Inside Scoop Lectures

If I can’t take the ACT, how do I find schools that are “target” schools for me? How do I know they aren’t a “reach” school instead?

Your high school counselors may be the best source for this information. Sometimes they have information about previous graduates from your high school who were admitted to universities. (If your high school uses Naviance, this information is usually kept for a few years.)

Is there a chance your school will go test optional for the 2021 class due to COVID-19?

Given the unusual circumstances, universities are making adaptations to their admissions criteria. Even if a school does not officially change to test optional, they will take into consideration the fact that some students are not able to submit an ACT score because they can’t take the test before the application deadline. You can Google a list of universities that are currently test optional. This would be a good question to ask admissions officers at schools to which you are applying.

What are your schools doing about ACT/SAT testing for the 2021 academic year?

Each university will handle this in their own way so this is a question you need to ask the admissions counselor. Universities understand that many juniors have not had the opportunity to take an ACT/SAT yet and may not have the opportunity before application deadlines. The student needs to communicate this to the university so the university can consider that when reviewing the application.

If ACT and SAT scores will be considered less important on applications, should I still take the time to keep studying for the test?

It is a good idea to continue to prepare for taking an ACT.

Would not submitting an ACT/SAT score affect my chance of getting a merit scholarship?

We are in an extremely unusual time right now and universities understand this. This is a question you should ask admissions officers. If a university typically requires an ACT/SAT score for a scholarship, you should try to take it at some point. Given the uncertainty of ACT/SAT testing right now, if you cannot take the test prior to scholarship deadlines, universities will consider that when awarding financial aid and scholarships.

Did I understand that schools are probably not going to be paying as much attention to standardized testing due to the ACT tests being unavailable during this COVID? The ACT test that I took in spring through my school was my first time and my score was low average. I may not be able to retake and have the opportunity to increase my score.

Yes, universities will be flexible with admissions requirements as a result of the pandemic. If your ACT test score is low, you might want to research and consider test optional universities.

What would you say is the biggest difference in feel and college life between a bigger school vs. a smaller school?

The best way to get a feel for a college right now is by participating in the virtual tours or student panels that many colleges are offering. Generally speaking when you are attending a large university, you will see people and recognize them but likely won’t know their names. You may have several large lecture classes in your general education requirements. More and more large universities are developing ways to group students by their courses or majors so that you can get to know your classmates. At a small university, you will know more of your classmates personally and you are less likely to have large lecture classes.

Is there a way to search for a school that offers extra assistance for kids on the autism spectrum? For example, I’m a very bright person but socially challenged and need some help keeping organized to get my work completed.

Yes, using any of the college search engines (Naviance, SCOIR, College Navigator, etc.) you should be able to filter for universities that provide assistance for students on the autism spectrum. A Google search (best colleges for students with autism) will provide a few different lists that you can review. It is always good to ask admissions officers about the support provided by the university for students with special needs.

Are there schools that focus a lot less on grades? What are schools that aren't as focused on grades and scores usually more focused on?

Community College and other non-competitive schools require a High School Diploma or GED, but are not focused on GPA. Additionally, apprenticeship programs which train people for the trades are less interested in grades. Most colleges, especially the more competitive colleges, do a holistic review of applications. That means that in addition to grades and standardized test scores they carefully review all parts of the application, including essays, recommendations, and such. If you are applying to a competitive college and there is a reason for fluctuations in your grades (e.g.: sustained a concussion sophomore year), it would be helpful to share that information through your application essays, or communication with the admissions reps.

How can I discern and communicate my fit with a college?

Discerning your fit with a college takes research and effort on the part of the student. You can use search engines such as Naviance, SCOIR, College Navigator, College Greenlight, etc., to learn various aspects of a university. You can go to the college websites and take a virtual tour or participate in a virtual presentation being offered. Mentors4 College mentors often use a questionnaire with their mentees to help their mentees think about what they want and need in a college. Once you have narrowed your search to 6-12 colleges, reaching out to the admissions officers to ask questions and let them get to know you will help you communicate to them that you feel their college is a good fit for you.

