So you think you’re ready for college, eh? I remember how I fancied myself a good writer when I was in high school. Then, in my college freshman English class, I got the first D of my life on a paper I wrote about Billy Budd. I wanted to jump overboard just before walking the plank.

I quickly made the necessary adjustments to my compositional style, though, and went on to become a famous Internet blogger [insert loud laughter here]. Seriously, now’s the time, high schoolers, to take a good, hard look in the Mirror of Truth to see just how well prepared you are for college. Here’s what can happen if you gloss over those gaping shortcomings before that crucial first semester on campus: Read the rest of this entry »

In my experience counseling high school seniors, I often hear the question, “Hey, how important–really–are test scores?” That’s a good question, especially in light of all the schools these days that have opted out of the mandatory test score submission arena.

There are varying opinions about the relative importance of the SAT I and ACT. In my professional view, however, I think that colleges are loathe to admit just how important they view test scores, even the test-optional schools. Why? Well, professing too much emphasis on scores makes them look somewhat mono-dimensional and detracts from their contention that they use a “holistic methodology” (wow, cool phrase there, huh?) to give their applicants a fair-shake, broad-swath look.

Anyway, our test-prep friends over at IvyBound.net have issued an interesting statement about the importance of test scores. Here are some excerpts: Read the rest of this entry »

Let’s talk about motivations. One of the crucial fundamentals is analyzing the first thing that comes into your head about the elite college admissions process. Have you ever thought: “Hey, I never had the chance to go Ivy when I was a kid. So now, by gosh, my kid’s gonna get that chance”? If so, you may suffer from VKS. You may be trying to relive your life through that of your kid’s. Lots of potential land mines here, folks.

Okay. What exactly does vicarious mean? In general, it means, “taking the place of another person.” You have to ask yourself the hard question: “Do I want my kid to seek Ivy so that the ‘prestige’ [whatever that means] will rub off on me?” Be honest. You’re reading this in private and no one is impatiently waiting for your answer. Just nod your head if it’s true. You don’t have to attend a VKSers Anonymous meeting, stand up, and say, “Hello. My name is Dave Berry and I want to live vicariously through my kid.” Just be aware of your stance here. Read the rest of this entry »

We’ve already seen here the list of most expensive colleges for 2008-2009. Now, from Campus Grotto.com, we have the list for 2009-2010.

There have been a few changes in the rankings: Read the rest of this entry »

The issue of racism is a popular one in America today. It seems that every day or so we hear new charges about this or that high-profile individual being motivated to accomplish his or her personal goals through means that include being racist. It’s not a pleasant situation.

One news item and one opinion piece speak clearly about racism on campus. First, for the news item, we go to Hampton University in Virginia: Read the rest of this entry »

Read any good books lately? Read any good college guidebooks lately?

I love college guidebooks. Since I’m a pack rat, my office bookshelf still contains old college guidebooks from the ’80s. In fact, I have one from the ’60s: How to Be Accepted by the College of Your Choice (Completely Revised 1961-1962 Edition), by Benjamin Fine; Paperback – 419 pages, (March 1960), Popular Library.

Care to be amazed? Have a look at Ivy League and other college costs from 1960: Read the rest of this entry »

Are you an Asian applying to college this fall? If so, you may already be aware of the perceived (some say “real”) prejudice against Asian applicants, especially at the so-called “elite” colleges and universities.

The sources I’ve seen lately definitely espouse the real prejudice aspect. For example, The Daily Princetonian offers some interesting observations: Read the rest of this entry »

I end all my blog entries here with this imperative: “Don’t forget to check out all my admissions-related articles and book reviews at College Confidential.” For those of you who have never clicked on that link, here’s a sample of what you can find there in the way of college admissions advice.  In this case, college applications essays.

I put together a kind of essay clinic for those applicants who are unsure about how to approach application essays. I called my clinic Real-Life College Essay Lessons. Here’s an example of what you’ll find there: Read the rest of this entry »

One of my most often cited pieces of college research advice is “Ask a current student.” Another is “You gotta trod the sod,” which means “You have to visit the colleges to which you’re applying.” Now, thanks to the Internet, my first mantra has gotten a lot easier to realize.

In an interesting article on UPI.com, we learn about some students who are serving up real-world answers and lifting the haze about life on campus and in the classroom for prospective applicants. Here’s the scoop. Read the rest of this entry »

For those of you Early Decision or Early Action applicants who are fortunate enough to be admitted this fall, your estimated financial aid packages will be arriving in mid-December either with or soon after that fat envelope. That’s the good news.

The bad news may be that you’ll find yourself needing more money to pay for your dream school. Where can you turn? What can you do?

Well, one of my favorite Web sites, Consumerist.com, has some answers in its Big List of Student Loan Resources. Here it is: Read the rest of this entry »