It might not feel like it where you are, but Spring is technically here! A look at the calendar (if not the snow on the ground) shows that summer isn't far behind. Granted, it might arrive after two and a half more months of homework, reading and exams -- but it will arrive! Traditionally, summer stretches endlessly in front of the weary student, offering uninterrupted time with no schedule, no responsibilities and no activities tied to school or schoolwork. The reality is

Everyone knows students have to compete for admission to selective colleges today. More high school seniors are applying to more schools, more international students want U.S. educations, yet the number of seats available at top colleges and universities has barely budged. But where college websites tend to make the process appear straightforward (fill out the application, submit a transcript, supply one recommendation), the reality is a little more complicated. Selective c

When you excitedly clicked on that e-mail or ripped open that thick envelope, you probably focused all your attention on the first word: "Congratulations!" With luck, though, there was more to come, in the form of a merit scholarship. These awards are often a kind of tuition discount, given to entice relatively wealthy families. For instance, if the full cost of attendance is $55,000, and the student receives a very generous $12,000 "Dean's Scholarship," the college still

The world of college admissions has become increasingly complex in the last 25 years. Students used to attend whatever college was within a couple hours' drive from their home. Now, the US News rankings have increased awareness of institutions across the country, encouraging colleges to compete for applicants both nationally and internationally. At the same time, the advent of the Common Application has made it that much easier for students to apply to these far-flung inst

When starting to research colleges, some students immediately turn to the internet. And there's no question that college websites and social media can provide up-to-date information and real-time student views of an institution. But today I want to plead for three books (physical books!) that deserve a look. 1. The Fiske Guide. This directory of selective colleges was revolutionary when Edward Fiske, a New York Times education editor, first put it out in 1982. It still

Maybe you're too young to recognize the quotation from singer Elvis Costello, but everyone concerned about getting into college knows the truth contained in this title. "Passion" has become almost a term of art for admissions officers. No longer simply denoting strong enthusiasm or excitement, it has come to mean an area of intense focus and achievement on the part of an applicant. Colleges are looking for students who demonstrate that they care deeply about something, whe

This time of year, nearly all seniors wish they had started on their college applications earlier. Some are even starting to panic. Many Early Action and Early Decision deadlines have come and gone, financial aid forms are due, and heaven help the senior who is still working on higher test scores. The Class of 2017 has absorbed more changes than most: new ACT, new SAT, new FAFSA base year, new colleges accepting the Common Application. Underclassmen may vow that their seni

ED, EDII, REA, SCEA. It’s an alphabet soup that you better learn to love! The number of acronyms surrounding college admission plans just keeps growing. How to make sense of it? Focus on the ones that include the initial “E” (for “early”) – Early Decision, Early Decision II, Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, Single Choice Early Action. Colleges have added early options over the last decade because it is so beneficial to them. Students who apply early are more likel

The Baby Boomer generation -- aged 55 to 69 -- is sitting on huge assets accumulated through the go-go years of the economy. Sometimes college students are lucky enough to have Boomer grandparents who wish to cover some of their bills. What is the best way for these grandparents to help without jeopardizing other sources of financial aid? It should be said, first off, that if the family makes a high enough income, this isn't an issue; merit scholarships will not be affected

New York Times columnist Frank Bruni has a new book out: Where You Go is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania. One of his fundamental messages is one I agree with: It doesn’t matter so much where you attend college as what you do when you get there. He tells the story of lots of “successful” people who didn’t attend schools that made the top 10 on the US News rankings. Once they got to college, these students were able to see themselves in a lar