The Value of Expert Admissions Advice: Post-Application Submission

December 21, 2020December 27, 2020 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

Since the increased number of applicants to Ivy League colleges was reported last week and the subsequent, inevitable increase in rejections (and deferments), my team and I have been receiving a deluge of calls from anxious-ridden and sometimes even angry parents wanting to know what can they do about upcoming regular decisions or even early decision II.

With several parents, their children were rejected not only from the Ivies but also from early action schools that they had perceived to be safety schools.

One parent, whose son was deferred from Harvard, wanted to immediately know: “what is your price?” Another parent, whose son was rejected from Yale and rejected early action from a perceived safety also wanted to know immediately: “how much do you charge?” And another parent, whose daughter was deferred from her perceived safety school, rejected from Columbia, had already submitted applications to Dartmouth and UPenn and was in the midst of applying to Princeton and MIT, wanted to know: “what’s your price?”

It’s obvious from these types of questions that these callers are shopping for the cheapest price and/or attempting to negotiate. This is counterintuitive to obtaining the best service for a process that requires specialized skills.

The reality is that this is not about a price or haggling….it’s about your child’s educational future! This is not like purchasing a new luxury SUV, legacy furniture, a second home, a club membership fee or a kitchen renovation – It’s an investment in your child’s future.

ivy_league_Dr_Paul_Lowe_Independent_Educational_Consultant_College_Admissions_Advisor

We all know the true VALUE of Harvard, Yale and Brown (and BS/MD programs) degrees…….PRICELESS.

Our firm provides “Post-Application Submission Deferred Strategies”. What’s that worth?

Even with 4 months left in this admissions cycle there is still lots to be done to enable a student to stand out and not cause subsequent rejections or worse “perpetual waitlist limbo”! We provide “Post-Application Submission Strategies”. What’s that worth?

What’s your child’s future worth? According to the US Department of Agriculture, the cost of raising a child for a middle-income family born in 2001-2003 through the age of 18, not including college costs is $224,000 to $227,000 for middle income families and $327,000 to $330,000 for higher incomes. This does not include private school tuition, summer athletic or music camps, or specialized college summer camps.

Wouldn’t it be wise to invest in valuable advice whereby your next $250,000 investment (college education) is towards an Ivy League and highly selective college or university or a BS/MD program?

College-graduation-Dr_Paul_Lowe_Admissions_Advisor_Independent_Educational_Consultant — **What’s the value? HAPPY FAMILIES!**

Indian_parents_graduate_Dr_Paul_Lowe_Independent_Educational_Consultant_Admissions_Advisor — **What’s the value? HAPPY FAMILIES!**

key-to-success_admissions_success_Dr_Paul_Lowe_Admissions_Expert_Independent_Educational_Consultant

Avoid_College_Admissions_Mistakes_Dr_Paul_Lowe_Advisor_Independent_Educational_Consultant — **“Parents hire us because they choose to pay an admissions expert who will help them avoid making mistakes.”** **– Dr. Paul Lowe**

Dr. Paul Reginald Lowe, founder and managing director of Pinnacle Educational Center Admissions Advisors Group, provides comprehensive counseling advice, exclusively for admissions to top private schools; Ivy League and highly-selective colleges/universities; BS/MD programs; graduate and medical schools and top visual and performing arts programs. The admissions affiliate: Ivy League Admissions Advisors specializes in admissions to Ivy League and highly selective colleges, Dr. Lowe also specializes in helping students who have been wait-listed, deferred or rejected gain admission into their top-choice schools: College Application Rejected. and student who wish to transfer to another college: College Transfer Admissions Advisors. For colleges and universities that recommend or require videos: College Admissions Video Productions.

Top Private Schools In New Jersey Are In Demand

Top_private_schools_New_Jersey_Dr_Paul_Lowe_Independent_Educational_Consultant_Boarding_School_Admissions

November 14, 2020November 23, 2020 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

We have been receiving more calls from parents who have stated that they are seeking alternatives to public schools because of COVID-19 pandemic impact on public schools. Many parents have decided to either move to New Jersey and seek private day and boarding schools. Many realtors and relocation experts have been calling us, at our New Jersey Admissions Advisors affiliate, to help their clients meet their educational goals for their children as they are seeking private schools in New Jersey private schools.

