The College Whisperer™ | Navigating The Road To College

Angst! Hmmm. Sounds like an SAT word to The College Whisperer.

Okay. Let's call it stress, the kind that churns the gut of every high school senior and grays the hair of every parent of a college-bound student.

GPA. SAT. ACT. The alphabet soup of stressors. College Board. Two words that strike fear in the hearts and butterflies in the stomachs of every 17 year old. Applications. Essays. College interviews. Don't even talk about it. Your stress has stress, right?

There's an old maxim that says, "laughter is the best medicine." How very true! Laughter, it so happens, especially in the face of otherwise great anxiety, is also a fantastic stress reliever. [That and a gallon of Friendly's® Forbidden Chocolate ice cream!]

Now, The College Whisperer rarely encourages prospective college students to buy books or scour websites. In fact, quite the opposite, information overload being the iceberg that too often sinks even the most buoyant 12th grader. Still, every once in a while, a site and/or book comes along that is a must view/gotta read, and I'm about to land just such a one two punch right on your virtual jaws.

Admission Angst (the website) and Don't Stalk The Admissions Officer (the book) are wonderful collections of tales, wisecracks, innuendos, off-the-wall anecdotes, and, believe it or not (and you'd better believe it) useful information, spun with a humorous thread designed to tickle funny bones and ease tensions. [You can feel the muscles in your back unknot as you read...]

The brain child of Risa Lewak, MSEd, who proudly tells the world she is a former Admissions counselor who got sick of going to college fairs. [More on college fairs, and what you won't miss by staying away, in an upcoming blogpost.] She says on her website that she is "one of two people in the country who see college admissions and humor as a natural fit." [Make that one of three, Risa, as The College Whisperer is a charter member of that club!]

On her website, Risa brilliantly covers, with nuance and wit, such timely topics as Why Are Number 2 Pencils So Special? and provides a rather eclectic overview of the entire admissions process, from college tour guides to choosing an essay topic -- or not.

In her book, available on Amazon for $11.19 and at BarnesandNoble.com for an unbelievable $10.07 [alas, The College Whisperer gets no commission or royalty, nor will he share in the profits. He is, however, hard at work on the screenplay, and did pitch to the author a possible prequel, working title: What SAT Score Do I Need To Get Into Kaplan University?* (Yes. That Kaplan. The test-prep people. They have a university. Much of it on the Internet, including an online law school. Egads!)], this University of Pennsylvania grad (smart AND funny. Wow!) spins chapter and verse -- well, chapter, at least -- including The SAT versus the ACT: Which is More Evil? and the ever-popular Paying for College Without Getting Arrested.

The advice offered, while tongue in cheek (and sometimes, in your belly button) is right on, sprinkled with truisms ("the only voice that's important in the college decision-making is your own") and poignantly stating the obvious (to wit, that the college admissions process, with all of its attendant insanities and inanities, is absurd).

This is comic relief (think Robin Williams and Billy Crystal as your college tour guides) at its very best, at a time when you -- students and parents alike -- need it most. Both website and book are gems amidst the coal in the college admissions deep, dark mine. [Gee, I hope The College Whisperer gets quoted on the book's jacket. Do books still have jackets? Uh, not paperbacks. Sorry.]

Perhaps the best advice offered is that which The College Whisperer has been giving to students, parents, and his own daughters all along: Relax. You'll get into college. Maybe not your first choice, or even your second, but a great college, nonetheless. You will survive this tedious and sometimes sophomoric process, to find yourself stronger (if not a bit lighter in the wallet), bound for four spectacular years that you will remember fondly for the rest of your lives.

So, have fun with the admissions process (even stalk your guidance counselor. Heck, you'll never see him again, anyway! j/k). Okay, don't complete the Common App in crayon (is such a thing possible?), but as Risa Lewak so aptly concludes, "laugh at the absurdity of college admissions."

*Actually, you don't need the SAT to get into Kaplan University. WHAT? Kaplan takes the money of unassuming parents for their SAT prep courses, and doesn't even require the test for admission to its own university? Why, those sons of...

