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Articles by Bradford Holmes
Start Planning for 4+1 Master's Program Admissions in High School
Many colleges offer accelerated combined degree programs, sometimes referred to as "4+1 programs." These programs allow a student to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in five years rather than six. However, gaining admission to a particular college does not automatically guarantee your admission to its 4+1 programs. In other words, you often must apply to them separately.
4 Ways to Bounce Back From a Subpar Junior Year of High School
It's common knowledge that junior year of high school is the most critical. After all, it is the last full academic year that students have to build their college applications and impress the schools they apply to. If your junior year ends up paling in comparison with how you had imagined, trying to rebound from that may feel like a hopeless pursuit. However, it is possible. Here are four ways to bounce back from a disappointing junior year.
Pros, Cons of Applying to College as an Undecided Major
In many cases, colleges and universities will not require applicants to declare a major as a high school senior. (Getty Images) The applications for many colleges and universities allow students to specify an intended major, though this is not required – and not all students ultimately choose to do so. In most cases, choosing to begin college as an undecided major or electing to declare a major before arriving on campus depends on an individual student's situation.
5 Tips for Designing a Test Prep Timeline
For many students entering their junior year of high school, one of the most stressful parts of preparing to apply to college is taking the SAT or ACT, one of which is suggested for application to the vast majority of four-year colleges and universities. At this point, students are inundated with so many different test-taking tips, strategies and services that it can be quite challenging to sift through them all.
Consider the Revised SAT, ACT for Test Success
Even with the SAT and ACT redesigns, it may be best for students to stick with the exam they have been preparing for. (Hero Images/ Getty Images) One of the most common descisions you face as a high school sophomore, junior or senior is whether to take the SAT or ACT. Although the colleges you are applying to may play a role in determining which test to register for, you should also consider your strengths as a student and test-taker when deciding which standardized exam to prepare for and take.
Determine Whether to Declare a STEM Major on College Applications
College students who declare a STEM major may have access to certain scholarships or counseling that aren’t available to undeclared students. (Hero Images/ Getty Images) If you are hoping for admission to a STEM-focused major, you may plan to declare this concentration on your college applications. However, you may have an advantage in applying as an undeclared major and waiting until your freshman or sophomore year to declare a STEM major.
4 Ways to Bounce Back from a Subpar Junior Year of High School
By most measures, the most important year of high school is junior year. It is the last full year in which students can build their application profiles and impress colleges. How well students perform in junior year classes, on standardized tests and in extracurricular activities can significantly affect the level of anxiety felt during college application season.
3 Freshman Year Questions to Ask Your High School Counselor
In some high schools, planning for college does not begin until a student's sophomore year. But freshmen are often in the best position to tailor the high school experience to their college goals since they have several years ahead of them. High school counselors will generally tell their students to take a relatively standard set of courses. These courses are designed to give all students, regardless of intended major, the necessary foundation to succeed in college.
Manage Time Wisely on the ACT Writing Test
After reading the prompt, take the first 10 minutes to brainstorm and determine your outlook on the issue. (PeopleImages/Getty Images) Many students struggle to properly brainstorm, organize, write and edit their essays in the brief 40 minutes that they are allotted. For help, consider the timeline below that offers guidelines on how much time to allot to each particular writing task.
3 Last-Minute AP Prep Tips to Ace the Exam
Students should review the parts of the course that they found the most challenging. (Hero Images/Getty Images) The first week of May is a critical time for high school students who are enrolled in Advanced Placement courses. For these students, May is when they must – somehow – account for an entire year of challenging content on a single test. If you are taking more than one AP class, you may even have to do this multiple times on the same day.
3 Reasons Parents, Students Should Attend Admitted Students Days
Your acceptance letters have arrived, and you’re in – congratulations! Now comes the tough part: making your final college selection. Here are 10 tips from students, parents and alums to help you navigate the decision-making process. Step Away From the Tour "Sit on the quad, away from the tour guides and away from the admissions counselors," says Laura Hartnett, a senior at American University.
Pros, Cons of Applying to College as an Undecided Major
Depending on the program, declaring a major during the application process could help students get seats in required classes that are offered infrequently. (Westend61/ Getty Images The applications for many colleges and universities allow students to specify an intended major, though this is not required – and not all students do so. In most cases, choosing to begin college as an undecided major or electing to declare a major before arriving on campus depends on an individual student's situation.
