College Blogs

“It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.” This age-old maxim applies not just to sports, but to high school and to college admissions as well.  Most students would be surprised to discover that a student’s secondary school record, or the types of courses in which a student enrolls during high school, is often times viewed as more important in the admissions process than grade point average or standardized test performance.  Research has shown that achievement in a rigorous course of study is the best predictor of college success, and as such, high school students should know that it’s not just about the grades they earn or the scores they achieve; it’s also about the courses they choose.  If prospective applicants hope to win admission into competitive, four-year colleges, they need to allot course selection the attention it deserves and consider adopting the following strategies:

1. Enroll in a fourth year of math and science. Although most high schools only require that students complete three years of science and math to graduate, competitive colleges like to see a fourth year in these subjects.  Opting for math and science during your senior year demonstrates to an admissions office that you are intellectually motivated and willing to negotiate the rigors of a college curriculum.  Four years of math, in particular, will also prepare you for the postsecondary and professional challenges that lie ahead. A recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education discovered that math achievement is the most accurate predictor of college success, more so than standardized test scores or achievement in any other subject.  The study, published in 2006, reports:

“The highest level of mathematics reached in high school continues to be a key marker in precollegiate momentum with the tipping point now firmly above Algebra II.  The world has gone quantitative: business, geography, criminal justice, history, allied health fields – a full range of disciplines and job tasks tells students why math requirements are not just some abstract school exercise.”

2. Consider adding an AP course, or two. Taking Advanced Placement classes during high school signals to your prospective colleges that you are enrolled in a challenging course of study, and thus prepared for college-level work.  Katie Fretwell, Director of Admission at Amherst College, insists that she and her staff “absolutely look closely at AP results.”  And it appears that Fretwell and other admissions officers are justified in doing so.  A 2007 study published in Science Educator, as well as a 2005 study published by the National Center for Educational Accountability, concluded that AP participation and achievement are strong predictors of college performance and degree attainment.  In other words, students who choose and perform well in AP courses are more likely to earn higher grades and graduate sooner than their non-AP counterparts.

3. Enroll in challenging and/or relevant electives. Instead of opting for a cooking or sewing class, enroll in journalism, psychology, French or some other academically oriented course that will challenge you and at the same time demonstrate to your prospective schools that you are passionate about learning.  Although usually not as rigorous as some core academic courses (in math, science, history, etc), electives play an important role in the admissions process. If chosen carefully, they can help you develop your talents and allow you to further exhibit your interest in a particular subject or discipline. If you are an aspiring architect, for example, choosing an elective in engineering or CAD (computer-aided-design) will help you to develop a portfolio of related work (now required by most architecture schools) and appear as attractive to an admissions officer or faculty member who is seeking applicants committed to this field.

4. Finally, know your limits, and don’t take on too much. Adding an Advanced Placement course is fine, but for example, if you are enrolled in two AP courses your junior year and opt for five such courses your senior year, you’re likely to become overwhelmed and earn less than satisfactory grades.  Tom Reason, Director of Admission at the University of Wisconsin-Madison recently expressed his views on the importance of striking a balance when it comes to course rigor:  “We don’t expect students to take every AP or IB course available. We do expect students to have made thoughtful choices that exemplify full preparation for college. Rigorous course work without performance in that course work is not what we’re after and will not be fruitful.” Reason’s views echo the views of most other college admission officers, and reveal the need for all students to reflect upon their own academic limits and to then challenge themselves accordingly.  In doing so, students will not only become happier and more productive learners, they will become better college applicants.

Deferred.  It’s a word that every early applicant fears. Neither accepted nor denied, deferred students often feel as if they have been banished to college admissions purgatory, sentenced to a state of suffering and uncertainty from which they can do nothing to extricate themselves.  Fortunately, deferment is not the hopeless state of limbo it appears to be.  If you’ve been deferred at your first-choice school, there are steps that you can take to tip the admissions scale in your favor.

1.  In January, contact your admissions representative (the rep who reviews applications from your area) and ask for advice on what you can do to improve your application. Attempt to call before sending an email, as a phone call allows you to make a personal connection with your rep.  It is also important that you strike an upbeat and appreciative tone when communicating with the admissions office; doing so shows resilience and leaves a positive impression.

