Cappex College Blog

Q. I’m currently a sophomore in high school right now and I was wondering if I should do dual-enrollment during my junior and senior years? I’m applying to competitive colleges and not sure if my top schools will accept joint-enrollment credits. So my question is which looks better, dual-enrollment or AP classes? Matt C.

A. Competitive colleges will look to see if the student has pursued a challenging curriculum in high school. Students are encouraged to take AP or IB courses in high school if they are offered.

Don’t let this dissuade you from dual-enrollment, or taking a course at a local college at the same time. Earning college credit before you enroll can help ensure you graduate from college in four years. This, in turn, helps keep those ever-rising college costs in check.

Students, though, need to be careful about dual enrollment depending on how they are planning to use the credits earned. If a student is hoping to receive college credit for these college courses then the student needs to know the policy at their intended college. Too many credits could make the student a transfer applicant instead of a freshman applicant. Also, a college may not accept the credits you earn.

If you earn credit at a community college and plan to enroll at a college in the same state, your credits should be good, but don’t count on it.

The bottom line is you need to check with the colleges first about their policies.

Got a question for the experts? Email us at experts@cappex.com.

Q: I’m looking at the long list of ways that you can get financial help for college, and one of the options is a work-study program. I know that the money earned goes towards paying your tuition, but do these programs pay any sort of stipend so that you won’t have to get another job for living expenses? Allyson B.

A. Money earned under the work-study programs is typically given directly to the student for living expenses. Programs can vary from college to college, but the cash is usually not applied to tuition, room or meals. Most colleges tailor the work-study program to be used by the student for spending money. Students can usually do what they want with cash earned through work-study.

Will your school’s program be enough that you won’t need another job? Well, that all depends on your personal spending habits. But for many students this is their only job during the school-year.

Work-study programs also have a great deal of variety in terms of work offered. Jobs may include work in a cafeteria, library or even an admissions office. Many students use the campus contacts formed during work-study programs to get full-time work after graduation.

Students are encouraged to ask each school about their work study policy after acceptance and financial aid award letters are received. Each college’s program will be different so be sure to get all the details before signing up.

Got a question for the experts? Email us at experts@cappex.com.

Q: What should juniors be doing now in the beginning stages of their search for the right college fit? Daniel, Charlotte, N.C.

A: Gearing up to apply to college next fall takes time and focus. Juniors should be developing concrete lists of criteria and putting their criteria in priority order.

What is important and what is really important? Could you deal with colder weather if a school in the North has a strong program for your major? Could you handle a college that is not connected to a big city if the special support you need is visible and available?

There are many ways to navigate the search and selection process and no one will use the exact same route. However, there are some basic strategies that will provide a direct route to gathering the need to know information.

High School

• Stay focused on academics
• Do not lighten academic load for senior year
• Meet with high school counselor
• Stay involved in school activities

Standardized Testing

• Register for PSAT
• Prepare for ACT/SAT tests
• Register for ACT/SAT
• Register for AP tests
• Register for SAT Subject Tests if appropriate

Exploration

• Take a self assessment
• Take a career search
• Use the web to search college websites
• Explore college admission requirements
• Meet with college representatives

College Fairs

• Develop questions to ask college reps at a college fair
• Explore different types of college fairs like general college fairs, performing arts, special needs, student athletes, Historically Black College fairs, religious organizations, etc.

Campus visits

• Drive by local colleges and get a sense of the different types of colleges
• Make appointments to go on campus tours to colleges of interest
• Schedule to attend a class on campus
• Eat on campus
• Visit a residence hall
• Meet with admission staff

Interviews

• Develop a list of questions to ask
• Review a list of questions colleges may ask
• Take a practice interview
• Find a list of tips and strategies on interviewing

Do not:

• Let this search consume every dinner conversation at home.
• Bow out of the conversation and let others take over the driver’s seat.
• Forget to recognize that cost is a factor .
• Forget that this search must, must, must include some colleges to which you are admissible. You need to have a safety school, a school to which your chances of admission is very high, and you need to love it.

Get ready to start the engine and survey the scene. Get set to make some major life decisions. Go head long into this search, keeping in mind that there are many colleges that can make that glove fit.

Special thanks to counselor Mary Beth Kravetz.

Q: Can someone tell me the differences in the ways you can apply to college?

A: There are more than 3,000 colleges, but there are fewer than 10 different ways to apply to college. Each admission policy has pros and cons. Students need to do their homework to understand the options and ensure they make the right decisions.

• Rolling Admission This is the most popular type of admission, and provides the most instant gratification. Students apply to a college and typically can hear back anywhere from 48 hours to 6 weeks. Rolling Admission does not require any commitment to attend until May 1, and students can apply to multiple colleges with Rolling Decision.

