<p>Wondering if any of your sons or daughters have ever used these Can You Get In? services like CC's Stats Eval. or go4college.com. I am dubious that they are of value, but thought I should at least inquire. My D is finishing up her junior year and trying to zero in on the schools she will apply to. Thank you for any input.</p>
<p>I think that students, with the help of experienced parents, teachers, GC, college guides, and campus visits, should be able to determine a good college list with schools of a variety of selectivities.</p>
<p>stats eval done by this site was well worth the cash. Several other posters of successful kids thought so in this thread <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=169244&highlight=shillin%27%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=169244&highlight=shillin%27</a></p>
<p>Oh. My. God. Stats eval is incredibly valuable, or at least if you get Sally Rubenstone (I'm sure she's not the only great one, but she's the only one who's helped me personally). She's not only very helpful, but a lovely person. I imagine everyone working for this site cares as much as she does. </p>
<p>I haven't applied to colleges yet, am in the process of working on my applications, but I'd be in such a mess w/out a bit of guidance from a professional. You wouldn't believe what a life-saver it is.</p>
<p>I'm wondering how good those services are for students who have a lopsided or unusual profile. In hindsight, I almost wish I had purchased a stats eval for my daughter, just to know whether or not the predictions matched with the results. I did present a profile of my daughter's stats, academics & interests/EC's informally to a college admissions expert and was told that it would be a waste of time to apply to the college my daughter now attends, and encouraged to look at some more "match" level colleges that were either too rural or too small for my daughter. But then again, that was free, off-the-cuff advice -- perhaps a stats eval would dig deeper.</p>
<p>Maybe someone affiliated with CC will weigh in on how personalized the profile gets, bearing in mind holistic admission practices which can often boost the chances of a kid with a lopsided profile and off-the-beaten-track set of EC's, interests, or accomplishments. </p>
<p>Of course, the "cheat" factor in the whole idea of predicting "chances" is that a 95% chance is not a guarantee of acceptance, nor is a 10% chance a guarantee of rejection.... so no matter what they say, as long as they avoid saying 0 or 100%, they will be "right" in the end. (Which of course, is why the "expert" who told my daughter not to bother applying would have been much better off if she had simply said it was a long shot, but to go for it anyway).</p>
<p>Calmom wrote:</p>
<p>
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Maybe someone affiliated with CC will weigh in on how personalized the profile gets, bearing in mind holistic admission practices which can often boost the chances of a kid with a lopsided profile and off-the-beaten-track set of EC's, interests, or accomplishments.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Speaking as a college counselor for CC, an evaluation and college search is HIGHLY individualized and not just a crunching of numbers at all. It goes WAY beyond what one sees in a post asking "what are my chances" and a posting of basic "stats". It is definitely a holistic evaluation that examines everything. The college search is also very individualized, as are the recommendations regarding someone's profile and how to highlight their strengths and accomplishments and address any weaknesses. A student's college criteria and preferences are taken into account as well. I know when I do an evaluation and college search, I write up an extensive individualized report. I look at everything. I have students fill out a questionnaire that goes beyond basic stats. CC's evaluations are an honest assessment and VERY personalized. </p>
<p>You are right that there is not a guarantee of an acceptance. It is an assessment of the chances, as well as recommendations to balance the list and help in putting together a list that is most suitable for the student, that will yield a successful admissions outcome. We don't give "percentage chances" as you are discussing. We put schools in categories and we define those categories. </p>
<p>I hope that helps a little bit.</p>
<p>Respectfully,
Susan</p>
<p>susan -- does the stats eval look at things like "passion" and ECs and community service? my son doesn't need it for another year, but it definitely sounded like it would be well worth the money -- might be a good reality check for some students.</p>
<p>hsmomstef....for sure! It looks at EVERYTHING about a student....academically, personally, extracurriculars, accomplishments, field of interest, college search criteria, strengths, weaknesses, writing, and so on. The questionnaire that I use and the materials I gather try to help me to get to know as much as possible about the student. Each student's report is very individualized as it should be. The recommendations aren't just about the college list itself but regarding that student's admissions process. This service is truly just a starting point in the process but it forms the foundation of all the plans and steps that follow.</p>
<p>susan -- I sent you an email, your PM box is full!</p>
<p>It does look at everything, and I think the stats eval here at least is a huge asset to lopsided or unusual students. I'm an extremely unusual student and that's part of why I found stats eval so very valuable. It's very, very personalized. I can't emphasize enough that it is done with real interest in and care for the student. I owe Sally Rubenstone my first-born child or something. ha</p>
<p>I'm considering using CC stats eval for my D later this year as she decides where to apply. However, I have two questions. I think she (we) will know pretty much whether she can get accepted at her list of schools, but the decision will hinge heavily on financial aid. If we ask, will there be any discussion of FA in the stats eval? (I know this is unlikely, but thought I'd ask.) And, she will be applying primarily to art schools, so the portfolio will play a big part. I know stats eval is not portfolio eval, so how much does that affect the usefulness of the stats eval? Thanks.</p>