College Smart Start: Recent Episodes
Jodi Furman
Overwhelmed by the college admissions process? We’ve got you. Whether you’re aiming for the Ivies or hoping for a local or state school– or anything in between, you’re in the right place.
Welcome to College Smart Start, powered by Enlightened Admissions. I’m Jodi Furman, I’m both a seasoned college counselor and a mom of three. I have helped thousands of high schoolers and their families navigate the entirety of the college admissions process– and can make it accessible, understandable, and accomplishable. I have my finger on the pulse of admissions and have a deep understanding on how schools evaluate and decide who to admit and who to deny. I’ve developed an effective approach that provides some welcomed sanity in the insane world of admissions.
My goal is to educate, motivate, and help you know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it well– whether you’re a freshman in high school or a senior in the throes of college admissions. Using a winning combination of data, insight and creativity– I’m excited to share innovative– and ethical– strategies that will help students gain admission to the college of their dreams without losing their minds along the way
Allowed to wallow, but just for a moment, please do not say “it’ll be okay”-- because in the moment it does NOT feel like that.
While I genuinely believe that it’s not a rejection, but a redirection– and that students genuinely do end up where they belong, that’s about the last thing that a disappointed student or parent wants to hear, understandably so.
Can you reapply? NO
Can you petition for reconsideration? MAYBE, but only with reason– schools RARELY overturn decisions without new info (medical, learning challenges, extenuating circumstances)-- oftentime, even new grades won’t be considered– but it’s worth a call, but don’t count on it.
Wallow– and then dust yourself off. This is why dream schools can be nightmare-ish.
Where you go isn’t who you are– and there’s always the opportunity to transfer, apply for grad school, etc if you’re still hoping for that ONE schools
A deferral isn’t a no– it can be a NOT YET. It can also be a way for schools to ‘kick the can’ down the road or a “soft no”.
Look at their stats– did they defer 10% or 100% of the non-accepted students?
How is a deferral different from a waitlist?
First, see what the school wants from you– typically: Update on grades
Possibly an update on scores, if you have new ones to share
And if schools allow you to update them on your activities, DO SO.
Headspace MATTERS. Can’t be angry/disappointed. Think of this as another shot at it– and if you haven’t ‘improved yourself’, DO SO NOW– take a course, volunteer more.
But you ABSOLUTELY want to ensure that you have some backup plans ready to go in case that this doesn’t happen.
Senior grades might barely matter or they might be a very important part of your application– like most things in admissions, it’s very much an “it depends”. Students should be aware that all acceptances are conditional– and having a change to one’s grades might have an impact on admissions, merit awards, and more.
It’s a Maybe.
If applying EA/ED/rolling and accepted before January, it’s possible that just remaining academically eligible is enough/not falling off of a cliff
If applying RD or after January or are DEFERRED, then first trimester or semester grades likely will matter- A LOT.
You CAN lose your admission AND your scholarships. You’re not done until you’re done– all acceptances are conditional.
Changes in schedule might also impact acceptance and/or merit.
Early Decision can provide a boost– sometimes a VERY significant one– to student’s chances of admissions. In today’s episode we detail how to determine whether Early Decision provides an advantage— and if so, how much of one– as well as what are the conditions and considerations of an Early Decision application.
There are a number of schools that will GUARANTEE admission with a certain GPA and/or SAT/ACT score– and many of those schools also guarantee merit scholarships. Even without a stellar resume and essay, you can have great options at a reasonable cost.
Guaranteed admission
Kansas
Arizona
Arizona State
SD School of Mines
Nebraska
Iowa
Iowa State
GUARANTEED MERIT
WVU
Alabama
Troy University
Arizona
FAU
USF
Guaranteed admission
FRIDAY:
ED ROCKETSHIP vs NUDGE
https://www.collegeconfidential.com/lists/best-colleges-to-apply-early-decision-2023/?utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=102023
There are SO many options, beyond just community college (though that can be a great option, too!) for students that are (sometimes far) less than perfect.
GED to AA to top school
AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate), and Dual Enrollment are all considered to be rigorous courses– something that colleges like to see in their potential students’ transcripts. But not all options are created equal, learn more about each option and how to determine which might be best for you.