New SAT Requires Updated Test-Day Techniques
Since students will no longer be allowed to use a calculator throughout the entire math section of the SAT, they should consider whether to use one at all. (Purestock/ Getty Images) With the SAT undergoing a series of fundamental changes this year, many test-day techniques that were previously effective will need to be re-evaluated – though not necessarily reinvented completely.
3 Times When Applying Late to College Makes Sense
Students who apply late to college need to keep in mind that they may face stiffer competition since many spots may be taken. (Jamie Grill/ Getty Images) Many colleges and universities in the U.S. have very strict admissions deadlines.
Show These 5 Traits During College Admissions Interviews
During the interview, applicants should confidently discuss their strengths – being too humble can be a disadvantage. (sturti/ Getty Images) As students go through the often nerve-wracking experience of applying to college, they occasionally overlook the admissions interview. These interviews can sometimes be the tipping point between an acceptance or a rejection, so it is important to put your best foot forward.
Ask 3 Questions to Decide Between AP Exams, SAT Subject Tests
These two assessments can be easy to confuse, as they are both a means of highlighting the precise knowledge that can boost a student's application. The two types of tests, however, are quite different in a number of key ways. Students should consider several factors, including the following, before deciding which type of exam to take. 1. Which exam will your prospective colleges accept – or, in some instances, require?
3 Tips to Work Ahead in AP Classes This Winter Break
Using vacation time to revisit challenging or upcoming course materials can prepare students for the next semester of their AP class. (Alex Potemkin/Getty) But for students who are enrolled in AP courses – especially those taking multiple AP classes – this break can also be an opportunity to improve or solidify grades in these courses and prepare for the important end-of-year AP exams in May.
4 Things to Know About College Student Shadowing Days
Treat any shadowing experience as part of the college search rather than a fun day or weekend away from school and home. (Moxie Productions/Getty) Despite the many resources available to high school juniors and seniors who are deciding where to apply to college, some students struggle when determining whether or not to apply to schools that are on the cusp of their short lists.
3 Ways to Capitalize on College Fairs to Distinguish Your Application
Ask questions about your potential major or extracurricular involvement, and hand out copies of your high school resume. (Peter Muller/ Getty Images) ​College fairs, whatever their size and wherever they may be held, are excellent opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to learn more about potential colleges and universities.
3 Differences Between Studying Abroad, Pursuing a Degree Overseas
Many study abroad programs are tailored to U.S. students, so enrolling directly in a school overseas may provide a more immersive cultural experience. (Dave and Les Jacobs/Kolostock/Getty) In reality, these two options are quite different, and there are a number of important factors that high school seniors should consider if they are deciding whether to spend all or part of their college career in another country. Below are three to start thinking about. 1.
Ask Yourself These 4 Questions Before You Apply Early Decision
While early action has few drawbacks, early decision should only be used when a student is 100 percent sure of his or her first choice school. (PeopleImages.com/ Getty Images) While one can argue that there are few drawbacks to early action, early decision (or ED, for short) is another matter. Students who are considering applying ED to a school should weigh a number of questions very carefully before deciding on this path.
What Rising College Application Volume Means for the Class of 2020
Increasing application volume may lead to lower acceptance rates, but some schools may instead elect to accept more students. (Image Source/Getty) ​College application volume has been rapidly increasing. In the past, applying to six or seven colleges might have been considered more than sufficient. Now that number has become not just commonplace, but in many cases, lower than the norm. Some students even apply to 15 or more institutions.
3 Tips to Stop High School Senioritis Before It Starts
Setting academic goals for your graduating GPA and test scores can help you remain on track as college approaches. (Blend Images - Moxie Productions/ Getty Images) Senioritis is one of the most significant problems that all high school students face. Once the second semester of senior year begins and college acceptance letters start to arrive, it is extremely difficult for high school seniors to remain focused on the task at hand.
Start Planning for 4+1 Master's Program Admissions in High School
Use your time in high school as an opportunity to pursue classes and extracurriculars that demonstrate an interest in your intended field of study. (Sam Edwards/Getty) A growing number of colleges and universities now offer accelerated degree programs, which are sometimes referred to as "4+1 programs." These programs allow a student to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in just five years, rather than the usual six or seven.
5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Between AP Courses, Capstone
Students who already planned on taking six AP courses may find the diploma program is a good fit.(Getty Images) The College Board's Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma Program, or AP Capstone, is still a relatively recent addition to the course catalog at many high schools across the U.S. To earn the diploma, students must complete two core classes in a specific sequence: AP Seminar, typically as a sophomore or junior, and AP Research the following school year.
