1st Edition
Surviving the College Application Process A Pocket Research and Planning Guide For Students
The college admissions landscape and the steps to apply can be overwhelming and confusing! This mini guide is a quick resource highlighting key components to consider in the effort to decode and demystify the college application process for the college-bound student and their family.
Covering topics such as essential application components, standardizing testing, personal statements, and financial aid, Surviving the College Application Process is your secret weapon for navigating the college research, planning, and selection process.
Light-hearted and accessible, this book can be read from cover to cover or referenced as needed by college-bound students, their families, school counselors, and anyone interested in post-secondary education.
Introduction
Part 1: Where to apply?
1 College-bound for everyone?
2 Trends of a forever-changing college landscape
3 Two-year vs. four-year colleges
4 Alternative post-secondary pursuits—considering a gap year, immersion programs, travel abroad, or full-year college deferments
Part 2: How to apply?
5 Common-, coalition-, institution-based applications: What and how do they matter?
6 Data-driven schools vs. holistic
7 Admission types and deadlines
8 The wave of selectivity: Reach, target, and safety
9 When to test, what to test, how many times? 32
10 Self-reported academic record (SRAR©/SSAR©)
11 Alternative branch campuses and various semester starts (including summer)
12 The value of spiked interest vs. well-rounded
Part 3: The parts of the application
13 The essay vs. personal statement
14 Value of the LORs (letters of recommendation)
15 Social media and email etiquette
16 What schools look at: Major-specific
17 World language
Part 4: After the application
18 You’ve been deferred or wait-listed. . . . Now what?
19 Transferability vs. apply direct
20 Applying undecided—developmental studies
21 ROTC and service academy candidates
22 Athletes and athletic division I/II and III considerations and recruitment
23 Paying for college
24 ACCUPLACER®/ALEKS® placement exams
25 “Thank you”: The power of a great attitude = gratitude
Part 5: After acceptance
26 Mental health and balance
27 Disabilities: SSD and SDI
28 Senioritis—finishing strong
29 Preparing for successful arrival on campus
Biography
Jennifer Romano is a high school counselor with over 18 years of experience helping students achieve academic, social, and personal success through their unique lens as they navigate post-secondary goals.
