College Admission Websites
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NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
Just helped my boy submit some applications last night. I'd start by looking at the common app which can be found at applytexas.com to see the kind of stuff they want to know. Some of it is brainless, but some of it takes a little thought (which items do you want on your resume and, of course, the essays). In the essays, don't spend any time doing anything other than painting a mental image of the applicant that will instantly appear before the admissions person. You don't need to spending much time explaining why your idol deserves that status. Explain how it affects YOU. No one except a very few institutions conduct a personal interview and think of the essay as a way to interview yourself in the best light possible.
College is there to fix writing style. Don't try to write a breathtaking work of staggering literary genius. They don't expect it and whatever your kid does is going to suck in that department anyway. Just clearly convey positive things about yourself.
That is all you need to know. I know this because my fear-driven wife dropped a grand on a private consultant for no good other than that previous nugget. I came up with the "conducting an interview with yourself" angle for her. She couldn't put it into words herself. I spent an hour watching her ask my son to write down his mother's maiden name in the appropriate blank. "And what is your father's e-mail address?"
That's when I stepped in. But, I digress.
There is also an app called the "Common Application" that is used by around 300 schools outside of Texas. Go to the school's website and take a look at their application.
Tell your kid to clean up Facebook.
DO NOT try to write your kid's essay for him. You can spot that **** from across the room. I know from doing Eagle Scout Boards.
Go buy the Princeton Review of the 399 Best Colleges or whatever number they are up to. If you will be casting a wide net, it's helpful to see if you even have a shot at getting in or paying for it.* Or just go to Borders and look up the 3 schools that are of interest. My wife has at least 3 versions.
Can't think of anything else.
Oh yeah. I've been told repeatedly across Texas and the SEC that the notion that you can gerrymander your way into a school by indicating an "intended major" in an underrequested area of the school is total ********. They explain, and I believe them, that it's all they can do to process what they get and the idea that they would have time to sort the monkeys into the empty cages is ludicrous.
*you gotta start thinking about this stuff, too. You may find yourself in a situation where you could go to either BZU or LCU. Toss up. BZU says their tuition is higher, but they are very generous with money (scholarship, grant, aid). It's not complicated or anything.
College is there to fix writing style. Don't try to write a breathtaking work of staggering literary genius. They don't expect it and whatever your kid does is going to suck in that department anyway. Just clearly convey positive things about yourself.
That is all you need to know. I know this because my fear-driven wife dropped a grand on a private consultant for no good other than that previous nugget. I came up with the "conducting an interview with yourself" angle for her. She couldn't put it into words herself. I spent an hour watching her ask my son to write down his mother's maiden name in the appropriate blank. "And what is your father's e-mail address?"
That's when I stepped in. But, I digress.
There is also an app called the "Common Application" that is used by around 300 schools outside of Texas. Go to the school's website and take a look at their application.
Tell your kid to clean up Facebook.
DO NOT try to write your kid's essay for him. You can spot that **** from across the room. I know from doing Eagle Scout Boards.
Go buy the Princeton Review of the 399 Best Colleges or whatever number they are up to. If you will be casting a wide net, it's helpful to see if you even have a shot at getting in or paying for it.* Or just go to Borders and look up the 3 schools that are of interest. My wife has at least 3 versions.
Can't think of anything else.
Oh yeah. I've been told repeatedly across Texas and the SEC that the notion that you can gerrymander your way into a school by indicating an "intended major" in an underrequested area of the school is total ********. They explain, and I believe them, that it's all they can do to process what they get and the idea that they would have time to sort the monkeys into the empty cages is ludicrous.
*you gotta start thinking about this stuff, too. You may find yourself in a situation where you could go to either BZU or LCU. Toss up. BZU says their tuition is higher, but they are very generous with money (scholarship, grant, aid). It's not complicated or anything.
NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
One other thing with regards to tests. Some schools will take your Math from one ACT and your Engrish from another and combine them to your advantage. They won't combine any part of an Act with a part of an SAT.I know that Georgia does that if they were telling the truth. I am not aware of any schools that require both ACT and SAT although I'm sure there are. My boy said that the ACT just made more sense to him and the SAT was full of weird questions to him. We probably won't even send SAT to Georgia.
Some people get a lot out of prep courses and others don't.
Some people get a lot out of prep courses and others don't.
Namewithheld
2,500+ Posts
Nick so your son is looking at Georgia? My daughter (Ms. Namewithheld), is a Junior but is also looking at Georgia for Pre-Pharmacy. She is really looking hard at the Honors College but she just likes the overall concept at Georgia. I really tried for UT Austin but it's too far away.
We are going to visit next week during her fall break. Since we are out of state we are really looking at any/all scholarships available. However, good idea about Facebook that can be a real killer if you have idiots (ie friends?) making asinine comments. Nice call on that one.
Also helping to actually fill out the application is something Mrs. Namewithheld and I have been discussing a lot. I think she should fill out a couple to realize how important it is to pay attention to details and also to start thinking about the essay part of the process. She is a great writer and scored a 33 composite on the ACT with a 30 in math/science and a 35 in English and 36 in reading so we are definitely trying for all the scholarships we can get.
Good luck and if you could keep us (or PM me) posted on your progress if your son does go to Georgia that would be appreciated.
Also helping to actually fill out the application is something Mrs. Namewithheld and I have been discussing a lot. I think she should fill out a couple to realize how important it is to pay attention to details and also to start thinking about the essay part of the process. She is a great writer and scored a 33 composite on the ACT with a 30 in math/science and a 35 in English and 36 in reading so we are definitely trying for all the scholarships we can get.
Good luck and if you could keep us (or PM me) posted on your progress if your son does go to Georgia that would be appreciated.
NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
We visited UGA over spring break and out of TCU, Pepperdine, UCLA, LSU, Rhodes, Ole Miss, Bama, GaTech, UGA, Auburn and Tulane. Athens was by far the best college town. I didn't go on the Cali trip so I can't speak about where else he went, but he didn't like the west coast. Athens reminds me a great deal of Austin. I can't remember who, but I think there are quite a few very successful bands/performers that have come out of Athens so there is a music scene and the terrain is even a tad bit like Austin. The boy had a 34 and a 29, but his Math is better than his English. I'm thinking he's pretty marginal as far as even getting into UGA. No way for the honors for him and no way for any money. UGA is stingy, especially so for out of staters.
On a slightly different note, the Recruiting advisor on our tour at UGA (Aggy woman - very cool lady nevertheless) said they accepted 90 kids from Highland Park. That's got to be in the neighborhood of a fourth of the class. This is the woman who sat down with me after the tour (being fellow Texans and all) and explained the fallacy of gerrymandering your way into school by choosing the most obscure college. I've had other schools echo that.
There is a ton of disinformation out there as well as good information. You'll drive yourself crazy trying to sort it out if you aren't careful. There isn't a great deal you can do at this point other than the essay so there really isn't any point in worrying about the rest of the stuff.
Here's an example. I found myself wondering if the boy would be better off with a slightly lower ACT. You see, he's only in the top third of his class (with a 94 average...???) and his low rank compared with his test scores make him look like an underachiever. That's the silly kind of thinking that will drive you nuts if you let it.
I agree on the filling out the application sentiment, but it really is 95% busy work. What's your e-mail, whether or not you have registered for the draft or what your skin color is or whether or not you have been convicted of any sex crimes... ...
On a slightly different note, the Recruiting advisor on our tour at UGA (Aggy woman - very cool lady nevertheless) said they accepted 90 kids from Highland Park. That's got to be in the neighborhood of a fourth of the class. This is the woman who sat down with me after the tour (being fellow Texans and all) and explained the fallacy of gerrymandering your way into school by choosing the most obscure college. I've had other schools echo that.
There is a ton of disinformation out there as well as good information. You'll drive yourself crazy trying to sort it out if you aren't careful. There isn't a great deal you can do at this point other than the essay so there really isn't any point in worrying about the rest of the stuff.
