The official e-newsletter of The Equestrian College Advisor.

From the blog:

If you read this blog regularly, you’re very well aware that I go on a lot of campus tours. (Since becoming an educational consultant seven years ago, my tally sheet shows that I’ve been on 109 of them if you’re keeping score.) This means I’ve learned about a wide variety of campus traditions, meal plans, library policies, academic programs, and more. (And let’s not even get started on the number of steps I’ve logged on the old FitBit!)

Still, in the past couple of years, the favorite moment I’ve had on many (many!) tours goes something like this:

Our group enters a residence hall with a mock dorm room set up for families to tour and the tour guide proudly proclaims: “And we get free laundry too!” Read More

Many colleges and universities offer discounts and scholarships to students who don't have a demonstrated financial need in the form of merit aid.

These awards are often granted to students based on a specific talent or academic ability. For instance, National Merit Finalists or National Hispanic Scholars may receive special scholarship opportunities at participating institutions. Read More

If you are thinking about applying to college – whether you're currently in high school or are working and thinking about going back to school – chances are you are focusing on factors like location, room and board, and tuition cost. These are important factors to consider when evaluating the total cost of attending a particular school.

If you plan to borrow money to pay for college, knowing how much you will need to borrow to get your degree is an important step in calculating the overall value of attending that school. But to really understand how well any particular college might prepare you for career success, you should consider how well-positioned you will be to actually repay that debt once you leave the school. Read More

Your Senior Spring Schedule (and Other Tongue Twisters)Though only one semester or trimester stands between you and high school graduation, the courses you select for your final months as a senior are just as important as those you selected as a freshman.  In fact, most colleges and universities consider your schedule of selected courses – whether you have taken them or are soon to do so – to be a binding contract as part of your application; that is, they review your application in light of your agreement to complete the listed coursework.  What’s more, if you’re a recruited athlete, the NCAA requires you to complete specific coursework as well.Summary:  There’s no time for senioritis; you’ll need to work hard to the end.Typically, colleges, universities, and the NCAA require all college applicants to complete the following coursework:

• Four years of English – Colleges want to know that you can both read and synthesize information as well as write coherently and clearly.

• Four years of math – No matter what you’ve heard from classmates, four years of math is your best choice if you don’t wish to lose momentum headed into your college years.  Reaching calculus level is best if it’s offered but peaking at pre-calculus is also usually acceptable.

• Three to four years of laboratory science – Biology, chemistry, and physics are the core of the natural sciences.  Colleges want to see that you have a background in these subjects when they admit you.

• Two years (minimum) of social sciences – When in doubt, it’s best to take three or even four years of courses in history, geography, government, and even psychology to give yourself the best foundation for college.

• Two to four years of foreign language – Many students dream of studying abroad in college and high school is the best place to begin your language foundation.  Don’t confuse yourself by taking different languages all throughout high school; your best path to fluency is to practice just one.

• One year of visual or performing arts – Not all colleges require students to take art to gain admission but it doesn’t hurt your application either.  Colleges also typically recognize that state governments require up to one year of physical education as well, so don’t skip gym class either!

Remember, just doing the minimum to get by isn’t the best way to become a successful college student down the road.  Continue to challenge yourself in high school and you’ll find that your first semester of college isn’t as hard as you thought it would be!

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