College Admission Essay- Proof-read

There are some common mistakes made by college applicants when writing their college admission essays. As a former recruiter for Yale University, I remember the reactions from admissions officers as they read one essay versus another. I would say that there are six mistakes that are the most common and potentially the most deadly to college applicants submitting their college admission essays. One mistake I saw was: not proof-reading.
I would strongly recommend that you proof-read your essay or other written correspondence AND ask someone else to proof-read it for you too. Keep in mind that someone is taking the time to read what you wrote along with thousands of other college admission essays and other college application materials. It is sloppy and rude not to take 15 minutes to look over your essay before submitting it.

Unfortunately, this is not the only mistake made by college applicants when writing their college admission essays or on college applications as they go through the college admission process. To help those who are serious about getting into an Ivy League college or other top college, I outline insider information based on my experience as a recruiter and alumni interviewer for Yale University. My recommendations, tips, and insight are available at http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com as part of the Keys to the CASTLE program. If you want to increase the odds of getting into a top college or your child getting into an Ivy League college, then you need to immediately go to http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com. Everyday that goes by that you don’t access this information, the odds of getting in decreases. High school graduation is right around the corner, don’t you want your child to have big plans for the following fall.

Published in: on May 14, 2010 at 12:10 PM  Leave a Comment  

College Admission Essay- Be True.

There are some common mistakes made by college applicants when writing their college admission essays. As a former recruiter for Yale University, I remember the reactions from admissions officers as they read one essay versus another. I would say that there are six mistakes that are the most common and potentially the most deadly to college applicants submitting their college admission essays. One mistake I saw was: not writing something that was true to the college applicant’s life story.

One of the biggest mistakes a college applicant can make when writing their college admission essays is writing something that is not true to you, your values, and your background- represent! Some of the biggest and brightest leaders come from dark and humble beginnings.

Bill Clinton came from a dysfunctional family. Barack Obama overcame adversity. Look where both of them are now. Don’t be ashamed. Be proud because that is what makes you- you, and more importantly, it could be what sets you apart from the competition.

Unfortunately, this is not the only mistake made by college applicants when writing their college admission essays or on college applications as they go through the college admission process. To help those who are serious about getting into an Ivy League college or other top college, I outline insider information based on my experience as a recruiter and alumni interviewer for Yale University. My recommendations, tips, and insight are available at http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com as part of the Keys to the CASTLE program. If you want to increase the odds of getting into a top college or your child getting into an Ivy League college, then you need to immediately go to http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com. Everyday that goes by that you don’t access this information, the odds of getting in decreases. High school graduation is right around the corner, don’t you want your child to have big plans for the following fall.

Published in: on April 28, 2010 at 12:08 PM  Leave a Comment  

College Admission Essay- From the Heart.

There are some common mistakes made by college applicants when writing their college admission essays. As a former recruiter for Yale University, I remember the reactions from admissions officers as they read one essay versus another. I would say that there are six mistakes that are the most common and potentially the most deadly to college applicants submitting their college admission essays. One mistake in some college admission essays is: not writing from the heart.

A little sincerity goes a long way- a lot goes even further. I realize that sometimes putting yourself out there can be scary and that saying what you want people to say can seem like a safer route to go. However, I have found that even though fewer people may appreciate what you have to say, the ones who do, will truly appreciate, and more importantly, identify with your candor and sincerity. In fact, sometimes I am surprised at the things that people remember about me from presentations or articles I have written, but it usually is something I just stated as an aside.

I know that one Oscar nominee, whom I interviewed when I was a journalist would agree.  After years of trying to “play the game”, he finally wrote a film that touched very close to his home and the hearts of the nominating committee. As a result, his film, “El Hijo de la Novia”, was nominated for an Academy Award for best foreign film in 2001.

Unfortunately, this is not the only mistake made by college applicants when writing their college admission essays or on college applications as they go through the college admission process. To help those who are serious about getting into an Ivy League college or other top college, I outline insider information, based on my experience as a recruiter and alumni interviewer for Yale University. My recommendations, tips, and insight are available at http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com as part of the Keys to the CASTLE program. If you want to increase the odds of getting into a top college or your child getting into an Ivy League college, then you need to immediately go to http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com. Everyday that goes by that you don’t access this information, the odds of getting in decreases. High school graduation is right around the corner, don’t you want your child to have big plans for the following fall.

Published in: on February 27, 2010 at 12:03 PM  Leave a Comment  

College Search- Undergrads?

