Susie Watts, College Planner and Educational Consultant
Susie Watts is the founder of College Direction in Denver, Colorado. She provides college planning for students of all abilities as a supplement to the college advising they may receive in high school. College Direction's services are a real value for parents and students as they make important college decisions.
Susie knows how to motivate and organize kids during the college admission process. She is a teacher, writer, test-prep coach, college consultant, and parent of five children. She understands the importance of good college counseling and the difference it can make for students.
Susie talks openly with teenagers and gains their trust and confidence. She provides college advice that takes your student from choosing colleges through submission of the final college applications. Susie provides parents and students a sense of direction amid all the confusion that surrounds the college admissions process.
Susie visits colleges and universities regularly each year. She knows what makes one school different from another and is always interested in finding the best college fit for your child. Susie participates in national, state, and regional conferences. She meets with college representatives and attends seminars to continue her professional training.
Contact Susie Watts if you need a private college counselor to help your student with the college admission process. Call 303-692-1918 to schedule an appointment.
Professional Memberships
Susie Watts is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), the Colorado Council for High School and College Relations (CCHS/CR), Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling (RMACAC), and College Consultants of Colorado.
Testimonial:
"Jack did not know anything about choosing a college and neither did we. The online college searches came up with schools that just didn't seem to interest him. His school counselor simply
didn't have the time to offer a lot of college help and suggested we might want to contact a private college counselor. Helping Jack find a college, organize his applications and college essays, and meet deadlines was a tremendous help. Many thanks for your valuable college counseling."
Jim R., Castle Rock, CO
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College Planning, Choosing a College, College Advisor, College Essays, Test Prep,
College Help in Denver, Colorado
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Why is College Planning So Important?
Deciding on what college you would like to go to can certainly be a big decision for most of the United States high school kids as well their parents. Probably for the very first time, you are about to make a very important decision to determine where you are going to spend the next four or more years of your life. Therefore it is vital that you have to be more careful about selecting colleges and never make the mistakes that many high school students do by waiting until the final moment of their schooling to decide upon which college they want to attend. In many cases, US school kids and their parents hold on to their decision without preparing for anything and wait until their final semester of the senior year. But for several reasons, it's not wise to do this. So it is necessary that parents have to take some steps when it comes to college planning and helping their kids find the right schools.
However it is a known fact that many colleges have many different admission standards and requirements particularly in the fields of mathematics and science. If you choose to wait until the final moment of your schooling year and then decide to check the admission requirements for your specific choice of field, then you might find that it is too late and that you cannot get into those institutions because you have not taken the required courses.
Moreover if you are looking forward to taking an undergraduate degree course that is not a broad liberal arts degree, but is already specialized, such as premed, engineering, or a science specialty, then in that case the requirement to enter into such courses can be quite tough. The majority of these colleges expect you to apply during the first few months of your senior year. Some have later application deadlines, but probably their deadlines for college scholarships will be as early as November or December. In that case, the college may accept you if you wait until February or March to apply, but you will not be qualified for any of the campus based college scholarships.
That is why college planning is so important.
Generally higher education in the U.S. is quite expensive, therefore by no means you let your procrastination prohibit you from receiving any sort of financial assistance that you might have received if you had applied earlier. An ideal way to conduct college planning is through making all the arrangements by applying for many colleges and also applying for them much earlier than the last semester. This will give you a chance to determine what each college has to offer you and allows you to compare and contrast them. College decision making is really a crucial thing as it is going to determine your future. It is not one that you should make at the last minute or without careful thought.
It is vital that you undertake proper college planning and do not leave this to the last minute to avoid disappointment. Also you need to consider the costs involved and start saving for college at an early stage.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graham_Bowall
A College Counselor's Advice - What Do Colleges Look For?
You Might Be Surprised
If you are a parent of a college-bound student, you've probably wondered, "What do colleges look for?". And, it's good that you've asked yourself that. It means you are wiling to take an active role in your child's post-secondary education. If you have an private college counselor working with your family, you no doubt that been told about the qualities colleges look for in prospective college applicants.