2.  Draft a letter addressed to the Dean of Admissions and to the chair of your prospective academic department, which (1) reiterates your intentions to enroll if admitted, and (2) restates why you believe the college is most suited to your academic, personal, and extracurricular interests.  Be sure to reference specific courses, extracurricular activities, and/or research opportunities that you plan on pursuing.

3.  Send your mid-year grades as soon as they are made available. In addition, send an official SAT/ACT score report if you have taken any such standardized exams since submitting your early application.

4.  Solicit a letter of recommendation from someone who is able to offer a different and fresh perspective on your candidacy.  For example, if you’ve only submitted teacher recommendations thus far, consider sending a letter of recommendation from an extracurricular sponsor or work supervisor, who can attest to your abilities and work ethic outside of the classroom.

5.  Seek opportunities to earn additional recognition.  If you’re a writer, send an article to your local newspaper; if you’re an artist, enroll in a contest; if you excel in math, enter a competition.  Securing a competitive scholarship, distinguished award, or entry in a sought-after publication can do wonders for a borderline applicant.

6.  Involve your school in the process.  If you have established a positive and productive relationship with a counselor or principal, suggest that they contact the admissions office to advocate on your behalf.   Although not always effective, an “administrative push” can influence your admissions rep to reconsider and ultimately approve your application.

Finally, it’s important to note that even if you take all of the above steps, your first-choice school may still decide to deny you come April.  There are no guarantees in life or in the college admissions process, which is why you must familiarize yourself with and be open to attending several colleges.  Everyone has their dream school, and that’s ok; but it’s important to keep in mind that there are a number of colleges which can offer you an excellent education and a fun-filled four years.

So, follow the above advice and do what you can to secure an acceptance letter, but more importantly, trust in the process and trust that whatever happens, you’re going to be fine.

‘Tis the season…to be worried. As the New Year approaches, college-bound students nervously await admissions decisions, while parents (and some students) begin to come to terms with the financial realities of pursuing a higher education. In most cases, acceptance letters eventually roll in, but all too often, the money does not.  Tuition rates have more than quadrupled over the past 20 years, and an increasing number of families, many of whom have taken a hit during the current financial crisis, are no longer able to fully afford the cost of college. Fortunately, there’s money to be won. Despite the current economic downtown, college and government coffers remain deep. Financial aid is available—and abounding—provided you know where to look and what to look for.

Finding the right (financial) fit…

The college search process should be as much about finding the right price as it is about finding the right academic program or campus environment.  While you may never know the exact dollar amount a particular school will ultimately award to you, there are ways to accurately estimate the kind of financial aid package you will receive.  Last year, Congress passed the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which mandated that all postsecondary institutions in the United States post a net price calculator on their websites by October 2011. Most institutions have already posted such calculators, which enable prospective students to determine their estimated out-of-pocket college costs at a particular school, and in some instances, their estimated financial aid award.  Please click the link below for an example, courtesy of MIT:

http://web.mit.edu/sfs/afford/financial_aid_calculator.html

In addition to utilizing net price calculators, prospective students and their families should also peruse college guidebooks and websites (i.e. www.collegeportraits.org, www.ucan-network.org) in order to locate college-specific, financial aid data showing (1) a particular school’s average financial aid package; (2) it’s average grant/scholarship award; (3) the average educational indebtedness of a school’s graduates; and (4) whether or not a particular school meets the full demonstrated need of its students.  Reviewing such data is essential if you wish to discover the colleges that are willing and able to subsidize your education.

Finally, while most financial aid is awarded according to need, millions of dollars are given out annually to students who possess “desirable” academic and extracurricular credentials.  Students who wish to maximize their financial aid should locate good-fit institutions where their high school profile is above that of the average incoming student.  In today’s ultracompetitive higher education market, colleges are always looking to increase the quality of their student bodies, which in turn, increases their rankings, their prestige, and ultimately, their revenue.  If you possess a GPA, standardized test score, and/or special talent that distinguishes you from other applicants in a particular school’s admissions pool, you may qualify for merit-based aid, a form of non-need-based aid (i.e. you don’t have to demonstrate financial need in order to qualify) that a college uses to entice applicants it perceives as attractive. Generous distributors of merit-based financial aid include excellent institutions like Tulane University, Catholic University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Occidental College, the College of Wooster, and Hendrix College, among many others.

With every New Year, comes new resolve…

Yes, the New Year is a time of high anxiety for college-bound students and their families, but it’s also a time for resolutions.  If you resolve to finding an affordable college and developing a sound financial aid strategy, this New Year could very well prove to be your most rewarding one yet.