Sidestep 5 Common Errors When Reapplying to College
Ensure you identify and correct weaknesses in your application, such as low test scores or a subpar personal statement. (pixelheadphoto/ Getty Images) As the college admissions process becomes increasingly competitive, a growing number of students are choosing to reapply to universities six months or one year after their initial, unsuccessful attempt.
Beware of 4 Red Flags of Gap Year Programs
Not all gap year program fees include transportation and housing costs, so make sure you know which extra expenses you'll be responsible for before making your decision. (IMAGEMORE Co, Ltd./ Getty Images) With more students investigating the possibility of taking a gap year, more programs emerge, greatly broadening the options for interested individuals. So it is more important than ever to properly weigh your options when evaluating various gap year programs.
Revise Your Prep Plan for Success on the Revised PSAT
Questions will place more emphasis on analysis and using information in context instead of rote memorization of words or formulas. (Hero Images/Getty) The year 2016 may seem quite distant, but for high school students who plan to take the redesigned SAT, the preparation begins in 2015. To further complicate matters, the 2015 PSAT will debut a redesign similar to the revised SAT. If you plan to sit for the PSAT, it will be important to adjust your preparation in key ways.
3 Students Who Can Benefit From the Community College Transfer Path
Community college is something many American students give very little thought. But for a growing number of individuals, the community college transfer path is a vital road to a bachelor's degree. This path, where a student completes two years at a community college and then transfers to a four-year institution, can be especially suitable for three types of students. Consider [ 10 reasons to attend a community college. ] 1.
End-of-Year Mistakes to Avoid for High School Juniors, Seniors
Juniors should keep college planning at the forefront of their minds, and seniors should make sure to maintain a rigorous academic schedule. (Paul Bradbury/ Getty Images) During the final weeks of the school year, many students find their attention to detail and commitment to their studies waning as their attention turns to the upcoming summer vacation.
5 Steps to Mastering AP Free-Response Questions
You'll be awarded partial points for correct information and process, even if you aren't able to fully answer the question. (Westend61/ Getty Images) For many students, the most challenging section of an Advanced Placement exam is the free-response portion. No matter the subject, the free-response section can lead to intense worry.
Recover from a High School Sophomore Slump
If you find yourself struggling, assess your efforts and focus on making improvements in your junior year.(Getty Images) The sophomore slump is one of the most common hurdles that high school students face. Luckily, the academic dip that many 10th graders experience is avoidable and repairable. In order to recover from – or prevent – a sophomore slump, you should first understand the cause of this phenomenon.
Perform to Your Potential With These AP Calculus Exam Tips
Students can earn partial credit on the exam for showing they used the appropriate formula and noting their calculator work. (Oleg Prikhodko/Getty Images) The Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam is one of the most challenging AP tests that students can take. Students must master a large number of math concepts and then draw from this knowledge to answer multiple-choice questions and free-response problems.
Seek Out-of-School Experiences to Help Choose a College Major
Out-of-school experiences can be an excellent source of not just social, personal and emotional growth, but also of clarification. As high school students begin to consider college majors, they often turn to their course work and school-sponsored extracurricular activities for guidance. However, out-of-school experiences like job shadowing and service projects can also help students recognize whether or not a particular subject is for them.
The Truth About 3 Common ACT, SAT Strategies
Using a calculator to solve math problems could actually slow your progress.(Getty Images) Mastering exam content is undoubtedly a necessity for any student who wants to stand out on the ACT or SAT. However, the other half of the battle is learning when to employ which test-taking strategies. Unfortunately, many myths abound regarding which strategies can score you the most points on the ACT and SAT.
3 Questions to Ask Before Taking SAT Subject Tests
SAT subject tests are hourlong, multiple-choice exams that assess a student’s knowledge in a specific subject. These test are less commonly completed by students than the ACT or SAT are, despite the fact that certain schools require them. Other colleges strongly recommend them, and some schools have no preference at all. But subject tests should be viewed not as just another application requirement, but instead as an opportunity to provide depth and variety to your profile.
Master the College Video Admissions Interview With These Tips
Be sure to dress professionally and choose a quiet, uncluttered spot like a library to hold your college video interviews. (iStockphoto) An increasing number of colleges and universities are turning to video communications services like Skype to conduct interviews with prospective students. Video interviews combine the convenience of a telephone conversation with the face-to-face experience of an in-person discussion.