Based on our research, knowledge and professional working-relationships; and Niche’s “2021 Best Private Schools Ranking: New Jersey Private Schools”, we have provided a list below to help these families and real estate experts.

Here are the top 10 private schools in New Jersey (listed alphabetically) based on Niche and our research team:

Blair Academy
Delbarton School
Dwight-Englewood School
Gill St. Bernard’s School
The Hun School of Princeton
The Lawrenceville School
Newark Academy
Peddie School
The Pingry School
Princeton Day School

Dr Paul Lowe Samuel Washington Boarding School Visit — Dr. Lowe at **Lawrenceville** with Samuel Washington, Sr. Associate Dean of Admission

Dr Paul Lowe Dwight Englewood School Admissions Office — Dr. Paul Lowe at **Dwight-Englewood** with Naseer Samedy, Dir. Middle School Admissions and Kavita Bafana, Dir. Upper School Admissions

Dr Paul Lowe at Peddie with Hannah McCollum, Associate Dir. of Admission — Dr. Paul Lowe at **Peddie** with Hannah McCollum, Associate Dir. of Admission

Steve_Bristol_and_Dr_Paul_Lowe_Hun_School_of_Princeton — Dr. Paul Lowe at the **Hun School of Princeton** with Steve Bristol Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management and Strategic Planning

WE KNOW TOP NEW JERSEY PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND THE SUPERIOR EDUCATION THEY PROVIDE!

As result, we are seeing an increase in the number of parents seeking to transfer from New Jersey public schools to local top private day and boarding schools. This sudden and dramatic surge in demand for private schools in New Jersey has increased the competition for entrance into these schools – That’s where Dr. Lowe and his team of admissions advisors come in! By being different, Dr. Lowe and his team provide unique admissions advisory services unmatched by any independent educational consultant in the New Jersey. Our admissions advisors affiliates include: Private School Admissions Advisors and Boarding School Admissions Advisors.

Dr. Paul Reginald Lowe is the managing director of Pinnacle Educational Center Admissions Advisors Group network. He and his team of admissions advisors, through the admissions affiliates, New Jersey Admissions Advisors and Private School Admissions Advisors help students gain admissions to elite private schools in Manhattan and surrounding areas. Dr. Lowe and his team of admissions advisors also visit prestigious and elite private schools where they have the unique opportunity of interacting one-on-one with heads of schools, directors of admissions and senior admissions personnel. Dr. Lowe provides parents with the knowledge they need to decide where there children should attend and the admissions strategies they need to be admitted into their top-choice school.

Top Private Schools in Fairfield/Westchester Counties Are in Demand

Top_private_schools_Fairchester_Westchester_Fairfield_Greenwich_Dr_Paul_Lowe_Independent_Educational_Consultant_Advisor

November 11, 2020November 23, 2020 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

This since this summer, we have observed more and more parents establish permanent residences in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Temporary weekend residences are now becoming permanent residences. Many realtors and relocation experts have been calling us to help their clients meet their educational goals for their children as they are seeking private schools in “Fairchester” (private schools in Fairfield and Westchester Counties).

Based on our research, knowledge and professional working-relationships; and Niche’s “2021 Best Private High Schools Ranking: Fairfield and Westchester Counties Private High Schools”, we have provided a list below to help these families and real estate experts.

Here are the top private high schools in Fairfield/Westchester Counties (listed alphabetically) based on Niche and our research team:

Brunswick School
Greens Farms Academy
Greenwich Academy
Greenwich Country Day School
Hackley School
King School
The Masters School
Rye Country Day School
Sacred Heart Greenwich

Many families view private schools as being better equipped, not only because they provide a superb educational experience and adaptable resources to the COVID-19 pandemic, but also because they have high percentages of college acceptances to Ivy League and highly selective colleges and universities. As result, we are seeing an increase in the number of parents seeking to transfer from public schools to private schools. This sudden and dramatic surge in demand for private schools in Fairchester has increased the competition for entrance into these schools – That’s where Dr. Lowe and his team of admissions advisors come in! By being different, Dr. Lowe and his team provide unique admissions advisory services unmatched by any independent educational consultant in the Fairchester region. Our location affiliates include: Greenwich Admissions Advisors and Westchester Admissions Advisors.

