​Dear Students,
 
I’m sure you’ve heard by now about the college admissions scandal sweeping the country.
 
I just needed to write to you as I can imagine that you feel some of the same feelings I do. I’m ashamed by our system. I’m skeptical. I’m ANGRY. But if I’m honest, I’m also not entirely surprised.  Throughout your lives you will encounter people who cheat, lie, and use unfair influence to get what they want. It’s a sad reality.
 
But, I also feel thankful and proud to work with you- who work so hard every day to live out your goals- and with your parents- who share the honest goal of helping you meet your true potential.
 
Let’s put this into perspective. Sure, there are 40 or so students who were accepted to elite colleges because of this fraud scheme, and there are likely thousands more. But there are hundreds of thousands who have succeeded on their own merits. 
 
I’ve always said that there are things we can control in college admissions, and others that we can’t.  As you grow older, there will be many other situations that you can’t control. 
 
So, it’s okay to feel skeptical, cheated, or really mad. But just keep doing what you do every single day: enjoy your high school experience, work hard, and focus on all that you can control.
 
In the end, your grit, integrity, work ethic, and character will define your future success and happiness much more than the name brand of the college you land in. 
 
Just keep being you, and you’ll feel an incredible sense of pride in the end. I promise!
 
Warmly,
 
Jen

Jen Rosier
Founder
PrepU Admissions and Test Prep

Deferred? Advice and Actions You Must Take

With dramatically increasing numbers of applicants, universities are consistently deferring qualified applicants to the regular decision pool. Whether your early action or ED school was a "Hail Mary" or a carefully targeted "safety" school, a deferral stings.  Deferrees- take heart! Though disappointing, this interim decision has a silver lining: the college or university views you as a well-qualified and worthy applicant!

The bottom line is that the common application has made applying as simple as the flick of the wrist. Admissions folk are well aware that many students apply to upwards of 20 schools, many of which they've barely researched.  If your interest in xxx university is genuine, there are a few key steps you can take to improve your chances of admission:


1. Email your regional admissions counselor. Most colleges have a feature to search for your local admissions counselor who was most likely the first person to review your application.  Email this person as soon as you can. The intent is to prove your continued interest in the school. Be polite, humble, and succinct. Some schools will offer a cursory response, while others will provide valuable insights. Either way, you're proving your interest.Here's a sample letter: 

" I learned yesterday that I've been deferred from xxx. I was disappointed since xxx is my top choice school, but I appreciate the chance for reconsideration. If you could share with me any factors that may have delayed my acceptance, I will be very grateful. What can I do to further improve my future chances of admission?" 

You will also want to include new, relevant updates about you! Universities aren't interested in receiving the same information they've already seen.  Examples: 

• New sat/act scores
• Recent accomplishments: did you make it to the regional debate team competition? Did you earn your first A in an honors level course? Are you a newly elected officer or captain?

3. Send a new letter of recommendation. First, carefully review university policies about recommendations. Some are clear that they only want two, while others welcome all recommenders.  Solicit a recommendation from a trusted adult who can illuminate another side of you. Examples include a coach, boss,  or an arts instructor. Ask your recommender to address the letter to your college of choice.

4. Consider snail mail. Compare the number of emails you receive to the number of good old USPS letters you receive. The same applies for admissions departments. Sending a letter of interest to your regional admissions officer is a way to stand out!

5. Attack Plan B. I know you're tired. I know you wanted to be done. Forge ahead with applications to your regular decision schools.  Regroup and carefully assess your other options, and start your work on new applications.  Many schools have regular decision deadlines of January 1, 15, or even February 1. 

6. Think big picture. Chances are that if you are reading this article, you are invested in your future. Call me cheesy if you're inclined, but let's gain some perspective. There are thousands of colleges and universities in our nation. There is one that's right for you. You can't control everything, but you can control your own success wherever you land.

JNeed help with regular decision applications? We're here for you, and we work with students all over the world. Book a free consultation here. 
 

​Rejected.
When my 25 year old son reads this post, he’ll text me a signature one-word text:
 
“Really.”
 
It was college admissions decision season nine years ago.  I was a level-headed college coach by trade, and a freakish, anxiety-ridden beast of a Mom at heart. Each morning, I’d watch my son leave for school in his fresh 1987 Toyota Corolla, and get to work. Coffee. Check. Phone off. Check.  I needed complete focus. I was on a week-long mission to crack the code of the password to my son’s University of Southern California applicant site, which I had so correctly told him was “his personal business.”  While I coached my client families to let their kids “own the application process,” I  attempted and re-attempted every possible password. Riley? (family dog). Nope. Nomar? (favorite childhood Sox player). Nope. I lovemymom2011? (A girl can dream). 
 
