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SAT. ACT. Six letters that every high school student dreads. But
in the ever-changing landscape of college admissions, are standardized test
scores still important? The short answer: yes. This week, our experts weigh in
on just how important those scores are in comparison to the rest of your
application.

How important are standardized test scores
compared to other pieces of the application?” — Chris
Kim, Portland, OR

A:SAT Scores are still very important

Because high schools across the country vary in their difficulty
and ranking system, colleges still rely on the standardized tests to determine
whether students will be successful at that college. Studies have shown that
SAT or ACT scores and rigor of school work are the two most important factors
in college admissions. These two factors are also linked: taking Pre-AP,
Honors, or AP courses in high school will help students perform better on these
college tests and be more successful with college-level work.

A: Test Scores Not the Most Important Factor

Standardized tests scores are just one of many factors colleges
consider when reviewing your application.
While some colleges may emphasize them more heavily, most agree that
your transcript carries greater weight. If test scores are a significant
concern, you might want to check out fairtest.org, which will give you a
listing of colleges that don’t require the submission of SAT scores for many of
their applicants.

A: Part of the Recipe

Standardized test scores are one part of many in the application
recipe. Think of a recipe for cookies. Flour, water, eggs and sugar are the
basic components just like grades, scores, letters of recommendation and essays
make up the application. All of them mix together to make and reflect the
unique you. Test scores are important, but not most important. Grades are like
the flour without them that cookie just is not going to hold together. Test
scores are like the eggs, binding things together. TOEFL scores however, need
to meet or exceed the minimum required.

A: How Much Do Test Scores Matter Anyway?

Test scores remain an important factor for those colleges that
consider test scores. Many larger public universities use an eligibility index
based on both the GPA and test scores. Some smaller, private colleges may give
more weight to essays, resumes, interviews and extracurricular activities. A
challenging curriculum and strong GPA are the most significant factors in
admission decisions. Regardless of how colleges determine who gains acceptance,
students should present outstanding applications emphasizing their personal
strengths.

A: Every University Evaluates the Results from Standardized Tests Differently

A transcript, which records the student’s academic history, is
usually the most important piece of the application. Every university evaluates
the results from the SAT and ACT exams differently. Many universities no longer
require these exams. The TOEFL and IELTS exams are used to evaluate the
proficiency of non-native English speakers in order to ensure that the
applicant has the ability to be successful in the classroom.

See all 36 answers to
this week’s question

“What
are some tips regarding video admissions essays?” — Andre
Reese, Charlotte, NC

When submitting an optional video essay to Tufts, St. Mary’s in
Maryland, George Mason, or the College or William and Mary, first view a few
some recent video submissions. One example is the popular ‘Math Dance Girl’,
submitted to Tufts, which can be viewed on You Tube. This might help you
generate ideas. The main tip, though, is to be you: be original. Next, as with
any production, write a script that incorporates the idea you want to get
across. Third, pull together your resources and props before producing your
video. Lastly, review your product and edit it thoroughly.

Ralph Becker — Owner & Director – Ivy College Prep LLC

See all of
Ralph’s answers

 A: 7 Steps to Making a Great Video Admissions Essay

Using Tufts University, the best-known college to offer college
applicants a video essay option, the first thing to do is 1) Identify the
question and any directions. Tufts says, “Prepare a one-minute video that says
something about you. What you do or say is totally up to you.”  2) Next, brainstorm ideas about what you want
to say. 3) Then, write a first draft script. Make it exceptional. 4) Collect
visuals that help explain what you say. 5) Edit. 6) Get feedback. 7) Finally, record
your script until it’s nearly perfect. DON’T FORGET: make it one-minute, no
more or less.

Marjorie Shaevitz – Author, Founder – adMISSION POSSIBLE

See all of
Marjorie’s answers

 A: Make Sure A School Welcomes Them, Then Keep It Brief!

If a school encourages video essays; great, go for it. Do not do
this, however, unless you are SURE that the school wants to see them. Many
schools have growing numbers of applications, but the number of counselors
reading them hasn’t necessarily changed, and they are jammed for time to get
through them all by the deadlines. Anything beyond what the school specifically
requests may not be seen at all, or it may be considered a hassle to retrieve
and view in the time allotted to get through each file. Be mindful of the
counselor’s time constraints and edit tightly for brevity!

