College Application Essay Tips

August 21, 2017September 16, 2017 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

College admission officers read thousands of essays. They try to discover the applicant behind the standardized test scores, GPA and letters of recommendations. As experienced readers and judges of character they spend about three to five minutes actually reading. You, therefore, want your essay to make leap from ‘average’ to “accepted”.

Here is a comment I heard from an admissions officer: “I read hundreds of college application essays each season. I know the difference between ‘ho-hum’ and Wow! We want this student!”

Here are some times for tips for Writing the College Application Essay

Don’t Panic. In this part of the college admissions process, but do be prepared with a good topic and concise writing.
Answer the question. Sounds obvious, however, admissions officers we’ve talk with stated that many students don’t answer the questions, especially the short answers. Read the question carefully and answer what they are asking for.
Be Honest. Don’t embellish! This is self explanatory. Admissions officers look for inconsistencies.
Be You. You don’t want to sound “amazingly unique” like everyone else. Write about your passions and achievements and show the admissions officers that you mean it. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.

When written well, an essay is marketing tool that can help you STAND OUT and give you that added advantage in the competitive college admissions process.

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Dr. Paul Reginald Lowe is the managing director of Pinnacle Educational Center Admissions Advisors Group network. He and his team of admissions advisors through its admissions affiliate: College Essay Tune Up, review, objectively critique, proofread, and constructively edit college application essays.

Colleges Use a Team-based Approach to Read Applications

August 11, 2017September 16, 2017 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

As more and more top students apply for coveted spots at Ivy League and highly competitive schools, several of these schools have developed a new team-based approach to efficiently analyze and evaluate each applicant. Rather than work alone, each to a recruitment territory, admissions officers are now reading in pairs. They discuss and rate each applicant according to specific criteria, mission of the college and recommend a decision (reject or accept) and type notes into a system as they simultaneously discuss the applicant simultaneously reviewing each application on separate screens. The new approach, initially developed by University of Pennsylvania.

In this new model, one reader assesses the applicant’s academic credentials, reviewing transcripts, test scores, recommendations and course load and the other reader focuses on the student’s voice: essays, interviews and talents. This new evaluative approach allows the admissions officer pairs to have an in depth conversation about each applicant and render efficient decisions and allows the admissions offices to review thousands of applications efficiently.

I have always emphasized to my clients that admissions officers review everything. Now, they are having a conversation about applicants as they read their applications!

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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).

College Admissions: How Will Your Character Be Assessed?

August 6, 2017September 16, 2017 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

The work of selecting students for admissions into colleges and universities is becoming more complex. Each year college admissions officers and their committees review thousands of applications and seek to predict the likelihood of those applicants to meaningfully contribute socially, culturally and personally to their specific college communities. Ivy League and highly selective colleges use a team review process to holistically evaluate each applicant when creating a particular class during the admissions process. That means acceptance to these colleges is not based on a simple formula of cognitive measures (grades and test scores). Instead, admissions officers consider a variety of factors, including the student’s academic record, extracurricular interests, intellectual achievements and personal background, to decide who will be rejected or accepted.

Many college admissions offices are now looking to rely less on cognitive-based measures (standardized tests and grades) and more on character attributes when choosing applicants. They are turning to research showing that a student’s potential for long-term success is predicted less by test scores and more by traits such as optimism, curiosity, resilience, metacognition and adaptability.

College admissions professionals have spent several years determining other character traits that are most important to their respective institutions. When admissions officers have chosen the applicants they plan to present to their admissions committee, the applicants have been determined to have traits such as honesty, resilience, curiosity, perseverance, leadership and the capacity for teamwork. Traditionally, these character traits are discovered by admissions officers using personal essays, interviews, lists of extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation to get a holistic view of applicants. Admissions officers now have other tools for character assessment at their disposal.

For college admissions, character traits tied to an interview, essay answers and letters of recommendation, are just as important and impressive, if not more so as, academic credentials.

I have always advised my clients to consider their character attributes and the holistic approach as they prepare for college admissions. It should now be clear that character assessment is the premier focus for college admissions.

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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).

6 Common Mistakes International Students Make During the College Admissions Process

August 4, 2017February 4, 2020 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

As an admissions advisor and educational consultant for over 20 years, I have seen more and more international students who are enrolled in their local high schools or U.S. boarding schools applying to U.S. colleges. Year after year, I have observed common mistakes that they make during the college admissions process that cause their applications to be rejected.

Not doing research: Most international students know a little about a few universities and not much more. They haven’t researched key things like academic programs and financial aid. They haven’t considered the accessibility, weather or cost of living in the city where they’ll be living.
Not asking questions: Many international students don’t ask questions. To many it’s not culturally appropriate. By not asking questions they may obtain misinformation and be misguided during the admissions process.
Not planning ahead: Most international students expect U.S. college admissions to be very streamlined and the same at each university. In reality, every university has a different process and schedule. International students need to develop a timeline and checklist and plan ahead accordingly.
Not understanding the Common Application: The Common Application is a way which schools assess students and select students. Many international students misunderstand the complexity and nuances of the Common Application and make egregious and irrevocable mistakes on the Common Application which inevitably result in rejections.
Not Marketing Themselves: The competitive college admissions process is about developing and marketing your personal brand not just about your A-levels, TOEFL scores, or SAT scores. Many international students view college admissions selection process quantitatively not qualitatively. They need to understand the American schools’ expectations during the selection process. They need to share their accomplishments and achievements in a meaningful and compelling way to schools through the Common App.
Depending solely on educational agents: While educational agents in their countries are resources for international students, many agents in their countries do not constantly travel to U.S. colleges and universities to know, in real-time, the changes in each university admissions policies. For example, Harvard’s admissions policy and mission is different from Yale, Princeton, Brown, MIT, Columbia, etc.