Advice on how to make yourself stand out on college applications? What are some ways we can distinguish ourselves among other students?

The best way to make an impression is through your essays and letters of recommendation. Use the experiences you had in high school classes, extra-curricular activities, and volunteering to help the admissions officers really learn about you as a person. Have a conversation with the admissions officer; they will respond to emails and will enjoy getting to know you personally.

In the recent Covid-19 era, how will demonstrated interest look like in terms of applying to college?

This is a good question to ask admissions officers because it will likely be different at each university. Universities are offering virtual tours, panels with current students, panels with professors & admissions officers; participating in these or asking questions of the admissions officers are ways the universities will be able to see your level of interest. Given the unique circumstances, some universities may reconsider using demonstrated interest in the application review process.

In what ways can Covid-19 have an impact on the selection process at competitive colleges?

It is hard to say definitively what impact there will be and likely each university will be unique in the changes they make to their selection process. Universities know that grades and transcripts will look different and understand it has been a challenge to take standardized tests, volunteer in the community, participate in extra-curricular activities and enrichment learning opportunities. The admissions officers will take all of this into consideration when reviewing applications.

When it comes to essay writing -- for various college specific questions or in the common app-- what do you think is the most important thing in order to make you the best applicant you can be?

Be yourself. Write an essay that will help us remember you and get to know you beyond the transcript and test scores. Use your life experiences to help us get to know who you are. Mentors 4 College offers a free online essay writing seminar for juniors. Click here to enroll.

I tried to volunteer at a hospital, but due to the age restriction, I couldn’t. I still won’t be able to next year (10th grade). Is there any other way to learn about the medical field?

Check with your high school counselor to see if any high school courses will provide experiences in the medical field. While it’s not the same as volunteering, check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook It is an amazing resource for career exploration. You can see many positions within the medical field and learn more about the specific job duties of that position. You can also see related positions. Some of our mentors in Mentors 4 College are medical professionals so submit a question on our website and we can connect you with someone who can talk with you more. Mentors4college.org

How do applications and sports teams work together on admissions or scholarships?

Each university operates differently so this is a good question to ask the admissions officer. Some colleges offer sports scholarships but others only offer academic scholarships. If you are interested in collegiate sports, make sure to talk to your high school counselor about the NCAA Clearinghouse process. Your high school or club coach is also a good resource for information about scholarships for your particular sport.

Is it possible that colleges will ask for an online interview?

Yes, it is possible that colleges will ask you to participate in an interview for admissions or for scholarships. These might be with a university staff member or with an alumni representative. Mentors 4 College typically offers an Interview Workshop in November or December for seniors in high school to help prepare them for interviews. Look on the website for updated information in the fall.

Do we need to do any different preparation for college in light of COVID-19?

Your college planning will be different in that you will need to do visits and seek information virtually. Universities are offering tours, student panels and information sessions. Take advantage of these opportunities to see the campus and talk to people there. Check each university website for any details about changes in their application process. It is likely universities will ask you to submit applications with transcript, test scores, letters of recommendation and a personal essay.

Do colleges look at weighted GPA or unweighted GPA?

Each university is different; this is a question you should ask an admissions rep for each school you are submitting an application.

Do colleges look at students who didn’t take AP classes?

We review all student transcripts and consider the courses taken compared to those available to the student. Each high school sends the university a document that explains how grades are awarded, if GPA is weighted or not, the criteria for enrollment in an AP or honors class, etc. This helps university admissions reps understand the student’s transcript.

What if your student isn't enrolled in any AP courses?

The student’s transcript will be reviewed by admissions counselors. Each university will interpret a transcript differently. If the student is interested in a selective university and has the opportunity to enroll in AP courses, it is a good idea to do that. If the school does not offer AP courses or the student is not recommended to enroll in AP courses, the university will take that into consideration when reviewing the student’s transcript.

With the change to distance learning, I’m concerned about my GPA this semester. How are universities looking at that?