Carol Morris – Regional Director of Admission – Southern Methodist
University

See all of
Carol’s answers

From the Unigo Experts’ Network

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines! Whether getting recommendations from teachers, sending in applications, or even writing a thank you note to an admissions officer you met during a campus visit, there’s always something to stay on top of. This week, our experts tell you the best ways to stay organized and keep the stress levels (moderately) low during the application process.

“What are the best ways to stay organized during the application process?” — Steve Griffin, Eau Claire, WI

See all 30 answers to this week’s question

A: Have an Application Management System in Place to Stay Organized
I encourage my students to keep track of all deadlines on an Excel spreadsheet. I also suggest they keep a “cheat sheet” for each school and write down their username and password for each application (especially important if a non-Common App school) plus record these other items: ACT scores sent (Date), SAT scores sent (Date), SAT Subject Scores (Date, Resume, Letter(s) of Recommendation, Counselor Recommendation, Transcript Requested, Supplement(s) Written, Art Supplement/Athletic Supplement, Portfolio, Made contact with at least 1 person in Admissions, Thank you notes sent to teachers/interviewers/admission reps.

Robyn Moreth — Independent Educational Consultant

See all of Robyn’s answers

A: Plan Ahead and Be Disciplined
With so many different deadlines and pieces to an application file, it’s no wonder students feel overwhelmed by a world that’s new to them. Using a few simple strategies, though, can help them gain control and master the process. Begin by using a calendar to record important dates. Next, make a check sheet for each college.  Be vigilant about tracking the various steps. Finally, identify a handy place to store the usernames and passwords for each online account. Ready, set, go.

Gael Casner – Founder – CollegeFindEdu.com

See all of Gael’s answers

A: The Best Ways to Stay Organized During the Application Process
Since students are applying to more schools than ever, a good way to stay on top of things is to create a chart or spreadsheet. Categories should include the name of the school, application deadline, whether it’s on the common app or not, if so, whether it has a supplement, number of essays needed, and whether it requires recommendations, an interview, or SAT subject tests. List the schools in the order of the application deadlines, and check them off as you submit. Not only will you keep on top of things this way, you will feel great as you make your way down the list.

Lynda McGee – College Counselor – Magnets High School

See all of Lynda’s answers

“Are applicants who need financial aid evaluated differently?” — Lee Magnus, Richmond, VA

See all 21 answers to this week’s question

A: A Few Key Facts
Yes, each student is evaluated independently based on the information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, (FAFSA), and, in addition, for many schools, the CSS Profile. Each case is evaluated on a case to case basis, and the amount a family can reasonably be expected to contribute (EFC), is based on both student and parent contributions. This is calculated from data from the federal application form and a federal formula. The need varies based on the cost of the particular school. The cost of attendance (variable) minus the expected family contribution (constant) equals the need (varies). In addition, special circumstances i.e. medical, not covered by insurance, change in marital status, or employment status, etc. not reported on FAFSA must be sent to each college, and reviewed.

Sue Enis — Director of College Counseling – RASG Hebrew Academy

See all of Sue’s answers

A: You’re Accepted — If You Have the Cash
No one likes to be rejected. Whether it’s a student inviting a date to the prom or a college offering admission to an applicant, everyone wants to know that their invitation will be accepted.  When colleges admit a student, they hope the student will enroll. They therefore offer aid to students with financial need so that the student is not forced to enroll elsewhere. When adequate funds are not available and the college believes the student will not be able to attend without aid, they sometimes make the difficult decision to deny that student’s request for admission.

Joan Bress – Director, Certified Educational Planner – College Resource Associates

See all of Joan’s answers

A: Please Sir Can I Have Some More?: Tough Economic Times
During these tough financial times for families and colleges, students who apply for financial aid are evaluated differently at private colleges that do not offer need blind admissions. If the college offers need blind admissions, it does not weigh financial need at all during the admission process. This goes for all public universities as well.  However, few private colleges are wealthy enough right now to do this. If a student does not need financial aid, then there is an advantage, especially with students who are waitlisted. All things being equal, many colleges very well may select a student who doesn’t need aid.

Rebecca Joseph – Executive Director & Founder – Get Me To College

See all of Rebecca’s Answers

A: Schools Can Be Need Aware, Need Blind, or Need Sensitive
Schools vary in whether they consider an applicant’s financial need in their admissions evaluation. While some schools are need aware, meaning that they consider a student’s financial need, others state that they are need blind, meaning that they do not consider whether a student has any financial need, when making their admissions determination. Some also state that they are need sensitive, meaning that they consider the financial need for those students that are on the margin for being admitted. For need aware and need sensitive schools, a student having financial need may adversely impact the final admissions decision.

