The College Whisperer™ | Navigating The Road To College

It's not just The Choice at The New York Times and College Inc. at The Washington Post blogging about college. From admissions protocol to dining hall etiquette, what to pack for the dorms and what not to upload to YouTube, Long Island's Newsday is talking the talk for those who walk the college walk.

Check out Newsday's College Prep Talk for the scoop on everything from academics to campus social life.

Here's a recent piece of what to pack for college, and what is better left at home.

Yes, bring the extra-long twin sheets and the shower caddy. Remember, though, unless you're off to the Arctic, there's probably a Wal-Mart or Target just down the street for anything you forgot -- or wouldn't fit in the car!

Ready, Set, Pack!

What to bring to college

If you’re heading off to school this fall, you’ve already cleared some pretty significant hurdles: You’ve successfully completed four years of high school, and you’ve managed the logistics of applying to college-and getting in. Now you’re dealing with another daunting challenge: Packing up all your stuff and preparing to head out.

Relax, it’s not like you’re going to Siberia! If you forget something, you can always ask your mom to ship it-or pick up a duplicate at the local mall. Actually, though, experts say that students are far more likely to overpack than to underpack. And then they’ve got to figure out how to fit everything in that tiny space known as a dorm room. No worries! This time-tested advice will take the stress out of packing for school.

CLOTHING
Pack enough of your wardrobe so you won’t have to do laundry more than every week or two, but resist the temptation to bring every item of clothing you own. You simply won’t have space for it. (Take a few warm things for chilly fall days, but you can probably switch out the bulk of your warm-weather wardrobe for your winter one when you go home for a visit.) In addition to jeans, tee shirts and sneakers, you should also pack a dressy outfit or two for job interviews, presentations, Greek events and other occasions that might come up. Don’t forget workout clothing, as well as comfy sweats and pajamas for lounging around. Bring an umbrella, a waterproof jacket and boots for those inevitable rainy days. And be sure to pack a bathrobe and flip-flops or slippers. You’ll need those when walking to and from the communal showers.

BED & BATH
If you’re buying new stuff, it might be easier to stock up at a big box or neighborhood store near campus or to shop online and have your purchases shipped directly to your dorm. (Set a budget in advance so you don’t go crazy.) If you’re planning to bring things from home, box ‘em all up but make sure you don’t strip your room bare. You’ll be coming home for holidays and breaks, and you don’t want to have to haul stuff back and forth for every visit. Either way, make sure you have a pillow, comforter, two sets of sheets (check with your school to see if you need extra long) and a few large bath towels. Other items you might want: Hangers, a shoe rack, a shower caddy, a hair dryer, a collapsible hamper or laundry basket and maybe even an iron and ironing board. (Bring laundry soap and a roll of quarters if the school laundromat doesn’t take your campus cash card.)

PERSONAL CARE
Pack a few weeks’ worth of the products you use regularly: Soap, shampoo, deodorant, makeup, toothpaste and mouthwash and so on. When you run out, you’ll easily find a place on or near campus where you can buy more. You should also take along a small supply of painkillers, antibiotic cream, band-aids and other first-aid basics.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
No doubt you can find everything you need in the campus bookstore, but it may be cheaper to stock up in advance. It’s best to have your own computer-most students opt for a laptop. A printer isn’t necessary-you can always use one in the computer lab or library-but it’s certainly a convenience. If you don’t bring one, make sure to have memory sticks or blank CDs. (Also remember to bring a surge suppressor and extension cord.) Pack pens, pencils, notebooks and printer paper, as well as study aids like Post-its and highlighters. Bring desk supplies: a scissor, stapler and tape. A small tool kit (containing a screw driver, hammer and pliers) and a flashlight will also come in handy.

ETCETERA
Of course the main reason you’re going to college is to study. But everyone knows that all work and no play isn’t good for anyone. So consider bringing a small TV and DVD player and your iPod speakers or other sound system for those times when you want to chill. You might also want to take a bicycle or skateboard. Most likely, you’ll going to the dining hall for your meals, but it can’t hurt to have supplies for quick breakfasts and late-night snacks: A plate, bowl, mug and eating utensils. Finally, you should consider bringing a small fan. Those little dorm rooms can get awfully stuffy!