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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R.J. of East Rockaway, NY writes:

What's the difference between the Common Application and the Universal College Application? Is it better to use the college's own application, when offered? I'm growing more confused and frustrated by the minute. Where do I start?

The College Whisperer responds:

It is always best to start at the beginning, which, lucky for you, is right here at College Connection's blog. ;-)

Simply put, both the Common Application (Common App, to it's friends and admirers) and the Universal College Application are centralized, online applications used by colleges and universities in lieu of their own applications. The idea is to simplify the process so that students essentially have to complete a single application (and many supplements) for any number of colleges, rather than to complete applications piecemeal. In short, these repositories of applicationdom present the portals through which most college-bound students shall pass before they can enter those ivy-covered gates.

The difference? Merely a matter of which colleges accept which application.

The Common App is the more universal (pun intended) portal, accepted (to date) by more than 400 institutions. The Universal Application, accepted by significantly fewer. [74 colleges, as of this writing.] Clearly, the folks at Common App got a head start in this game, and have done a better job recruiting colleges for their program.

Some universities, such as Duke, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Tampa, among others, accept both. [Aha! Hedging their bets, playing both ends against the middle.] Many colleges, as you suggest, also maintain their own applications, hanging on to those old vestiges of self-identity till the bitter end. LOL

Which to choose? Go for the one that lists the most colleges you intend to apply to. Why make more work for yourself, unless you have to, as where one college accepts the Common App, another the Universal App, and a third only its own form? No one said life would be easy, or, for that matter, inexpensive!

Which application do college admissions officers favor? The one that makes their lives easier, just like the rest of us! Go with the Common App, if your colleges of choice accept it, if for no other reason than keeping everything in one place. Your sanity, as well as college admission, is at stake here! ;-)

Do apply online, whenever and wherever possible. Nothing causes more frustration at a college admissions office than having to integrate a hand-written application, sent by snail mail, into the online matrix which you will soon become. And the odds of something getting lost somewhere along the line increase exponentially when offline measures are invoked.

Of course, as common as both the Common App and the Universal Application are, many schools will still require the submission of supplemental applications, typically available on and submitted through the Common/Universal App sites. Some schools, just to keep you on your toes, ask for the submission of supplemental material directly to the college, via the school's website, or, though more rarely, these days, by mail. Be mindful of such supplements (and other documentation required by the colleges), as your application will not be deemed complete until all submissions are received.

And don't forget those recommendation letters, transcripts, mid-year grade reports, SAT/ACT scores, etc., all of which must be transmitted to the colleges you have applied to, by means as specified by the particular school. Picky, picky.

The Common App goes "live" on August 1, meaning you can actually begin filing on that date. [Yes, it's true. The early bird often catches the worm. Keep in mind, though, that it is the second mouse that usually gets the cheese!] You may preview the Common App (but not the supps) by clicking HERE.

The Universal College Application does not specify a going "live" date, stating only that the main application as appears on the website should be used by students to apply for terms starting with fall 2010. Presumably, you could start working on the Universal Application today. Be advised, however, that most colleges do not start accepting applications for the fall of 2011 until August, at the earliest. No hard and fast rules here. Check with the respective admissions offices, or your college planning counselor, for details and deadlines.

By the way, as with almost everything else you do in or for college, as in life, both the Common App and the Universal College Application require registration. Common App registration will be available online when the site re-launches on August 1. Universal College Application registration is ongoing.

Still confused? That's why they make Guidance Counselors, college admission officers, and college planning and admission counselors. When in doubt, ask. And before you apply yourself, get the help you need to do it right. Do not hit the "submit" button until you are absolutely sure that the t's are crossed, the i's dotted, the essays personalized, reflective, impassioned and spell-checked, and your application is not only complete, but portrays a true, accurate, and decisive snapshot of the student you want that college admissions officer to say yes to!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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L.G. of Oyster Bay, NY writes:

What are your thoughts on taking a year off between high school and college?

The College Whisperer responds:

While taking time off between high school and college -- often referred to as the "gap year" -- is commonplace throughout Europe and Oceania [travel anywhere, and you will find students from countries like England, France, Australia and New Zealand, traveling, and working, seeing the world, gaining perspective, and, perhaps earning some much-needed cash to continue their education], such initiative has yet to catch on here among American students.