We-are-the-best_let_us_prove_it_Dr_Paul_Lowe_Admissions_Advisor_Educational_Consultant_Ivy_League_Boarding_School

“Admissions is a competitive sport! Why gamble with uncertainty?” – Dr. Paul Lowe

“Parents hire us because they chose to pay an admissions expert who will help them avoid making mistakes.” – Dr. Paul Lowe

Dr. Paul Reginald Lowe, founder and managing director of Pinnacle Educational Center Admissions Advisors Group, provides comprehensive counseling advice, exclusively for admissions to top private schools; Ivy League and highly-selective colleges/universities; BS/MD programs; graduate and medical schools and top visual and performing arts programs. Private school admissions affiliate: Boarding School Admissions Consultants and of Private School Admissions Advisors. Dr. Lowe specializes in providing exclusive concierge-type admissions advisory services for U.S. and international students who are interested in applying to top U.S. boarding schools. Dr. Lowe helps U.S. and international students gain admissions into top U.S. boarding schools even after they have been wait-listed and rejected. Dr. Lowe and his team of admissions advisors also visit prestigious and elite private schools, where they have the unique opportunity of interacting one-on-one with heads of schools, directors of admissions and senior admissions personnel.

U.S. News World Report Best College Ranking: Top 20 in 2021

September 15, 2020September 18, 2020 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

The 2021 U.S. New World Report Best College Ranking is out! I often hear that it doesn’t matter where a student attends college as long as it’s a “good fit”. Really!!! Why are rankings used? Why are they so important? Because we are a consumer-based society where a college’s reputation, prestige and brand does matter!

WHERE YOU ATTEND COLLEGE MATTERS!

Here is the list of the top 20 college/universities:

1. Princeton University

2. Harvard University (Dr. Lowe Visits Harvard) |(Harvard University Produces Wealthy Alumni)

3. Columbia University

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

5. Yale University

6. Stanford University

7. University of Chicago

8. University of Pennsylvania

9. California Institute of Technology

10. Johns Hopkins University

11. Northwestern University

12. Duke University

13. Dartmouth College

14. Brown University

15. Vanderbilt University

16. Rice University

17. Washington university in St. Louis

18. Cornell University

19. University of Notre Dame

20. University of California – Los Angeles

“Admissions is a competitive sport! Why gamble with uncertainty?” – Dr. Paul Lowe

“We provide our clients access to our specialized knowledge!” – Dr. Paul Lowe

Private School Admissions: My Child Was Not Accepted

March 10, 2020March 10, 2020 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

You were certain that your son would be accepted. He had excellent grades. He played on a great sports team. His SSAT scores were off the charts. You made sure that his school principal knew him. The Math and English teacher recommendations were amazing (you even had a parent of a student at your target school write a recommendation). You thought that your top-choice school board member’s recommendation would help. You thought that you wrote excellent parent statements and thought that his student statements were great. The campus visit and the admissions interview, in your opinion, were also great.

However, when you gazed at your cell phone you discovered, to your surprise, that the school(s) didn’t accept your child. WHAT HAPPENED? Where did you go wrong? What do you do now?

As a private school admissions advisor, I am now receiving calls and emails from anxious and nervous parents who thought they did everything right.

If your child was REJECTED (or WAIT-LISTED, which means that “we love your child, but we don’t have spot available today, tomorrow or perhaps NEVER”), what can you do at this stage in the process? SOMETHING WASN’T RIGHT!

From my observation, there are six crucial potential missteps during the private school application process: (1) Parents assume that it’s all about connections. (2) Parents and students don’t prepare enough for the interviews. (3) Parents start too late in the admissions planning process. (4) Parents assume that their skill sets and/or titles give them an admissions edge. (5) Parents and students listen to incorrect advice from chat rooms, online communities and friends. (6) Parents make the mistake of retaining an inexperienced educational consultant who is not versed in the admissions policies, diplomacy and politics of top boarding school admissions or does not even continually visit schools and know directors of admissions.