Here's an example. I found myself wondering if the boy would be better off with a slightly lower ACT. You see, he's only in the top third of his class (with a 94 average...???) and his low rank compared with his test scores make him look like an underachiever. That's the silly kind of thinking that will drive you nuts if you let it.
I agree on the filling out the application sentiment, but it really is 95% busy work. What's your e-mail, whether or not you have registered for the draft or what your skin color is or whether or not you have been convicted of any sex crimes... ...
Namewithheld
2,500+ Posts
NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
34 math
29 english
29 english
Namewithheld
2,500+ Posts
Ok thanks for the clarification.
UT Fanatic
25+ Posts
One of the best websites I used is www.myplan.com/
A lot of good info on majors, avg SAT scores, costs, etc. The "Community" option once you find the college provides some good insight.
A lot of good info on majors, avg SAT scores, costs, etc. The "Community" option once you find the college provides some good insight.
Y
YoLaDu
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NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
Posted solely in the interest of "paying info forward".
We got quite a few offers to "apply for free". They often aren't free. For example, W&L sent one. They also described a free ride "opportunity" for the applicant. W&L wasn't on the radar screen before the notion of going there for free was presented. After the applicant got to the last ******* page of a 9 page application, he was informed that he could apply to the school for free, but he had to pay to apply for the scholarship. A LOT of the aplications make it very hard for you to "skip to the end" without filling out and saving "something" for your response to whether or not you care to disclose that you are Samoan.
It is now pretty much November and the kid has pretty much all of his "backup" choices covered. He's been admitted to every SEC school he has applied to except for Georgia. Georgia is close to being level with Texas (I just said close. Let's not debate schools, just the process). It's worth noting that the schools the applicant REALLT wants are the ones who won't decide for 5 more months.
The less-revered schools on my applicant's list kinda **** with you in that they let you in early and then tell you to put up a sizeable and non-refundable housing deposit to get the room most likely to get you laid.
Musings.
We got quite a few offers to "apply for free". They often aren't free. For example, W&L sent one. They also described a free ride "opportunity" for the applicant. W&L wasn't on the radar screen before the notion of going there for free was presented. After the applicant got to the last ******* page of a 9 page application, he was informed that he could apply to the school for free, but he had to pay to apply for the scholarship. A LOT of the aplications make it very hard for you to "skip to the end" without filling out and saving "something" for your response to whether or not you care to disclose that you are Samoan.
It is now pretty much November and the kid has pretty much all of his "backup" choices covered. He's been admitted to every SEC school he has applied to except for Georgia. Georgia is close to being level with Texas (I just said close. Let's not debate schools, just the process). It's worth noting that the schools the applicant REALLT wants are the ones who won't decide for 5 more months.
The less-revered schools on my applicant's list kinda **** with you in that they let you in early and then tell you to put up a sizeable and non-refundable housing deposit to get the room most likely to get you laid.
Musings.
NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
One last post unless I get a request for more info. These college websites are the worst examples of computer science I can imagine. That is what the boy wants and TCU doesn't know how to take a credit card over the internet and Georgia doesn't know how to do it after 7:00 p.m.. WTF? They actually have "regular" hours for taking internet cash.
They delete all of your meticulously entered info on regular intervals (like 30 minutes) unless you save. I've watched the boy come close to tossing the computer out the window.
It will take a lot longer than it should. Don't wait until you don't have 5 times more time than it should take. (november is too late)
Once again, these are just a parent's rants. I am a curmudgeon and you might have more fun than me.
They delete all of your meticulously entered info on regular intervals (like 30 minutes) unless you save. I've watched the boy come close to tossing the computer out the window.
It will take a lot longer than it should. Don't wait until you don't have 5 times more time than it should take. (november is too late)
Once again, these are just a parent's rants. I am a curmudgeon and you might have more fun than me.