“What extracurricular activities look good on a college application?” I am asked this question at least several times per year by students who have come to view the college application process as an exercise in spin, rather than an opportunity to exhibit passion. While the temptation to “amass” activities is strong, especially given the overwhelmingly competitive nature of college admissions, it’s important to realize that superficiality will not help you in life, and it certainly won’t help you get into the college of your choice.  College admission officers are interested in meaningful engagement, not perfunctory participation, and are smart enough and experienced enough to distinguish between the two.  That being said, here are a few rules to abide by as you plan your extracurricular involvement:

Keep it real. Every admissions season, colleges strive to admit a diverse community of students with a wide range of talents and interests. If you’re not interested in sports, student council, or some other typical extracurricular activity, don’t worry about it. Colleges are just as intrigued by the student filmmaker or poetry club founder as they are by the power forward or student body president.  Provided that you demonstrate a deep and consistent commitment, admissions officers will take note, whatever the activity.

Focus on depth, not breadth. Students who assume leadership roles and participate extensively (10-20 hours per week) in one or two pursuits will always outshine comparable applicants who merely dabble in several or more activities. If you want to have a meaningful impact, find your niche, and improve your college admissions prospects in the process, forget the laundry list and commit to the wholehearted following of your true extracurricular interests.

Take advantage of the summer. Do you want to show colleges that you are serious about your extracurricular pursuits?  Then, use your summer to secure an internship, take a class, or enroll in a camp that will allow you to further explore your interests outside the classroom.  There is no better way to impress an admissions rep than to forego those lazy summers days and use your vacation instead to better yourself.

Get a job. A job, perhaps more than anything else, demonstrates to an admissions committee that you are mature, practical, and ready to take on the responsibilities associated with adulthood.  If you can get a job in your area of interest, great; if you can’t, get one anyway.  Most of us, at one time or another, have had to find alternative, less attractive ways to fund the pursuit of our passions.  Show colleges that you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty.

All in all, extracurricular life is not about building a resume (you’ll have plenty of time to do that later); it’s about finding yourself and your true calling. Follow your heart, pursue your bliss, and college will take care of itself.

On average, college applicants tend to underestimate the importance of recommendation letters, but they shouldn’t.  Letters of recommendation provide context to your application in a way that other credentials cannot. Ideally, a letter of recommendation will further reinforce your strengths as an applicant and reveal positive information not found elsewhere in your application.  All other things being equal, a strong letter of recommendation may provide an admissions officer the additional piece of information he or she needs to admit you over other comparable applicants.

When soliciting letters of recommendation, it is important that you submit your requests early, so that your teachers and counselors have ample time to write a well-thought and detailed account of your past contributions and potential as a college student. You should also request recommendations from those who have taught, mentored, or counseled you within the past two years. Admissions officers want insight into your most recent performance as a high school student, since this is often a good indicator of how you will perform in college. In addition, it’s wise to submit at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher in your area(s) of academic interest (if you have one). For example, if you indicate on your application that you plan to major in engineering, ask a science and/or math teacher to write on your behalf. Admissions officers always appreciate the opportunity to read letters that attest to your abilities in your prospective major.

So, how many recommendations should you request? If a college requires three letters of recommendation, submit no more than four. Admissions officers are charged with wading through an enormous amount of information, so too many recommendations may overwhelm or even annoy your reader.  Worse yet, it could send signals of potential desperation and/or insecurity.  If you wish to submit an additional recommendation, you may ask a coach, band director, employer, or other extracurricular sponsor with whom you have established a meaningful and productive relationship. Never ask a parent or other relative to write on your behalf.  These people are rarely able to provide an objective, unbiased account of your character and abilities.

One final note: say, “Thank you.” Sending a “thank you” letter to your recommenders may not improve your admissions prospects, but you should do it anyway, because it is the right thing to do.  In most cases, your recommenders do not have to write letters on your behalf, but choose to anyway, because they care about you and want to see you succeed.  So, make sure to express your gratitude.

Every year, thousands of otherwise intelligent and prudent high school seniors “lose their cool” and fall prey to the college admissions rat race.  They frantically apply to the “best” schools, without ever taking time to find the “right” college.  Between registering for standardized tests, writing essays, and completing college applications, they forget to focus upon the part of the college admissions process most crucial to ensuring their postsecondary happiness and success–the campus visit.  Campus visits allow college-bound students to experience first-hand the offerings of prospective colleges, so that they can make informed decisions as to whether or not each of their target schools is truly a good fit.