Each morning I’d make my educated guesses until the warning flashed, “ your account will be locked on the next attempt.”
 
It was easy to justify: I had to know if my son had been rejected  from his dream school before he did, right? What would I say? Would I paste a Miss America smile on my face or sob along with my baby boy? How could I fix this kind of failure? I needed to prepare.
 
The actual rejection story was much less dramatic. I was curled up on the couch watching Friends when my son casually stepped into the doorway, muttered “I got rejected,” then retreated to his room. I was left alone, clueless about what to say to him, and choking back the tears I was too embarrassed to let fly.
 
Let's admit it. Our generation can't stand to see our kids fail. Give a quick glance at your child's bookshelf; chances are it is lined with participation trophies and certificates of appreciation.
 
Maybe that's what makes college admissions so uniquely wrenching: for the first time in our kids’ lives, they are thrown to the wolves, to be judged by complete strangers, and there’s nothing we can really do about it. 
 
Most of us go in to the challenges fully aware that rejection could occur. We are reminded of the competitive landscape, but we still aim high. Yet somehow, when the rejection letter arrives, we are heartbroken. How will my child bounce back?
 
Like any good college coach, or at least the honest ones, I'll admit that I've worked with families through their fair share of rejections. 
 
Here's my advice for parents:

• Restrain (yourself). This is your kid's rejection, not yours. Your student may be devastated by the news, but maybe he or she has already prepared for this outcome. Either way, take your cues from your kid. Listen then react, not the opposite.
• Recognize. College admissions teams have clear objectives that are beyond our control. As they work to round out enrollment goals, thousands of worthy candidates are rejected because of diversity goals, talent gaps, or majors quotas to fill.
• Reframe. Your child may momentarily lose sight of the end goal when facing the Wall of Shame, but you don't have to. Remind yourself of your truest hopes for your kid. Most of the families I've worked with share the same goal: to help their kids land where they can be successful, happy, and challenged. Chances are there's an acceptance that will fill the bill. 
• Re-evaluate. The new age of hiring values marketable skills and performance more than undergrad name-brands. When a student enrolls in a school where he or she can shine, she is afforded enormous opportunities such as internships and research positions. Remind your child that graduate programs and hiring corporations value performance and experiences. 
• Reinforce. They’ll roll their eyes, shrug you off, or give you the dreaded Death Stare, but deep down your kid could really use a pat on the back right now. Dole out some unbridled praise, and tell your kid exactly why you’re proud. 
• Rally. If your kid has been accepted to a few schools, make an effort to visit. Hit accepted students days, research the merits of these schools, and let your kid hear you telling the next door neighbor how proud you are... because when it all comes down to it, aren’t you?

 
Postcript
Guinea Pig Kid Number 1 graduated from his next-to-last-choice school with honors, and reports he can’t imagine being so happy at any other school. He doesn’t live in my basement, and he is happy and successful in Cambridge. I've never hacked the passwords of kids numbers 2 and 3. 

About the Author
Jen Rosier is owner and founder of PrepU Admissions and owner of Tutor Doctor Suburban Boston. For more than 25 years, Jen and her team have helped thousands of families from all over the world to envision and achieve their academic dreams. An expert in test prep and admissions, Jen is all about de-stressing and simplifying the admissions process. Oh, and helping families to afford a college education!

Go ahead. Pat yourself on the back.  Completing your applications is a major accomplishment.  So take a day or two off to bask in your awesomeness, then get back to work on a few tasks that can help you nail an acceptance! Don’t make the mistake of going rogue when you can still influence your admissions decision.


1.Check Your Email. You should receive an email from each school you’ve applied to acknowledging receipt of the application and providing a login to a student portal.  CHECK YOUR PORTAL to make sure that each school has received all of the components of your application. Commonly missing materials include forgotten SAT/ACT scores, school transcripts, or recommendations.  If you are missing any items, call the school to confirm, as sometimes the portal isn’t updated immediately.  Then, save the login as a bookmark on your web browser, because  you a few months from now you will check in there for your admissions decision!​

2. Check Your Finances. If you haven't already done so, work with your parents to complete the necessary financial aid forms, the FAFSA and for some schools, the CSS. Also, keep working to find school-specific, local, and national scholarships.

3. Interview. If your school offers optional interviews, book them as soon as possible! You should take any opportunity to prove your genuine interest even if the requirement is “optional.”  