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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).

Summer College Planning Checklist for Rising High School Juniors

August 1, 2017September 17, 2017 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

Happy August! Are you busy enjoying the summer? Or are you preparing for college admissions as a rising junior? Use your summer downtime to plan and organize your college admissions journey.

Enroll in an ACT or SAT prep course during the summer while you still have time.
Research and find out test dates for ACT or SAT.
For international students, research and find out test dates for the TOEFL exam.
Visit college campuses to see which types of schools appeal to you.
Begin to develop a preliminary list of colleges.
Continue your participation in internships, camps, research, community service and other activities and see how they fit in your college admissions journey.
Review your online persona. Examine your information on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, etc.
Begin to prepare for courses that you have enrolled in for the upcoming school year.

It’s never too early to start planning for college!

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Summer College Planning Checklist for Rising High School Seniors

July 31, 2017 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

For high school seniors applying to colleges this fall, there are a lot of things to do during the summer.

Start working on your Common Application; review the new essay prompts and new features.
Start working on your college essays.
Start visiting or re-visit colleges.
Narrow down the colleges being considered.
Make decisions regarding early action or early decision programs.
Register for the SAT and/or ACT if you didn’t take a college entrance exam as a junior or want to take one again.
For international students, register for the TOEFL or take one again.
Get organized and start creating a checklist and calendar to keep track of standardized test dates, college application due dates, and financial aid deadlines.

College admissions continues to be competitive especially in Ivy League and highly selective college and universities. My recommendation is that rising seniors should use their summers to start the college admissions process sooner than later.

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2017-2018 Common App Introduces New Features

2017-2018 Common Application New Features

July 26, 2017September 17, 2017 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

If you are applying this fall during the 2017-2018 admissions cycle, here’s what to expect from the recent changes to the Common App features (in my previous blog, I covered essay prompts):

Google Drive Integration: Students will now be able to use Google Docs and Google Drive to upload such documents as essays, resumes and other materials within the Common App.
More Access for Mentors/Advisors: Students who are working with community-based organizations, independent counselors or other advisors can assign them to their Common App account. These advisors can observe the students’ progress and provide guidance.
Self Report Courses and Grades: Students will be asked the names of courses taken (or to be taken) over the four years of high school as well as grades that appear on their transcripts. In other words, students will be responsible for self reporting all courses and grades.
Resources for Spanish-Speakers: For student and families where Spanish is the first language in the household, the Common App will be translatable into Spanish.

The above changes are aimed at streamlining the college application process while making it easier for more students to access the Common App. However, these changes, including the essay prompts, allow admissions committees using the new team approach and committee approach, during the admissions selection process, to better analyze student profiles and will additionally, increase the number of colleges to which students will apply to in turn increasing the number of applications that many schools will receive. As a result, expect heightened competition to Ivy League and highly selective colleges and universities in the 2017-2018 admissions season.

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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.”

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

Common Application 2017-2018 Essay Prompts

July 12, 2017September 17, 2017 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

Every year the Common Application adds or revises essay prompts. Here are the announced changes to essay prompts that rising seniors can expect to answer:

2017-2018 Common Application Essay Prompts

1. No Change: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. Revised: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Revised: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. No Change: Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

5. Revised: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. New: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? [New]

7. New: Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

After reviewing the essay prompts with my core team and discussing it with several admissions officers at different Ivy league and highly selective colleges, we have developed a list of tips that you should consider when choosing and answering a question so that your essay stands out:

Choose a prompt that best describes you.
Answer the question!
When you write your essay, write about something that matters to you.
Use your own voice.
Be honest.
Pick a topic that will give the admissions committee an idea of who you are.
Write about your perspective – the lens through which you view your topic.
Consider the schools’ perspectives
Write succinctly.
Proofread, proofread and proofread!

When I give advice to my clients about their essays, I literally spend hours getting to know them, their motivations, their passions, their strengths and weaknesses. This exercise inspires them to free-think and brainstorm. We then, together, consider different essay themes as they apply to their individual personality, in an in depth conversation. My clients then individually re-brainstorm and commence writing their essays in their own voices. Their peerless and unparalleled essays become memorable and powerful lyrics to great songs enjoyed by the admissions committees.

My belief is that a college essay is a personal branding and marketing tool to convince a group of culturally, emotionally, academically, intellectually and socio-economically diverse people in a room (at each college) in 2-5 minutes why they should accept YOU in their institution! This is easier said than done when students are taught to speak, tweet, text, email (and look) just like everyone else in their respective communities.

Are You Ready For College Admissions 2017-2018?

July 10, 2017September 17, 2017 ~ drpaulloweadmissionsexpert

Summer is here. The gaokao is over. And that means it’s time for many students to start their college application planning. Many students will start visiting colleges across the globe. As you visit schools, I recommend that you really try to get a good sense of how you feel about each college campus. This will help you to narrow down what will become your top choice schools. As you near the pinnacle of your college admissions journey, you should celebrate this portion of your journey.

As you visit colleges, take the tours; learn as much about the environment, where you may ultimately be spending four years of your life. Be sure you are comfortable in the surroundings. Do the colleges and universities to which you plan to apply have broad categories of courses that interest you?

Keep an open mind as you plan this next step in your educational journey. If you are applying to Ivy League and highly selective colleges, remember that the admissions committees scrutinize an entire student profile and use a holistic as well as team approach in selecting applicants for their incoming classes. Academic criteria are important to their selective process, however, they look at far more than test scores and grades. Their goal is to assemble a diverse, well-rounded freshman class, and that means admitting exceptional individuals of all types.