often considered a D by colleges. Avoid pass/fail classes so they don’t impact your cumulative GPA.
Your behavior record, if included. It would only be a factor if there were any negative reports, such as suspensions or other disciplinary actions.
Include a school profile.
This is a demographic record of student population, AP/IB classes offered and other pertinent information that is usually required by college admissions officers.
High School Transcripts: Tips & Tactics
As you prepare your college admissions applications, request a copy of your high school transcript from your high school counselor or registrar so you can review it for accuracy.
Check average GPAs at schools you want to attend. You may find a college you love, but if your transcript isn’t strong enough, you might not be a desired candidate.""""""""
'''''So what’s different about IB courses?
An IB diploma means committing to a rigorous two-year curriculum in your junior and senior year. Over the course of those two years, you’ll be expected to study six subjects chosen from six subject groups (i.e. language, second language, experimental sciences, the arts, math and computer science, and individuals and societies).
In addition, IB students engage in the core requirements of completing a 4,000-word extended essay, a theory of knowledge course, and participating in community service. Clearly, the IB curriculum requires a longer-term commitment.
What Do Colleges Think of IB Applicants?
As a result of the IB program’s ability to develop critical-thinking skills, independent learning, and research proficiency in students, it is recognized that IB graduates often have stronger reasoning an analytical skills used at the college level.
Most American universities and schools abroad recognize an IB diploma, and generally provide college credit for the courses taken during the two-year program, provided you complete the entire program. Each university will have varying policies when it comes to an IB diploma, so take the time to check with each college’s admissions office.
As to whether the IB can help you in the college admissions process, it’s difficult to say. As with any other individual attribute of your college preparation, an IB diploma is part of the larger picture of your application.
As a general rule, the IB program is deemed to be more international in tone and scope than similar AP classes. Participating in the IB program could possibly help distinguish you from other college applicants if it is part of a strong overall application. """"""""
One piece of advice that is frequently given and often overlooked is to focus on developing your writing skills. Not only will this help with your college applications – primarily the all-important essay portion – but it will also help with your future college academic career.''''''''
According to the Open Door document published by the Institute of International Education, during the 2009-2010 school year the number of Indian college students in America increased 2 percent, or more than 105,000.
This is a lower growth rate than the previous year, but Indians remain the second-largest international group studying in the US. In fact, Indian students represent 15 percent of all international students.
International Student Colleges
What colleges do Indian international students attend?
Many students find the transition to college abroad jarring, and they need some help acclimating to American life. These students should search out a college with an active Indian Student Association. Boston College, Brown University, Stanford University, Michigan State University and Virginia Tech are just a few colleges with Indian Student Associations.
If you want to really immerse yourself in American culture, you might want to attend a small college in an urban setting like New York City, Boston, Chicago or Los Angeles. A small college allows you the chance to develop relationships with your professors and take advantage of small classes. You won’t feel like just a number.
Community colleges might also be a good choice for Indian students. Community-college campuses are diverse and provide high-quality courses at a cheaper price. International students can earn their associate’s degree and later transfer to a bachelor’s degree program.
Top Schools for International Students
When attending college in the United States, many international students want to go to a school with a large population of international students to ease the transition.
Colleges with a high number of international students often have resources like an Office for International Students or school clubs and associations specifically for international students from various countries.
For example, Harvard University, whose 2009-10 student population was 23% international students, has a bevy of international groups including the South Asian Association, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, the African Student Association, and the Eastern European Association.
Colleges for International Students
In general, you will have luck finding colleges with large international student populations in California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas.
You may be surprised to find out that there are 184 colleges with more than 1,000 international students in America. The Open Doors report of 2010 shows that of these schools, those with the most international students are:
University of Southern California (USC) (7,987)
University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana (7,287)
New York University (NYU) (7,276)
Purdue University (6,903)
Columbia University (6,833)
Many international students are drawn to higher education in America because of the liberal arts approach that most colleges take. It can be argued that liberal arts educations produce a more well-rounded individual who knows how to think critically.
