Read this Wall Street Journal article (by Sue Shellenbarger, published November 17, 2010) on how many 4-year colleges and universities are allowing students to design their own programs of study.
Early decision applications rise 17 percent
by Darina Shtrakhman, The Daily Pennsylvanian – theDP.com
Penn received 17 percent more early decision applications this year, according to Dean of Admissions Eric Furda.
This brings the total to approximately 4,500 — up from 3,851 last fall.
Furda attributed this increase to Penn’s no-loan aid policy and commitment to research and civic leadership.
“This is a generation that sees the need to make a difference in society and these applicants recognize how the resources of Penn and the city of Philadelphia can help them make an impact,” Furda said in a statement.
The University typically fills half of the incoming freshman class with early decision applicants by accepting around 1,200 students, all of whom are committed to attending Penn because the early decision program is binding.
If Penn were to accept 1,200 of the applicants from the current pool, the early decision acceptance rate would be 26.6 percent — an all-time low.
For the Penn class of 2014, the University saw a 6-percent increase in early decision applications. Of those, 31.2 percent were accepted under early decision. An additional 1,186 were deferred, and 119 of them were admitted under regular decision.
Early decision applicants to Penn will be notified of their admissions decisions in mid-December.
The Shrinking Community of College Males: Worse Than We Thought
by Mark Sklarow, Executive Director, IECA
As I left the office yesterday afternoon I couldn’t help but notice the enormous wall of boxes waiting pick up by the postal service. Thousands upon thousands of SAT and ACT brochures are being sent to members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, thanks to agreements between IECA and the College Board and the ACT. Hundreds of brochures, Educational Consultant College Maps, and more are ready for shipment as well. All these materials will arrive at member offices for distribution to clients.
In unprecedented numbers, those clients will be female, as the percentage of males on college campuses is set to slip below 40%
Read the entire blog.
College Application Essays – Univ. of St. Thomas
The article entitled “Every Student Tells a Story” in the online St. Thomas Magazine www.stthomas.edu/magazine/2010/Fall/essays.html have fine examples of application essays that are inspiring and personal. Enjoy!
Fall College Fairs
As summer winds down the Fall College Fair Season gets going!
So mark your calendars.
Here is a link to the National College Fair, Colleges that Change Lives, Performing and Visual Arts College Fair and National Portfolio Day.
Also, information on making the best use of your time at the College Fairs.
How To Fair Well at the College Fair 2010 updated.doc
COLLEGE FAIRS 2010.doc
WCCO Radio Clip
Listen to Sue Luse’s advice about getting a head start on college applications this summer.
Help with Student Resumes
Do you need help with your resume? Here is a message from Kathy King who provides resume writing service.
Students and Parents,
One way to enhance your college and scholarship applications is to attach a student resume that describes all of the activities in which you have been involved throughout high school – athletics, clubs, music, dance, theater, political organizations, community service, faith-related participation, or employment.
I will provide you with templates you may use to create a student resume. In addition, one of my associates is available for an hourly fee to professionally plan, create, and format a student resume for you. More information about her service is attached.
The summer between junior and senior year can be a great time to begin working on your student resume. Once it is created, you can always update it during your senior year as you add new activities, receive recognition, or assume leadership positions.
For more information, click on the document Professional Help Creating a Student Resume.
Colleges’ Rejects Who Made It Big
Take a look at this Wall Street Journal article posted on msn.com about college rejections that had surprising outcomes.
This article was emailed to me by a parent. Here is what she wrote:
I thought you might be interested in this msn.com article. While it’s not particularly scholarly, I loved Columbia University President Lee Bollinger’s comment on page 2:
To “allow other people’s assessment of you to determine your own self-assessment is a very big mistake,” says Bollinger, a First Amendment author and scholar. “The question really is, who at the end of the day is going to make the determination about what your talents are and what your interests are? That has to be you.”
We tell Jay the same thing all the time.
Top Ten Strengths and Experiences Colleges Look for in High School Students
Read about the top 10 strengths and experiences colleges look for in high school students . This list is based on a survey of IECA member consultants.
Take a moment to read the IECA June 16, 2010 press release. It provides some enlightening information about the survey.
Letter to the Editor
The Star Tribune published Sue Luse’s letter to the editor regarding senior year. Take a look at the Editorial Page on Friday, April 23, 2010: Letter to the Editor
A Guide for the College Hunt
This article appeared in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Read article.
