The College Advisor: Snap Aps

If you're feeling under the gun and have received some "express applications" or "snap aps" for colleges, slow down. The fact that you're running behind in the college application process doesn't mean you have to take a shortcut!  In fact, it means exactly the opposite. While express applications are genuine college applications, they are used primarily for the purpose of raising the number of applications to a college so that a college can appear more selective. "Snap aps" ask for less information, making it easier for the applicant to apply to college, however, as you may already know, easier isn't always better...especially if it's a way of cutting corners (which is exactly what an express application is).  If you're behind the power curve in your college applications, reassess your priorities and improve your time management.  Apply to your first choices immediately with a full application.  List all your worthwhile activities; write a great essay; submit strong letters of recommendation, high test scores and an excellent transcript--and really let those universities know who you are. Because you've missed the first deadline for most significant scholarships, your application is going to have to be exceptional to warrant merit-based aid. Instead of kicking yourself for procrastinating, learn your lesson and move ahead. If you make your application sparkle, you could still receive some merit aid.  In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul urges believers to "excel in everything."  That includes your college application.  If you weren't diligent in the past, be diligent now. Don't take a shortcut.  Take responsibility!

For more help with college admissions, go to http://www.competitivecollegecoaching.com/

The College Advisor: A Balancing Act

Have you ever brought home a report card that had all A's and one B...or all B's and one C?  What's the grade that gets the most attention?  The lowest one, of course. 

    For a student, that can be very frustrating. He asks himself, "Why don't I get a little recognition for the 6 A's?  My parents always look at what I do wrong instead of what I do right! Why even try if they're just going to be on my case?  I can never please them."  

    Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.  While a student should work for a decent level of proficiency in all subjects, let's face it, not every student is going to be a whiz in calculus.  And yet, the student who makes a B in Calculus may be an outstanding writer or a linguist extraordinaire!  Parents need to remember to look at the overall picture, appreciating the strengths and understanding the weaknesses of their student. Parents might suggest a tutor or a study group (with food, of course) in their student's weak areas, and unless they know for a fact that their student isn't trying his best, they shouldn't go on the offensive. Students, you need to spend the extra effort needed to bring up that lower grade. Get help if you need it; talk to your teacher; try a new way of studying; and instead of putting off the homework for your least favorite class until last, get it done first, while you still have the ability to focus. 

    In Colossians 3;23, the Apostle Paul urges believers, "Whatever you do, work at with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men."  In other words, Christians should pursue excellence in everything. Does that mean that every Christian high school student will make straight A's?  Of course not. We pursue excellence in everything, but we will only be excellent in some things.  Each of us has been equipped for a special calling.  When we have a natural ability, we should pay attention to that talent and devote energy to being outstanding in that field.  The chances of being a leader in a field where you have talent is much greater than the chances of being a leader in a field where you have a difficult time grasping the concepts. How has God equipped you for excellence?  Could that be a clue to your calling?

    Yes, we do want to strengthen our weaknesses, but don't spend so much time working on your weaknesses that you take those God-given strengths for granted.  Find the balance of working on your weaknesses and soaring in your strengths.

For more information, go to www.competitivecollegecoaching.com.

The College Advisor: Application Anxiety

Some kids see the entire college application process as a time filled with dread and fear, setting themselves up for stress and sometimes, even rejection. That's the wrong attitude!  God gave you unique talents and abilities to support your specific calling.  The college application process is simply a time to find a university that will facilitate that calling so you can better serve God.  The junior and senior year should be a time of discovery and dreams...not doubt and despair.  If you've been putting off the college application process because of application anxiety, change your attitude.  Focus on 1 Corinthians 2:9:  "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him, but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit."  Press into Him.  He will show you the way!

The College Advisor: When I Grow Up...

People think that going to college is about getting an education.  Well, that's part of it, but it's also about discovering who you are in Christ...if it's done the right way. However, you don't have to wait until you're paying thousands of dollars a semester to discover who you are in Christ.  You can do it now...in high school...or even middle school.  What I hope to do with this blog is guide students how to discover their God-given passions, develop their purpose and determine their path--particularly with regard to higher education.  And I want to teach parents how they can help their kids in this process without being completely irritating! (Can I hear a great, big HALLELUJAH?!!)  When you look at the college search process in this way--as a means of discovering who you are in Christ--you can see why you want to start the college application and search process early in high school.  Once you've accepted Christ as Savior, you are anointed for a great adventure.  God has equipped you for "what you want to be when you grow up."  But it's a path that has to be walked.  There are many practical things you can do to make the path easier, and I'll be offering those tips as we go along. So, I hope you'll join me and subscribe to this post. Link to it on facebook.  Get it via google reader (a little less cumbersome for some folks). Read, learn, enjoy and be blessed.