What’s my recommendation: You should now hire an expert who understands the off-waitlist process as well as the reapplication process. It’s important to know, especially for top and elite day and boarding schools, that admissions officers review all the data, appreciate transparency and are experts in their fields.

Many parents also believe that private school admissions officers/committees focus primarily on tangible factors that are measurable and quantifiable. The reality is that admissions officers’ emotions, feelings and value judgement play a significant role in admissions decisions.

When I work with my clients, I ensure that they are protected from the uncertainties and the unexpected in admissions. I physically visit schools and actively interact with school admissions personnel, senior administrators and therefore help my clients avoid the irrevocable mistakes that cause rejections or being placed on the “permanent” waitlist.

Dr. Lowe’s Private School Visits: Other independent educational consultants may depend on telephonic interviews, group speed meetings in central locations, or simply read literature and review websites and repeat it to families. As an admissions expert, I physically visit schools and actively interact with school admissions personnel, senior administrators and students. My clients are, therefore, placed in the most appropriate school for their (and their parents’) happiness. My approach ensures that your child will be placed in the best and most appropriate top-choice school. By understanding, analyzing and researching a specific school’s atmosphere, vibe, rhythm, tone, color, experience, culture diversity and mission, my team and I can clearly articulate what differentiates one school from another to consumers/families.

“Admissions is a competitive sport! Why gamble with uncertainty?” – Dr. Paul Lowe.

Paul Reginald Lowe is the managing director and lead admissions expert at Pinnacle Educational Center Admissions Advisors Group’s Boarding School Admissions Consultants, an affiliate of Private School Admissions Advisors. Dr. Lowe specializes in providing exclusive concierge-type admissions advisory services for U.S. and international students who are interested in applying to top U.S. boarding schools. Dr. Lowe helps U.S. and international students gain admissions into top U.S. boarding schools even after they have been wait-listed and rejected. Dr. Lowe and his team of admissions advisors also visit prestigious and elite private schools, where they have the unique opportunity of interacting one-on-one with heads of schools, directors of admissions and senior admissions personnel.

College Admissions Officers Are Checking Applicants’ Social Media Profiles

March 7, 2020March 7, 2020 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

So you thought that your Instagram, tweet or Facebook Youtube, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitch were safe? Think again! What about the posts of your friends?

According to a recent Kaplan Test survey that polled nearly 300 college admissions officers, 36% of them looked at applicants’ social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube to learn more about the applicant. When my team and I visit schools and have discussions with admissions they do admit that they review applicants’ social media platforms.

So, do colleges look at social media? Yes. In fact, what students post on social media can greatly affect not only acceptance odds but they can get acceptances revoked if unsuitable and offensive materials are found. When Harvard discovered offensive material being posted to a group chat by incoming freshman, it rescinded acceptance letters to 10 accepted applicants!

Because Ivy League and highly selective colleges and universities receive so many qualified applications, they’re typically looking at social media to see if it tips the scales in anyone’s favor. So be careful!

So the question you need to ask is does my social media profile affect college decision outcomes? What do you think?

We provide a social media review and analysis (SMRA) for our clients.

“Year after year, I hear the horror stories from parents whose kids got in nowhere because they thought the college admissions race was just about grades, SAT scores, their perceived ‘unique’ applications, generic essays and perfect connections.” – Dr. Paul Lowe

“Admissions is a competitive sport! Why gamble with uncertainty?” – Dr. Paul Lowe

“We provide our clients access to our specialized knowledge!” – Dr. Paul Lowe

Dr. Paul Reginald Lowe, founder and managing director of Pinnacle Educational Center Admissions Advisors Group, provides comprehensive counseling advice, exclusively for admissions to top private schools; Ivy League and highly-selective colleges/universities; BS/MD programs; graduate and medical schools and top visual and performing arts programs. Its medical school admissions affiliate: Medical School Admissions Advisors. The admissions affiliate: Ivy League Admissions Advisors specializes in admissions to Ivy League and highly selective colleges, Dr. Lowe also specializes in helping students who have been wait-listed, deferred or rejected gain admission into their top-choice schools: College Application Rejected. and student who wish to transfer to another college: College Transfer Admissions Advisors.