All universities understand that student transcripts will look different given the distance learning. Universities will be flexible in their admissions criteria. Reach out to admissions officers to ask any questions you have about your application.

What exactly is the situation with the Common App this year, and what will it mean for admission?

As of right now, the only change to the Common App is that there will be an optional question for students to indicate the impact of the pandemic, personally and/or academically. There will be a similar question for high school counselors to answer indicating the impact of the pandemic on things like grading practices, course offerings, online learning process, etc.

Is it less expensive to do early decision? or are there more scholarships available if you apply early?

Early decision is a binding agreement; it is your promise to attend your top school regardless of how much financial aid you receive from the school or the government. You should talk with your parents/guardians, your high school counselor, and the admissions officer before making the decision. The best way to ensure you get all the scholarships and financial aid you are eligible for is to meet all deadlines.

Are Questbridge applicants considered in the Early Action or Decision pool, or does that depend on each college? For example, for Hopkins or Brandeis, which one would I be considered in and would I be able to apply in their regular decision if I were to be deferred or not matched?

Brandeis does not partner with Questbridge, therefore if a student applies to Brandeis and is also a Questbridge Scholar, they should be applying to whichever application program makes the most sense based on their conversations with Questbridge and their advisers. If they match with a Questbridge school, they will be in whichever pool that school has indicated in their partnership with Questbridge (which can vary by school). I would assume that means a student would choose Brandeis' non-binding Regular Decision program, rather than Early Decision, which is binding. Brandeis does not offer the non-binding Early Action program. Every student who applies to Brandeis will receive the full holistic application review, whether they are a Questbridge Scholar or not. Johns Hopkins not a Questbridge institution, so we do not get matched with these students.

What are the different advantages and disadvantages of early action, early decision, and regular decision?

Early decision is a binding agreement; it is your promise to attend your top choice university if they accept you regardless of how much financial aid or scholarships you will be awarded. Early action is when you apply to one (or maybe a few) universities that are top on your list but you can tell them “no thank you.” With both Early Decision and Early Action, applicants apply earlier, usually in November and are informed about acceptance earlier, usually in December. This may be helpful to some students who find it highly stressful to wait until April to hear about regular decision applications. Some people say that a student’s chance of acceptance is higher with Early Decision or Early Action but that is not always the case. Early Decision and Early Action can be risky because you are making a commitment to one university before you know the financial award information from the other universities in which you are interested. A Google search about Early Decision/ Early Action will provide a range of perspectives about the pros and cons.

What is the normal amount that a student would pay for college?

This is a family decision and each situation is unique because of the family’s financial status and the financial aid that a student receives. Typically, it is recommended that a student finish undergraduate with loans that are equal to or less than what they anticipate earning in the first year of employment in their field. For example, if a first year teacher salary is $40,000 it would not be wise to finish undergraduate studies with loans of more than that. Keep in mind that the price listed on the university website is not usually the final price a student pays to attend that university.

When should we do the FASFA? (Daughter is junior right now)

It is a good idea to go to the FAFSA.gov website and do the FAFSA4caster when your student is a freshman, sophomore or junior. This will help you understand your EFC-Expected Family Contribution so you can have this in mind as you are narrowing your college search. Talk with your student about the EFC and how that relates to the final decision about where to go to school. High school seniors (and their parents/guardians) MUST complete the FAFSA in the fall of senior year. The FAFSA form opens for seniors in October; it is good to set aside time to complete the form before the end of first semester.

Are there more scholarships available if you apply early?

There are specific scholarship deadlines on all university websites. You need to know the deadlines and make sure to apply prior to the deadline.

Will having a 529 plan interfere with acquiring other types of aid?

This is different for each college and can depend on who is the owner of the 529. These kinds of questions should be directed to the admissions officer, the financial aid office of the colleges on your interest list and/or to a financial advisor.

Parents are investing in 529 and not for their retirement. At some point my parents are planning to switch, but we don’t know when to start. Are there statistics on the suggested average money to be saved in 529?