 What Not to Pack

Candles or incense. Residence halls prohibit these because they are fire hazards.

Electric grills. Most schools don’t allow cooking equipment to be used in dorms for safety reasons.

Valuable jewelry. Leave those gold earrings you got for graduation home. No matter how safe your campus, there’s always the chance of loss or theft.

Illegal substances. Having alcohol or drugs, no matter how well concealed, puts you at risk of immediate expulsion.

Write to The College Whisperer at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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The road to college begins at College Connection.

The College Whisperer has gotten quite a few comments -- almost all along positive lines -- on his recent blogpost, Could a college planning counselor really give you a competitive edge.

Here's a sampling for your perusal:

I think a college planning counselor can give a student a competitive edge by helping them to choose the right schools and providing the college assistance that will allow them to make the best college decisions. This should include advice on SAT and ACT tests, application and essay tips, interview suggestions and college visit preparation. College planning counselors do not write a student's applications or essays, nor should they. But they do provide the support, expertise and individual attention that encourages students to give their best. It is students who give themselves the competitive edge.

-- Susie Watts

We don't get kids into college, they get themselves in.

We guide families through the process so that they're more confident in their decisions, better informed in their choices and better situated to make the most of their situation.

I consider an edge to be held by students who come from high schools where the counselors have long-term relationships and influence with admissions staff at selective colleges.

-- Valerie Broughton

I posted the same question on the Georgia Charter School page. I do agree that there is a need for a college counselor in all public and private schools. Does it give students an edge? Yes, especially for those students who come from low performing school. As an Independent College Counselor and a 10 year vet at a college admissions office. We need to help our young adults gain college access. This is the only way to create a college going culture (this includes trade schools). Whatever the students goals may happen to be.

-- Cherise Ogle

College planning counselors give students an edge by providing information seeking skills and related college application skills that help them move forward in a direction that will be productive for them. Without a school or private expert to help, students often delay important tasks because they are not sure how to approach them. They can also waste time and family resources on colleges that are inappropriate for their needs. College planning counselors help students move efficiently and effectively in the right direction saving money and time in the process. Additionally, college planning counselors keep students from getting discouraged and giving up and they give parents piece of mind that their child will go in a direction appropriate to his talents and skills.

-- Pamela Rambo

YES, absolutely. To start off, parents are just as nervous as the students are, and a consultant is a buffer to that stress. Reducing the stress makes the students more open. College Planners can help guide students through the process by learning about the student and based on his academic background, social and economic situation, his likes and dislikes, interest, etc. they can blend it all together and quickly assess where a student would do well at, and find school that will help that student grow and blossom instead of drown and feel defeat.

College Planners are also able to map out programs starting with 9th graders so that parents will save time and money down the road, and with schools going up 6%-7% per year, 2-3 times what an average salary goes up, and schools ranging from $68,000 to $200,000 for a college education, you better hope you can get your student through their education in 4 years.

With schools facing cut backs, and counselors being cut, where does a student turn to? Students need this resource, just as they need an SAT/ACT prep before taking the test.

-- Patty Finer

An additional point is the focus on fit and match that independent educational consultants provide. As a golfer, I use the caddie analogy; if ever I get to play the Royal and Ancient Club, St. Andrew's in Scotland, which will certainly be a once in a lifetime event, I can certainly carry my own bag, but I would choose to take a caddie who can help me read the greens, spot my ball in the fescue (as it is often want to hide in that dreaded high grass) and share a wily story along the "good walk spoiled" as Mark Twain once called the sport. A veteran voice of reason who has expertise in colleges as well as in teenagers can artfully bring the two together, narrowing the over 3000 four-year undergraduate colleges to a dozen best fit decisions. I'd call that an edge!

-- Erin Croddick Avery
So there you have it, folks, out of the mouths of the experts themselves!

Of course, we'd like to hear from college-bound students, as well as their parents, with their experiences -- both good and bad -- with college planning counselors.

