As we step into July, the excitement of summer is in the air. It's also a pivotal time for high school students and their parents as they navigate the college admissions process. One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, "What is a safety school nowadays?" With so many colleges admitting so few students, it's crucial to understand what constitutes a safety school and how to identify them effectively. Let's first discuss what we mean by safety schools. Also referred to as likely or foundational schools, these are institutions where, based on a student's academic performance, extracurricular activities, and interests, they have a high probability of being accepted. Ideally, we want students to be genuinely excited about the possibility of attending their safety school. However, for parents, it’s essential to look at acceptance rates to determine if a school is a realistic safety option for your child. Generally, a safety school has an acceptance rate of about 60-65% or higher. If a school's acceptance rate falls below 65%, it may still be considered a safety school, depending on your child's academic credentials, but this is less certain. Schools with acceptance rates of 50% or lower, particularly those in the 40%, 30%, 20%, or 15% range, are not safety schools. In today's highly competitive college admissions landscape, even stellar grades and test scores do not guarantee admission to these institutions. Parents and students should also evaluate the following: Cost: Can your family afford the tuition and associated expenses without incurring significant debt? State schools often serve as good safety options due to their typically lower in-state tuition rates. Location: Is the school located within a reasonable distance from home? Proximity can reduce travel expenses and provide a support system for your child. Majors and Career Opportunities: Does the school offer programs that align with your child's interests and career aspirations? It's important that the school provides a solid foundation for their intended major. Many state public universities have rolling admissions or early action policies. These options can enhance a school's viability as a safety option. With rolling admissions, the sooner your child submits their application, the sooner they can receive an acceptance letter. This can provide significant peace of mind during the college application process, as your child will have a confirmed place to go, and it can also be financially beneficial if the school is in-state. We emphasize the importance of having a balanced college list. This means including safety, target, and reach schools. If you need personalized guidance in creating a balanced college list, order a customized list for your teen with The College List Builder (collegelistbuilder.com) or consider scheduling a free Discovery Call (callwithsaa.com).
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A balanced college list is more than an admissions algorithm. Counselors bring their life experiences to the table. Counselors know that life is unpredictable. This unpredictability is reason enough to have students build a well-rounded, balanced college list. #CollegeCounseling #CollegeAdmissions #IEC
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Wondering how to navigate the college admissions journey? GPS recently hosted "The College Blueprint," featuring experts from top universities to help students and parents plan for success. Check out the key takeaways and insights!
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Simplifying College Admissions for Homeschoolers Homeschoolers & Colleges: Breaking Myths and Setting Expectations 🎓Homeschooling often raises eyebrows about college admissions. Is it harder for homeschoolers to get into college? The straightforward answer is a comforting no. In fact, homeschool students frequently succeed in their college applications, matching or even surpassing their traditionally schooled peers. Whether they’ve been homeschooled partly or fully, these students demonstrate a robust adaptability and unique perspectives that colleges value. 💡Imagine learning that UNC Chapel Hill admitted 47% of its homeschool applicants compared to their standard 17% admission rate. That statistic alone is a powerful testament to the value that colleges place on homeschoolers. This isn't an isolated case. Multiple sources highlight that colleges recognize and appreciate the distinct educational experiences and often admit homeschoolers at higher rates. 😎Even Ivy League schools open their doors to homeschoolers, underscoring the readiness of these students to thrive in rigorous academic environments. Embrace the journey with confidence, knowing that homeschoolers can, and do, achieve their college dreams. If questions about college admissions for homeschoolers linger in your mind, we have answers and are here to guide every step of the way. Remember, your unique path is your strength. Visit Cindy Nash @ https://lnkd.in/gNnVrfcK for more information and to get started on this exciting path to academic excellence. 💥If you want to get into an Ivy League, check out my College Admissions eBook https://lnkd.in/gNnVrfcK Ready to work together? ✅ Enhance college selection & application processes ✅ Elevate essay writing & test prep strategies ✅Build confidence & reduce stress Register now & empower your child's future. #scholarshipstudent #scholarshipmoney #scholarshiptest #scholarshipalert #scholarshipoftheday #scholarshipsharing #scholarshipsunday #education #highereducation #collegebound #studentsuccess #collegeprep #admissionscoach #futureleaders #scholarshipsearch #collegeadmissions #studentgoals #academicexcellence #scholarshipopportunity #dreambig
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My name is Sam McLaughlin, Founder of the new college website: collegeconnectiongroup.com, offering both free and paid DSAT/ACT Test Prep services as well as free and paid College Counseling Services. College admissions have become exponentially harder for students trying to get into the top 200 most selective colleges in the United States. 📈 As a result, students nowadays typically apply to between 10 to 12 colleges. The strategy is to apply to two to three safety schools, five target schools, and five reach colleges. 🎯 It is important not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good and to always be authentic in your college application. Admissions officers want to know the real you, so do not try to impress them by being someone you are not. 🌟 #CollegeAdmissions #ApplyingToCollege #BeYourself