While it is often difficult, if not impossible, to make any one specific school more affordable, but it is VERY possible to find ways to make school more affordable. Rather than focusing only on one, specific school, fall in love with criteria– and find schools that have similar qualities at a lower price point
The cost of college can be daunting and overwhelming, but there are ways to potentially make it more affordable either through merit and/or financial aid. Learn the differences between the different types of aid and scholarships and how to determine which type of school will be the best value/most affordable.
Not all students and careers demand top ranked schools, in today’s episode we’ll delve into how to best navigate and determine which type of school might work best for your future.
When it comes to highly selective schools having perfect stats and scores alone doesn’t make a student truly exceptional– to be competitive for admission for those highly selective schools, students need to find a way to be truly exceptional and unique.
Now that decisions are starting to roll in, the hard part is over– or is it? Choosing between multiple school options is a good problem to have, but it’s STILL a problem. Learn some ways to help determine and decide which school is the one for you.
The application process isn’t necessarily hard, but it can be annoying. There are a LOT of small and very important moving parts to this process. Once a student has completed their application, they are NOT quite done– each school will have some additional documentation that they need in order to consider an application complete.
Less hard work than you think and a LOT more detail work than you’ll expect
Pull as much forward as you can
College application season is a STRESSFUL time for everyone involved, but most especially for students. While, as parents, we want what’s best for our kids– sometimes the way we go about it is all wrong and can even backfire. Learn some ways that you can support your student(s) without overwhelming them from someone who has been there/done that, both as a college advisor as well as as the parent of two– soon to be three– college students.
Every year, rankings change– but the schools, typically, don’t change– or at least not in meaningful ways. The only ranking that truly matters is what is the best school for YOU– not what US News, Forbes, or the Wall Street Journal might think is best.
You’re overwhelmed because the college admissions process is overwhelming, not because you’re incapable. Be sure to reach out to your support system: your school counselor, your college advisor, the schools themselves. Make a list and start getting things accomplished, you’ve got this!
Going to a top tier school doesn’t guarantee success. Not going to a top tier school doesn’t guarantee failure. Students will be successful because of who they are, not because of where they go.
So much is tied up in this process. There are SO MANY ways to be successful, Ivy Leagues and super selectives absolutely offer a lot, they guarantee nothing.
Many students believe that having near-perfect stats is all they need to get them into any school of their choice. While near-perfect stats are required for top institutions, they are not always sufficient for highly selective schools. In today’s episode, we talk about how admissions is not always a math equation and how other factors determine whether you get an acceptance or rejection.
Top 20-50 schools, some have single digit admissions rates.
Reverses about by the time you reach #100 or so to where 80-90+% of students get in
High stats and scores are required but not sufficient for top, selective schools– also looking for unique, interesting, and impactful applicants that meet their institutional priorities (talent (athletes, music, etc), majors, geography, full pay/meet need.
40K+ valedictorians and not even 40K spots TOTAL at HYPS
GPAs can be recalculated and calibrated depending on your school and your coursework– standardized test scores might be required or strongly preferred– or not considered at all (at test blind schools).
Ensure that you’re not just chasing prestige and ignoring the other criteria that are important: academics (specifically in your major), finances (though sometimes highly selective schools can end up being a better financial fit/opportunity than even state schools), fit, location, and everything else.
For specific majors/professions being able to secure direct entry into a program is game changing, especially for highly selective programs. Not all of these programs are the same and require research. In today’s episode, we are going to discuss these programs and which ones may be worth applying to.
Law, Med, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing
For many majors/professions, securing DIRECT ENTRY is KEY. Especially for programs that are highly selective such as PT, OT, Nursing, and a few others.
How guaranteed is that spot? Is it benchmark based? Does it require an interview? How does merit/cost work? Is it different for the undergraduate portion vs graduate portion? Are you able to apply to other schools? AVOID DEBT– for many of these professions, there’s no boost in salary for ‘better ranked’ schools.