Write to The College Whisperer at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com

The road to college begins at College Connection.

Some awesome insight on the outrageous cost of college from one of the foremost experts on everything college, Lynn O'Shaughnessy, along with some straight on advice on how to contain those seemingly runaway costs.

Lynn, The College Whisperer couldn't have said it better himself. So, my astute college counseling colleague, this blogpost's for you!

7 Ways to Cut College Costs

Does anybody else out there think it's obscene that dozens of schools now charge more than $50,000 a year?

These price tags are frightening, but they are also largely meaningless. That's because most families will not pay anywhere close to $50,000 for a school.

[Read more about finding the real cost of college.]

When my two children were visiting schools, one of their main goals--beyond finding great colleges--was to locating schools where we wouldn't have to pay full price.

Checking the generosity of a school is just one way to cut college costs. Here are some others:

1. Don't just look in your backyard. About one out of every three college students attends a school that's no more than 50 miles away. And most of these schools are public institutions.

For some students, however, distant private colleges will cost less than public universities after financial aid and scholarships. My son's best friend in San Diego, for example, will be attending Carleton College in the fall after receiving a large financial aid package from the liberal arts college in Northfield, Minn.

The price tag for Carleton College's tuition and room and board is more than $52,000, but it will cost my son's friend just $7,000 or $8,000 a year. That's some deal.

[Read more about paying for college.]

2. Pay attention to graduation rates. Most families mistakenly assume that their children will graduate in four years. Fewer than 60 percent of college students graduate in six years! Always examine a school's graduation rates and find out what it takes to get out in eight semesters. The U.S. News Best Colleges rankings and College Results Online are resources that can help you pinpoint grad rates.

3. Look for the schools with generous financial aid packages. A good place to evaluate the generosity of a school is to look at its financial aid statistics on the federal College Navigator site.

4. Obtain a preliminary EFC. Before you begin looking at schools, check what your family's Expected Family Contribution will be. This will be the amount of money, at a minimum, that you will need to cough up for one year of college. In many cases, you will have to provide more than that figure. You can find online EFC calculators at FinAid.orgCollege Board and the .

5. Apply for aid regardless of your income. Families that make $150,000 to $200,000 a year can sometimes qualify for significant need-based aid at pricey colleges. If you don't file the FAFSA--and the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE for some private schools--you won't qualify for need-based help. Without completing the FAFSA, you also won't have access to federal college loans.

[Read about how federal loans are getting cheaper and easier.]

6. Look for merit scholarships. At private schools, 82 percent of students receive merit aid. About two-thirds of students at public and private institutions combined receive some type of grant. An excellent resource for scholarships that colleges offer--the biggest source of college grants--is MeritAid.com.

7. Beware of reach schools. The danger of reach schools is that they often give little or no financial aid or scholarships to students who barely get in. Most schools reserve their best aid packages to the students they really covet.                 

Lynn, The College Whisperer bows to thee. Brava!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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The road to college begins at College Connection.

L.T. of Garden City Park, NY writes:

My son, the great procrastinator, graduated high school last June, never bothered to apply to college, and had absolutely no idea what he wanted to do with his life. Suddenly, a light bulb went off over his head and he wants to go to college -- this fall! Can he still get in to a college starting in just a few weeks? Any colleges here on Long Island accepting students at this late date?

The College Whisperer responds:

So, The Great Procrastinator was playing the role of The Great Houdini, and has suddenly decided it was time to reappear, eh?

Yes, soon-to-be high school seniors are awakening to the fact that -- OMG -- they have to get started on college applications, personal essays, and finding the dough to pay for college. High school graduates, as you surmise, are already beginning to pack for college, thinking about how to accessorize that dorm room.

Fret not, parent of the wait-to-the-last-possible-minute kid. There are options, and, yes, there are schools, including several right here on Long Island, whose doors remain open to "at the bell" applicants.

For starters, take a peek at The College Whisperer's past post, Late Doesn't Mean Never, paying particular attention to the part about colleges offering what is known as "rolling admissions" (meaning, technically, there is no deadline date for submitting an application).

