http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2008/04/28/some-rich-students-merit-financial-aid.html

The Providence Journal

http://www.projo.com/opinion/letters/content/LT_quinnRDY_05-14-08_IH9R7UQ_v7.39ca545.html

The Hartford Courant

http://janetrosier.com/files/Hartford_Courant_Article092009.pdf

Mainstreet.com

http://www.mainstreet.com/slideshow/moneyinvesting/education-planning/15-key-college-admission-tips

Drive Magazine

http://www.ngmadvise.com/files/CollegeTouring101.pdf

PBN

http://www.coloradoeducationalconsulting.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/providence-business-news.html

College Consortia Offer Options

Are you torn between the intimacy of a small college and the robust academic offerings at a large university? A college that is part of a consortium could be the perfect answer. A consortium brings together several colleges to offer unusual programs that individual colleges could not support on their own. You apply to one college within the consortium, but once enrolled you may pursue a program that involves courses and resources at several colleges. The Five College Consortium in Massachusetts encompasses: UMASS, Smith, Mt Holyoke, Hampshire and Amherst Colleges. Students may take courses and use library resources on neighboring campuses, and a bus service links the five schools. The consortium sponsors joint programs in dance and astronomy, and offers a variety of interdisciplinary majors, including: East Asian languages, coastal sciences, peace and world security studies, Black studies, Irish studies, and Canadian studies. Here are a few other college consortia you may want to consider:

*Atlanta Regional Consortium (www.atlantahighered.com)
*Claremont University Consortium (www.cuc.claremont.edu)
*Great Lakes Colleges Association (www.glca.org)
*Colleges of Worcester Consortium (www.cowc.org)
*Twelve College Exchange Program


List of SAT Optional Colleges Grows

Your grades are strong, your extra-curricular activities are stellar, your teacher recommendations are great, but…..your SAT or ACT scores don’t measure up. Don’t be discouraged, you do have options. First, realize that test scores are just one part of the college admissions decision process. Second, know that there are 730 colleges and universities in the U.S. where SAT or ACT scores are not considered or where scores submission is optional. Studies have shown that there is not a correlation between SAT scores and academic achievement in college. Then why do colleges still use the SAT and ACT? Because quite simply, it levels the playing field. In an era of grade inflation and varied high school curricula, standardized tests provide a uniform measurement of students nationwide. Recently, Providence College joined the growing list of colleges where SAT/ACT submission is optional. Other colleges on the list include; Bowdoin, Holy Cross, Connecticut College, Hampshire, Hamilton, Hobart & William Smith, Bennington, and Wheaton. For a complete list of all participating colleges, go to: http://fairtest.org/. Keep in mind that some schools on the list still require SAT Subject Tests, some majors within colleges require test scores, and others have specific requirements. Be sure to check the admission requirements at each college that you are applying to.


Deferred? Wait-listed? There Are Things You Can Do.....

If you applied Early Decision and were deferred, or if you are wait-listed at your top choice school in April, there are things you can do to position yourself strongly. First, write the admissions office a letter (not an e-mail), stating that the college is still your first choice, why it is your first choice, and that you will attend if accepted. Second, have your college advisor or guidance counselor call the regional admissions representative at the college to reiterate that it is your first choice, and to tell them about your unique attributes. Don’t flood the admissions office with additional information or correspondence, but if you have won awards or had significant accomplishments, since you applied, send a one-time addendum to your application with this information. In some cases, colleges may agree to meet with wait-listed students for a personal interview. Ask you college admissions advisor for advice on how to best approach the admission office for an appointment.