Maybe it's the herd mentality ("do as my high school peers do"), that fear of being left behind, or the competitive nature of both the college admissions process and the job market, that keeps our kids in school for seventeen or more consecutive years. Could be that, in the states, we just don't give that gap year -- a time of relaxation, reflection, maturation, and that beginning of a new chapter in life sabbatical -- much thought. Maybe we should.

A well-written article appeared recently in the Boston Globe on this very issue, and is worthy of mention -- and a read -- here. Take a look at Burned-out students choose a timeout.

As the article points out, "Backpacking through Europe remains popular, but admission deans report that more students are choosing internships in their academic fields of interest in hopes of getting a leg up in a down economy, or engaging in public service at home and abroad. Whole cottage industries have sprung up to help match students, for a fee, to the right gap year experience as the practice becomes more prevalent."

Simply do a Google search for "gap year programs" and you will find a plethora of opportunities to travel, gain insight, and, yes, earn a few bucks along the way.

While many parents fear that Junior will not be down for college life after he's seen Paris, the angst is often allayed by applying to college during the senior year of high school, and, once admitted, gaining what is known as deferred admission, which essentially holds the spot for the student, who will begin college the next year with a guarantee of enrollment.

Ahhh. A year-long repose with nary a care in the world. Don't you wish we all could do that?

No, a gap year is not for everyone. Then again, maybe it should be. A required year of service, perhaps -- think AmeriCorps -- between high school and college.

It would do mind, body and soul good, better preparing all three, perhaps, for the rigors of college, graduate school, and a lifetime of working, mostly without those care-free gaps, save a week here and a three-day holiday there.

Besides, if you're not going to take advantage of a gap year while you're young, energetic, and not tied-down (in a time when work is both scarce and sacred, and neither retirement nor good health in the golden years is assured), just when will you be able to do this? [And the tales of, "If only I had..." would fill a blog of their very own!]

The College Whisperer says, make your applications to college, be accepted, request a deferment, and pack those bags!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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G.S. of North Woodmere, NY writes:

I hear tell that Cablevision is offering FREE online PSAT and SAT courses to Optimum subscribers. Is this true? If so, is it worth it?

The College Whisperer responds:

You hear tell correctly. Cablevision (which is not the parent company of College Connection) is offering Optimum customers in good standing the opportunity to register for a FREE online PSAT or SAT course (said to have a $99 value), offered in conjunction with Kaplan, the test prep people. The offer runs through October 15, 2010. [The College Whisperer has no interest, pecuniary or otherwise, in Cablevision, Kaplan and/or their subsidiaries, nor is he related to James Dolan, CEO, President and Director of Cablevision. If I did, would I be blogging at all hours? ;-)]

The offer is legit. The value, well, that will be for you to decide.

Our experience, over all, with online study courses is they provide, at best, basic overviews, helpful more, perhaps, in building a student's confidence (a good thing) than his or her math or language skills. Never underestimate confidence, mind you, but to boost one's all-important scores, and with so very much at stake, much more than the essentials is required.

Should you take advantage of the Cablevision/Kaplan free offer? Absolutely! Who could pass up FREE, after all? Practice improves scores, as does the added study time, whether one's nose is buried in the review book or glued to the computer monitor.

Will FREE -- or $99, for that matter -- get you a 2400 if you weren't breaking 1200 on the practice tests? Don't count on it. It will be tough to make up that much ground, even with the help of the Dolans (who, aside from owning Cablevision, also have Newsday, News12, Madison Square Garden and the Knicks in their dynastic inventory).

Still, take all the free advice you can find out there, whether through Cablevision, the local library, or that SAT class offered at the high school.

Switch from Verizon FIOS to Cablevision's Optimum just to take advantage of the free Kaplan course (then switch back, giving credence to Cablevision's dubious TV spot)? We don't think so. [If you haggle with Verizon (or DirectTV), they'll probably knock the $99 off your bill, anyway. Use that money for the online Kaplan course. Better yet, stick it in your 529 plan!]