Transitioning to college as an international student is difficult for most people. If you think you might need some extra help adjusting to your new environment, search out schools that have your major of interest and a high population of international students. """"""""
College Applications and the Admissions Process
College Applications and the Admissions Process
""""Discuss the Personal and Social Responsibilities of Going to College
For many students going away to college may be their first time away from home, so it’s important to discuss the social and personal implications they may face.
Open a dialogue about underage drinking. According to recent studies, more than half of college freshman will face an opportunity to drink within their first week of college. And over 159,000 first-year students are forced to leave school every year for alcohol or drug related reasons. Have a frank discussion with your child about the implications to their success if they participate in it.
In addition, an important aspect to cover will be how your child budgets their expenses. Decide if your teen will be using a credit or debit card, what their limit should be, and provide ways for them to budget how they spend what they’re allotted.
College Admissions Calendar For Parents
Preparing for college does not start the week before moving into the new dorm room.
Many students want to put off thinking about their college plans for as long as possible. It’s then up to the parents to set them on the path to matriculating at the right school.
So It Begins: The Freshman Year Plan
First things first: in order to be accepted to college, a student must complete the high school requirements. By the first month of school is done, students and parents should know which classes are needed to graduate high school and which are needed to enter college.
These requirements are not always the same. For instance, some four-year universities require two years of a foreign language, while some high schools may not require any foreign language at all. It would be a shame not to realize that until senior year, when it may be too late.
The best way to stay on track is to visit and create a relationship with the guidance counselor. A counselor is sure to know the high school requirements and will likely have information on classes needed for college.
It’s a good idea to have your child begin volunteering and becoming involved in extra curricular activities to build his college resume and discover his interests.
It’s also smart to begin thinking about finances at this time. By saving or planning early, you may save yourself some hassle later.
Keeping on the Path: Sophomore Year
Freshman year was a teaser of the next three years of grades, classes and extra curricular activities. Continue to make sure that everything is on track in those areas.
The second year of high school is a good time to begin researching colleges and attending college fairs.
Also, it’s never too early to begin studying for the SATs. Students have the opportunity to take it all throughout their junior year, so studying early might not be a bad idea.
The Almighty Junior Year
Junior year is usually considered to be the most important year in college planning. Grades from this year are often the last that colleges see when applications are sent out.
Schedule SAT testing times. The test is very important, so make sure your child studies. And remember that she can take it over as many times as she wants.
Visit If You Can afford to! Colleges welcome high school students with open arms to tour the campus and learn a bit about the school. Not only will this teach you more about the university, it may also excite your child about going to college.
Discuss college plans with your child. It’s important to know what he wants out of his college experience. After all, where he chooses to go may affect his entire life.
The Last Step: Senior Year
Many college applications are due early in the year, around November. It may be best to begin college applications as early as the summer before senior year.
Most applications require at least a personal essay. It wouldn’t hurt to have your child write the essay early so that she may re-write until it’s up to her standards.
Once college applications are turned it, it’s time to wait for the acceptances to roll in. However, make sure that a case of senioritis doesn’t cause your child’s grades to slip.""""""
Hope things are great for you Tizil. Another 5 weeks and then a week of Exams and you are all set for this semester. Wishing you the very best.
And Mrinal, so how was Sandy for you. Hope you were saved from all the trouble that affected a lot of people. And I just received a photo of snowstorm in NY today early morning my time. Looks like winter is setting in early this year. Usually the snow comes in during the New Year. Stay safe and stay warm.
Haha, yes. Snow. I will stay warm, thanks a ton Anialways !
eduPASS | Financial Aid for International Students | Schools with Aid for Undergraduates
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1334891-merit-scholarships-intl-students-compiling-list.html
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1348012-automatic-full-tuition-full-ride-scholarships.html
EducationUSA | For International Students
When should I be writing essays and applications? Towards November?
And would you need to write a separate essay for each university?
How long are essays and Letters of recommendation?
Thanks again
Once you shortlist the colleges you want to apply to, each college will have it's own requirements for SATs, essays, LORs...
The word limit for essays is also defined. The LORs, in my opinon, should be mo longer than one page. If I remember correctly, there is a standard format for this as well.