http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean Answers to your college questions Sat, 10 May 2008 23:18:04 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Question: My son was accepted by three colleges, and he has chosen the one he wants to attend. Are there samples somewhere of what to write the two schools he has decided not to attend? We would like to be as polite as possible and express thanks for ... http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/how-to-say-no-to-colleges-that-said-yes.htm Question: I was recently placed on the wait list at all my top choices (Northwestern, Columbia, and Washington University in St. Louis). If a wait list letter requests that I do not submit any additional information, would it be in my best interest to follow instructions rather than sending ... http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/help-my-waitlist-college-doesnt-want-to-hear-from-me.htm Question: How much consideration do graduate schools give to the prestige of the undergraduate institution that an applicant attended? I am currently a high school senior deciding to attend either UC Berkeley or USC. I am aware that although UC Berkeley is ranked slightly higher and has a "better" name ... http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/cal-berkeley-vs-usc-undergrad-for-econ-grad-school-aspirant.htm Question: I have an overall weighted GPA of 3.51. My SAT scores are: Critical Reading 550; Math 480; Writing 500.What are my chances of getting into college? There are so many colleges and universities that will accept a student with your credentials that your head may spin from the ... http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/admission-chances-for-b-student-with-mid-range-sats.htm Question: I've been told that before my son takes a gap year, he has to apply to--and be accepted by--a college, then talk to them about deferring admission for a year. I was under the impression that he could apply for college during his gap year. Which is correct? Your ... http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/can-my-son-defer-college-applications-to-gap-year.htm Question: My son received a rejection letter from Fordham (his dream school). As you can imagine, as a parent, I feel helpless and want to help. I called the school and asked about their appeal process. They told me that they rarely overturn their decision. I've committed ... http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/appealing-a-dream-school-denial.htm Question: We have always tithed to our church, and we give money to many charities, so we are thought to have more money available than we actually have. This is NEVER taken into consideration in any financial aid info I have seen. Is there any way to have our substantial ... http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/finaid-credit-for-church-and-charity-gifts.htm Question: Our son did not get into the only school he applied to. We are looking for information to help make this next year as productive as possible -- junior college? volunteer abroad? As well as looking for direction.... Sorry to hear that you're scrambling at an ... http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/help-our-son-was-not-accepted-anywhere.htm Question: We have a high-achieving, loves-a-challenge 8th-grader who will be attending a high school that offers IB and AP. Which of the two do college admissions prefer? A growing number of high schools seem to be offering both AP and IB, and thus many parents (and students) are befuddled by their ... http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/ap-vs-ib.htm Question: Can you please explain what Rolling Admissions means and how colleges determine when to send out your decision? “Rolling Admission” colleges and universities evaluate applications as they arrive, and decisions are mailed shortly thereafter—usually within two months. Places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Thus, when considering Rolling Admission ... http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/how-does-rolling-admission-work.htm