Right here on Long Island, there's more than a handful of institutions of higher learning where rolling admissions are offered, and applications deemed tardy at other colleges are most welcome. [As is, of course, your money!]

Adelphi. C.W. Post (Long Island University). Five Towns College. Hofstra. Molloy. All of these fine schools offer rolling admissions. That doesn't mean they haven't reached or won't soon reach the saturation point (judging from the amount of money these colleges are spending on advertising, dollars to donuts, all things considered equal, Junior still has a shot at getting in). It is well worth a call to the admissions offices of any or all of these schools to see if applications continue to be accepted, even now, during the Dog Days of August.

And then, there's Nassau Community College, which should, by no means, be discounted (although the tuition most certainly is, compared to other public and private colleges). NCC is no longer that "extension of high school" of yesteryear, but rather, a portal of excellence to a two-year degree, where a student (particularly one who has yet to decide what he wants or where he wants to go, for school or in life) can excel. Do well at Nassau and, it's true, the world (read as acceptance to any college your little heart desires) is your oyster (or, in this instance, your son's sushi).

There's no time to loose, though, with classes beginning within the month at most schools.

Junior may have hit his stride in late bloom, but now that he's out of the gate and sprinting, the bell lap heralds, and that finish line at the college gate is almost in sight. Go for it!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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The road to college begins at College Connection.

Did the little piggy cry wee, wee, wee all the way home?



The expert guidance. The knowledgeable advice. The learned hand helping to successfully navigate the long and winding road to college admissions.

"Can I afford to retain the services of an independent college counselor?" Think of it this way. Can you afford not to? It's not the cost, really, as you prepare to make one of the greatest investments of your life. It's the value. It's the empowerment. It's the calm during the storm. It's, well, how can The College Whisperer put it so the message really hits home? It's the fulfillment of a promise, and the realization of a dream. Now THAT'S bang for your buck!

From college matching and selection to application enhancement and essay development, acing the admissions interview to unearthing the buried treasures of scholarships and grants, getting the most out of your FAFSA and CSS-Profile to creatively funding four years (or more) of college, a college planning counselor could well be the difference between celebrating your acceptance and sulking over that rejection.

Wee, wee, wee all the way home? Leave that to the little piggy. You're on your way to college. A dedicated college planning counselor can help you get there!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com

The road to college begins at College Connection.

For those who may not have noticed, or are new to the game of college admissions (which probably accounts for 99.9% of those reading The College Whisperer's blog), the Common App has changed for the next class of applicants.

Some of the changes are obvious -- such as the reformatting of choices available in reporting SAT and/or ACT scores -- while others are more nuanced, making them all the more likely to lead to mistakes by the applicant, with often unintended, and, sometimes undesirable results.

It is all the more important, then, and incumbent upon the applicant, to read ALL instructions, thereafter, carefully and thoroughly following them.

Jeremy Spencer, Director of Admissions at Alfred University (writing for About.com:College Admissions) notes six of the most common mistakes made in the college application process. Read, The Six Most Common Blunders of College Applicants. Many of these errors of commission or omission translate directly from mistakes made on the Common App.  These include, but surely are not limited to, missing deadlines, applying Early Decision instead of Early Action, and using the wrong college name in the essay.

Clearly, there is more to completing the Common App than simply filling in the blanks. Even those blanks require you, the applicant, to be concise, clear, and, most assuredly, accurate.

And let's not forget about those pesky short answers, where much more than "check the box that applies" is required.

Allen Grove, of About.com Guide, notes 5 Short Answer Mistakes that could, all things considered, sink what would otherwise be a meritorious application.

And then, there are the supplemental applications, addenda required by many colleges, both public and private.

Surely, you will want to put your best foot forward, presenting yourself and your credentials in the best possible light, most favorable (in the eyes of a college admissions officer) to acceptance at the college of your choice.

The Common App is, in most instances, the centerpiece of your admissions table, and you will want to set it with the knives, forks, and teaspoons properly laid out and pointing in the right direction.