Jane Hoffman – Founder – College Advice 101

See all of Jane’s answers

A: Applicants are Evaluated Based on the College’s Admissions Policy

Whether or not an institution takes a student’s financial need into account as part of the admissions process depends on the schools admission policy. Some schools have a Need-blind admission policy this means a student’s financial need is not taken into account when they admit students. Most public institutions are need blind and many private institutions are as well. However, just because a school is need blind in terms of admission does not mean they will meet all of your financial need. Other schools are Need-sensitive or Need-aware. Schools with this type of admission policy will typically admit many students Need-blindly they also pay attention to the colle

ges’ projected financial resources.

Mau

The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions and succeeding after high school.

Every year, students apply to college early for a number of different reasons, whether they found the school of their dreams or they just want to get the process over with. But does it make a difference? This week, our experts weigh in on the different application options so you can decide what’s right for you.

“Early, rolling, regular: When should you apply? — Daniel Meany, Rutland, VT

See all 14 answers for this week’s question

A: Early Applications Are Best—But You Don’t Have to Commit

When to apply is a tough question. Early decision is best if a student is firm in their choice and financial concerns are not an issue. But if there is any uncertainty then regular decision, early action, or rolling are all appropriate options. Indeed, unless a strong senior performance might turn the tide, the earlier one can apply the better. Such an approach garners valuable timely feedback about how the application is being viewed in this particular cycle. Too, there is nothing like having a “home” even if it is not the top choice. In general, early is better.

Bill Pruden — Head of Upper School, College Counselor – Ravenscroft School

See all of Bill answers

A: The Best Deadline for You is This One

What an impossible question to answer!  Ok, nothing’s really impossible, so let’s give it a shot:  the deadline that is best depends on the individual student.  If you love one school more than life itself, are competitive with grades and scores, and have any extra significant factor, then early is best.  If you want to use fall semester to shore up your grades, take an extra test or two, make a few visits or take some time to figure things out, then regular decision is the best option.  Rolling just means that applications will be received until the places are filled, and that varies from state to state and school to school, too; in this case, earlier is usually better.  So, which is best for you? That all depends on where you are in the process. Timing is important, so choose the deadline that fits you.

John Carpenter – Founder – AskJohnAboutCollege.com

See all of John’s answers

A: Choose Your College Admission Plan Wisely

In addition to where, students must decide how to apply.  Not all schools offer all options.  When rolling admissions is offered, it is almost always best to apply early.  Early Action applications are considered before regular decision applications; this can work to the student’s advantage.  While Early Decision sometimes increases the chance of acceptance, it is binding; students should only apply if they can say, without hesitation, that the school is their first choice and that they would be very excited to attend. If students want to compare financial aid packages, they should not apply early decision.

Marilyn Emerson – Founder – College Planning Services

See all of Marilyn’s answers

A: Do Your Homework to Know What Each Deadline Means for You

Application deadlines correspond to the admissions process followed by the college or university to which you are applying and to the degree to which you are committed to that school. For rolling admissions, apply as early as possible so that you have your answer and option as soon as possible. An early acceptance can relieve some of the anxiety students feel as later deadlines approach.  Early admission is designed to give students who are strongly interested in a particular school an opportunity to file only that one application, or a small number, and if accepted, the process is over for them. Early admission or “early action” is non-binding, so if accepted, a student does not have to enroll. Early decision, another opportunity to complete the process early, is binding, so accepted students must attend. If a student is not sure which school he/she would attend if accepted, regular decision deadlines make the most sense.

Clark Daggett – Head of School, Crossroads College Preparatory Academy

See all 14 answers to this question

The
Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US
answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions

Next time your friend tags a photo of you on Facebook, you might
want to ask yourself what an admissions officer would think. In this week’s
column, our experts weigh in on the many ways that technology has changed the
admissions game – both the good and the bad.

‘How has technology changed the admissions process?” —Brad Miller, Great Falls, VA

Students wonder about admission officers lurking on Facebook,
about sending links to their greatest moments on YouTube or submitting music
portfolios online. Deluged with applications, many admission offices now
similarly rely on new technology. They scan all incoming paper, encourage
electronic applications, inform students of missing material and notify
applicants of their decisions online. In a growing number of colleges,
admission officers even read applications in virtual format. More
significantly, while in Moneyball we see the impact of number crunching on
sports, in admission offices too systems managers increasingly influence
approaches to applicant searches, diversity questions, and enrolment
management.

