Plenty! Brand name schools are drawing from ever-larger applicant pools, wanting to create greater diversity on campus. The diversity is not just racial; it's economic and social as well!

The Ivy Leagues are promising grants, not loans

Ivy League universities, once regarded as only for the elite, are now offering students grants instead of just loans. Only Harvard University offers a full free ride, but others are providing more free money to students from low-income families, who are minorities. Keep in mind, however, that these schools are looking for exceptional students, accepting only about 7 out of 100 applicants. Harvard, for example, said that it is capping family contribution at 10 percent of income for those that earn as much as $180,000 a year. In February, 2008, Brown University announced that it was eliminating tuition for families earning less than $60,000/year and would substitute grants for loans in award packages to families making less than $100,000. More are likely to foloow suit as the trickle-down effect takes hold of non-Ivies like Amherst and more.

When the admissions counselors survey my child's high school record, what are they looking for?

¼ A demanding course load, especially for those applying to selective colleges. They want to see lots of science classes with labs, history and English courses that focus on writing and more writing, and computer courses from word processing to database, foreign languages (3 to 4 years in many cases), etc.

What about Academic, Honors, and AP courses?

Well, admission counselors would rather see a C in an AP class than an A in an Academic class, and that's the truth! Also, when they review applicant records, they scorn evidence of the "bail-out" syndrome that oddly happens to high school seniors approaching year's end.

Do colleges still acknowledge AP courses?

Many do! In some cases, a student can complete 4 years of college in just 3 years (think of the savings!) with enough AP classes in which he/she earned a 3, 4, or 5. Always check with the colleges to which you apply, as not all accept AP scores. Colleges also applaud students who engage in concurrent or dual enrollment.

How important are the letters of recommendation?

Not too ... unless the letter is well written and shows real insight into the student. Admissions officers value those that are insightful. Here's the point: ask people to write recommendations if they can support your strengths in an insightful manner. Spend some time discussing your goals with that person so that his letter can be very focused on your strengths. Seek a recommendation from a teacher in an area of strength who knows you well and who has good writing skills.

How many applications should you file?

Between 4 and 8 applications: at least one long shot, one fifty-fifty chance, one where you are likely to get in, and one that's a no-brainer! Just be sure that ALL will suit your multiple interest needs!

Should we use the "common" application?

Yes, except possibly for the colleges that you really, really want! For them, take the time to create perfect applications. That means this: don't erase, cross out, or use whiteout! Fill out a Xeroxed copy first, and then copy flawlessly from the practice copy onto the real application. On the other hand, many colleges guarantee that the submission of the common application carries the same weight as their own apps!

Does my young person have to declare a major at the time of application?

Henry S. Coleman, Dean of Admissions, Columbia University, once said: "Don't be afraid to admit that you are a pre-nothing!"

Just be sure that the college you attend is strong in the areas of your strengths - all of them! In that way, when you do "declare," you may not have to switch colleges and lose credits.

Do athletes really have a better chance of getting in?

Yes, athletes, as well as artists, musicians, actors, etc. DO have a better chance. But it also helps a lot to have solid academic credentials if you want to be accepted into the college of YOUR choice.

How important is the entrance essay?

Extremely important. It is the only non-statistical way for admissions officers to know who you are - your personality strengths, creativity, writing skills, etc. (Please see me; I can help you plan a strong essay during one of your program options or advisory meetings!)

On the other hand, the INTERVIEW is losing popularity because it is too dependent on the charisma (or lack of) between the interviewer and the interviewee! Still, see me for a practice interview (role-play) during one of your program options or advisory meetings.

** Many thanks to Elaine Troisi, Gifted Program Director for Twin Valley School District for this valuable resource.