Namewithheld
2,500+ Posts
Nick,
Keep me in the loop. Ms Namewithheld is looking hard at UGA, Auburn and UK with UT Knoxville a fall-back position. Auburn said that if Ms. Namewithheld was a National Merit Finalist she gets a full ride plus housing plus a stipend. Man I which she studied harder for the PSAT!
She could possibly get a tutiton free ride at Alabama (YIKES) with her current ACT and GPA. Man, this is brutal.
Keep me in the loop. Ms Namewithheld is looking hard at UGA, Auburn and UK with UT Knoxville a fall-back position. Auburn said that if Ms. Namewithheld was a National Merit Finalist she gets a full ride plus housing plus a stipend. Man I which she studied harder for the PSAT!
She could possibly get a tutiton free ride at Alabama (YIKES) with her current ACT and GPA. Man, this is brutal.
PropositionJoe
2,500+ Posts
howdy folks. just stumbled upon this thread. i've worked at A&M (i know i know) and another university in a variety of positions, so i have a decent enough insight into how the admissions process works. if i can ever be of assistance in answering questions, or even giving you some questions to ask when you actually go to the schools, dont hesitate to PM me.
not saying that i know all of the answers, but i can only imagine how stressful this process is. dont hesitate to tell me what i can do to make it easier.
not saying that i know all of the answers, but i can only imagine how stressful this process is. dont hesitate to tell me what i can do to make it easier.
NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
We have pretty much come to the conclusion tha UGA just isn't worth what they want you to spend. It's a decent school and a cool town, but probably costs an extra 120k for the coolness of the town. Can't imagine a computer science degree from uga is worth 120k more than somewhere else
Namewithheld
2,500+ Posts
NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
It's actually a pretty cool mascot for me. We have a pair of hilarious smash-faced mutts.
Namewithheld
2,500+ Posts
I don't know........................................
NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
Yes, ugly as ****.
NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
I'm not changing teams or anything, but Bevo is not that pretty
Namewithheld
2,500+ Posts
NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
You got the deserted island ref for beefo right
Namewithheld
2,500+ Posts
[ed]
another website to check out while comparing schools is www.collegeboard.com. It's the same company that owns the SAT. It's useful for looking at colleges side by side
NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
Paper applications may very well be easier. All these college websites have their quirks and they really suck in a lot of ways when your kid wants computer science and the freakin school can't put together a decent and operating website.
Many colleges are now specifically recommending that you stay away from the college financial and financial aid planners. If they want you, they will get you a better deal, imho (after commissions). Most of the scholarships for merit are pretty automatic and based upon numbers.
We aren't looking at the top tier schools because the kid, with our tacit approval, lived a life outside of his books and didn't bust into the top ranks and his class rank isn't outstanding. His GPA is like a 3.8 and he's not in the top quarter of his class. What a ****** up system that compels a school to compact 80% of the student into having an A average. When my kid got a single B in his freshman year, he was ****** for UT with respect to class rank.
Many colleges are now specifically recommending that you stay away from the college financial and financial aid planners. If they want you, they will get you a better deal, imho (after commissions). Most of the scholarships for merit are pretty automatic and based upon numbers.
We aren't looking at the top tier schools because the kid, with our tacit approval, lived a life outside of his books and didn't bust into the top ranks and his class rank isn't outstanding. His GPA is like a 3.8 and he's not in the top quarter of his class. What a ****** up system that compels a school to compact 80% of the student into having an A average. When my kid got a single B in his freshman year, he was ****** for UT with respect to class rank.
Namewithheld
2,500+ Posts
Man, times have changed. When I transferred to UT from West Point after my Plebe year I only had a 3.2 and got in quite easily into the School of Engineering. Now I won't have a freaking chance!
NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
EVERY school we have visited so far has said nasty things about the financial aid locator business. They emphatically state that they can do a better job for free.
Fwiw.
I had the opportunity to visit with a poster round here who is in college administration (not UT) and who freely gave good and very much appreciated advice. That poster can identify himself if he cares to. Anyway, we visited UT last week and met with the engineering dept. Man, I miss Austin.