Get Gaming Over Winter Break to Improve SAT, ACT Prep
Even games that aren't explicitly designed for SAT or ACT studying can benefit students by strengthening logical reasoning skills. For students in the midst of their ACT or SAT prep, winter break can be an excellent opportunity to relax and refresh both the brain and the body. While some students choose to continue studying during their vacations, others pause their grueling daily routine, rest their minds and connect with friends and family.
6 Final Steps Before Sitting for the SAT, ACT
The best way to succeed on test day is to get plenty of rest and refresh your basic skills in the days leading up to the exam. (iStockphoto) No matter the length of your ACT or SAT prep plan or your confidence level, the final week before your test date can be nerve-racking. To further complicate matters, relying on the same review schedule and study techniques during this week can negatively impact your performance on the SAT or the ACT.
4 Types of Students Who Should Consider International Universities
Students with a particular academic major in mind can benefit from attending school in a country or city known for that topic. Thousands of students study abroad, but far fewer individuals consider earning their entire degree by attending college or university full time in another country. Doing so can unlock many unanticipated benefits, and it may lead you to finding your ideal school.
4 Tips for Adding Safety Schools to Your College Short List
If you are determined to attend a small liberal arts school, don't choose to apply to a large urban university just because you know you'll be accepted. A great deal is written and said about how students should decide on the list of colleges to which they will apply. Students often agonize over which program is best for them, but they neglect one very important consideration when compiling this list: their safety schools.
What to Know Before Starting SAT, ACT Prep
The SAT and ACT both test reading and math skills and are will soon both include optional essay portions. Deciding whether to take the ACT or the SAT as his or her college entrance exam is one of the most important decisions a high school student must make. Although the tests are similar in many ways, there are key differences to consider before choosing one and beginning your prep. Below is a primer of what you must know about the exams before you start studying.
Leverage Your Individual Data to Find a College Match
Targeting schools that accept students with academic profiles similar to yours is a good first step in finding a college fit. Many students approach the college application process with the belief that more is better when it comes to sending in applications. The thought is that more applications means a better chance of being accepted. They often begin this process by examining factors like location and size, and then they compile a large list of schools.
5 Keys to Success in Advanced Placement Courses
As college admissions competition increases, demonstrated success in Advanced Placement courses has become an important component of many high school students’ college application portfolios. The material covered in AP classes is more challenging than the content in standard high school courses. As such, AP courses can intimidate even the most confident students. With the proper level of commitment and effort, however, there is no reason to fear AP classes.
Know the Questions Students, Parents Should Ask During College Tours
Students should try to speak with current students if possible, and parents should make a point of speaking with staff and administrators for answers on financial aid and academic support. Participating in campus tours is one of the best ways to narrow your college list. These tours serve as an excellent point of reference for both parents and students when it comes time to choose a school.
Salvage Summer ACT, SAT Prep With a Shortened Timeline
Instead of trying to cram for the SAT or ACT, diagnose your academic strengths and weaknesses to maximize your prep. Some high school students begin their summers with the intent of fully preparing for standardized college admissions tests. They understand that their time to study for the ACT or SAT will be limited once they return to school in the fall and wish to complete as much exam preparation as possible while their schedules permit.
5 Must-Do Tasks for the Summer Before College
Universities courses likely won't rehash background material, so take time to brush up on high school material before beginning freshman year. For numerous soon-to-be college freshmen, July marks the halfway point between high school and the start of this exciting new journey. And while it may seem as if late August or early September will never arrive, there is still so much to be done. Here are five must-do tasks to accomplish in the weeks that remain. 1.
Boost College Applications With a Positive Online Presence
Students should check search engines like Google to see what results an admissions committee might find if they searched an applicant's name. (iStockPhoto) While not all schools participate in this practice, and while even those that do may not screen all potential incoming students, you can never be truly certain of who may be searching for your online presence, as well as when and for what purpose.
Hone the Top 5 Soft Skills Every College Student Needs
Although a strong background in traditional "hard" skills like writing, mathematics and science will always have its place in academic and career worlds, an increasing number of employers desire prospective employees with "soft" skills. Soft skills include the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and the willingness to learn through experience, and are applicable across multiple disciplines and careers.
3 Steps to Take if You Are Rejected From Your Dream College
Try to fight the initial disappointment of rejection by focusing on the unique qualities and opportunities your second-choice college offers. If you're like many of the students who applied to college this year, you probably waited impatiently for months hoping you would be accepted to the one college you fell in love with the moment you stepped on its campus. You followed the advice of your college counselor and completed applications for other schools, but you truly cared about just one.
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