Independent college counselors want to help your students find the schools that are right for them. They know your child might not get into his or her first choice school, but they will make sure that your student has college options. Sometimes students don't take the right courses, are not involved in enough extracurricular activities, or they simply haven't done their college research and aren't prepared for the college admission process.
College planners and educational consultants say that students face the toughest and most competitive college admissions in recent history. More students are choosing college and as a result, university admission standards are being raised. So, what do colleges look for in a prospective student? Or better yet, how can you up your chances of getting accepted? Let's explore a few factors:
1. Get Your Grades - Now, grades come first and foremost when a college is deciding to offer acceptance. Nothing will get you denied quicker than a transcript full of "C's"! Taking care of your overall grade point average (or GPA) from day one is of the most importance. Trying to dig your GPA out of a "hole" after freshman year is not fun, and certainly not easy.
Another aspect that is important with regard to GPA is specific grades in certain subjects. As an example, let's say you are planning on majoring in engineering in college. When you go to apply, the admission representative will be looking for a strong background in math and science. If you have marginal grades in those subjects, you'll end up in the "deny" pile of applicants. An independent college counselor will guide your student in the right courses to take to prepare for specific college majors.
2. Choosing the Right Courses - Be sure you are taking a solid college prep curriculum while you are in high school. Also, take a few AP (Advanced Placement) or honor's courses. They may be tougher and require more time to achieve a good grade, but some schools offer extra "GPA points" for good grades. Plus, colleges love to see those higher level courses on a transcript. They can hurt you if you can't get an "A" or a "B", so be careful not to bite off more than you can chew! It'll pay off in the end! College planners advise students to not overload themselves with AP courses, especially if it causes their grades to drop.
3. Extracurricular Activities - College planners always tell students to get involved in school or community activities from the beginning of their freshman year. So, what do colleges look for with regard to activities. While it is true that involvement in extracurricular activities will improve your chances for admission, there are activities that look better than others. More academic things like National Honor Society and Pi Sigma Pi will always be more impressive than, say, Art club.
Another tip is to try and find activities that show leadership qualities. Colleges want students that are community leaders, so show them that you have the drive to be a leader and you will be rewarded for it! Also, organized sports and volunteer work are great displays of leadership and are always a plus when listed on a transcript. So get going!
There are a lot more little things you can do to help get admitted to your school of choice! Sometimes hiring a college consultant can be one of your best investments. They know how to help students with the college admissions process and have the time and expertise to help students know, "What do colleges look for?".
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E._Thomas
College Counseling Articles Worth Reading
How to Get Your Kids Into the Best Colleges After They Have Been Rejected
These days, getting into the best colleges is nearly impossible for most students. Even the most outstanding students with straight A grade point averages and a ton of extra curricular and leadership activities are getting rejected from the top schools. There are just too many qualified students chasing after too few spots.
Many of the best colleges simply waitlist everybody and then sit back and watch to see what happens.
If your son or daughter has been rejected from the best colleges, especially that one specific college that they had their hearts set on, you have options. Sometimes parents like to hire an educational consultant and college planning to assist their student with this process.
The first thing a students can do is to research the area around the college or university that they wanted to attend (We'll call it College X). Most major colleges are surrounded by other schools, either less highly ranked schools you may not have ever heard of, or community colleges.
Some educational consultants and college planners suggest that students sign up for a community college right down the street from the college that they ultimately wanted to attend (College X).
Why do this? Many college professors, even at the most popular colleges, moonlight at community college or lesser-known schools nearby to pick up some extra cash. Tiy can look at their online course catalog at College X and see how it compares to the course catalog at the community college. Some college planners say that a lot of professors could possibly teach at both schools and students can sigh up for a few of their courses.