Tolerance of Differences in Education and Beyond

October 27, 2019October 28, 2019 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

Some people view DIVERSITY as a nebulous and intangible descriptor, a court-ordered societal mandate or, in some cases, even unconstitutional. In truth, our differences represent an invaluable asset and in the economic sense has been proven to provide an unlimited ROI.

Every person is a unique individual. Yes, we have commonalities. But the differences make life challenging, interesting and a learning experience. These are the qualities that keep us moving forward, progressing and improving life.

Some differences are easily recognized. Some differences go unnoticed unless there is a direct interaction. (For example, can you recognize a deaf person in a crowd?) The question is do you embrace difference and try to learn from it? Or do you just ignore it? Do you find the positive qualities in all the people that you meet? Are you a tolerant individual? Educational institutions (especially Ivy League and highly selective ones) expect their applicants to not be fearful of our interconnected and constantly changing global society.

Some people may believe that living in small, homogeneous and insular communities is best. But in truth, diversity has always been America’s greatest asset! It is exemplified in the evolution of our American language, music, art, architecture, math, science and dance. It is what has allowed our innovations and our artistic and cultural leadership. Diversity was a necessary precondition to the formation of our democracy, The United States of America, and has provided the impetus for engagement in the full kaleidoscope of “The American Culture”.

Intolerance in education is like placing a wall between you and what is to be learned. In fact, intolerance in scholastic and academic circles is viewed as ignorance and intellectual ineptitude. Tolerance of differences helps us to learn more and to succeed globally. This is one of the important reasons why colleges embrace diversity and why authentic, meaningful interaction and immersion in different communities are important realities of our clients’ college admissions journey and success!

“Admissions is a competitive sport! Why gamble with uncertainty?” – Dr. Paul Lowe

“We provide our clients access to our specialized knowledge!” – Dr. Paul Lowe

Dr. Paul Reginald Lowe, founder and managing director of Pinnacle Educational Center Admissions Advisors Group, provides comprehensive counseling advice, exclusively for admissions to top private schools; Ivy League and highly-selective colleges/universities; BS/MD programs; graduate and medical schools and top visual and performing arts programs. Its medical school admissions affiliate: Medical School Admissions Advisors. The admissions affiliate: Ivy League Admissions Advisors specializes in admissions to Ivy League and highly selective colleges, Dr. Lowe also specializes in helping students who have been wait-listed, deferred or rejected gain admission into their top-choice schools: College Application Rejected and student who wish to transfer to another college: College Transfer Admissions Advisors.

Why Parents Are Choosing Private Schools

Private Schools vs Public schools Dr Paul Lowe

July 24, 2017September 17, 2017 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

This season, I have increased my annual tour of schools to include a wider variety of private schools. I have had the opportunity to speak with heads of schools, directors of admissions, admissions and development office personnel, administrative and support staff, faculty members, students, alumni and especially parents. Having had this opportunity, I have developed list of reasons why parents are sending their children to private schools.

(1) Small class size. Private schools assign on average about 9.8 students to each teacher, thus guaranteeing the individual attention each child needs to thrive intellectually, socially and emotionally.

(2) Excellent educators. Private school teachers teach as well as educate. They passionately nurture and motive young minds. They provide a truly bespoke education for your child. Personal development intellectually, socially and emotionally and academic achievement are par for the course.

(3) Personalized education. Private school education is not a one-size-fits-all affair. Independent schools come in all shapes and sizes.

(4) Diversity. Private schools are multicultural and embrace diversity. They are committed to creating and fostering a welcoming community that is inclusive for all its members (faculty and students) regardless of race, ethnicity, ability, socio-economic status, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other attribute that does not define a person’s character.

(5) College counseling. Private schools have college counselors whose job is to specifically help students in the college admissions process. The National Association for College Admission Counseling’s 2014 State of College Admissions reported that on average, public high school guidance counselors spend only 24 percent of their time on college admissions counseling, while their private school counterparts spent 52 percent of their time on college admissions counseling.

(6) Sense of community. In private schools, the atmosphere is cooperative and collaborative. Private schools are like large families, with every member eager to contribute their individual characteristics to the good of every other member and the good of the whole school community.