Should you need -- or crave -- that extra help, the kind that really makes a difference, get in touch with a college counselor at College Connection for a referral to a preferred SAT/ACT tutor. FREE? No. A great investment, though, for those for whom raising the bar could mean the difference between getting into that college of first choice, and not.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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The College Whisperer passes along words of wisdom:

Take heed! Some sound advice (this time, to parents), from a college admission's office, via The Choice, the college blog of The New York Times, offering prudent and practical considerations for those on the college search circuit. Caren Osten Gerszberg, blogger and parent, intersperses her own experiences (and those of her college-bound daughter) with the "Top 10 Things Parents Should Remember About the College Search Process."

A good, fun read, and, truly, some food for thought for every parent about to embark on the great college admission odyssey:

10. Remember that this process is not about you. No matter how similar your children may be to you, they need to make their own decisions and observations.

While my daughter is very much her own person, she is also the one that has begun — in jest — to use the “royal we,” as in: “Where are we applying to college, mom?” I, on the other hand, am the one reminding her that these decisions are hers to make and what she is seeking may be different than what I was looking for when I applied to college.

9. Support and encouragement are more appropriate than pressure and unsolicited advice.

As readers may remember, I try hard to relieve her stress and don’t say much unless asked. Well, most of the time…

8. Do not use the words “we” or “our” when referring to your children’s application process.

You already heard from me on this one. Parents who try to re-live the experience along with their kids lose sight of what’s best for whom.

7. Help them prepare but let them perform.

During our first college visit to Amherst, I was the one who introduced us to the tour guide. But on a recent visit to Northwestern, Nicole confidently approached the admissions desk to check in for the info session, while I waited by the entrance. We’ve come a long way.

6. Encourage your children to make their own college appointments, phone calls and e-mails. When a family arrives at an admissions office, it’s important that the student approach the front desk, not the parents. We notice!

I’ve encouraged Nicole to take charge when it comes to arranging college visits, but it hasn’t always worked. At times, she’s been overwhelmed with schoolwork and it’s me who ends up making the plans. We’re still working on this one.

5. Allow your children to ask the questions.

Although there are times when I’ll ask a question that completely embarrasses my daughter (“What do you do on weekends”? or “Are you involved in religious life on campus?”), it has slowly become her voice asking most of the questions as we tour a campus.

4. Prepare your children for disappointment.

I dread the thought of Nicole’s not getting into her first choice, but I know it’s entirely possible. As an experienced father told me once, kids should start with a school they know they can get in to and would be happy at, and work up from there. Nicole is still trying to figure out which school to start with.

3. Never complete any portion of the college application.

I am always a bit shocked when I hear parents confessing to completing some of the tedious parts of their child’s application. That will not be happening in our house. I already did my applications — with no help — a long time ago.

2. Do not let stereotypes or outdated information steer your children away from schools in which they would otherwise have an interest.

A friend of Nicole’s came home after a visit to Washington University in St. Louis and told her that the school did not appear to be racially diverse — which is an important criterion to her. Nicole was ready to nix the school based on her friend’s observations, though after I urged her to dig a little deeper, she realized it wasn’t true and that the school did appeal to her.

1. Never, ever, during a college visit buy a sweatshirt or T-shirt from the bookstore in your size — it’s a dead giveaway!

We’re off to visit my alma mater soon, and based on this advice and some common sense, that’s the only T-shirt I’ll allow myself to wear.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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Pat of Port Washington, NY writes:

My daughter will be off to college (Bennington, VT) in a few weeks. Should she take along her laptop, Blackberry, and assorted (sordid?) toys?

The College Whisperer responds:

Toys? Did you say, toys?

Laptops, Blackberries, and those other accoutrements of 21st Century life are not toys, madam (um, er sir? ;-). They are a modern means of communicating, of emoting, of staying in touch with friends, drinking buddies (21 and over, please), Sorority sisters, professors, and, yes, the world.

Laptops have long ago replaced the desktop on colleges campuses, to the delight of students (who take the laptop or netbook to class for note-taking and, sigh, occasional web browsing during one of those long, boring lectures) and Dads (who no longer have to lug that cumbersome desktop -- or the comparably unportable 500 pound tube TV -- up six flights of stairs to the dorm room) alike.

