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Here’s the deal: Colleges are looking for students with an unusual set of experiences.  Admissions committees want to see a diverse resume, with community service hours, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities.  Therefore, summers should be used productively.

In the next few weeks, we’ll give you lots of ideas on how to make the most of your summer. And don’t worry, although you might be thinking that volunteering, working and studying isn’t exactly your idea of summer fun, it doesn’t have to be miserable.  Jump into activities that you enjoy and we guarantee you’ll have a blast!

We’ve done some Googling and brainstorming, and have come up with our list of summer programs in Texas and out-of-state that we find interesting. This list is by no means exhaustive, so we encourage you to get out there and do your own Google exploring! [hint: google “summer program high school” + any college you can think of]  Also, please note that some applications deadlines are approaching quickly.

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Many seniors applying to schools across America will be introduced to a singular phenomenon in the world of college admissions: the waiting list.

Waiting lists, usually utilized by top-tier private universities, are exactly what they sound like.  They are lists of applicants who meet the university’s academic criteria for admission, but, because all available spots have been filled, cannot be immediately accepted.

Spots are then offered to wait-listed students only if space becomes available.  When this happens, the chosen applicant will have to decide very quickly whether or not to accept the position, lest it be offered to someone else.

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Unlike a job interview, the college admissions interview is not a pass or fail experience.  It is more like the first opportunity, in a line of many, to establish your personal relationship with your school of choice.

While you should not worry too much, it is important to note that your interview will serve as your first impression.  Staying calm and being prepared are the best things you an do to assure that your interveiw goes as well as possible.

The first step in preparation is organization.  Make sure you have with you all of the paperwork, such as resumes or other personal documents, that you may want to share with your interviewer.  Bring a notebook and something to write with; notetaking can be a great way of showing sincere interest.

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Three words: Gorgeous, cool, forward-thinking.

The first sight of the University of San Diego makes you suck in your breath and go, “Wow.” Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, this may be the most beautiful school in America, in our opinion. You could practically be on the Costa del Sol in Spain, surrounded by gleaming, white-washed stucco and red clay tile. It’s a little hard to believe that this is actually a campus. Seriously, who eats lunch with this view?

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Well, the school-year is almost over, and students in high schools all across America are wondering if there is anything left to be done.  You have been working hard, and your academic credentials are mighty shiny, but is there anything on your application that separates you from the other hard-working applicants?

Summer can be a great time to build up the more personal aspects of your college applications. Beyond stellar test scores, sometimes what makes the difference between you and another high-scoring, college-bound senior, is what you choose to do outside of the classroom.  Use this summer as a chance to show admissions boards that you are not just an excellent student, but a well-rounded individual as well.

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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!