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Look out, applicants!

Colleges all across America are getting out their red markers, bent on making some drastic curricular changes.  With a growing demand to make higher education more competitive in the fields of mathematics and science, certain areas of the liberal arts, including philosophy, humanities, and yes, even some English concentrations, are feeling the repercussions.

Progressive programs aim to make college specializations more modern and applicable and less grounded in ancient wisdom.  When reviewing potential institutions, students need to look closely at what is currently offered, what is being phased out, and what is no longer available.  While it makes perfect sense for colleges to change their curriculum to match growing demands, it is also very important for college-bound seniors to be aware of these shifts.

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Rollins College – Winter Park, Florida  

Three words:     Personalized, beautiful, supportive.  

Here’s the deal: I believe that out of the 25 kids we have had apply to Rollins in the last two years, 23 have gotten in. Now, in truth, we work with many kids who sort of meet the Rollins profile – motivated, active in a particular area, attractive on paper – so maybe it’s not so unusual that they would get in. Overall, Rollins reports a 60% acceptance rate, but we’ve seen a far higher percentage than that, obviously. In any case, manages to accept just the right percentage to maintain the small campus feeling and the classroom intimacy that most kids need – no matter what they think!  

So, let’s set the scene for Rollins: It’s in a suburb of Orlando, a very wealthy enclave where kids can safely entertain themselves. In one direction, they may easily walk to shopping; in the other, they can quickly plunge into the picturesque lake that borders the campus. The campus architecture breathes calm: low buildings in lemony-beige stucco, earthy clay roofs, and arched wooden doorways. Now, visualize abundant tree lines and swooping Spanish moss, rays of perpetual sun forming a golden halo around palm fronds and oak leaves alike. As I rounded a corner to find a random sand volleyball court, I felt like I had been transported to the warm, not-so-snobby version of the University of San Diego.  

I also thought the first-year housing was exceptionally peacefully and pretty:  

What about the people? Now, here’s another enticing quality of the campus – no lame hipsters, poser frat boys, or barky sorority chicks. The kids genuinely look cool. They’re dressed casually; they’re sitting on benches and around tables, shooting the breeze. People actually smile at you on the Rollins campus. You could sit down, have a cup of coffee, and just take in the scenery.  

But, in the whole scheme of things, a campus can’t wow me completely. Something else has to grab me.  

At Rollins what struck me was the information session. It stood out as completely bizarre. The Dean of Admissions actually led the discussion! He was amazing. He asked tough questions of the kids in the group, making them speak in person about the school. The experience both surprised and impressed me, and it gave me confidence that our applicants would receive individualized consideration.  

So… What do I see as the good and bad of Rollins?  

Good:  

1. Most students do 2 internships.
2. Beautiful campus in a walking town.
3. Unique for such a small school to have an active graduate program.
4. Automatic $5,000 scholarship for out-of-state students.

Bad:  

1. Very limited parking on campus.
2. Pulls mainly from Florida and Northeast, so not very diverse.
3. Not very politically energized.

Some kids definitely can’t wait to go there, as you can see from this Cookie Bouquet that arrived while I was there to persuade the admissions committee to send an acceptance, not a rejection.  

A new approach to a desperate measure. Go Rollins.

 Even though economic instability continues to affect families from all socio-economic levels, Americans, recognizing the need to stand up in the face of adversity, are searching for ways to reestablish themselves.  Consequently, there are some noteworthy trends growing in the world of higher education.

 In the past few years, the number of applications sent to American colleges and universities has skyrocketed, and it has become more obvious that receiving a higher education leads to stronger financial security and independence. 

 This has resulted in an increased level of competition in college admissions.  As the number of applications received rises, the percentage of applicants awarded admission falls.

 Therefore, high-school juniors and seniors all over America need to remember two major things about the journey that is college preparedness: start early and stand out.  Though the increase in competition may seem daunting, it helps to keep in mind that with higher levels of competition come greater opportunities to go above and beyond fellow applicants.

 Our experts at All-in-One Applications know these trends better than anyone and know how to get inside the heads of the admissions staff members reviewing your application.  With the help of our team of highly dedicated tutors and college admissions counselors, you have the best shot at showing the men and women in charge of admissions that you have the qualifications they look for in potential students.

 Make your mark, and stand out in the sea of applications that wash over the admissions desks of the best college institutions.  Starting early, planning well, scoring high, and knowing how to market your strengths are all factors that will help show colleges and universities that you are the candidate they are looking for. 

 At All-in-One Applications, we can help you polish up your applications and shine in the face of competition.  We know that despite an increase in quantity, it is quality that truly makes a difference.

 Feel free to contact us at (713) 256-1004, or e-mail your questions to info@allin1apps.com.

 Let us help you shine!

Looking for quality college admissions guidance from start to finish?

All-in-One Applications offers a variety of invaluable services to the college-bound student.  Personalized coaching helps make the admissions process move forward smoothly and effectively.  Our experts are trained to help you maximize your strengths and represent your long-term goals with confidence and purpose. 

One of the most important factors in college admissions preparation is standardized test scores.  All-in-One Applications offers help with SAT test preparation, ranging from one-on-one tutoring to official preparation classes.

On June 1-4, All-in-One Applications is holding an SAT Booster Class at the Houstonian Hotel, Club, and Spa.

The SAT Booster Class is a last-minute boot camp for SAT, filled with drills and pacing strategies.  The goal is to build stamina and expose students to as many question types as possible.

The class runs from 10:00 am – 1:00pm.  Spaces are limited, so if you are interested in finding out more information, please contact All-in-One Applications at (713) 256-1004, or e-mail your questions to info@allin1apps.com

And make sure to check back for information on other upcoming events and classes!

Good News in the World of Undergraduate College Admissions!!

The non-profit organization responsible for creating the Common Application for Undergraduate College Admissions is excited to report that 25 new institutions will begin accepting the application, beginning July 1, 2010.  Included in this new list are Columbia University and Jacobs University Bremen, the last Ivy League school and the first international institution, respectively, to adopt the application. 

 The Common Application membership association will now include 414 members ranging from large universities to small, private colleges and spanning the United States from coast to coast.  With the addition of these 25 new schools, the list of Common Application association members will now include an astounding 47 public institutions.

The adoption of the Common Application by more and more universities every year is fantastic!  The Common Application, developed with the guidance of the professionals at All-in-One Applications, can be a wonderful tool with which high school seniors can equip themselves as they prepare for the sometimes daunting task of undergraduate admissions.  The Common Application is designed to allow students to focus their time and energy on building a single, strong application centered around the most important element of the admissions process—the admissions essay.

At All-in-One Applications, we have developed the most streamlined, effective and personalized means of constructing strong, memorable, outstanding applications.  Call us today, and start your journey to higher education off on the right foot!