• Regular Decision Typically, this means students will have to be patient and wait for an email or letter that will arrive sometime in late March or early April. Because the student must decide where to attend by May 1, these are nail biting decisions. Students have only 2-3 weeks to visit, research and make a decision.

• Early Action Students need organization and time management skills for early action. Applications typically must be postmarked by November 1, or November 15. This means that everything really needs to be turned into the high school by mid-to-late October to ensure documentation will be mailed on time. The good news about Early Action is that students can apply early without signing a contract to attend if admitted. With Early Action students can hear about the decision within 4-6 weeks, but have until May 1 to accept or reject the offer. Students use Early Action because they are really interested in the college and want to share their enthusiasm with the college. This is definitely a way to show perceived interest.

• Single Choice Early Action SCEA is another variation of Early Action, but students may not apply to any other school with an early policy. This means no other early decision or early action applications. Students can apply to other colleges at this time, but without using any other “early” type policy. They can apply to other colleges with priority deadlines or early response deadlines, but they cannot apply to any college using early action or early decision. The colleges who use SCEA do not want to spend time reading applications from students who are applying early to them and early to lots of other colleges, thus the policy of SCEA. The reason to use SCEA is to show special interest in a specific school.

• Early Decision For students, this is the most difficult and often the most rewarding of the “early” options. Early Decision requires a parent signature, student signature, and high school counselor’s signature because it is a binding decision. If admitted the student is obligated to attend the university. Sometimes students can be released from the commitment because of financial aid issues, but the school must release the student from the contract.

• Other options include:
  • Direct Admit: Being admitted directly into the program of study.
  • Early Response: Students apply by a certain date, with transcript and school forms, and a decision is sent in six weeks. For some schools, this means that absolutely everything needs to be “in the office” by the deadline date.
  • Priority Deadline: Students applying by a certain date will be given equal consideration and get a response in the end of October.
  • Early Admission: High school students apply as juniors and are admitted before completing high school.

Finding which policy fits your needs is very personal. Be mindful that some of these policies are binding, or require being ready very early in the process. If you can get yourself there with a complete understanding of the policy, then applying early may enhance your admissions chances and save some stress.

Got a question for “Ask the Experts?” E-mail experts@cappex.com.

Q: I’m applying to schools that are really expensive (about$40,000 a year) but my mom makes about $15,000 a year. Should I still apply and if so is there anyway the college can help me with my financial situation? I’m applying to Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University, Bard College, Vassar College, and Bowdoin. - Marta A.

A: Yes! Yes! Yes! Never let a college’s price tag dissuade you from applying. If a college wants you they will make sure you have enough money to cover the costs. The fact that your mother has a limited income may actually work in your favor when it comes to your final financial aid package. Most colleges offer scholarships and grants to low-income students before they start layering on the loans. This is good because you don’t have to pay back scholarships and grants.

In addtion to need-based aid, you may also qualify for merit aid, which is additional free money towards paying for college. Merit aid is a catch-all term for money given to students in spite of financial need. If you are a good student (you must be given the colleges you want) you will probably qualify for merit aid which is often delivered in the form of a tuition “discount”. It is not uncommon for the average discount to hover around 40% to 50% of “sticker price” for a college. Just to clarify, this means that colleges often collect just over half what they actually charge. In reality, nobody should be paying full price.

Keep in mind, however, that the financial aid office works for the college and not for you. They are usually pretty good about providing the lowest cost option to students, but they will probably not do a lot of specific research for individual scholarships. You should do your own search. (Start with the Cappex.com scholarship program.) When you get your financial aid package from the college don’t be afraid to shop the loans around to see if you can get a better rate. It is perfectly legit and it could save you money.

Bottom line, apply to the colleges you want to attend regardless of how much money you have. At the end of the day most colleges cost what you are able (or willing) to pay. If you get a financial aid package you don’t like simply call or make an appointment with the financial aid office and make your case why you think they should give you a better deal. In most cases they will improve the offer. You can always choose a different college that is willing to make you a better financial aid offer. It’s always your choice.

Got a question for Ask the Experts? E-mail us at experts@cappex.com

Q: I don’t have any idea if what I’m looking to major in now is what I want to major in later! I’m scared to death because making this decision is huge! I think I want to study pre-veterinarian science but I’m not 100 percent positive that this is right for me. What should I do? -Cate.

A: The first thing you should do is realize that you are in the same boat as just about every other college freshman on the planet. Please, don’t sweat it. Most colleges don’t actually require you to declare a major until your sophomore or junior year. You can always change majors if you decide you don’t like your choice. You can even choose multiple majors or minors. However, the sooner you settle on your major the better chance you have to graduate on time.