One last "shot" about UT admissions. My applicant has been admitted to 4 SEC schools with scholarships ranging from $40k/year to $65k/year to a full ride+ at one school. Baylor and TCU have offered and Baylor will kick in $50k/year. Haven't heard from TCU re money. And he will have to sweat the **** out of his wait to hear from UT.
Fwiw, OU sent us a brochure (probably after the application deadline) and he is an automatic even as a non-resident. He did not apply to OU or aTm. I swear I said nothing about them and even tried to rehabilitate the perceptions that emanate from my football fanaticism. No avail.
Fwiw.
I had the opportunity to visit with a poster round here who is in college administration (not UT) and who freely gave good and very much appreciated advice. That poster can identify himself if he cares to. Anyway, we visited UT last week and met with the engineering dept. Man, I miss Austin.
One last "shot" about UT admissions. My applicant has been admitted to 4 SEC schools with scholarships ranging from $40k/year to $65k/year to a full ride+ at one school. Baylor and TCU have offered and Baylor will kick in $50k/year. Haven't heard from TCU re money. And he will have to sweat the **** out of his wait to hear from UT.
Fwiw, OU sent us a brochure (probably after the application deadline) and he is an automatic even as a non-resident. He did not apply to OU or aTm. I swear I said nothing about them and even tried to rehabilitate the perceptions that emanate from my football fanaticism. No avail.
Namewithheld
2,500+ Posts
NickDanger
2,500+ Posts
We nixed UGA because it was SO MUCH more expensive and only very marginally more impressive than many other schools. I really can't say if he ever completed hid app to Georgia. The boy applied to and was admitted at LSU, Ole Miss (just need to spell your name to get in), Auburn, Alabama and Fla. He really never had any intention for Fla, but I couldn't get him to focus on targets so we applied to a lot of places.
If you go to the schools' websites you will see exactly what they will offer you based solely upon standardized test scores and a base gpa of x. Depends on the school. The schools don't guarantee you will get anything other than consideration, but we are batting a thousand based on their "thresholds" for consideration. He has a nice looking resume with Eagle Scout (bronze, gold snd silver palms, Philmont trek leader), sports and spirit group captainships, varsity letters (six and counting), employment as a camp counselor and lifeguard for his high school, Africa and Mexico mission trips, community service, etc. on it and that may have helped, but I really have no idea if it is done by a human or a computer based solely on 1 test score.
UGA's scholarships are not impressive from what THEY describe and they are quite expensive with their tuition, 40K/yr range and they might give you back a grand or so. Athens is cool, but not THAT cool in our opinions.
The boy is hellbent on UT and is being fairly shortsighted imo, but I'm going to make sure he has a safety net.
Btw, schools like, well, Washington and Lee, invited him to apply and waived the fee to apply, but then demanded he pay the fee to apply for the scholarship which would make it feasible. WnL will probably make over $100k profit on their scam. **** them.
If you go to the schools' websites you will see exactly what they will offer you based solely upon standardized test scores and a base gpa of x. Depends on the school. The schools don't guarantee you will get anything other than consideration, but we are batting a thousand based on their "thresholds" for consideration. He has a nice looking resume with Eagle Scout (bronze, gold snd silver palms, Philmont trek leader), sports and spirit group captainships, varsity letters (six and counting), employment as a camp counselor and lifeguard for his high school, Africa and Mexico mission trips, community service, etc. on it and that may have helped, but I really have no idea if it is done by a human or a computer based solely on 1 test score.
UGA's scholarships are not impressive from what THEY describe and they are quite expensive with their tuition, 40K/yr range and they might give you back a grand or so. Athens is cool, but not THAT cool in our opinions.
The boy is hellbent on UT and is being fairly shortsighted imo, but I'm going to make sure he has a safety net.
Btw, schools like, well, Washington and Lee, invited him to apply and waived the fee to apply, but then demanded he pay the fee to apply for the scholarship which would make it feasible. WnL will probably make over $100k profit on their scam. **** them.
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