A bit of old-fashioned advice from The College Whisperer as you embark on the road toward college admissions -- engaging the Common App early in your travels, and meeting it head on: Take advantage of all available resources, from your high school guidance counselor to the expert advice of an independent college planning counselor (and, yes, on occasion, even the wisdom of your parents). Along that road there is many a bump and often a detour or two. You drive, most certainly, but always seek the assist of essential navigation to gain the much-needed competitive edge.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com

The road to college begins at College Connection.

Shark Week and the Common Application going "live" at the very same time. Coincidence, or calculated by design to strike fear in the hearts and minds of swimmers and college-bound students alike? Hmmm. The College Whisperer reports. You decide. Is it me, or does anyone else hear the theme from Jaws playing in their heads? Oh well...

Anyway, speaking of sharks, has anyone looked at the cost of tuition these days, not to mention room and board? Cue the Great White...

D.G. of Sea Clff, NY writes:

My daughter will be starting college (University of Maryland) in a few weeks, and has been awarded both scholarships and a Stafford loan to help defray the costs. Is there anything she has to do to assure that she gets this money?

The College Whisperer™ responds:

First, congrats to you and your daughter on her acceptance to UMD, and on the scholarship award. Sounds like she's well on her way.

Financial aid awards offered by colleges are typically just that, offers. While some schools take silence as acquiescence, meaning that the student need not do a thing to accept the award, most colleges require some sort of affirmative action (no racial profiling here ;-) on the part of the student in order to accept (or decline) the award (be it a scholarship, grant, work-study or loan), in whole or in part.

So, like the Seinfeld car rental episode ("You know how to take a reservation. You just don't know how to keep a reservation."), as a matter of course, the student has to respond to the offer (usually accomplished online via the college's financial aid portal) in order for the school to actually show her the money. [Some colleges have deadlines for accepting financial aid awards, so be aware and don't procrastinate!]

Once accepted, scholarship money will then be automatically applied against the tuition bill, without further ado. As for loans, generally speaking, as they, unlike scholarships, eventually have to be paid back, there's other paperwork (almost always online, electronically filed) that must be completed and submitted.

Stafford loans, administered by the U.S. Department of Education, require the completion of Entrance Counseling (for first-time loan recipients) and the submission of a Master Promissory Note (MPN). [Yes, payback is a Note, if nothing more...] These can be found at StudentLoans.Gov, and will require a login with the PIN established for FAFSA. [Remember FAFSA? We certainly hope so!]

Once you've digitally crossed the "t"s, dotted the "i"s and electronically signed your life away, the loan money will be disbursed, almost always directly to the college, to be applied against your tuition bill. [Anything left over, if you should be so lucky, is usually disbursed to the student. Schools vary on this, so do check with your college's financial aid office.]

It is also important to note (promissory, and otherwise), that while certain scholarships are self-renewing, most are for this school year only. You are likely required to apply for scholarship money anew each year, and, whether or not this is so, you should continue to search for scholarships, grants, etc. during your Freshman year and beyond to help pay for subsequent years of college. [Barring the full-ride, where all four years of college are paid for (with or without conditions), The College Whisperer™ is simply amazed (aghast is more like it) at how many students give up on the search for scholarships once they've been accepted to college. You're there for four years, folks. Hellllloooooooo. Keep looking for that money!]

And so, as the sharks circle -- at the beach and around your wallets -- we offer this bit of sage advice. Stay out of the water when the lifeguards tell you so, and be college-savvy and money-wise, letting The College Whisperer™ help keep you in the know!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer™.

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Plan. Prepare. Prevail!  

When college applications get to you, you need to get to us!

Contact us at COLLEGE CONNECTION, home of The College Whisperer™ and Official Sponsor of College Admission Success™, for all of your college planning needs. Nobody knows college admissions like COLLEGE CONNECTION. Nobody! 516-345-8766 

For up-to-the-minute news, apps, info and insights on college applications, admissions, scholarships and just about everything college, follow The College Whisperer™ on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GetCollege 

It's college application time!

Yes, the Common Application is "live" as of August 1. [More on that in a moment...]