The next thing you should do is consider major or intended area of study as a strategic application tool that can help you get the edge on getting in. You can improve your chances of being accepted if you let them know you are interested in a major that isn’t popular on their campus.

For instance, if you want to go to MIT then you have a better chance of being accepted as a history major than as a computer science major. MIT has way more applicants interested in computer science than history. They want to maintain a solid history department so “all things being equal” they will choose the history major over the computer science major. (They are unlikely to admit this so you’ll have to take my word for it.)

The good news is that after you are accepted as a history major you can switch to computer science without too much trouble. When you apply, make sure your application reflects your passion for history and not computer science. Heck, you may actually decide you like history!

Got a question for Ask the Experts? E-mail us at experts@cappex.com

Q. If a college uses both the Common Application and their own institutional application which one should I use? Mark L.

A. The Common Application is just as the name implies. The Common Application may be submitted to more than 300 colleges and universities across the country. There is a good chance you will want to apply to more than one of the colleges that use the Common App.

Therefore, by filling out the Common Application you are doing less work for more schools. You can fill out the application once, write one essay – a huge timesaver – and send it to numerous schools. Much of the Common Application is generic information and it does not make sense to have to complete this information more than once.

Some schools require additional information beyond The Common Application. The Common Application Web site will tell you which schools require supplemental material. Check the site to see if your school asks for additional materials and provide these as needed. Also, if you are applying to study a particular major you may need to include separate materials. To enter a music program, for example, you might need to audition or provide a sample of your work.

So go ahead and fill out the common application. Then, check the college’s admissions requirements and see if there is anything else you might need to include.

Special thanks to Lisa LeVie, counselor at Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth, Mass.

Got a question for Ask the Experts? E-mail us at experts@cappex.com

Q. Would you list your nomination and acceptance to Who’s Who Among American High School Students on the college application? Sterling F.

A. “Who’s Who Among American High School Students” is an annual publication, now in its 40th year, that lists students nominated and selected as “Who’s Who.” With a B average or better and involved in school and community activities may be nominated by a teacher or youth activity sponsor. According to the group’s Web site, 5 percent of high school students receive this honor each year.

If this is something you are proud of then yes, put it on your application. This award may or may not sway a college’s decisions. But no award or recognition is too small if it is important to you.

This is your time to shine and your cover sheet and resume should show off who yo uare and what you are about. Keep in mind that it is to your benefit to have these awards and recognitions listed clearly and neatly with a short description, one sentence is fine, attached so the admissions counselor can understand them.

Special thanks to Lisa LeVie, counselor at Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth, Mass.

Got a question for Ask the Experts? E-mail us at experts@cappex.com

Q. I took the SAT Subject tests and did not do well and want to submit my SAT Reasoning without the Subject tests. How do I do this? — Natalie, Oak Park, IL.

A. Sorry, but this is not possible. Once you request the release of either the SAT Reasoning or the SAT Subject Tests, SAT will release all the test scores on file to date.

Once a student has taken both the SAT Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject Tests there is no way to hold any of these scores if the student requests the release of any of the SAT administered tests already on file.

The good news is that almost all colleges will mix and match the best test scores on multiple SAT Reasoning Tests to give the student the best possible total score. The bottom line is there are thousands of colleges to explore, and if your scores are not stellar enough for one college then they will be acceptable at another college.

Got a question for Ask the Experts? Send it to experts@cappex.com.

Special thanks to counselor Mary Beth Kravetz.

Q: If I have a musical talent should I send a DVD with my application even if I’m not intending to major in music? — Seth, Alpharetta, Ga.

A: If a college will accept additional information, and you have a special talent for music, go ahead and show off. This is your chance to color yourself brightly and make your application stand up and sing. Write a brief description of what you are including with the application. Make sure your DVD works and is clearly labeled with your name and the work you perform. To strengthen this addition, have your music teacher write a recommendation that substantiates your talents and passions. Or, even better, send news clippings of your great reviews. If you don’t have news clippings, call up your local paper and invite the reporter who covers cultural events to attend your next performance. They will write one and you can clip it!

Keep in mind that you’re not the only gifted high school musician in the country, and including a DVD won’t guarantee admission. It may not even get played, but if a DVD of your talent helps paint a more vivid picture of what you offer a college we say go for it!

Also, make sure your performance is suitable for all ears and eyes in the college admissions office. As a general rule colleges will be less impressed with a rock band and more impressed with anything else. The exception would be if your band has a professional recording contract - send the album.

Got a question for Ask the Experts? Send it to: experts@cappex.com

Special thanks to counselor Mary Beth Kravetz.