4. Visit. Scan the website for additional admissions events either in your local area or on campus.  Winter and Spring Open Houses often offer major-specific information sessions,  These are a great time for you to make another mark on     campus and learn specifics about your program! 


5. Introduce Yourself. Most admissions departments are set up with regional reps who handle different geographic areas. These reps will most likely be the first to read your application. If you haven’t already done so, now is a great time to introduce yourself! You can find your rep by calling the admissions office or perusing the website. Keep it simple: introduce yourself and provide a memorable detail, reiterate your interest, and ask a specific question, but don’t waste their time. 
​
6. Social Media Scan. Believe it or not, many admissions counselors will take the time to check out an applicant’s social media profiles.  Be smart. Rule of thumb: for the time being, post like your grandmother follows you. 

7. Update on Accomplishments. If you’ve achieved any significant accomplishments since your submission date, let your rep know in an informal and friendly email. What’s worth sharing?

8.  Keep your grades up.  Just do it. Most teachers will start to let up on you a little soon enough. Don’t throw 13 years of hard work away now. 

9.  Try Not to Obsess. Now that you’ve really done all you can, try not to obsessively check for admissions decisions.  Your best bet? Check the site to learn the admissions decision delivery date, mark it in your calendar, and THEN check the status!

Jen Rosier, Owner and Founder, PrepU Admissions and Test Prep

Will applying early improve my chances? What’s the difference between ED and EA? What about financial aid?


These are the questions I hear every day from our client families. I get it! This stuff is confusing.
​How you apply to colleges can dramatically impact both your acceptances and your financial packages. Your application strategy needs to be tailored to your family’s academic goals and financial considerations. We work with thousands of families to strategically build college lists designed to maximize acceptances and scholarship dollars.
While every university has its own admissions policies and historical data, I hope that this simple table will give you a little information to get started. From here, work with a professional education consultant or your school guidance counselor to craft your own application strategy.

Here are a few tips you need to know:
1. Early Decision is binding. When you apply Early Decision, you promise to enroll if off ered admission. This has both benefits and drawbacks, as ED acceptance rates tend to be higher, but the binding status makes comparing financial packages impossible.
2. Early Action is non-binding. You may apply to as many schools as you’d like under the EA plan, and you will be able to decide where you would like to enroll once you’ve received all of your acceptances. While a few schools show higher EA acceptance rates, in general applying EA will not dramatically improve your chances. But, you will be able to compare financial packages and give some more time to your college selection.
3. Early Decision 2 is binding. ED2 is simply another chance to apply Early Decision during the January timeframe. You will improve your chances, but you will be bound to enroll if accepted.

DOWNLOAD MY CHEATSHEET HERE

We’ve helped thousands of families make strategic application plans based on their financial and academic goals. Feel free to reach out to me if you need help maximizing scholarship dollars or gaining entrance to your dream school!

Jennifer Rosier
Owner/Education Consultant
 781.526.4192
www.collegeprepsolutions.com
collegeprepjen@gmail.com 

Summer is a great time for test prep since you have more time on your hands and it keeps your brain engaged!

Private tutoring of small groups begin in July!

Schedule

The November college admissions deadlines have mostly passed, and many early action applicants are breathing easier today. However, there are a few actions you can take to further improve your chances of acceptance!

1. Check that everything has been submitted. Of course you've requested submission of your transcripts, recommendations and scores. However, our worthy guidance departments are inundated at this time of year. A quick check-in with your counselor is worthwhile. Also, don't forget to send in any new SAT or ACT scores.

2.  Make this your best quarter ever. This isn't the time to rest on your laurels. Most schools will consider 1st and 1nd quarter grades in their admissions decision, and nothing screams "motivated student" more than an upward trend in grades!
Also, check in with your guidance department to ensure they will automatically send these new grades.

2. Make a personal connection. Locate the name of the admissions counselor who handles your geographic area. Send a simple email introduction, and update the counselor on any new accomplishments!   If you are an aspiring athlete and haven't yet been recruited, reach out to your preferred coach and introduce yourself! Remember, this is a busy time for admissions folks, so don't pepper them!

3. Take a tour or schedule an interview if you haven't already done so. Demonstrated interest is important to many colleges. But, stay sane: you don't need to visit every school you apply to, but showing your interest to your top choice schools is always a plus.

4. Begin your regular decision applications. In our perfect worlds, we will be handily accepted to our top choice schools, but preparing for deferral or rejection is key. Don't wait until decisions roll in to begin your regular decision applications, especially if they aren't on the common app.

