The SAT/ACT Option in College Admissions

The SAT is back in the news. In David Hawkins' CNN commentary on "Don't use SATs to rank college quality " (http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/10/17/hawkins.tests/index.html), he illustrates why the SAT is becoming less significant in college admissions.

A few nights ago, I spoke about private colleges at a local college fair in a break out session for parents and students. I talked at length about the SAT option in college admissions and the importance of grades, rigor of curriculum, and reputation of high school. I encouraged them to visit www.fairtest.org and see the growing list of schools around the United States that are now SAT/ACT optional. The SAT option will continue to grow at the private school level, and I hope one day that it'll be an option for the more competitive and elite public schools.

It's college admissions season and the SAT is being offered several times this fall. My advice is to keep up your grades, stay focused, and don't be dismayed if you don't score well. There are over 750 schools that are SAT/ACT optional, and they'll gladly consider your candidacy.

College admissions help is available from University Advisors by visiting www.universityadvisors.net.

Liam Dunfey, M.A.
University Advisor

Support Services vs. Support Programs: For College Bound Students with Learning Disabilities

For high school students with Learning Disabilities that are starting their college search, one very important piece of information is on the levels of support given. Every college across the country has to have some type of support for all their students. The type of support is what can be the tricky part to understand if you are not aware of the lingo or what to look for. Some colleges have Support Services (available for ALL students) that can range from, one person or student staff members that help students with tutoring in classes that they may be struggling in. Other colleges have Support Services that have multiple professional and student staff members to help with tutoring in any class and students can choice a professional or student tutor that best fits their needs (sometimes having to pay for the professional, so make sure to ask if there is an additional coast).

The other type of support is in the form of a Support Programs. Students typically have to submit documentation from their cognitive and achievement testing (the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, the WAIS, or The Woodcock Johnson), and their IEP or 504 (educational assistance plans) in proof of their Learning Disability. This will help the college to evaluate the student and see if they are a good fit for the program or not. Programs give more one-on-one support with an educated and trained counselor/advisor in areas of Learning Disabilities. This counselor helps the student to learn skills, strategies, time management, and goal setting to help build on the students strengths and weaknesses. This helps them to understand what type of learning style works the best for them and what type of learner they are (visual, auditory, hands on or combinations of each or all). Also, being in a program will offer students multiple types of accommodations such as un-timed testing, testing put on the computer or read allowed, note takers, readers, Books - text book - and articles on CD, and computer assistive technologies.

All the extras of accommodations and one-on-one support that come with a program also come with an additional fee. All programs fees very college to college and is another great question to ask when visiting a college campus. I recommend when touring a campus to make sure and ask to see the facilities of the Support Services and Support Programs. This will allow you to know where they are located, but also to see the size of the facilities (rooms, technology, staffing, that can be a strong indicator of how much time, money and effort is put into the services or program).

Aaron Smith
Independent Counselor

Financial Aid for Freshman Students

Financial planning for college is important. In 2008, many famillies using private lenders are scrambling to find new lenders after some private loan companies shut down. That may not be a bad thing. Private loans have higher interest rates and higher fees than government loans. Unfortunately, some students were resorting to private lenders like credit cards.

There are options for families. Always onsider federal and state programs first. The federal government just made it easier for students to avoid more expensive private loans by increasing the limit students can borrow through federally subsidized loans. That's good news for families who are trying to keep their children in higher education.

There are many resources for family to consider when sorting through the financial aid maze and how to maximize their opportunities. University Advisors Admissions Specialists partners with College Solutions, a financial aid company that works one-on-one with families. Families have specific answers about financial aid and college fit, and both these firms have answers.

Financial aid should not deter families from considering higher education, especially a private higher education. Take the time and explore the options.

Liam Dunfey, M.A.