First, The College Whisperer sends out a great big thank you to his college planning colleague and compatriot, The College Answer Guy, for the kind words (all true, but still kind ;-) offered up on his blog. Check it out at I Have a Twin!

It's nice to be thought and spoken of highly, especially by one's peers. And, if two heads are better than one, college-bound students will benefit by taking advantage of everything The College Answer Guy and The College Whisperer have to offer.

Now, back to the Common App...

The Common Application will be the portal to admissions for most colleges, and a site that high school seniors will likely become very familiar with over the course of the next several months.

As of August 1, students will be able to register (set up a Login and Password), and begin completing the Application, working on essays and personal statements, and tinkering with supplemental applications, as may be required.

Okay. So the Common App is going "live." Now what?

Well, just because the Common App can be completed and sent to colleges as of August 1, it doesn't mean you should hit the "submit" button on August 2.

As much as we'd all like to be done with the college admissions process, if not during the Dog Days of August, then certainly before school starts in September, DON'T RUSH IT!

There is plenty of time to complete (and we mean complete. There is no "undo" once you submit!) your application, to tweak and enhance it, to make absolutely sure that it places you in the best possible position for the most favorable consideration. [Remember. You get one shot at this college admission stuff. Do it right the first time!]

While it may seem that the Common Application is, more or less, "fill in the blanks" (and to some extent, it is), don't overlook the many opportunities to personalize the seemingly impersonal, to optimize what will become part of your matrix on the college admissions officer's screen, and, quite literally, to make the Common App yours.

This is your brand, boys and girls. Your chance to market yourselves in a unique and positive way. Seize not only the day, but your moment to truly shine!

For starters, preview the main Common App form, becoming familiar with its content. Check out the suggested topics for your personal essay. Begin to list your school and extracurricular activities, work history, honors and awards (you've probably got more under your belt than you realize). And gather up requested information -- assuring its accuracy -- so you will have it all at hand when the time comes to actually get started on the Common App itself.

Check out the colleges and universities that accept the Common App. [Some schools require their own, proprietary (good SAT word) applications (check the colleges' websites), while others utilize the Universal College Application.]

At this point (assuming it is August 1 or later), you should register. [Do write down your Login and Password, and put them in a safe place. You will need both to access your work in progress on the Common App, which you will do often!]

You will also want to review the requisite Common App forms that are part and parcel of the complete application packet. You may think you're done with the Common App when you've filled in the "Common" portion of the Application. YOU ARE NOT. Remember, colleges will not even look at your application, in most instances, unless and until it is complete. [And don't rely upon the college admissions office to let you know that something is missing. Some will. Most won't.]

After you've set the table, you are ready to carefully and methodically start the application process. Don't expect to have this done in an hour, or even a day. They don't call it a "process" for nothing!

And did I mention your personal essay (not to mention the supplemental essays required by many colleges)? More than simply dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s is needed here, to give voice to that which will set you apart from the crowd, catch the eye of the reader, accentuate your best attributes, and give you the leading edge you must have in today's fiercely competitive college admissions environment.

Keep in mind -- it's not just checking off boxes and committing any old 250 words or more to paper. It's creating and optimizing a formidable game plan that is, in all respects, a winning college admissions strategy.

What's the difference, you may ask? Well, to put it bluntly, to plan and prepare is to prevail. What you say on your college application, and how you say it, posture it, and present it, is the difference between a letter of acceptance to your college of choice, and going somewhere else.

Sound daunting? It can but need not be. Get started. Ask for help. Avail yourself of all pertinent resources, from your guidance counselor and select online sites, to an independent college planning counselor. Give yourself the advantage. Take it from The College Whisperer. The successful candidate for the Class of 2015 will need all the support, collective wisdom, and good counsel s/he can muster!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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The road to college begins at College Connection.

Not so fast, ye olde College Whisperer. [That's THE ye olde College Whisperer, to you!]

Sure, I know quite a bit about college planning, the application and admissions process, and the very essence of college life ["Back where I come from, we have universities, seats of great learning, where men go to become great thinkers. And when they come out, they think deep thoughts and with no more brains than you have. But they have one thing you haven't got: a diploma"], but nobody knows everything!