It's very easy to stand out in a community college and also very easy to get straight A's. It can also be easy to catch the eyes of these professors who are moonlighting at the community college. You can them ask one of these professors to write a letter of recommendation for you when you go to transfer to your first choice college.
Educational consultants and college planners report that every year the top colleges accept 100 to 200 or so (depending on the college) transfer students. Why do they do that? Because kids drop out every year and they need to fill those seats. Once you are accepted as a transfer student, you become a full student no different from anyone else. In fact, unless you tell people, no one would ever know you are a transfer student at all.
You can check out your target schools web site for information on their specific transfer program and apply online to almost every college and university. Most educational consultant advise students to attend another school for at least a year when they have 30 or more credits to transfer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Markum
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College Planning Services - Give Your Child the Help They Need
An independent college counselor can provide students the help they need when they begin the college planning service. A college education is important for laying down the foundation for a successful career. Choosing the right school and major is vital to a successful college education. Students need to set goals beforehand regarding college and career. There are numerous scholarships and grants provided for college students. These scholarships or grants will enable you to cover your college education without breaking your family bank. College planners and educational consultants provide assistance to students in making the right choices regarding college. They will assist you in how to find ways to pay for college.
An independent college counselor has the expertise and time to help with choosing a college and the college admissions process. This experience permits them to make it easy for you to definitely proceed through your college education without breaking the family bank. College admission can be a challenging process for someone with no previous experience. College counselors explain and assist you with college applications and the college admissions process. They offer their knowledge to students and families to help them choose colleges that are a good fit. They know what works and what doesn't..
College education will play a crucial role in determining the success of your son or daughter in a given career. A good college counselor will guide you through each and every step of the admission process carefully studying the different possibilities for your student. They provide an opportunity for your student to make the maximum of their college education and lay the building blocks for a successful career. College planning is important and too many parents do not get the college counseling their student needs until it is too late. Making the right decisions regarding college can be the turning point in the life of your child.
College counselors will help you make the best of your college investment. They will help you find out about the various scholarships and grants that are provided by the state and also third party scholarships. To ensure that your child knows all about college admissions and the changes that take place every year it is wise to consult a college planner. Consulting with a college counselor will assure you that your student is in the best hands to make the right college decisions.
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/college-planning-services-guarantee-the-successful-career-of-your-child-4276548.html#ixzz1FDMcI1vd
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College Direction works with students in the metro Denver area including Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, Parker, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton and mountain communities including Vail, Breckenridge, Grand Lake, and Aspen.
When Parents Become Too Involved In The College Application Process
If you are a parent helping your child to navigate the ins and outs of the college planning process, you may be overwhelmed by the many steps you and your child must take to both decide on a college and prepare for the next four years. It is great to be actively involved in your child's education. Sometimes, however, parents make the mistake of taking over the college search and application process for their kids. You should know that in order to make a mature college decision, there are some things your son or daughter should do independently.
You likely have some ideas of what you would like your child to become and what major you would like him or her to pursue. The fact is, your son or daughter may not share your same opinion about what he or she should be doing. The questions of what major and future career to pursue are ultimately an individual's personal decision but make this topic a family conversation. Every prospective college student needs some guidance with college planning. However, if the guidance you offer is on the dictatorial side, it may backfire.
Similarly, a student should choose a college major that he or she feels is the best fit. You may wish to steer your child towards a local, nearby college or even your alma mater. Keep in mind that colleges, like shoes, come in different shapes and sizes and with different features and benefits to fit various needs. Talk to your son or daughter about what he or she is looking for in a college and accompany him or her on college visits, but ultimately allow the final decision to be made by your child.
Of course, if you are paying for your child's education, it is only fair that you will have to approve of the choices. You may have a limit on what you can pay each year for tuition. You may also prefer that your son or daughter lives to home and that your travel expenses don't include airlines.
