Stairway to College               Ask the Right Questions
          Discover Your Unique Self
     Find the Right School for You
 

 

Hot Links                        Use your summer to get comfortable with the SAT. Here are some of our favorite ways to  build your expertise and confidence.  With over 90 days of summer ahead, you can get 90 questions closer to acing the SAT. Sign up for a free daily question from the folks who know it best: www.collegeboard.  com/apps/qotd/question

Make the Most of  your Summer:  How do you make this summer count--and enjoy it at the same time?

"Start by doing a self-evaluation. Ask yourself: what your goals are," said Michelle Finno, Assistant Director of Admissions at Bentley College in Waltham, MA in our exclusive interview this month.      

"The expensive summer programs are great, but not mandatory to make your summer experiences shine on your application. Volunteer for  community service, sign up for an academic or college prep program, or learn about something that benefits you or the community. Get work if you need to save money for college. Most importantly, build and grow from your experiences.             We like to see you really engage!"

               

Your step-by-step e-guide   Junior Year, July, 2006
_Best foot forward!___________
  7 Key questions to ask a college admissions office.      And what NOT to ask!

You've heard, endlessly, about the high level of competition for plum spots at state universities and big name colleges. Increasingly, being selected for admission is about standing out.  And at Stairway to College, we're here to help you shine in the process.

http://schwablearning.chtah.com/a/hBD$8WnANqWuFAc2L1RACpBqR.AOFXncyV/schw15Here's an example. Over the summer, you've got a perfect opportunity to      visit college admissions offices. Conventional wisdom throws you a long list of questions to ask college reps--many will quickly cause them to roll     their eyes because you are wasting their time and yours.        

AVOID these standard questions:

  • When are tours offered?
  • What is your enrollment deadline?
  • What are the most popular majors at this college? 
  • How many students are enrolled at your college?
  • What is the average class size?
  • What extracurricular opportunities are available on campus?

You can quickly research all of these questions yourself by merely    visiting a college's website or catalog. And don't you agree that most  admissions officers would be put off by a student not knowing any of this? 

Ask these fresh questions instead. They will provide you with insight into a school's uniqueness--and win you a few points as well.

                          Who succeeds here?

                      How is the enrollment changing?
                  What kind of students do you like to attract?
              How do some students fall short?
           What is the best way to prepare for your school?
       What do you wish students knew about your school?
   What is the goal of your school’s education?
 

 

 
  Ask your question. Then, really listen and absorb their response.
Admissions office personnel will appreciate your fresh approach and take notice of you. And you'll gain valuable knowledge to help you select and gain admission to the college that's right for you.
 
_ Insights  _______________   
"Purpose can ignite your spirit, providing personal meaning and deep satisfaction to your life. Purpose is the why--why you are here-- and your own special calling. Purpose is the unique gifts and insights that you bring to the planet and contribute to your world. Purpose fuels your efforts and gives you the drive to continue, no matter what the challenges."    ~ Cynthia Kersey
 
_ What's on your mind?  ___  
Preparing for college applications: What do you think is the most difficult part of the college application process? Drop us an e-mail and we'll make sure to cover it in an upcoming issue.
_ Last issue's POLL results  ___

.We asked you, "When it comes to thinking about college, what keeps you up at night?"

Here's what you told us:  (and many of you chose more than one)
  Improving my grades                   94%        
  Doing well on my SAT (or ACT)     88%    
  Paying for college                        81%       
  High level of competition             76%
  Deciding on where to apply         68%
  Deciding on my major                  45%   
  Adjusting to life on my own         32%
 
 
   
 To ensure delivery to your "In Box" (not bulk or junk folders), please add stairwaytocollege@stairwaytocollege.com     to your address book.                      
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