So, even The College Whisperer, hollow be his head [pay no attention to the man behind the cap and gown] defers, every now and again, to other authorities, giving credit where credit is due (and extra credit for high humor and eloquent verse) to others in the field (poppies sold separately) who may well add to your college experiences (from application to graduation), and detract from the cumulative stress of the too often daunting college admissions ordeal.

One such voice breaching the silence is a Lance Millis, better known in certain circles in which yours truly travels (gee, why am I always going around in circles?) as The College Answer Guy. [Catchy, but not quite as suave and debonair (a good SAT word) as The College Whisperer. LOL]

Much like The College Whisperer (who, did I mention, is taller than The College Answer Guy? ;-), Millis answers your college prep questions (every single one, Common Application breath), with deft (not the detergent), poise, intellect, and an ever-present smile (might be gas. Who's to say?).

I encourage all my readers to check out The College Answer Guy at (where else?) www.collegeanswerguy.com.

And while you're conversing with the powers, meander about Lance Millis' companion site -- a MUST for every college-bound student -- CollegePrep-101 -- conveniently located, not in the dairy aisle, but on the web and at your fingertips at www.collegeprep101.com. [Of note, College Connection students will find this site, among other essential links and resources, prominently displayed at the College Cafe. Just a small, self-serving plug here...]

From "How to Go to College Cheaper" (that's "less expensive," not "on the cheap") to "A Day in the Life of a College Student," the bases are nicely covered at CollegePrep-101. [Okay. Lance wants you to buy his book. Hey, we all have to make a living, right? ;-)]

So, Mr. College Answer Guy (any relation to the Shell Answer Man?), "by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Universitartus Committiartum E Pluribus Unum, I hereby confer upon you the honorary degree of ThD. Doctor of Thinkology!"

Touting the competition? In the sordid world that is college planning, competition is a good thing. In fact, the more tried and true information that can be imparted upon the college-bound (but, hopefully, not gagged), the better!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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The road to college begins at College Connection.

H.G. of Lido Beach, NY writes:

I've done the college tours, pored over the college websites, and read through the media hype offered by the admissions offices. How do I find out what life -- social, academic and otherwise -- is really like on campus?

The College Whisperer responds:

To really know what college life is like, get the students point of view.

Yes, gather all the reading material you can. Bookmark those college websites. Collect the glossy viewbooks. Take as many tours as budget, time and sanity allow. Talk with college administrators, professors, and the head of buildings and grounds.

Most of all, hobnob with the in crowd -- actual college students.

"How do I speak with students," you ask? Well, surely, you will meet potential classmates on those college tours, in classes you choose to sit in on, and, when classes are in session, on the quad and in the dining halls.

Tough to strike up a conversation, or to find a living, breathing student on campus during your visit?

Well, there are other ways to get the inside scoop; the honest, if not unbiased views of those who, at least figuratively, are in the trenches.

Check out college newspapers (most are online nowadays), particularly those that are student run. A fantastic source of information, from where to hang out, what do do when class is over (where's Thursday's frat party again?), and which profs to avoid like the plague.

Search the web for college blogs. [The ones written by students, not by the admissions office, although these may prove useful as well.] Some student blogs are corny. Others are quirky. Many have absolutely nothing to do with college life (which, in and of itself, may say quite a bit about college life). [Here's a blog from a student at Olin College.

Seek out and join online college forums, such as those found on College Confidential. Students, parents, and college admins share their experiences and knowledge, and, yes, you can breakdown and digest forums by topic and by college.

Ask questions. Lots of questions. Get answers. Formulate your own opinions. Explore all of the possibilities. The more you know about a college, the better equipped you will be to make a wise, and ultimately, comforting decision.
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For more on learning about colleges and college life beyond the campus tour, check out Lynn O'Shaughnessy's post on U.S. News & World Report, 9 Alternatives to a College Visit.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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Comments? Questions for The College Whisperer?
Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com

The road to college begins at College Connection.