<p>Read this article. Even if you are turned off by the title, keep reading. There is a wealth of information here on picking colleges and on building a solid application --- whether you're aiming at the country's most selective schools or more realistic choices. This is one of the best articles i've ever read on college admissions --- and believe me, I have read them all: <a href="http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/articles/premium/06average.php%5B/url%5D">http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/articles/premium/06average.php</a></p>
<p>An excellent article that covers all the nuts and bolts of college apps.</p>
<p>Thanks, Carolyn.</p>
<p>For those who need to find out more before taking time to click on the link:</p>
<p>"Dave Brown got a slow start at his high school in Emmaus, Pa., and the evidence was clear on his college applications: mostly C's for four years of German, junior-year grades in physics that faded from A to FF ("for under 55 percent" ), and a spot at No. 160 in a class of 470. But admissions staffers at nearby Ursinus College detected intriguing possibilities in Brown's transformation from a 2.0 freshman focused on playing pool and customizing his car into a determined senior managing A's and B's in several honors courses. And they were right. Under the guidance of Ursinus's demanding but accessible professors, Brown wrapped up his undergraduate studies with a 3.56 average. In May, he graduated from the University of Miami law school, where he earned his J.D. degree on a full scholarship....</p>
<p>Finally, keep in mind that every college you apply to will expect your most careful effort. Tree remembers one student who was so confident of being accepted by a small college in Maryland that the family didn't make the trip there for an interview, nor did the student stop in to see the college rep who visited school. Admissions called, wondering about seriousness of purpose, and the family headed for campus pronto. Even at schools that seem like safe bets, you've got to work hard to get in."</p>
<p>Thanks Carolyn for the link.
[quote]
The school's 1100-to-1300 SAT range means that half of the freshmen scored between those end points, one quarter scored lower, and one quarter scored higher.
[/quote]
This quote alone made reading the article worthwhile.</p>
<p>Thanks from me too. I'm going to give a copy to each of our guidance counselors. p.s. How's Amanda?</p>
<p>Carolyn,</p>
<p>This is an excellent article! Sounds like US News is trying to recommend greater balance after all the criticism they themselves engender with the rankings. Good for them. They even let it be known that Pope disagrees with them. I have emailed the link to S2. Maybe he will read it without being offended.</p>
<p>Fantastic article. Thank you, Carolyn!</p>
<p>Yes, I spotted several things that I like a great deal about the online version --- especially this article and the inclusion of the NSSE data.
They also have re-arranged how they present the premium edition information about each college --- I think it is very much worth the 15 bucks if you're doing college research.</p>
<p>thanks for the reference, Carlolyn. </p>
<p>btw: is having the family name on a Wisc college a large hook. :)</p>
<p>Yes! Yes! Thank you Carolyn for posting this link... It is a wonderful article full of great advice... and hope!</p>
<p>Lisa</p>
<p>Another thanks.. Before I read the article I was thinking about the great balance son found at his choice-and then, Redlands was mentioned:).</p>
<p>Thanks, Carolyn -
just printed it for the parents of a 'B' student and will be delivering it today!</p>
<p>BlueBayou - LOL! Well, for some kids, a college with the same name as your last name is an immediate "no!" :)</p>
<p>Lamom, I thought of emailing you when I saw Redlands mentioned. </p>
<p>By the way, I wanted to clarify: I think the USNews Premium edition is worth the $15, not because of the ratings but because of the individual school profiles. They break down admissions data into some very useful subsets that you can not easily find elsewhere.</p>
<p>THANK YOU Carolyn! I am printing out several copies! You ain't kidding, best article ever!</p>