The College Connection is your guide to all things college.  It will provide parents and kids with useful tips, helpful insights and up-to-the-minute information about preparing for college, surviving the admissions process, as well as trends and life on campus.  Stick with me, and the transition from high school to college will be a breeze.

All high schools students - Look for volunteer and/or internship positions, not just for resume building, but also to have the opportunity to gain exposure to various environments and to explore possible career paths.

Juniors – If you haven’t already done so, get to know your guidance counselor.  She’ll assist you throughout the college application process, in addition to writing a required recommendation for you.   Also keep in mind that junior year grades are often examined most closely in the admissions process.  Therefore, academic success during the junior year is critical.

• Even though you may be disappointed, this isn’t a rejection of you.  Continue to believe in yourself.  You’re no less intelligent, ambitious and talented; college admissions are a game of numbers.
• Don’t indulge your wounded pride for more than a day or two.  You’ll get past this disappointment, like any other in life, and embrace the acceptances you’ve received.  And, be sure to remember that there are more that just one or two schools that will be a perfect fit for you
  
  

• DO keep up your grades, whether you’ve been accepted, rejected deferred or wait-listed.
• DO remember to send mid-year grades to whichever colleges require them.
• DO write a letter to an admissions person at a school where you’ve been deferred or wait listed.  Let them know that you’re still very interested in attending their school, and update them on any important new academic or extracurricular accomplishments.
• DO fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form if you haven’t already done so.  You’ll need this for financial aid and merit scholarships. www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm