<p>Since our counselors at the public HS know nothing about any kind of admissions other than flagship and state U's, and since I have mentored other top kids to help them find the schools that they want, some of my students have asked for my help this year. Rather than repeating myself 20 or more times, I have decided to have a meeting about this. Out college counselor will be here, and I am preparing a handout with the kids having to fill in info as we go along. The following is what I already have. If you can think of something else, please add it. Thanks.</p>
<p>Go online for info about schools (or read Princeton Review's book).</p>
<p>How about scholarships - the need to look at specific school websites to determine if their scholarship applications have an earlier/separate deadline</p>
<p>I'd add testing, especially for students aiming for top schools that require 2 SATIIs. And do a quick comparison of the pros and cons of ACT/SAT.</p>
<p>I knew I was leaving something out! You know that there are holes to fill and you have been staring at something for so long that you can't see them anymore? I could answer questions on any of those topics, but all of a sudden to put it altogether into one piece without leaving something very important out...thanks! I needed those insights. Now I will get it together for the kids and let them know about this site.</p>
<p>Under location, I would stress applying to at least one school fairly close to home. A lot of kids think going far away is great, but come spring they may not want to be that far away, or something changes their mind.</p>
<p>On Campus Housing-only guarenteed for freshmen, all 4 years, etc.?</p>
<p>Rural vs. urban? Car needed? Expenses related to that? Can freshmen have cars? I guess you have it covered under location. Also distance from home/airport.</p>
<p>Meal plans-At some schools the amount factored in does not cover a realistic budget for food. You may need to add several hundred dollars.</p>
<p>Direct admit to a school within the U, or must apply after sophomore year?</p>
<p>"Love thy safety" and have a financial safety that you would like to attend.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Keeping in mind of course that most kids change their majors at least once
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True. But if they're fairly interested in a particular major, they may as well choose a college that has a strong program and adequate opportunities in that area. Your message also points out that one must be cognizant of other strong majors at the college in case they change their mind.</p>
<p>I can't recall the website (I believe there are several) , but D went online and filled out a form that asked her lots of questions about what she might like in a school....how big, how small, urban, suburban, rural, extracurriculars, greek systems, housing, athletics etc.etc etc. Anyway, when she hit "enter" she got an extensive list of schools, some of which she had never heard of, that fit her "type." The listing included addresses, phone numbers and websites. Turned out that she found Tufts on that list (having not considered Tufts at all before that point), applied, visited and is now a freshman there. This may be a good way to introduce kids to the hundreds of small and not so small colleges that are out there........It's a good starting point at least. I hope someone else knows the website.....</p>