Building Your College List Archives - Page 2 of 3

Size Does Matter

May 14, 2015

choosing a college, class size, college lists, college size, learning style, professors, researching colleges

When it comes to selecting a college, size does matter. Colleges in the US range from the very, very small (such as Shimer College in Chicago with 77 undergrads) to the very, very large (like Arizona State University with nearly 40,000 undergrads), with most falling somewhere in between. When building a college list, I recommend…

Conquering the College Fair

April 30, 2015

Nicole Hosemann

admissions interviews, choosing a college, college fairs, college representatives, demonstrating interest, organization, researching colleges

Spring is here and it’s time for college fairs! At these events, representatives from dozens of colleges set up tables, hand out promotional material and make themselves available for interested students and parents. Some fairs also include information sessions about applying to college, financial aid and other related topics. College fairs are wonderful opportunities for…

Waitlisted? Here’s My Advice.

April 16, 2015

Nicole Hosemann

admissions officers, applying, choosing a college, deadlines, Deciding, demonstrating interest, waitlist

After months of stressing over applications, a waitlist offer from your top college can be a bittersweet pill to swallow. You didn’t quite make the cut for acceptance, but they clearly considered you worthy enough. So, is it worth it to continue to wait? I recommend that you start by researching to gauge your chances…

5 Unpredictable Factors in Admissions

April 9, 2015

Nicole Hosemann

admissions officers, majors, recommendations, rejection, UC

A rejection letter, especially from one of your “match” or “safety” schools, can leave you scratching your head and wondering WHY? Why was your classmate with similar grades admitted, while you were not? When dealing with the frustration of rejections, it’s helpful to keep in mind that there are some factors outside of your control. The Needs of the College…

Making Sense of Award Letters

April 3, 2015

Nicole Hosemann

award letters, choosing a college, COA, cost of attendance, cost of college, Deciding, financial aid, free money, gift aid, grants, Save Money, scholarships, tuition, variable costs

I have to be honest – this is my favorite time of the year. Not only because I get to see my students celebrate their acceptances, but also because I LOVE to evaluate financial aid award letters. Seriously. I wish that colleges were transparent in their award letters, but unfortunately most are not. Many of…

Resisting the Frenzy – A Timely Reminder

March 13, 2015

Nicole Hosemann

applying, choosing a college, Deciding, parents

As seniors collect acceptance and denial letters, and juniors are gearing up to dive into their college search, Frank Brunei from the New York Times parenting blog gives us a timely reminder that the college you attend does not define who you are. This is a highly recommended read for parents in the midst of (or about…

Decision Time is Coming

March 5, 2015

Nicole Hosemann

admissions officers, applying, campus visits, choosing a college, college visits, Deciding, financial aid, rejection, researching colleges

March is an exciting time for seniors as college admissions decisions continue to roll in. Students all over the country are waiting with baited breath to learn where they might be heading in the fall. Parents are waiting to see just how much money each school is offering, hoping that their child’s top choice will…

When To Begin College Planning

February 20, 2015

Nicole Hosemann

applying, campus visits, choosing a college, college lists, college visits, essays, financial aid, organization, researching colleges, time management

I went on numerous campus tours while I was visibly pregnant with my daughter, and always got the same comment from other parents: “Wow, you’re starting early!” They said it only half jokingly, as if they wouldn’t be entirely surprised to find that I really was beginning the college search for an unborn child. So…

3 Great Reasons to Choose a College

February 12, 2015

Nicole Hosemann

campus visits, choosing a college, class size, college visits, majors, professors, researching colleges

1. They have a strong program in your major College is not an isolated phase in life, but a steppingstone to a career. The job world is competitive, so above all, your primary focus should be to attain the best preparation possible in your chosen field. The best colleges will not only offer excellent…

3 Reasons Not to Choose a College

February 12, 2015

Nicole Hosemann

choosing a college, researching colleges

1. Your friend/boyfriend/girlfriend goes there Moving away from home and joining a new community can be intimidating, so naturally many teens are drawn to colleges where they already know someone. It’s especially tempting when that person raves about their college and says, “I know you, and you would love it here!” Remember though, just because…