Character Counts (Seriously)

College admission officials are not only looking at a student's academic achievements but also their overall character and personality. They are looking for students who will not only excel academically but also contribute positively to the college community. A student's character and behavior can make a significant impact on their chances of being admitted to the college of their choice.

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Sarah DohlComment
Disclosing Information in College Applications: How Much is Too Much?

When it comes to filling out college applications, many students struggle with the question of how much personal information they should share. On the one hand, they want to give the admission officers a complete picture of who they are and what they have experienced. On the other hand, they don't want to include anything that might hurt their chances of getting into the college of their choice. It's a delicate balance, but with a little bit of guidance, it's possible to strike the right balance and create a compelling application.

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Sarah DohlComment
MAJOR SPOTLIGHT: Visual Arts

If you are interested in pursuing a career in visual arts, attending college can be an important step in achieving your goals. However, with so many different programs and degrees to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we'll take a look at the two main types of visual arts degrees: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Both degrees offer unique benefits, and it's important to understand the differences between them to determine which one is the best fit for your interests and goals.

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Sarah DohlComment
Choosing an SAT or ACT Test Prep Course? Ask These Questions First

Preparing for college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT can be a daunting task, and many students feel anxious about taking these exams. Choosing the right test prep course or tutor can help alleviate some of this anxiety by allowing students to become familiar with the exams and test-taking strategies. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start when shopping for a test prep class. As you evaluate your options, keep in mind these key questions.

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Sarah DohlComment
ChatGPT: What It Is, How It Could Change College Admissions, and How to Talk to Your Kids About It

Everywhere on the internet, people are talking about ChatGPT, which just got a major investment from Microsoft to the tune of $10 billion. Seriously. And we’re starting to get a lot of questions about it: what it is, how students are using it, how it might change the college admissions process, and how parents should be talking to their kids about it. 

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Sarah Dohl Comment
Getting College-ed: January 2023

Every month, College Solutions features a new edition of Getting College-ed, an editorial cartoon created by College Solutions’ own Lee Ann Gun. Check out this month’s edition below, and sign up to get future editions straight to your inbox.

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Sarah DohlComment
Getting College-ed: December 2022

Every month, College Solutions features a new edition of Getting College-ed, an editorial cartoon created by College Solutions’ own Lee Ann Gun. Check out this month’s edition, and sign up to get future editions straight to your inbox.

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Sarah DohlComment
Getting College-ed: November 2022

Every month, College Solutions features a new edition of Getting College-ed, an editorial cartoon created by College Solutions’ own Lee Ann Gun. Check out this month’s edition, and sign up to get future editions straight to your inbox.

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Sarah DohlComment
Financial Matters: FAFSA Basics

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the primary form used by colleges to determine eligibility for need-based aid. A small number of colleges will not even consider an applicant for merit aid unless that student has first submitted a FAFSA.

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Sarah DohlComment
MAJOR SPOTLIGHT: Kinesiology

For active people interested in a science career, a major in kinesiology may be a perfect fit. Kinesiology is the study of human movement, from the molecular workings of muscular control to the process of recovery from massive sports injuries. The study encompasses diverse populations, reaching the elderly, the disabled, and the inactive, as well as the relatively fit and the professionally athletic.

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Sarah DohlComment
MAJOR SPOTLIGHT: Peace and Conflict Studies

With the political climate in the United States so divisive, a major that focuses on ways to solve problems peacefully may resonate with you. Peace and Conflict Studies focus on ways to improve justice and peace in the world. The major analyzes universal issues such as racism, sexism, destitution, and war. The goal, of course, is to develop an ability to solve problems non-violently.

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Sarah DohlComment
Answering Unasked Questions

When admissions counselors are deciding who to admit to their incoming class, they’re asking themselves two questions: how will the student benefit from attending our college, and what will the student contribute to our student body? Some colleges and universities ask these questions directly on their applications and require students to respond in essay form. Others don’t. But either way, you can set yourself apart from other applications and make a persuasive case for your admission if you answer them clearly and directly somewhere within your application.

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Sarah DohlComment
Do 'Safety' Schools Exist Anymore?

As the college admission process becomes more complex, students may wonder if they can be assured acceptance to their so-called ‘safety,’ schools (words used to categorize what a student’s chances are vary; some experts argue that these terms should be changed to the more accurate names of “unlikely”, “possible”, and “likely”). This is a tricky question, and the short answer is: not really. College admission is a complicated process considering many factors, and there are simply no guarantees.

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Sarah DohlComment