This fall is an ideal time during which to visit the schools on your college radar; students have returned, class is in session, and the weather is still mild throughout much of the country. If you can take time out of your hectic fall schedules to plan campus visits, make sure that you follow these five simple rules:

1.    Schedule early. Since tours and appointments tend to fill up quickly, especially during the height of admissions season, schedule a visit with each college’s admissions office at least several weeks prior to arriving on campus.  Upon scheduling your visit, inquire about opportunities to speak with admissions reps, sit in on classes, meet with faculty, talk with current students, and if possible, partake in an overnight experience. It’s important that you take advantage of as many opportunities as possible during your campus visit, so that you’re able to determine if the college is truly right for you.

2.    Request an admissions interview. Admissions interviews are offered by schools which require or recommend that prospective students meet with an admission officer as part of the application process.  Admissions interviews present a wonderful opportunity for you to showcase intangible attributes which cannot be captured in a college application.  Most liberal arts colleges offer admissions interviews, as well as other small-to-midsize schools that have the time and resources to meet individually with prospective students.  It’s important to keep in mind that admissions interviews are evaluative and will be considered in the review of your application.

If offered an admissions interview, request to meet with the admission representative who covers your particular high school and/or region, as he/she will most likely be the one evaluating your application.

Note that due to the large size of their applicant pool, many universities are not able to offer individual admissions interviews.  Instead, these schools offer an information interview or information session, in which a school representative speaks to an individual or group of prospective students about the admissions policies and offerings of his/her respective school.  Unlike the admissions interview, information interviews and information sessions are not evaluative.

3.    Come Prepared. Before your visit, make sure to obtain a copy of your transcript, your student activities resume, and a copy of your standardized test scores (if applicable).  This information will enable your admissions representative to realistically assess your chances for admission, as well as offer any advice that he or she may have on how to improve your application.

During the admissions interview, be prepared to discuss your courses, your extracurricular experiences, and your reasons for applying to the college (be specific).  In addition, come with several questions that will enable you to learn more about the college and simultaneously demonstrate to the admissions rep that you have done your college research.  As a general rule, save questions about meal plans, housing, and social life for the campus tour.

It is also important that you dress appropriately, shake hands, and maintain eye contact throughout your admissions interview; presentation is always key to a successful meeting.  Most importantly, RELAX!  Remember, admissions officers are ordinary people, no different and no more special than the rest of us.

4.    Tour the campus. In addition to the admission or information interview, most colleges offer campus tours.  Campus tours are usually led by current students, who are trained to present on the offerings of their respective schools.  Campus tours provide you an opportunity to visit college facilities (i.e. classrooms, libraries, dorm rooms, cafeteria, etc.) and to ask questions about life at the college, including questions about student clubs, activities, social events, residence life, and the like. Make sure to dress comfortably and be prepared to walk, as campus tours usually cover a lot of ground and time.

5.    Say thanks. Make sure to send a thank you note to those with whom you have met during your campus visit (i.e. admissions rep, tour guide, students, faculty, etc.).  A simple paragraph, which expresses your gratitude and reiterates your interest in the college, will suffice.

Finding the right college(s) is no easy task.  But, if you commit to visiting your prospective schools, while adhering to the above guidelines, you are more likely to discover, and attend, a college that fits who you are, who you want to become, and what you want out of your undergraduate experience.

The lure of an elite undergraduate institution is undoubtedly very powerful.  And if you have the credentials and money to comfortably matriculate, by all means… However, if finances are tight and the financial aid isn’t right, take a moment to put your education and career into perspective.

In today’s economy, an undergraduate degree is necessary but not sufficient to enter many of the most sought after professions.  Prospective employers in a number of fields, including medicine, law, government, and education, require or at least recommend a graduate degree. To them, it is this degree that matters most, because it is the graduate degree that is perceived as most telling of a job candidate’s qualifications in his or her respective field.  This being so, you may want to consider saving your money (or debt) for grad school while looking for more affordable undergraduate options.

Now, some of you may be thinking: “But I can’t get into the best grad schools without first going to an elite institution!” Not true.  While the undergrad degree matters, it doesn’t matter nearly as much as many people think.  Excellent grades and test scores always take precedence over undergraduate institution. In other words, it’s not where you go, but what you do during your undergrad years that really matters.  If you don’t believe me, refer to the link below for a list of undergraduate institutions currently represented at Harvard Law School:

http://www.law.harvard.edu/prospective/jd/apply/undergrads.html

In addition to accounting for the possibility of graduate school, you may also want to consider potential career paths when determining whether to break the bank on an elite college.   If you are fortunate enough to have developed one or more career-related interests, make it a point to research salaries and entrance requirements in your prospective profession(s).  Upon doing so, ask yourself the following questions: How many years of education (post high school) are required? What does the average employee earn?  Does earning a degree from an elite institution put me at a significant advantage over other job candidates in my field?

For example, if you aspire to a career in finance, you may find that shelling out a significant amount of money for an elite undergraduate degree is a worthy investment, given that school prestige plays a considerable role in the hiring process and that your anticipated income will be sufficient to cover a sizable monthly loan payment.  However, if you dream of becoming a school teacher, you may find that spending an exorbitant sum on your undergraduate education is not the smartest idea, since there are a number of affordable, public universities which offer excellent teacher prep programs and tremendous opportunities to network with potential employers;

Whatever path you decide to travel, it is always wise to place college within the context of your current circumstances and future goals.  Your life and education do not end upon receiving your undergraduate degree, so plan accordingly.  And if you find that attending an elite institution is either unaffordable or financially impractical, don’t distress.  There are hundreds of excellent, relatively inexpensive colleges, which can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively pursue your career ambitions.

In today’s hypercompetitive college admissions landscape, standardized tests are a “necessary evil.”  Sure, four hours in a fluorescent-lit room with these grueling exams could pass for cruel and unusual punishment in some countries, but let’s face it, colleges need a way to level the highly variable academic playing field from which its prospective students apply.  The SAT and ACT are not perfect, but most institutions still believe that these exams offer the best way of putting applications into their right perspective. So, unless you’re applying exclusively to the handful of schools that have done away with evaluating SAT/ACT test scores, standardized testing is a reality that you will have to confront, sooner or later.   This being the case, which test should you choose? The SAT or ACT? The right (albeit unpleasant) answer is BOTH!

While most colleges require that students take either the SAT or the ACT, it is in your best interests to take each exam at least once. Why?  Most institutions will use your best standardized test score when assessing your prospects for admission. Contrary to popular belief, admissions officers want to admit you, and as such, are willing to evaluate your application in the best possible light.  Translation: at most schools, a stellar ACT score can be used in lieu of an average or substandard SAT score, and vice versa. Now, before you begin getting all those warm and fuzzy feelings towards these seemingly kindhearted admissions officers, please keep in mind that this commonly-used policy is not based on altruism alone.  Better test scores make for better colleges… well…at least in the public eye.  There are few better ways to rise in the rankings or to secure that special feature in the latest “most competitive colleges” guide book than to boost the (perceived) average standardized test score of next year’s incoming freshman class.  So, the motives behind standardized test policies aren’t completely innocent, but they nevertheless benefit you, so take advantage and play the odds!

One more piece of advice: Currently, there are a number of articles out there, which aim to predict on what test you will score best. Ignore them! Yes, possessing a prodigious vocabulary may predict a better SAT, and a love of trigonometry could predict that you‘ll do better on the ACT.   But life (and testing) is unpredictable.  As famous sportscaster, Chris Berman, says, “That’s why they play the game.” So lace em ‘up and give both tests your best shot.  Take the SAT and ACT.

Yes, Harvard, Yale, Stanford and other large, prestigious universities do contain top-of-the-line student bodies and, for the most part, do provide excellent undergraduate educations; but so do places like Swarthmore, Carleton, Pomona, and other small, liberal arts institutions.   While their names may not inspire as much awe around the dinner table or look as good on the back of a car, liberal arts colleges offer several academic and extracurricular advantages that students at larger, more research-oriented schools would be hard-pressed to find.