And while some professors (still stuck up in the ivory towers of the 19th century, we presume) frown upon laptops in the classroom [note the physics professor at the University of Oklahoma, stressing the point that laptops are not permitted in the classroom, who dipped the portable in liquid nitrogen before proceeding to smash it on the floor], most welcome, if not encourage the intrusion. Indeed, almost every college campus, save the most remote, now features wireless classrooms and dorms. Some, like St. John's University in New York, even give free laptops to incoming students.

Laptops -- and now, smart phones, whose data plans enable them to do everything a laptop can, and more -- are the quintessential research tools, entire libraries and banks of knowledge at the tip of one's finger, literally.

Leave that cell at home? Unlike the good old days, most dorm rooms no longer come equipped with land lines. How will your daughter call home or, of at least equal import, call in for pizza or burritos at 3 AM?

Tell me you're not going to chat with your college freshman on Skype or its Internet video equivalent? You want to actually see what's going on in that habitat fit for inhumanity, don't you?

Yes, we are in the throes of the information age, and our college kids are in the thick of it, on the edge (not ledge, edge), leading the way.

Sure, it may be tough for us parental units to keep up, let alone understand why our kids rely so heavily upon these electronic gadgets, particularly so when we recall our college years, when notes were taken on parchment and, well, who called home? Get over it. Dare I say, get with it!

The Blackberry, or so it would seem, has become a permanent appendage to every teen's hand. The laptop, as much a tool for learning, adapting, creating (who knows? Your child may be the next Bill Gates) and imagining, as it is for fraternizing.

More than this, these "toys," like the Teddy Bears of old, are a link to home, to innocence, to, believe it or not, the security of Mom and Dad. They provide access and diversion. They give students -- and parents on the other end of those personal communication devices -- something which few "take alongs to college" can replicate. Comfort!

Take those toys to college? Why, not only would The College Whisperer not leave home without them, these toys are, in a very real sense, your child's portal to infinity and beyond!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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- - -
If you’re in college now, or about to go to college, you probably grew up glued to the adventures of Woody and Buzz in Toy Story. Now, ten years later and just like you, Andy is about to leave for college and the toys face an uncertain future. Will Andy leave them behind or take them with him to school? You’ll have to find out for sure in Toy Story 3, now playing in theaters everywhere. In the mean time, here's a short video that looks at Google through the eyes of the toys.  Enjoy!

D.G. of Woodsburgh, NY writes:

My son, a high school junior, is really into sports. Which colleges would be best for him?

The College Whisperer responds:

When you say, "really into sports," do you mean playing them, or watching them? Are we talking about a varsity linebacker, one who may well be recruited by a Big Ten school like Purdue, or a fella who would be pleased as punch spending Saturday afternoons taking on the rock climbing wall at High Point University?

Is your son a scholar/athlete, to whom academics is at least as important as what takes place on the field of play, or "really into sports," meaning sitting back with a bag of chips and a can of pop to watch Syracuse take on Louisville at the Carrier Dome?

Taking a holistic approach to college matching, as well as the application and admissions process, even armed with answers to these basic questions, The College Whisperer would want to know more about your son. Much more.

What are his interests and aspirations? Plans after college and career goals? Academic aptitude? Social prowess? What is he looking for in a college campus, lifestyle, student body, life aside from athletics?

Just the tip of the college matching iceberg, really, and a critical step in gauging where to spend four very important years in a young person's life.

Assuming I was able to ascertain all of this information from your son -- either by means of a thorough assessment during the initial college planning session or water boarding (whatever works on a high school student these days LOL) -- not even The College Whisperer could tell you which school, among many likely to fit the bill, would be the best.

"Best" being such a subjective word, whether in selecting a college to apply to or a restaurant to dine at after the game. Why, these days, even the Zagat ratings of "best" restaurants is a popularity contest!

A good college planner, working closely with both student and parent(s), can, to be sure, narrow (and, in most instances, level) the field, helping you and your son decide not only where he would best fit in, but which colleges would offer the best fit for him.