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Not a Great Test Taker? Your Teen Can Still Thrive in College Admissions If your teen struggles with standardized tests, here’s the truth: They don’t have to take the ACT or SAT. Yes, I know that might go against everything you’ve heard, and that’s okay! Every year, I work with students who choose not to take these tests for various reasons—and they still get into colleges where they thrive. Here’s how we approach it: ✔️ Practice for Exposure: For our 10th graders, we have them take a full-length practice ACT and SAT. This helps establish a baseline—not for admissions, but so they can see where they stand and gain familiarity in case their state requires testing for graduation. ✔️ Strategic College List: The colleges we focus on for these students are truly test-optional—schools that emphasize essays, extracurriculars, and other factors over test scores. Some even offer unique application alternatives, like submitting a video in place of scores. ✔️ Graduation Requirements Only: If a student needs to take a standardized test for their state’s graduation requirements, we make that the sole test. Otherwise, they skip the testing entirely. The result? Students still find success. They gain admission to schools that see their full potential—beyond a single test. Colleges are increasingly embracing holistic admissions. Your teen’s creativity, leadership, and passions matter so much more than their ability to fill in a multiple choice test. If testing isn’t their strength, don’t worry—they can still achieve their college dreams. Let’s create a strategy that works for them! #TestOptional #CollegeAdmissions #ParentingTeens #HolisticAdmissions #StudentSuccess
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Think Good Grades and High SAT Scores Guarantee College Success? Here’s What Really Matters… Discover the Little-Known Factors That Truly Affect College Admissions Decisions! Many parents believe that stellar grades and perfect test scores are all their child needs to get into a great college and secure a prosperous future. However, as an adjunct professor with years of experience in higher education, I've learned that there's much more to the story. Click here to watch the video in this post! Equip your child with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the college admissions process effectively and confidently. After you watch the video in this post, click the link below to watch our FREE training video and learn more! https://lnkd.in/gXSspMtY #BeyondTheGrades #CollegeAdmissions #HolisticEducation #FutureSuccess #EducationReform #AdmissionsTips #ParentingTips #SuccessMindset #EducationalInsights #CollegePrep
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It’s here! College List Builder is officially live—and this Black Friday, you have the chance to give your family the ultimate gift: clarity and confidence in the college admissions process. From November 29 - December 5, you can get $200 off the original price—now just $97—and kick off your teen’s college journey with a personalized list of 20+ colleges tailored to their unique strengths, goals, and interests. Here’s What You’ll Get with College List Builder ~ A personalized list of 20+ colleges tailored to your teen’s academic profile, career interests, and preferences for cost and location. ~ Expert insights based on my 25 years of experience and deep knowledge of the ever-changing admissions landscape. ~ A free 30-minute consultation to review the list, discuss strategy, and ensure your teen is on the right path. For All Grades 10-12 ~ 10th Grader: Start early to align high school coursework and activities with college goals. ~ 11th Grader: Build focus and confidence now so they’re ready to tackle senior year without feeling overwhelmed. ~ 12th Grader: With deadlines fast approaching, get clarity on the right schools to apply to—and avoid wasted time on the wrong ones. This holiday season, as the college admissions landscape shifts and competition grows fiercer, the best gift you can give is a plan. Whether your teen is just starting to think about colleges or feeling overwhelmed by deadlines, the right college list will set them up for success. Start with Clarity: No more guessing or Googling endlessly. This list is customized for your teen, saving you time and energy. Give the Gift of Confidence: With a clear list of schools that fit academically, financially, and socially, your teen will feel empowered to take the next steps. Reduce Stress for the Whole Family: Enjoy the holidays knowing you’re making informed decisions with a solid plan. Colleges are revising their admissions policies, and the rules are shifting. The right college list helps your teen focus on schools where they’ll stand out, even as requirements and priorities evolve. Whether it’s winter break or a long weekend, now is the time to research virtual tours. A strong college list ensures those visits are meaningful and intentional. Get Ahead of 2025: Don’t wait until January to scramble for answers. Starting with a clear, strategic list now gives your teen the focus and momentum they need for the new year. This Black Friday offer is only available through Thursday, December 5, and spots are filling fast. Claim your $200 discount and start building the perfect college list today. https://lnkd.in/e5rVMNt3
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Feeling overwhelmed by the college admissions process? Join me tonight at 5pm PST for a masterclass designed to simplify your path to higher education. This webinar is perfect for middle and high school students, along with their parents, who are navigating the complex world of college admissions. Why This Masterclass? - Expert Insights: Gain access to the knowledge and experience of Shellee Howard, a renowned college admissions expert and CEO of College Ready. - Proven Strategies: Learn tried-and-true methods that have helped countless students achieve their college dreams without the stress. - Interactive Learning: Participate in engaging discussions, Q&A sessions, and personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs. Who Should Attend? This masterclass is ideal for students and parents who: - Want to simplify the college admissions journey - Seek to understand the nuances of the application process - Desire to maximize their chances of acceptance at their top-choice schools - Aim to graduate college debt-free Join us to turn the daunting college admissions process into an organized, efficient, and successful journey. Empower your student for success! Grab your spot here- https://lnkd.in/g-XMgdrh
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Masterclass- How to Simplify the College Admissions Process. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
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