There's nothing quite like hitting that "submit" button for the first time. Relish it, cross your fingers, and don't forget to congratulate yourself on a job well done!

Author:
Jennifer Rosier
Principal and Owner
College Prep Solutions/Tutor Doctor of Suburban Boston

Parents of Juniors? Here’s all you need to know about the NEW SAT.
 
Choosing whether to take the SAT or ACT has never been a simple question, but students in their junior year will face an even more complex decision.  With the launch of the redesigned in March 2016, our nation’s class of 2017 will have another decision to make:

1. Take the current SAT BEFORE the launch of the March 2016 SAT in order to avoid the unknown
2. Take the redesigned SAT
3. Avoid all the chaos and take the ACT!

 
Juniors are skeptical about the changes, and many worry about the implications of the new exam. “We are the guinea pigs, I guess,” grumbled one of my current SAT students, Jackie M. Jackie, an accomplished student near the top of her class, has elected to prepare early in the hope of avoiding the new test all together.
 
As a test prep tutor, I share some of my students’ wariness. Here’s why:

1. Longer turn around time for scores.  While currently students wait about three weeks to receive their scores, the College Board is predicting an upwards of 10-week turnaround time for the redesigned SAT.  Since we use student performance data from one test to improve for the next, this slow turnaround can really slow down the improvement process!

1. A Paucity of Test Prep Materials/Expertise.  Sure, most of the basic skills such as math and reading comprehension contained in the current SAT will apply in the redesigned SAT, there are fundamental changes that will impact how we prepare for and take the test!

1. NO Calculator and Open Response Math Questions

For students with less than desirable arithmetic skills, the enhanced no calculator section of the exam could be a thorn in their sides. In addition, a greater number of open response questions leaves more room for error.
 
 
Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Class of 2017.  Here are the silver linings:

1. No Penalty for a Wrong Answer!  Gone will be the days of complex skipping strategies on the SAT. The model is simple: rack up points for correct answers.
2. Less Emphasis on Inaccessible Vocabulary: No more sentence completions replete with words most students have never heard.  Instead, emphasis will rest on vocabulary in context.
3. Optional Essay: The redesigned SAT will now have an optional essay component rather than rolling the essay score into the Writing score.  Careful, though: most colleges and universities have not yet published their policies about whether they will require the Essay for the class of 2017.  Best bet? Just take it.

In truth, the new SAT looks more relevant, real-world, and possibly more predictive of college performance.
 
My advice to the Class of 2017? Look at the launch of the redesigned SAT as a unique opportunity rather than a burden!You have more choices than any students in recent history.Carpe Diem!
 
Not sure which test is right for you- ACT, SAT, Redesigned SAT?
 
Contact Tutor Doctor’s Jen Rosier to schedule a free consultation.During this session, we will review your student’s academic profile, goals, schedule, prior test scores, and learning style and to devise a simple admissions test plan!
 
781.301.7272 www.trustedtutorsMA.com
 

Parents of Juniors? Here’s all you need to know about the NEW SAT.
 
Choosing whether to take the SAT or ACT has never been a simple question, but students in their junior year will face an even more complex decision.  With the launch of the redesigned in March 2016, our nation’s class of 2017 will have another decision to make:

1. Take the current SAT BEFORE the launch of the March 2016 SAT in order to avoid the unknown
2. Take the redesigned SAT
3. Avoid all the chaos and take the ACT!

 
Juniors are skeptical about the changes, and many worry about the implications of the new exam. “We are the guinea pigs, I guess,” grumbled one of my current SAT students, Jackie M. Jackie, an accomplished student near the top of her class, has elected to prepare early in the hope of avoiding the new test all together.
 
As a test prep tutor, I share some of my students’ wariness. Here’s why:

1. Longer turn around time for scores.  While currently students wait about three weeks to receive their scores, the College Board is predicting an upwards of 10-week turnaround time for the redesigned SAT.  Since we use student performance data from one test to improve for the next, this slow turnaround can really slow down the improvement process!

1. A Paucity of Test Prep Materials/Expertise.  Sure, most of the basic skills such as math and reading comprehension contained in the current SAT will apply in the redesigned SAT, there are fundamental changes that will impact how we prepare for and take the test!

1. NO Calculator and Open Response Math Questions

For students with less than desirable arithmetic skills, the enhanced no calculator section of the exam could be a thorn in their sides. In addition, a greater number of open response questions leaves more room for error.
 
