Tips & Resources | New This Month

Selecting the Right College

To meet the challenge of families focused on getting the best value for their dollar and finding accurate information to make the right college choice, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) has launched a new, free online service called U-CAN (the University and College Accountability Network). This website delivers key college information directly to consumers and is a great resource for juniors as they start building their college lists. Another useful tool that students can use to compile their lists is the National Survey of Student Engagement (as published in USA Today).

The Application Process

Juniors: Now is the time to make sure your mid-year reports have been sent by your high school to the colleges that require them. These forms are available in your application, including the Common Application, and will be submitted with your current semester grades. Not all colleges require these reports, but check the website or application to confirm this, and get them to your high school counselor for processing.

Standardized Tests

• SAT 2008 test dates:

  • March 1 (SAT only, no Subject Tests. Registration deadline January 29)
  • Other upcoming dates: May 3, June 7
  • Register here
• ACT 2007 test dates:
  • February 9, 2008 (late registration deadline January 18)
  • April 12 (registration deadline March 7)
  • Other upcoming dates: June 14
  • Register here

Internships & Activities

For students who want to complete or retake high school coursework, or those with learning disabilities, summer is a good time to learn skills to help make your academic experience better. Summer options for study include one-on-one academic and learning support at programs with campuses throughout King County including Dartmoor and EA2, with special options for those with ADHD or other learning disabilities. In many cases, high schools will provide credit for these courses. In addition, EA2 can help support students taking UW online courses achieve college credit.

Summer Programs

• Interesting summer ideas:
  • Leadership, mountaineering and science for girls in the North Cascades
  • The Scholar Athlete Program at Brown University includes an interesting array of options on an Ivy League campus. Brown also offers programs through The Leadership Institute including Environmental Leadership in Hawaii.
  • The University of Pennsylvania offers some interesting courses from biomedical research, to forensics and theater.
  • Volunteer opportunities throughout the U.S. with Landmark Volunteers

The Admissions Process

Do you ever wonder what an admissions office looks like this time of year? Check out this University of Chicago link to see why colleges are not too excited to receive calls asking if they have received your information!

College Athletics

Here are some great tips for student athletes and performing and visual arts students.

Paying for College

Financial aid and scholarship applications are due soon, and you should check the financial aid websites for each of your colleges to see which forms are required. Access to scholarship applications are available online, and spending some time researching these can be invaluable.

Special Needs

Explore this resource for students with learning disabilities who are in the college search process. This link is an excellent compilation of programs that go beyond the standard support offered by most colleges.

Heading to College 

What is the mindset of students starting college this year?