For some programs, such as Law or Business/MBA, where you go MIGHT matter A LOT– the average starting salary for some law/business schools is a fraction of what it is for the T14 or M6 schools. It might be worth the “investment” to go to a higher ranked school– not that it means that you’ll get a better education necessarily, but that there might be a ROI.
Different criteria
Honors colleges can provide a LOT of really nice perks: scholarship, additional academic advising and supports, including smaller classes and priority registration. In today’s episode, we discuss why it might make sense to consider applying to honors colleges, especially those within larger universities.
- Honors colleges does not mean harder
- Honors colleges have a lot of variance
-
They can be highly selective, they might have multiple entry points, typically both when you initially apply as a senior in high school and potentially once youre on campus no later then the end of your freshman year
-
Some honors colleges have tremendous perks: better housing, earlier class selection, better advising
- Some also require additional work such as: an honors thesis
- Some even charge additionally for the perks that they offer
- Like many things you need to look at each school individually to determine whether or not the honors college is the right place for you
- It can make a big school smaller
- Provide access to additional scholarships and perks
- Certainly worth considering, not always worth pursuing.
Many students ask me whether there’s truly a difference between taking challenging courses, such as AP Calc BC or GPA boosters such as Introduction to Counting Toes. My answer to that is: it depends. In today’s episode, we are going to discuss when and how the courses you select can matter.
- The classes that you chose can very much matter
- Most schools will significantly differentiate between ap, ib vs honors vs regular
- Students who are aiming for the most selective schools should consider taking the most rigorous courseload that they can handle
-
However, if deciding between different courses you need to pay attention to your workload, the teacher, etc. basically if its worth it
-
While, many schools offer weighted GPA which make it appear numerically that a B in an AP course is better than an A in honors or an A in regular
-
Depending on how schools recalculate that may or may not be the case
-
In the perfect world, students should take the max number of APs and IPs
-
In the real world, mental health, happiness, and balance is also important
-
Perfect is not necessary, many students that do not have perfect unweighted 4.0s that have still gotten into schools like Harvard
-
1 B does not mean that you are doomed
-
The courses that you take need to be determined by your interests and your goals but there are some schools including, internationally ranked schools such as McGill in Canada or strong state schools such as the University of Arizona that to them an A is an A is an A whether it is in AP Calc BC or Intro to Counting Toes.
Pre-med is NOT a major, it’s a track. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about what to consider when looking at your options for undergrad and what med schools are truly looking for in their applicants. Additionally, we’ll discuss BSMD programs and what they do– and what they do NOT– guarantee and offer to aspiring physicians
There are a number of schools that admit VERY differently depending on your intended major, especially if you hope to major in Business, Engineering, or other ‘gatekept’ majors. In today’s episode, we will talk about which majors can complicate your admission chances and what to be aware of as you build your list.
There’s a prevalent myth of “millions of dollars of unclaimed scholarships”, but external scholarships are often HIGHLY competitive, require a ton of work/writing, are nonrenewable, and–even worse– even if you DO earn external scholarships, many schools will not allow you to use those scholarships (as they simply offset institutional aid rather than “stacking” on top of aid). In today’s episode, we will discuss scholarships and other funding options to ensure that your tuition bill is not a burden.
There are over 5000 institutions in the U.S. that you can apply to– yet, seemingly, every student wants the same 50 schools. With admissions rates for some schools in the single digits, students need to have a balanced list that includes at least one (and preferably more than one) safety. In today's episode, we will discuss how to determine which schools are safe for you– and how to ensure that you choose one that is not only safe, but also meets your goals
At selective schools smart, well-rounded applicants are a dime a dozen and many great applications get lost in the shuffle. There are specific ways to ensure that you stand out and differentiate yourself from the rest of the pack. In today’s episode, we discuss how to become more “spikey” and ways you can go about branding yourself to boost your admissions chances.
Many students get caught up on the idea of having a dream school, but sometimes these dream schools can turn into nightmares. While you can - and possibly- should shoot your shot at your dream school, you also don't want to put all of your eggs in one basket. In today's episode, we will discuss how you can use the qualities of that school to help you find backups that have similar characteristics to your so-called "dream school".
You might not think you need to worry about college applications until closer to your highschool graduation , but you can get much or all of your applications done before the start of your senior year. In today's episode, we are going to break it down step by step what you can do to best set your senior up for success.