Better technology only helps if you use it well

Simply put, technology has made the admissions process
EASIER.  It’s easier to learn about
colleges and connect with their representatives. Applying online has become a
breeze.  Practicing and signing up for
admissions tests is a snap, too. Unfortunately, it’s also easier for students
to get misinformation – especially if they look in the wrong place.  The ease of applying can also cause students
to procrastinate, resulting in more mistakes and essays of poorer quality that
may hurt their chances of admission.  No
matter how much technology changes the process, college admission still depends
on each student’s effort in that process.

:Orbitting the Giant Hairball of Technology

The college quest has evolved into a “bricks and clicks”
endeavor obviously. With a big nod to Gordon MacKenzie’s book, I caution that
we – students, parents, college admissions/advising professionals – should not
become too enamored with the electronic admissions process. This is a time for
students to contemplate on how to craft an educational experience, not sprint
through a connect-the-dots race and check off a box. Young learners are not a
plug to connect into a USB port, but future citizens to bring forth their
talents in our society. While it may be great to use a drop down menu and
select a major, I think a better, deliberate question that needs to be asked is
“What do you want to learn more about?” From there, a more thoughtful
college quest can move forth.

Mercury has teamed with the Unigo Network to bring PHS students up to date and accurate information about the college admission process. Applying to college is a big deal- take some time to read what the experts say before you complete your applications.
The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US
answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions
and succeeding after high school

Including a resume along withthe application can illuminate some of the interesting and unique activities or
jobs that a student has outside of the classroom. In this week’s column,
experts weigh in on the most common mistakes students make on their resumes, so
that you can avoid them.

“What are some common mistakes students make on their resumes?” —Allison Williams,
Somerville, MA

See all 27 answers to this week’s question

A: Highlight what makes you tick, and keep it brief

One  of the biggest mistakes students make is filling their resumes with information
that can be found in the application or on transcripts, like grades, names of
classes, and test scores, to name a few. Remember: A resume should expand on,
not repeat, information included elsewhere in the application. If it doesn’t
add anything, it’s wasted space (and time for the reviewer). Another pitfall is
poor organization. Make sure the order and grouping of activities highlight
what makes the student tick. Aside from that, keep it simple! Brief and
informative is better than overly packaged any day.

Nicole Oringer — Partner – Ivy Educational Services

See all of Nicole’s
answers

A: Resumes: A Way to Showcase Who You Are

Supplementing the colleges’ own pointed questions, a well-crafted resume can help complete
the picture of the applicant.  In writing
a resume students should avoid endless lists.
Instead, the resume should highlight the things that really matter to
the student, the activities and recognitions that illustrate their true talents
and passions, not their ability to be a joiner or a follower.  Effective resumes give the admissions people
a better sense of who an applicant is and what they offer the prospective
college community, since in the end, whether applicants are what the shapers of
that community want is what the admission process is about.

Bill Pruden – Head of Upper School, College Counselor – Ravenscroft
School

See all of
Bill’s answers

A: Resume no-no’s

Resume Rules: Don’t do a sloppy job of proofreading. Misspelled words and incorrect
punctuation can undermine the effect of an otherwise strong record. Don’t
assume that your reader is familiar with the particular language and
abbreviations of your high school. (EdStrat Chair is a meaningless title unless
the reader knows what EdStrat is.) Don’t include anything except
accomplishments and activities from grades 9-12. The fact that you won an art
award in 6th grade doesn’t belong on a high school resume. Don’t include
anything that you don’t want to talk about in an interview. If you list it,
you’re inviting your interviewer to ask about it.

Susan Marrs -
Director of College Counseling – Seven Hills School

See all of Susan’s
answers

A: “We want depth, not breadth!”

Students often think that they need dozens and dozens of clubs, activities, awards, and
leadership positions to impress admission counselors.  A long list of these things on a resume is
not what we are seeking – and we can’t tell at all what is important to the
student.  What we are looking for is a
student that is passionate – and involved – in a few things.  Articulation of these passions is what we are
looking for – and what impresses us most.