For one, the faculty at small, liberal arts colleges put undergraduates first.  Without a graduate student cohort and less bound to research than their university counterparts, liberal arts faculty have more opportunities to interact with and advise their undergraduate students. As such, students at liberal arts institutions often find their professors more accessible than do students at universities.  Second, liberal arts colleges tend to have, on average, smaller class sizes.  At universities, it is not uncommon for freshmen to enroll in courses containing 300+ students or go through an entire semester without uttering a single word inside the classroom.  This isn’t the case at a liberal arts school. If you enjoy class discussion and the opportunity to forge close relationships with your fellow classmates, a liberal arts institution may be your best bet.  Finally, students at liberal arts colleges have access to certain extracurricular activities that would otherwise be unavailable to them at large universities, such as joining the college football team or assisting their favorite professor in a research project.  At a liberal arts college, you do not have to compete with a PhD student or NFL prospect to represent your college and reap the personal and social benefits that come from deep involvement in an extracurricular activity.

So, yes, liberal arts colleges do offer a variety of benefits to students during their undergraduate years.  But maybe you’re not as concerned about what liberal arts schools do for students during college as you are with what these institutions do for students after they have graduated.  After all, isn’t college a means to an end?  What about job prospects and prospects for admission into graduate school? Well, the following are just a few facts confirming that liberal arts schools do indeed prepare their students for life after college:

• Liberal arts colleges constitute seven of the ten postsecondary institutions that graduate the highest percentage of eventual PhDs.
• Approximately forty percent of Fortune 500 CEOs have graduated from a liberal arts college and/or obtained a degree in the liberal arts.
• Institutions represented among the Class of 2011 at Yale Law School, the highest-ranked law school in the country, include Colorado College, Gettysburg College, Harvey Mudd College, Millsaps College, Sarah Lawrence College, Whitman College, and about a dozen other excellent, albeit lesser known liberal arts institutions.

As evident from the above, bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to choosing a college.  So, if you’re the kind of student who desires a tight-knit community, intimate learning environment, and a chance to participate in all aspects of campus life, consider sacrificing the big name decal for the opportunity to enjoy a substantive and very meaningful four years. Consider a liberal arts college.

For many rising seniors, summer is seen as the last opportunity to relax and unwind before what is often characterized as a tremendously stressful and overwhelming college admissions season.  Weary and worn-out from months of standardized tests, final exams, and end-of-the-year projects, most college-bound youth choose to check out during the months of July and August.  It is important to realize, however, that students can begin tackling the application process without sacrificing their summer reprieve.  In the upcoming months, spend a few hours per week on the following four tasks and you’ll get ahead in the college admissions game, while avoiding the anxiety that many other college-bound seniors are likely to experience this fall:

1. Visit prospective schools. College guides, school websites, and ranking systems are useful to one’s college research, but nothing proves as revelatory as the college visit. Setting foot on campus and experiencing first-hand the school’s academic and social climate allows you to confirm whether a particular college is truly a right fit.  When visiting each school, make sure to schedule both a campus tour and an admissions interview, if possible.
2. Prepare for standardized tests (for real this time). Were you too bogged down with school work to study for the SAT? Are you not pleased with your current ACT score?  Summer presents the perfect opportunity to really focus on preparing for those all-important standardized tests.  Like it or not, standardized tests are a crucial component of the college application process and a higher score can often times constitute the difference between an admissions acceptance and denial.  Visit www.kaptest.com to learn more about standardized test prep options.
3. Write the essay. Ahh, the college essay.  Although frequently perceived as the most agonizing part of the application process, writing the college essay can actually prove enlightening and enjoyable, provided you follow a few simple rules. First, be yourself!  Admissions officers don’t want the extraordinary; they simply want to learn something about you that they cannot glean from the collection of grades and scores in your application file. As such, choose a topic or experience that reveals who you are, how you think, what you believe, or who you want to become.  Second: show, don’t tell.  Every strong essay writer uses anecdotes and strong verbs to make a point or vivify a story.  Make sure you do the same.  Finally, be concise.  Longer isn’t necessarily better, especially when it comes to the college essay.  At the height of the application season, admissions officers may be reading up to 100 essays per day.  An unnecessarily long essay may cause your reader to tune out, or worse yet, neglect other parts of your application file.
4. Complete the Common Application. Nearly 350 selective college and universities are now members of the Common Application, which means that students interested in attending competitive schools will likely be applying to at least one or more institutions that use the Common Application. Students should visit www.commonapp.org to preview and practice completing the Common Application, including the personal essay. Please note that the 2009-2010 Common Application (online and paper version) will become available on July 1, 2009.

Yes, summer is the time to sit back and relax.  But, relaxation and productivity can go hand in hand, especially during break.  Complete these few tasks and you will reap the benefits come fall.