If you are willing to look outside of the zone of colleges kids typically apply to you are much more likely to get noticed.  Looking at schools outside of your geographic zone will set you apart from every other student in your area.  Look at schools that you fall outside of the “norm” in the following areas: GeographicEthnicAcademicAthleticExtracurricularSocio-economic
Talk to admissions staff at the schools you are most interested in and make sure you identify yourself as calls and visits are often tracked.  Here are some sample questions to ask:I am trying to get a feel for the typical State U student in terms of where they are from and what they study1.  What is the geographic distribution?  Is it pretty even?2.  What are the least represented states?3.  You mentioned your most popular majors as …………. What are your least popular majors or departments that you are trying to grow? 
Finding out what students are studying and where they are from will help you break the “typical zone” of students that apply to that school and you will seem much more desirable!
Need more help with college selection or how to pay for college?  Call our offices today and register for a FREE workshop in your area!
 

Although we typically start seeing families in the office when kids are already in high school, Middle School/Junior High Parents take note!  Patterns that start in middle school/junior high are good indicators of things to come.  Students who have patterns of missing class and that receive D or F marks on report cards are at increased risk for trouble in high school.  Middle school is when we see a big disconnect from parents.  Many parents feel that middle school is the time to let kids handle things on their own but not so.  This is actually the time that most kids need extra support from home.  Now is not the time to stop asking about homework or to lose touch with teachers.  In fact, it is time to step it up.  Teachers are happy to hear from parents and respond quickly in most cases.  Stay in touch via email and that teacher will be more apt to let you know if there is a problem.  Young teens will not like this and let you know that it is now up to them but do not back off!  Help keep them on track and focused so that high school will not be such a big transition.  Call our office any time and speak to our student planner and sign up for a FREE College Planning Workshop in your area today!

Got a late start on your college applications or maybe you thought that you would not get accpeted and now you are sad you did not try?  Hope is here!  Eleven California colleges are still accepting applications for Fall 09.  Whether you are an incoming freshman or a transfer student, look at the list below and then call the admissions office for details.

1.  Azusa Pacific University
2.  California Baptist University
3.  California Lutheran University
4.  Concordia University
5.  Loyola Marymount University
6.  Marymount College
7.  Notre Dame Namur University
8.  University of San Diego
** 9.  Seattle Pacific University
** 10.  Univeristy of Arizona
** 11.  Washington State University
** Not CA. schools but not too far away either!

Just when you thought you were doing your best to get your kids prepared for college during high school, seven new tips come out that say you should be starting in Kindergarten!  You read that right, college readiness starts in Kindergarten.  Take a look at these tips that were put together by Montgomery County Public Schools in Rockville Maryland.
Key 1:  Read at Advanced levels in grade K-2
            Installing the love for reading in children at a young age has always been known to be beneficial.  Studies now show that kids who are scoring in the 70th percentile or higher on state tests such as STAR, are reading at an advanced level.
Key 2:  Score "ADVANCED" in reading on state tests in grades 3-8
            This shows that children demonstrate more complex thinking and creative problem solving skills needed for advanced classes in Jr. High and High School.
Key 3:  Complete Advanced math (6th grade level math) in 5th grade.
            Students who successfully complete 6th grade math units in 5th grade will be ready for Algebra 1 in 8th grade keeping them on the right math track for advanced math in high school.
Key 4:  Complete Algebra 1 by 8th Grade with a "C" or higher
            Keep your kid on the rigth math track!
Key 5:  Complete Algebra 2 by 11th grade with a "C" or higher.
            Students who complete Algebra 2 will do better on the SAT and ACT!
Key 6:  Score 3 on AP or 4 on IB exams
            Earning a 3 on an AP or 4 on an IB exam just may earn you college credit!  If it does not, it might get you out of taking lower level courses and it gives you an edge over other applicants!
Key 7:  Score 1650 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT
            Scoring at least 1650 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT will increase your chances for gaining acceptance to the colleges of your choice.
Keep your kids head in the game and you will all be happy!

Attention all Juniors and parents of Juniors:
Now is the time to map out your summer!  This is the perfect chance to get in some meaningful activities that can be used as essay topics for college admission applications.  With many colleges now requiring a shorter “Activity Essay”, you will need a topic that shows who you are and what you can contribute.  Remember to look for things that other teenagers are not doing.  Of course it is great to help with food drives and at your local elementary school but EVERYONE IS DOING THAT!  Check the blog below to refresh your memory!
One more great idea:Help run a local campaign.  Is there a Special Election in your area this summer?  How about Governor Schwarzenegger’s latest cause?  Or Mayor Villaraigosa’s  ideas for the Education Budget?  Get involved in one of the campaigns that you care about.
Taking classes to further your education is a great idea but make sure you are not doing it just to get out of school at lunch or take an extra period of Student Service!  (By the way – Student Service is not a class and will never look good on an application unless you have a great motive such as; Student Service in the Health Office in order to find out more about becoming a Public Health Nurse). 
Another thing Junior’s need to do this summer is complete the Brag Sheet.  Don’t leave this until the Fall when “Application Panic” sets in!  Do it now, take your time and you will thank yourself.  Call me at the office if you need a copy of our Brag Sheet!  661-295-9946   I will be happy to email you one.
Last item for Juniors today – Letters of Recommendation.  Please talk to your teachers before the end of the year about writing a letter for you.   They might tell you when the best time to give them the information is.  Get ahead of the rest of your class!
Visit our website today to sign up for a FREE COLLEGE PLANNING FINANCIAL WORKSHOP
www.collegeplanningexperts.com

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