What you are able to contribute to your child's education is up to you, but at the same time, keep in mind that your son or daughter should have a say in his or her future as well. Have a talk about the college choices, perhaps suggesting that if he or she wants to attend a more costly school than what you are comfortable with, he or she will have to make up the difference in tuition.
As a parent, you may be tempted to do much of the work of researching colleges, talking with admissions officers, and filling out applications yourself. In fact, admissions officers are noting an alarming trend where parents conduct much of the early communications with colleges on behalf of their children. This is a mistake.
The prospective student should take the most responsibility when it comes to his or her Bachelor's degree. This means finding out the answers to any questions on his or her own, and filling out any application forms himself. Your role is to guide and support your child in the college planning process.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Whitney_Goldbach
Susie Watts was selected to be a member of the Unigo Expert Newwork. She joins some of the top college admissions experts in the U.S. Her college advice will be featured in monthly online columns. The columns will be presented in
the U.S. News and World Report, The Huffington Post, Seventeen Magazine,
McGraw Hill, and a growing list of others. Susie will also provide advice to students who submit questions to Unigo and want some college help.
Why Hiring A Private College Consultant Makes Sense And Can Save You Money
Four years of college at many private colleges currently costs between $180,000 and $200,000. Next to a house, college is the most expensive purchase most people will make during their lifetime. Despite those costs, many students choose a college without adequate investigation into what would be the best college for that student. As a result one out of three college students leave the college where they started and five out of ten require five or more years to earn their degree. With thousands of choices, it can be difficult to find the right college for any student. Hiring a private college consultant can help students avoid these costly mistakes by finding the right college the first time.
For many students the work to find the right college often creates stress for both the student and their parents. The student is trying to balance the college search with homework, extracurricular activities, friendships and just being a teenager. Finding the right balance can be difficult. At the same time, parents worry about ensuring the best future for their child and put additional pressure on the student when they least need it.
Working with a consultant can take some of that pressure away. A good consultant can take a step back and help the student address those issues related to the college search process without being a nagging parent. Parents are left to provide the nurturing they can do best.
A private college consultant can also help to understand what is needed to gain admission to colleges as they have become more selective. Even those schools once considered safety schools by many students have gotten more selective in their admissions and can no longer be considered safety schools.
The days are gone when high grades and test scores alone could guarantee admission to many colleges. Colleges now look at the student's extra curricular activities, their interests and their volunteer efforts. They evaluate how well the student communicates through their essays and often how the student presents themselves in the interview process. The college consultant knows how to help the student effectively communicate who they are to the college admissions office.
However, it is not just top students that need help finding the right college. Finding the right college for the less competitive student is just as important. Many less competitive colleges have higher drop out rates and lower graduation rates than some of the well known colleges. It is common to find colleges with four year graduation rates less than 50%. These students often need help to find a college that can help the student learn and yet graduate in a reasonable period of time.
Another group of students that often benefit from the help of a private college consultant are those with unusual circumstances. Students with special needs and learning disabilities need to find colleges that have certain resources not available at all colleges. Home schooled students can also benefit from an experienced private consultant. Many colleges are unsure how to evaluate a student without traditional grades and this can put home schooled students at a disadvantage. A college consultant can work with the student to communicate their strongest qualities in a way that the colleges will understand.
Many students rely on high school guidance counselors to help them in the search for the right college. Some students are fortunate to have an experienced college guidance counselor with whom to work. Even these hard working professionals, however, do not have the time to work one on one with those students who want such support.
More commonly, many guidance counselors just don't have the time to spend helping each student with the college search process. With an average ratio of almost 500 students for each counselor, many high school counselors can't take the time to help students with individualized college counseling. Because of time constraints it is not uncommon that many of these busy counselors only know about in state schools that they deal with on a regular basis. They often don't have the time to familiarize themselves with highly selective colleges or colleges for the student with particular needs.
Given the many issues that must be examined in finding the right college, and the costs involved, it is not surprising that it is common for students at top colleges to use a private consultant to help them find the right college.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Todd_Johnson