If we are talking about pure athletics here -- as in NCAA Division I, II or III sports -- a good place for every high school athlete to start (in fact, a must) is the NCAA Eligibility Center. The need-to-know, need -to-do, need-to-go-to website for every prospective college-bound student-athlete. Learn the rules, the requirements, the practices, even the plays, then sit down with your college planning counselor to discuss the how-to. Strategy in college admissions for a student-athlete is as important as strategy on the field of play.

For the high school student-athlete who hopes to take the sporting route to college, some sage advice courtesy of our friends at Elite Sports Marketing, LLC.:

1) Get Started Early - A survey of college coaches revealed that 30% of scholarship athletes get on a coach’s recruiting list as freshman and 45% as sophomores.

2) Know Your Role:
Students – Excel in the classroom and in your sport
Parents – Research colleges, develop the plan, and managing the process
Both – Contacting and following-up with coaches

3) Cast a Wide Net - Identify 30-50 (or more) schools that you are interested in attending. This will increase your prospects for success.

4) Work the Process Year-round - To be successful in the college recruiting process you must work hard year-round. Focus on academic success throughout the school year. Work hard during the season and in the off-season to improve your skills. During the summer attend camps and participate on club and AAU teams to showcase your talents against the best competition.

A Special Consideration: Work hard at this process, because the outcome may determine your academic, personal and career prospects for the next 40 years.

You should also give a read to the NCAA's Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete.

College sports, whether on the conference and division level, intramural, or simply a pick-up game on the quad, is an exciting, fun, and often integral part of the campus experience. Let a College Connection planning counselor help you hit the ground running (or jumping, or kicking, or...).

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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D.N. of Hewlett Bay Park, NY writes:

The popularity with New Yorkers with other state's public universities seems to grow every year. What's wrong with New York's public universities?

The College Whisperer responds:

Ahh, the grass always appears greener on someone else's state university campus!

I am reminded of a student whose dream college was the University of Wisconsin (Madison). I asked whether he had a certain affinity for cheese (clearly, he was not lactose intolerant) or particularly enjoyed long, coooooold winters. "No," he replied. "All my friends are applying there."

For some, the lure of familiarity provides reason enough. And after all, Madison is rated as one of the best college towns.

Still, one has to ask -- and you did -- why choose Delaware, Maryland or Indiana, for that matter, state colleges all, over one's own top-notch (and consistently highly-ranked) public universities?

If we were talking Michigan or the University of Virginia (and you planned appropriately for footing the bill), we'd have a conversation starter. But Indiana over Albany? Delaware over Binghamton? [Assuming you could get in to Binghamton, where, last year, only 35% of applicants were accepted.]

Why would anyone pay two or three times the tuition rate for in-state students (and often quadruple the NY rate for in-state students) to go to another state's school?

Yes, some schools offer programs that others do not, though you'd be hard-pressed to find a program or curriculum that isn't offered in one or more of SUNY's colleges and University Centers.

There are those who want to get away from home -- far away. Try Buffalo, Fredonia or Alfred State.

Others have fallen prey to the lack of marketing by NY's state colleges, beset by funding cuts and Albany's short shrift of education, on all levels.

Don't be fooled. While other state college systems, including Maryland, Delaware, Wisconsin and Indiana (California, as well, until the recent near-bankruptcy of the Golden State), offer exceptional educational opportunities, there are none better [I repeat, none better] than New York's public colleges and universities. And I include among them both SUNY and CUNY campuses. [If you can work your way into the CUNY Honors Program, you're set.]

From Brooklyn College (often acknowledged as having the most beautiful campus in America) to Binghamton University (the "public ivy"), New York's public colleges and universities offer not only great value, but a first-class education as well. [In The College Whisperer's house, the running joke is, "Smart kids go to Cornell. Smart kids with smart parents go to Binghamton." (Or one of the land-grant colleges at Cornell ;-)]

Yes, consider Delaware, Maryland, Indiana and Wisconsin, among other fine public universities. Do so, however, for all the right reasons. The programs. The cost versus private. The location. The "I could probably get in there" factor. Do not, on the other hand, overlook New York's public colleges and universities. They are, consistently, among the nation's best and, even with recent tuition hikes, still among the most affordable. [Yes, bang for the buck rules!]