 
Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Class of 2018.  Here are the silver linings:

1. No Penalty for a Wrong Answer!  Gone will be the days of complex skipping strategies on the SAT. The model is simple: rack up points for correct answers.
2. Less Emphasis on Inaccessible Vocabulary: No more sentence completions replete with words most students have never heard.  Instead, emphasis will rest on vocabulary in context.
3. Optional Essay: The redesigned SAT will now have an optional essay component rather than rolling the essay score into the Writing score.  Careful, though: most colleges and universities have not yet published their policies about whether they will require the Essay for the class of 2017.  Best bet? Just take it.
   

In truth, the new SAT looks more relevant, real-world, and possibly more predictive of college performance.
 
My advice to the Class of 2017? Look at the launch of the redesigned SAT as a unique opportunity rather than a burden!You have more choices than any students in recent history.Carpe Diem!
 
Not sure which test is right for you- ACT, SAT, Redesigned SAT?
 
Contact Tutor Doctor’s Jen Rosier to schedule a free consultation.During this session, we will review your student’s academic profile, goals, schedule, prior test scores, and learning style and to devise a simple admissions test plan!
 
781.301.7272 www.trustedtutorsMA.com
 
 
 

Friends and valued clients - - - We are expanding!

Over the past 6 years, College Prep Solutions has helped more than 500 students improve their test scores and grades and gain admission to their best-fit colleges.   This has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and one that we are eager to continue for many more years.

For this reason, we are so happy to announce our decision to partner with Tutor Doctor, an international in-home tutoring company that provides superior educational support services and an exceptional commitment to families.  

With this partnership we now proudly offer tutoring services in all local towns and the following areas:


Subject Area Tutoring for K-12 and adult learners
Enrichment
SAT/ACT/SSAT and all test prep
College Admissions Consulting and Essay Brainstorming
Support for students with learning differences. 

Thank you so much for your support of College Prep Solutions since day one.  We are a company built on trust and personalized relationships with our students and we cannot wait to go through this exciting transition so we can help students of all ages!  Please stay tuned and contact us for any of your tutoring needs!


The College Prep Solutions Team

Answer: Varies for each student!

There is no single "right" time to take your first official SAT or ACT exam, but there are certain factors which can help you to create an appropriate testing plan.  First, I'll outline a few assumptions and basic information:

1.  Your child will most likely prepare for his or her official SAT or ACT. This can require between 6-12 weeks of work.
2.  Your child will most likely need to take the SAT or ACT more than once.  
3.  The SAT is offered in October, November, December, January, March, May, and June (details)
4.  The ACT is offered in September, October, December, February, April, and June (details)
5.  The average student should take the test at least once by the Spring of Junior year


1. Consider the Data.  If your child has taken a PSAT, this is a good starting point.  In addition, you may consider having your child take a practice ACT exam in order to compare relative potential on each of the two tests. (This is very simple and your child can self-administer and self-score such a test by visiting act.org) Remember, all colleges accept either the ACT or SAT, and no preference is given to either test.   Determining early in the game which test to focus energies on can save time and effort down the road.  

2.  Current Coursework.  The Math portions of the SAT and ACT include basic Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, and a small selection of Trigonometry questions.  If your child has not yet completed at least half a year of Algebra 2, you may want to wait until he has done so in order to maximize potential.

3.  Student Schedule.  Preparing for standardized tests requires work that is comparable to adding an entire course to your child's busy schedule.  Choose a time during the school year (if possible) when your child has  fewer commitments. If your child has a Fall and Spring sport, for example, start prep during the late fall/early winter months and take the first test in early winter!  

4. Student Goals.  Does your child have Ivy dreams? Still unsure about post-high school paths?  Either way, it's important that you inform yourself about the testing requirements of the types of schools to which your child will eventually require.  A rule of thumb is that Ivy League and top tier schools will require 2-3 SAT Subject Tests in addition to SAT and ACT scores.  Most other schools require only the SAT or ACT.  Make sure to keep this in mind as you put together a testing schedule.

5.  Student Learning Style.  You know your child better than anyone.  Some students benefit from being exposed to material over a long period of time, while others reach their peak quickly then burn out.  While preparing for tests will almost always yield higher scores, the structure and length of that preparation varies depending on individual styles.  In addition, students with IEPs or 504 plans may be eligible for special accommodations on the 

Though this all may seem sticky and complicated, the simple process of mapping out a testing calendar and plan can help to eliminate some of the stress!  

Sample Testing Calendar for a Jackie, a student with Ivy dreams
Sample Testing Calendar for Luke, a college-bound B student
Sample Testing Calendar for Annie, a college-bound B/C student with learning differences/IEP