There are many aspects to this question that a financial advisor can help you with, including taxes, benefits offered by your state, and impact on financial aid.

The presenter mentioned that we should contact colleges for advice when it comes to deciding to take a dual enrollment class or something. Would we contact the admissions counselor or a specific department?

It is best to contact the admissions counselor first. Often that person can put you in contact with the appropriate department faculty member to answer additional questions you may have.

My high school offers dual enrollment at a junior college. Would junior college credits transfer to a 4-year university?

This is a question you will need to ask all admissions counselors because each university is unique. While many universities may accept all college credits a student has taken in high school, there will likely be specific courses that are required to be taken at the university in order to be awarded a bachelor’s degree at that university.

If you get an associate’s degree while still in High School, are you still eligible for new student scholarships or only transfer scholarships?

Universities will consider you a “first time freshman” student if you take college courses for an associate’s degree or dual credit courses while in high school, prior to graduation.

Can you talk about the pluses and minuses of taking a gap year?

This is something you should talk about with many people, your parents/guardians, your high school counselor, the admissions officer. Taking a GAP year or semester may be a good decision for you but only if you have a purpose, goal and plan. Each situation is unique. Make sure to ask the admissions rep about whether your scholarships and other financial aid can be deferred if you are interested in a GAP year or semester. Also, be careful about taking college level courses during a GAP year because it may change your student status from “first time freshman” to “transfer” thus changing scholarship eligibility.

Could you talk a bit more about bridge programs if the student isn’t quite at the level necessary for college?

There are a variety of bridge programs so be sure to look for this information on each university website or ask the admissions officer. Some universities invite students to participate in a math camp or writing workshop for a few weeks during the summer before the regular semester begins. Other universities have a course that freshmen take for a semester or year that provides additional academic and/or emotional support for students. Sometimes an upper-class mentor is matched with a student to support them in their first semester or year at the university. If extra support is offered, it is good to take advantage of it.

Which year in High School do you recommend getting a mentor through your organization?

It is never too early to start planning for life after high school. We work with 9-12 graders and will determine how many times we need to meet based on the student and parents requests. We typically meet with freshmen and sophomores once a semester; juniors two or three times a semester; seniors two or three times during first semester and as much as they request during second semester.

How is Brandeis figuring out the rank of a student in their class when most schools have done away with ranking?

Brandeis only considers rank when the school reports a rank-- we do not convert GPAs, scores or other information to create a rank for the students in our pool. If a school does not report rank, we base our evaluation off of the other academic information provided by the student and high school instead, such as the courses taken, the grades achieved, and the information provided in the recommendation letters.

What pre-med programs does Johns Hopkins offer?

Similar to many universities in the U.S., medicine and pre-med are not specific majors or minors at the university. Rather, students interested in pursuing medicine complete our Pre-Professional Advising track over their time at Hopkins. Any major at the university can pursue this track, and they start advising students their first year on campus. You can find more information here!

Does Johns Hopkins have a holistic student approach when reviewing applicants?

Yes, we practice holistic admissions and will consider each applicant’s entire application in order to make admissions decisions. We consider each piece carefully, including academic history (testing, curriculum, and grades over time), extracurricular experience, letters of recommendation, and essays. Context is a crucial part of our process, so don’t leave anything out!

What are the admissions requirements for Saint Louis University?

Admissions requirements for Saint Louis University (or any university) can be found on the university’s website.

Can you talk about the Medical Scholar program at Saint Louis University? Any specific requirement in the application process? Is there an accelerated medical program at SLU?

SLU’s Medical Scholars Program is a competitive, freshman entry scholars program that gives students the opportunity to have a guaranteed interview with SLU’s medical school during their sophomore year of college. It requires a separate application than the admission application and has a December 1^st application deadline. This program is not an accelerated medical program or a direct entry program into the medical school.

How would not being able to volunteer or shadow doctors during these difficult times affect scholarships and acceptance into the Pre-med program for SLU?

Students will not be punished for not being able to do shadowing or volunteer hours. This is something that we understand due to the pandemic.