Before you can get into a top college or any college, for that matter, you have to decide where you want to apply. Deciding where to go to college is not easy. Conducing a college search can be the biggest decision that you and your parents make together.

There are some important factors for you and your parents to consider when doing a college search. Where you apply influences where you get in, and where you go to college can have a big impact on your career and future in general. One of the most important things to consider when doing your college search is: How Much Emphasis is Placed on Undergraduate Relations?

It is worth researching whether a university places a greater value on educating its undergraduate student body or those enrolled in graduate programs. Many colleges will be very forthcoming about their emphasis, and certainly students will know.

Since you are likely considering undergraduate programs, if you are reading this, you might want to ask if undergraduates have direct access to faculty or just teaching assistants (although TA’s are everywhere). You might be familiar with a school by its name and reputation, but find out if that reputation is more for its med. school or law school like Harvard or Stanford, or general liberal arts education like Yale.

As you may know, conducting a college search is only the first step in the college admissions process. To help those who are serious about getting into an Ivy League college or other top college, I outline insider information based on my experience as a recruiter and alumni interviewer for Yale University. My recommendations, tips, and insight are available at http://www.collegesearchtips.com as part of the Keys to the CASTLE program. If you want to increase the odds of getting into a top college or your child getting into an Ivy League college, then you need to immediately go to http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com. Everyday that goes by that you don’t access this information, the odds of getting in decreases. High school graduation is right around the corner, don’t you want your child to have big plans for the following fall.

Published in: on January 20, 2010 at 12:51 PM  Leave a Comment  

College Search- Housing?

Before you can get into a top college or any college, for that matter, you have to decide where you want to apply. Deciding where to go to college is not easy. Conducing a college search can be the biggest decision that you and your parents make together.

There are some important factors for you and your parents to consider when doing a college search. Where you apply  influences where you get in, and where you go to college can have a big impact on your career and future in general.  One of the most important things to consider when doing your college search is: Where Do Most Students Live? What is Typical Housing like?

This is something worth thinking about, especially as an undergrad because it can greatly influence your social life, participation in extra curricular activities, and possibly even community interactions to some degree. Most colleges are either residential or commuter focused, although most offer both, the student body tends to lean toward one or the other. So, it is worth thinking about how  commuting back and forth will affect your ability to socialize, or get back safely after a late game or rehearsal. By the same token, if you want to save some money on room and board, or if you like to cook for yourself, or want to live with a spouse, or in non roommate situation, then commuting to campus might be a better situation for you.

As you may know, conducting a college search is only the first step in the college admissions process.  To help those who are serious about getting into an Ivy League college or other top college, I outline insider information based on my experience as a recruiter and alumni interviewer for Yale University. My recommendations, tips, and insight are available at http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com as part of the Keys to the CASTLE program. If you want to increase the odds of getting into a top college or your child getting into an Ivy League college, then you need to immediately go to http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com. Everyday that goes by that you don’t access this information, the odds of getting in decreases. High school graduation is right around the corner, don’t you want your child to have big plans for the following fall.

Published in: on December 6, 2009 at 12:48 PM  Leave a Comment  

College Search- Community Relations?

Before you can get into a top college or any college, for that matter, you have to decide where you want to apply. Deciding where to go to college is not easy. Conducing a college search can be the biggest decision that you and your parents make together.

There are some important factors for you and your parents to consider when doing a college search. Where you apply influences where you get in, and where you go to college can have a big impact on your career and future in general. One of the most important things to consider when doing your college search is: How Are The Campus-Community Relations?

Campus- Community relations ended up being so much more of a big deal to me than I initially realized. When I say campus- community relations, I mean how the students and non students in the surrounding community react to and interact with each other, and the general sentiment or vibe between the two populations.

I grew up in a college “town”, actually, mid-size city, Berkeley, California where UC Berkeley is located. I would say that pretty much everyone that resides in Berkeley, my guess 70-80% are either UC Berkeley students, alumni, faculty, staff, or the offspring of one of those groups. UC Berkeley is a public university with a population consisting of predominantly middle class, California natives, similar to the Berkeley population. With that in mind, I was accustomed to experiencing good relations between the campus and the city residents.

I experienced just the opposite when I attended Yale, which is a wealthy private school surrounded by a very impoverished community. There is a history of resentment by the townies and Yalies, and to be fair many Yalies behave in a manner that warrants resentment. Many Yalies were scared to go off campus because they grew up in sheltered, homogeneous environments, while others were active volunteers in the New Haven community. It was emotionally difficult for me to experience that kind of tension in the air. So I made an effort to get to know some New Haven residents and earn their trust and respect.

