Applying to College
SAT – ACT Score Comparison Chart
October 5, 2011
Compare the ACT versus the SAT
The above illustration is provided by the ACT to assist students in computing the approximate equivalent scores between the ACT and SAT exams.
College Research Sheet
September 27, 2011
It is highly advisable that students research and visit potential colleges. The completed College Research Sheet illustrated here provides a quick glimpse of the differences between Ivy League, HBCU, public, military, and highly-selective liberal arts colleges. There are huge differences in acceptance rates, graduation rates, number of students, costs of attendance, and diversity. Students should identify a group of colleges they are interested in applying to, thoroughly research the schools, schedule an on-campus visit, and carefully discuss their options with parents, counselors, coaches, and students who have attended the college or university.
Download a blank College Research Sheet
Applying to College
September 1, 2011High school students have a variety of ways of submitting their college applications, i.e., by mail, in person (either at a college fair or by walking your application into the college’s office of admissions), or online.
I am not aware of any colleges and universities that accept applications directly from prospective students online, however, following are three online options that allow students to submit their application to member schools Online:
- The Common Application is accepted by 456 colleges and universities in 46 states, and the District of Columbia, as well as in France, Germany, Italy, Scotland, and Switzerland.
- EDU, Inc. Common Black College Application is accepted by 36 HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).
- The Unified Application for Music and Performing Arts Schools is accepted by:
- The Boston Conservatory
www.bostonconservatory.edu - Cleveland Institute of Music
www.cim.edu/admission - Manhattan School of Music
www.msmnyc.edu - Mannes College The New School for Music
www.newschool.edu/mannes - New England Conservatory of Music
www.necmusic.edu - Oberlin Conservatory of Music
www.new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/ - San Francisco Conservatory of Music
www.sfcm.edu
- The Boston Conservatory
Some colleges and universities may require a supplement in addition to the online application. Supplements usually contain additional, institution-specific questions and, in some cases, additional essay questions. However, even when a college or university does not require a supplement, you may consider including extra materials if you believe that they will enhance your application, give the school a better understanding of your unique gifts and talents, and thereby increase your changes of being accepted.
If you are planning to apply to multiple schools, completing the online applications will save time and likely reduce errors, e.g., misspellings, missing documents, etc. With all of the normal anxiety of applying to college, you will at least eliminate the anxiety associated with wondering if the college received your application or if it was lost in the mail.