Many schools offer entry points other than fall, sometimes those are options that students can opt into that can potentially make admissions easier. In today's episode we'll discuss some specific schools and their alternate entry points, how to apply for and/or avoid them, detailing the options, what they entail, and why schools offer them.
Transfer admissions can be easier - yet less direct - way to gain entry to selective schools, it can also be a way to save on college costs. In today's episode, we detail the transfer admissions process and how to determine whether it's an option worth considering - either as a primary strategy or as a back up plan.
The multiple types of application options - and acronyms - can be confusing. Let's demystify and discuss all of the common and different application options and decisions: What is Early Action (EA) and how does it differ from Restrictive Early Action (REA) or Early Decision (ED)? What is a Deferral and how is it different from a Waitlist?
College admissions decisions are not personal and are not a reflection of your worth as a student. They have more to do with the universities' needs and wants than the students' wants and needs. This episode discusses how you can learn what each school values and considers, and how to plan accordingly.
What does a college advisor do? Let's discuss how a college advisor can potentially help with a student's application process throughout their high school career. How do you find and vet a college advisor - and what are the other options that students and families might want to consider instead. PS This is NOT a sales pitch
There are some possible ways to pay in state prices for out of state schools - but adjusting to in state residency isn't always easy and is sometimes not possible. Let's talk about states and schools where this is more possible than others, debunk myths, and find some great, affordable options for students and families.
The college admissions process has gone off of the rails– ensuring that students and parents understand that there are options for nearly everyone, at all levels of achievement and finances.
Smart kids applying to schools are unfortunately, a dime a dozen. Here are some specific ways to help yourself not blend in with the rest of the pack, but to get noticed - and, hopefully, get admitted. These specific suggestions work for both superselective schools and for those schools that admit more students than they deny.
Recap from this year's senior class-and specific advice for this year's juniors/soon to be rising seniors. What to do to increase your chances of being admitted to the school of your choice.
Students often create their Common App activities list on the fly, almost as an afterthought. Having a strong activities list (or resume) can make all of the difference, especially for selective schools. Learn about the limitations and how to write a strong and impactful activities list, resume, and/or Honors list.
The college essay is one of the few ways that a student can communicate with the admissions office. How to brainstorm, structure, and craft a college essay. Some topics to avoid and a few to consider. How to generate ideas and get them to flow.
Delve a bit deeper into the details about what type of schools will best meet your academic and financial goals - learn abou the components that most application processes will include, as well as some essay writing and organizational tips.
In today's episode, we'll discuss different types of aid (financial, merit) that are likely to be offered - and how to potentially access them. We'll bust some myths and allow families to have a better sense of what type of strategy would best fit their student and their finances.
Okay, I don't actually hate the National Honors Society - I was a member, as are nearly 10% of all students in all schools in the U.S. But that's the problem, it's just so common that it fails to impact or increase your chances of admission. Rather, students should be following and exploring their interests in unique, distinctive, and FUN ways.
Don't want to ride a unicorn while playing the ukulele in the hopes of being accepted? Then don't! There are a multitude of ways and specific schools that will not require anything beyond a GPA and a simple application to being accepted. Some of these schools will provide automatic and generous merit scholarships.
Learn what metrics (GPA, SAT, ACT, and/or PSAT) are considered by admissions - and when and how to prepare for testing. Additionally, learn more about how Test Optional and Test Blind policies have impacted admissions and how admissions considers - or don't - test scores - it might not be as straightforward as it sounds, like so much else in admissions.
Learn how to boost your admissions chances both through your ‘math’ and your ‘magic’. It’s not only about GPA and SATs/ACTs (your math), those just allow you to ‘knock on the door’ of colleges, those alone won’t get you admitted to top schools. It’s the ‘everything else’-- or your ‘magic’-- that helps to get you invited in. Learn how to start branding and positioning yourself in an impactful and accomplishable way.
Why is the college application process so ridiculous, overwhelming, and confusing?
Let’s start breaking down and demystifying the college admissions process together. Learn what to do, when/where to do it, and how to do it well.