Wherever you decide to apply, be reminded that the competition is keen, perhaps even more so in these tough economic and post 9/11 times, at public colleges. Consult with a college planning counselor early in the game and give yourself the competitive advantage. Plan. Prepare. Prevail!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
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In fact, this dream doesn't even cost you a dollar.

It's the 3rd Annual $100,000 Upromise College Dream Sweepstakes®. 10 lucky winners will each receive a $10,000.00 college scholarship. Now wouldn't that be grand? Ten, actually.

Forget that little bit of luck fella, cute and cuddly as the lottery's namesake curmudgeon may be. Simply click on the banner below, join Upromise and get TurboSaver® (it's FREE), and you are automatically entered in the scholarship sweepstakes.

Nothing to buy. No catch. Not even an essay to write (phew).

Yup, you've got to be in it to win it, and with Upromise, it's a win-win. You could win $10,000.00 right off the bat, and, each time you make a purchase through the Upromise portal (all of your favorite stores are there), Upromise will give you cashback (as a percentage of your purchase) for college. The money (and it adds up, believe me) can even be transferred directly into your 529 account. [You do have a 529 account, don't you?]

So go ahead. Join Upromise, and live the dream. Hey, you never know!



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L.S. of Bellmore, NY writes:

I can't take the studying for the (expletive) SATs. Is all of this really necessary?

The College Whisperer responds:

For years, the SAT (Scholastic Achievement Test cum Scholastic Aptitude Test) has had its detractors -- The College Whisperer among them -- and, of more recent vintage, has come under fire, from college administrators and students alike, as being unfair, biased, and fundamentally flawed, demonstrating neither achievement nor aptitude.

DUH!

Indeed, as any 10th grader, having suffered through the PSAT, could tell you, the SAT and its ilk aren't worth the ovals the number 2 pencils are forced to write within.

Many colleges are forgoing the requirement of SAT submission, and many more, if not all, gladly accept ACT scores (viewed as a somewhat more reliable indicator of proficiency) in lieu of the SAT.

Does that mean we will see the demise of the likes of the SAT and SATII, with the dreaded and despised College Board forever closing its doors? Doubtful, at least in The College Whisperer's lifetime. [Way too much money on the line in this cottage industry turned industrial-strength monster.] Then again, we can always hold out hope.

Is the SAT necessary, as an evil rite of passage, if not otherwise? Perhaps not, but it's still out there, with colleges, for better or worse, continuing to rely on it.

My advice would be to take BOTH the SAT and the ACT, submitting the better of the scores to your colleges of choice. This way, you at least keep your options open.

As for test prep, forge on through the tedium and nonsensical symmetry, in both form and substance, of the SAT. Take advantage of FREE courses offered in your high school, community center or local library. Nearby colleges (particularly the community colleges) often offer low-cost SAT/ACT prep courses.

If you believe a personal tutor may help build your test-taking acumen and confidence (not to mention your vocabulary and math skills), College Connection will gladly refer you to one of our preferred tutors. Yes, the personal attention, together with a dedicated and focused study regimen, does help!

Meanwhile, as we commiserate over the trials and tribulations of those darned standardized tests, here's a sample SAT question of The College Whisperer's own devise. [That's "devise," not "demise." ;-)]:

QUESTION: John, a typical high school Junior, has 8 shirts, 5 pairs of pants, 3 blazers, and a cardigan. Assuming all possible permutations and combinations, how many unique outfits does John have to wear?

ANSWER: One.

This is a subtle, yet still tricky question, designed to lull you into believing that some higher order of math, necessitating the retention of an actuary, is in order.

John, we are told, is "a typical high school Junior." Hence, he wears the same clothes (save the occasional change of underwear) day after day after day.

Double DUH!

The SAT, and, for that matter, the ACT, Regents exams, and standardized tests, in general, have little to do with logic or reason, and even less to do with reality. The best we can do is to accept that premise and move on.

Okay. Back to the books.

Remember to come up for air -- and a double fudge sundae -- once in a while, and to keep on smiling. You, too, will survive the SAT, ACT, and all the other slings and arrows academia may hurl your way. In fact, one day (perhaps when your own kids are cursing the College Board), you may even laugh about it!

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