As you may know, conducting a college search is only the first step in the college admissions process. To help those who are serious about getting into an Ivy League college or other top college, I outline insider information based on my experience as a recruiter and alumni interviewer for Yale University. My recommendations, tips, and insight are available at http://www.collegesearchtips.com as part of the Keys to the CASTLE program. If you want to increase the odds of getting into a top college or your child getting into an Ivy League college, then you need to immediately go to http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com. Everyday that goes by that you don’t access this information, the odds of getting in decreases. High school graduation is right around the corner, don’t you want your child to have big plans for the following fall.

Published in: on November 24, 2009 at 12:46 PM  Leave a Comment  

College Search- Cost?

Before you can get into a top college or any college, for that matter, you have to decide where you want to apply. Deciding where to go to college is not easy. Conducing a college search can be the biggest decision that you and your parents make together.

There are some important factors for you and your parents to consider when doing a college search. Where you apply  influences where you get in, and where you go to college can have a big impact on your career and future in general.  One of the most important things to consider when doing your college search is:  What is the Cost to Attend?

Let’s be real, money is always an issue, at least for the majority of the nation. And, we are in a recession. So beyond stating the obvious, I realize that paying for your college education will be top on the list for your parents, however, I encourage you to select the college of your dreams first and worry about how to pay for it later.

Yes,  in addition to room and board, there are small things that can add up like books and clothing to wear in different climates, etc. However, despite the fact that everyone balks at the tuition to attend a private college, the rent in cities where many public state schools are located often surpasses room and board for many private colleges. Also, you have a better chance of receiving financial aid at a private school and grants are better than loans- trust me.

As you may know, conducting a college search is only the first step in the college admissions process.  To help those who are serious about getting into an Ivy League college or other top college, I outline insider information based on my experience as a recruiter and alumni interviewer for Yale University. My recommendations, tips, and insight are available at http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com as part of the Keys to the CASTLE program. If you want to increase the odds of getting into a top college or your child getting into an Ivy League college, then you need to immediately go to http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com. Everyday that goes by that you don’t access this information, the odds of getting in decreases. High school graduation is right around the corner, don’t you want your child to have big plans for the following fall.

Published in: on October 5, 2009 at 12:44 PM  Leave a Comment  

Watching NBC (law & order) & ABC (new comedies)- weak! What is NBC thinking bumping everything up to increase late night variety.

Published in: on September 24, 2009 at 4:22 AM  Leave a Comment  

College Search- Reputation?

Before you can get into a top college or any college, for that matter, you have to decide where you want to apply. Deciding where to go to college is not easy. Conducing a college search can be the biggest decision that you and your parents make together.

There are some important factors for you and your parents to consider when doing a college search. Where you apply influences where you get in, and where you go to college can have a big impact on your career and future in general. One of the most important things to consider when doing your college search is: What is the Degree of Competitive Reputation or Prestige?

I know that it may sound very elitist, but reputation can be something to consider too. I already discussed how a college’s over all reputation can influence how you select a major and how much freedom you have to explore your academic options while on campus.

A college’s reputation can also influence where you go to grad school and where you get a job. I’ll be honest, if you graduate from a prestigious college, people take you more seriously when you apply to graduate school and for jobs in general.

If you go to a less renown college or university, then you have to worry more about your GPA because the assumption most people make, whether it is fair or not, is that graduating from a top college says more than a high GPA from a state school. Also, if you go to a competitive college, you become part of a network of competitive, driven folks, and you never know when that will come in handy.

As you may know, conducting a college search is only the first step in the college admissions process. To help those who are serious about getting into an Ivy League college or other top college, I outline insider information based on my experience as a recruiter and alumni interviewer for Yale University. My recommendations, tips, and insight are available at http://www.collegesearchtips.com as part of the Keys to the CASTLE program. If you want to increase the odds of getting into a top college or your child getting into an Ivy League college, then you need to immediately go to http://www.collegeadmissionstips.com. Everyday that goes by that you don’t access this information, the odds of getting in decreases. High school graduation is right around the corner, don’t you want your child to have big plans for the following fall.

Published in: on September 18, 2009 at 12:43 PM  Leave a Comment  

A strange man drilled holes in side of my car @ Pt Isabel & wanted me 2 pay bc he said he fixed a ding I didn’t care about- bizarre! Y do people C women as targets?

Published in: on September 11, 2009 at 9:54 PM  Leave a Comment