(7) Building Relationships. Many parents stated that in addition to receiving a superior education, their children would be building meaningful and long-lasting relationships with peers from well-connected families that would prove invaluable in the future.

There is truly a private school for every child. I have found that each school has a different atmosphere and chemistry. The independent sector gives parents the opportunity to CHOOSE a school that is right for their child. However, because of the increase in numbers of domestic as well as international applicants, the private school admissions process has become extremely competitive!

Though the cost of private school is not inexpensive, (the average tuition for day schools is $30,000 and for seven-day boarding is approximately $55,000 per year) the true value and dividends for educating your child, watching them happily learn and successfully thrive, is priceless!

————————————————————————————————-
Dr. Paul Reginald Lowe is the managing director and lead admissions expert at Pinnacle Educational Center Admissions Advisors Group’s Private School Admissions Advisors. Dr. Lowe specializes in providing exclusive concierge-type admissions advisory services for U.S. and international families and students who are interested in applying to top U.S. boarding and day schools. Dr. Lowe also helps U.S. and international students gain admissions into their top choice private schools after they have been wait-listed and rejected.

Top Advantages of Being Accepted to BS/MD Programs

July 19, 2017September 17, 2017 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

High school students who are interested in a medical career should consider combined BS/MD programs. Many of these medical school-from-high school pathways reduce the overall number of years students will spend studying to become a medical doctor.

If you are certain that your child wants to be a physician, why wait? You may want your child to consider the accelerated BS/MD option that guarantees acceptance into medical school after college.

Many of these specialized programs don’t even require the MCATs so students don’t have to worry about studying or registering for MCAT prep courses. Because students in these programs already know that they are admitted to medical school, they can pursue a major of interest rather than a “traditional” premed major although they will have to take basic premed courses: organic chemistry, biology physics and other courses. There is also the financial aspect. It cost thousands of dollars to apply to medical school: MCAT prep courses, visiting medical schools, unpaid internships and application fees. In addition depending on the program if it’s a 7-year med program, you could save as much as $100,000.

Of course, one of the great advantages that I observe with our BS/MD admissions clients is that in their senior year in high school they know that they can be called “Dr.”

————————————————————————————————————————–

Dr. Paul Reginald Lowe is the managing director and lead admissions expert at Pinnacle Educational Center Admissions Advisors Group‘s BS/MD Admissions Advisors.

Intellectual Wealth and Education

July 17, 2017September 17, 2017 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

When people hear the word “wealth” they think of finances, economics of dollars, pounds, gold, etc. or making money. These are actually the materialization of what is seldom discussed: Intellectual Wealth. What is Intellectual Wealth? What does it have to do with education and wealth?

Intellectual Wealth results from the acquisition of intellectual capital. Specifically, intellectual wealth results from obtaining knowledge, multiple intelligences and education. Intellectual wealth is not passive; it is very active. Education is a critical component of intellectual wealth, especially in the global economy.

According to Wealth X, a leading global wealth information and insight firm, more and more international students are applying to elite and prestigious private day and boarding schools, as well as Ivy League undergraduate and graduate school programs. Affluent international parents consider the education of their children as their premier investment. To international parents, a superior education and a pedigree degree for their child, is worth more than real estate or luxury items. Education has become the new global currency and path to wealth.

———————————————————————————————-

Dr. Paul Reginald Lowe is the managing director and lead admissions expert at Pinnacle Educational Center Admissions Advisors Group. Dr. Lowe specializes in providing exclusive concierge-type admissions advisory services for U.S. and international families and students who are interested in applying to Ivy League and highly selective colleges and combined BS/MD programs. Dr. Lowe also helps students gain admissions into their top choice private schools and colleges after they have been deferred, wait-listed and rejected.

As an experienced and trusted admissions advisor for over 20 years, Dr. Paul R. Lowe is an active member of the following organizations that uphold the ethical and professional standards and principles of good admission practices in college and independent school counseling: Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), New Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling (NJACAC), New York State Association for College Admissions Counseling (NYSACAC) and International Association for College Admissions Counseling (IACAC).