Roby Blust – Dean of Admissions & Enrollment Planning – Marquette University

See all of
Roby’s answers

Find
Unigo on Twitter at @Unigo & Facebook at Facebook.com/MyUnigo
College Visits to PHS

19-Oct          8:30 AM             SUNY Oswego

19-Oct        10:45 AM             SUNY Canton

24-Oct        11:45 AM             Johnson State College

24-Oct          1:00 PM             University of Hartford

25-Oct        10:00 AM             Ursinus College

26-Oct        11:30 AM             Lasell College

27-Oct        8:30-10:30 AM    College Fair (in the Cafeteria)

Internship Opportunity

Any seniors interested in interning with congresswoman Nan Hayworth, please see Mrs. Gordineer in the Guidance Office for an application.

FYI,

PEEKSKILL HIGH SCHOOL  -  COLLEGE RESOURCE CENTER

COLLEGE VISIT SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER 2011

Date           Time                    College/University

16-Sep       9:00 AM              Monroe College (in the Library)

20-Sep       8:30 AM              Utica College

20-Sep      10:15 AM             Clarkson University

20-Sep       1:00 PM              University of Bridgeport

21-Sep       10:45 AM            Berkeley College

26-Sep       10:00 AM            University New Haven

26-Sep       12:00 PM            New Paltz State University of NY

OCTOBER 2011

Date           Time                    College/University

4-Oct        11:00 AM              Champlain College

5-Oct          9:45 AM              Cazenovia College

5-Oct       10: 45 AM              Pace University

7-Oct          9:00 AM              Keene State College

11-Oct        1:30 AM              Western Connecticut State University

11-Oct         1:00 PM             Concordia College

14-Oct  9:00-2:00PM            College of Westchester (in the Library)

17-Oct          9:15 AM            Mount Saint Mary College

18-Oct        10:45 AM            King’s College

19-Oct          8:30 AM             SUNY Oswego

19-Oct        10:45 AM             SUNY Canton

24-Oct        11:45 AM             Johnson State College

24-Oct          1:00 PM             University of Hartford

25-Oct        10:00 AM             Ursinus College

26-Oct        11:30 AM             Lasell College

27-Oct        8:30-10:30 AM    College Fair (in the Cafeteria)

NOVEMBER 2011

Date           Time                    College/University

9-Nov         10:00 AM            Alfred University

9-Nov         12:00 PM            William Paterson University

16-Nov       9:30 AM              SUNY Delhi

16-Nov       1:30 PM              Robert Morris University Chicago

What are some of the most unexpected costs for incoming freshman?”—Peter T., Covington, KY.

A: Textbooks are expensive, but essential

Trying to stretch your dollars by borrowing books from friends in your classes is a recipe for poor academic performance. Find out if your campus has a book rental program. Search on-line for used books, but check the ISBN number to be sure you have the correct edition. Look for less expensive, electronic versions of textbooks, but remember they can’t be sold back to the bookstore at the end of the term.  Some electronic versions are now available by the chapter, a great cost saving when the professor assigns only a few chapters of a book.

-          Peggy Hock – Educational Consultant – UC Berkeley

A: Extra expenses can add up quickly

If you decide to attend a college far from home you need to factor in travel expenses.  How often will you go home?  How will you get back and forth?  What about climate differences?  If you’re going from home in Florida to college in Maine, you’ll need to purchase a very warm winter coat, hat, gloves, snow boots, warm socks, etc. What about clubs and organizations?  It costs money to join fraternities and sororities. If you go to college in an urban area expect to spend more since city life can get pricey. I suggest having a conversation with your parents about setting a monthly budget for all those extra expenses.

-          Hanna Serota— Counseling Department Chair – Hudson High School

A: Expect to save money by planning for the unexpected

Planning to fly home for Thanksgiving or winter break?  Make those flight reservations ASAP.  Holiday airline prices only go up!  Poster sales: every campus has them at move-in time; plan to buy a couple for those bare residence hall walls.  And while you are decorating that room, you will also find someone selling carpets nearby.  Professors’ class notes are usually available at the bookstore…for a price.  Eating out or bringing pizza in? Plan for more times than you might think.  Finally, you will want your school t-shirts for those football games; unless you can find the free ones!

-          Mabel Freeman– Asst. VP for Undergraduate Admissions – Ohio State University 

Don’t miss answers by the Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions at Ohio State University, and more – at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork.  To send your question to our experts, visit www.unigo.com/expertquestions