Capstone Educational Consultants

Helping Students and Families Navigate the College Journey

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Military Academy Applications

Military academy applications are nothing to waste time on getting completed.  In fact, there are many necessary steps far different and above the normal application for admission to your typical college or university.  Missing any one of the many additional steps could not only delay your application but could result in compromising the application review.

The number of applicants across all branches of the military has increased in numbers throughout the last several years.  With more superb applicants have come an increased level of competition.  Students are encouraged to do what they can to make themselves more competitive.  Higher test scores alone will no longer be enough to set potential candidates apart.   The application process for high school juniors begins in January of their junior year and must be completed by October of their senior year!

Here are a few of the many tips offered by the USMA (United States Military Academy):

  • It is your responsibility to complete your file, not your parents. Read all instructions carefully. Do not wait months to contact the office to find out what’s wrong with your file or what you think is missing.  Please put your candidate ID number and state you are from on all your correspondence.
  • Put your CORRECT Social Security number on the SAT/ACT exam, DO NOT GUESS. It will cause problems later in the process. Have the scores sent to USMA from the College Board. The code for USMA SAT is 2924 and ACT is 2976.
  • When it is time for your medical physical, bring copies of all your medical documents with you that pertain to broken bones, allergies, skin diseases or anything that may be an issue down the line. If you have broken a bone, make sure to get a letter from your doctor explaining “that you have returned to full rigorous activities with no limitations”.
  • You can read through all the tips here.

United States Air Force Academy

United States Naval Academy

United States Military Academy at West Point

United States Coast Guard Academy

If you have any questions or need assistance in this journey, send us a quick note here!

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College Fair: Waste of Time?

When it comes to attending a local college fair, is it a good idea or simply a big waste of time?  Sometimes it’s difficult to determine.  After all, it’s a night out, usually at a local high school gymnasium and filled with scores of people . . . some of which may even recognize you!  Heaven forbid!

Regardless of whether you are a high school sophomore, junior or senior, attending a local college fair can actually be a waste of your time, but it can, and should be the best use of two hours as an investment towards your future.  The key to which it becomes is found in how you manage the moment.

The evening only becomes a waste of your time if you show up, walk around, pick up brochures from this college or that college, grab a complimentary cookie and dart for the exit sign.  The only thing of any value added to your college journey is nothing more than what you could have gained by spending an equal amount of time drifting through some college websites.  Oh, but you did get a cookie!

Great value in the evening comes when you engage the college representatives and make a point to learn about the many possibilities and opportunities that simply wait for you around each corner.  So truly, hitting your local college fair is never a true waste of time so long as you are walking away with information, conversations and insight — perhaps a personal connection even.

In fact, as you engage the college representatives, here are the top 5 things you should consider asking them:

Top 5 Things To Ask A College Representative At A College Fair
  1. What are your strongest majors and why?
  2. What do students typically do on the weekends?
  3. How much help is available from the professors outside the classroom?
  4. Why should I consider attending this college/university?
  5. How would you describe the student culture on campus?

By asking these top questions both you and the representative will have a great deal to talk about together!  You’ll have a better understanding of the college and their answers will likely cause you to think of something else that piques your curiosity further!

 

 

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5 Course Application


This is application season, but it’s another season too.  As I look out my office window, there’s a slight breeze in the air and the leaves have a crimson burn.  The evening air is crisp and the days are shorter.  It’s a season that all but forces the thoughts of sweaters, thick socks and some of the best food grandma has ever made.  The smell alone adds another size to the waist-line. 

DessertDuring these festive and bountiful meals pacing is necessary.  Piling it high is the temptation second only to dashing for the dessert table.  There must be a strategy to make it through without immeasurable pain and discomfort.  It takes a plan, time and patience.

I think of another overlapping season.  The college application season is equally festive and overwhelming as is the family feast.  With this season, however, there comes an unnecessary level of stress, anticipation and trepidation over measuring up to the standards for admission.  Much like the season of fall, family and lots of food, the college application season is to be filled with fun.  But unlike the season of good food, the college application season is met with what impact it will have on the future.

Is there a solution to ensuring the college application process can be fun, thorough and productive for everyone? 

I suggest an approach that in all respects may look somewhat like a five course meal.  (Thinking about that just made me hungry!)  Here’s a 5 course plan to avoid college application indigestion:

Amuse

“Most five-course meals open with the amuse bouche (or amuse gueule, depending on whom you ask) a dish that can be eaten in one bite and should ideally excite and prepare the palate for the dinner to come. The amuse is one of the hardest dishes in the progression as it should set the course and bring the theme to the diner in an unmistakable yet playful way. The amuse is normally not counted as a course.” 

This stage in the plan establishes a theme to the rest of of the courses.  The amuse of the college application should begin early – well before the senior year.  With research and discovery, students should enter this amuse stage by doing extensive research regarding colleges and universities they may further identify as good matches.  It’s important to ask the right questions along the way.  Some of those questions may be:  What is the culture like on campus?  Are there any internships or study abroad opportunities?  Do they have the programs that interest you?  Prepare to defend why this college is on your list if someone were to ask.

Soup

“A good soup dish expands upon the amuse and brings a new layer into the composition.”

I equate this stage to learning more about the colleges and universities on your list by visiting the campus.  The campus visit can add an entirely new dimension to the discovery and learning process prior to making application.  This truly is a new layer and dynamic.  By visiting the campus, students are able to visit with actual students, hear stories, talk with professors, share in a classroom experience and obtain an overall “feel” for the college.  If given the opportunity, students may even consider staying the night on campus.

Entree

“The entree is usually not made with red meat (though, again, there are exceptions) and features proteins, starches, vegetables, and a sauce. It’s a small course, or a number of small courses on one plate to start the dinner.”

By the time the entree arrives in the college application process I would suggest a student has already built a solid list of “good-match” colleges or universities.  It is during this stage we encounter many elements that make this such a rich experience.  In addition to the application itself, students will find themselves taking and submitting standardized test scores (ACT or SAT and SAT subject tests where applicable), submitting transcripts, requesting letters of recommendation, building and preparing activities and involvement lists (this could be in the form of a resume or a ZeeMee.com account). 

Cheese

“Following it there’s a cheese course (to close the stomach, as the French say).”

Cheese is grossly overlooked in the American cuisine.  It is, by far, one of the most critical components that can make or break the meal.  The wrong cheese with a great entree can leave a bad taste.  The college essays are very similar in playing such a critical role in the process.  It should not be overlooked.  Rather, the selection of topic and voice in the writing process can either excite the reader or disinterest the reader.  Carefully draft the college essay to reflect who you are.  At this course in the meal, cheese is to be consumed slowly to appreciate the flavor and enhance the overall experience.  Likewise, the college essay should not be rushed.  It is important to take the time to draft and redraft.  You want your essays to compliment and enhance the many elements that tell your story.

Dessert

“Rounding everything up is the dessert (from French “deservir – to clean the table”) course.”

I don’t know about anyone else, but this is my favorite part of the meal.  By the time I get to dessert I’m nearly full, but the sweet celebration is worth every savory bite.  This is the moment to “clean the table” so-to-speak.  You’re done and your hard work is going to pay off.  Your applications are submitted in their entirety and now it’s time to wait for word from each of the colleges or universities on your admission.  Remember, it took a plan, time and patience throughout this journey and if you’ve followed this 5 course plan, there’s no doubt you are ready to celebrate.  Well done!

All italicized quotes are from Jonas Mikka Luster, Former Cook who answered a question on Quora and recently featured in the Huffington Post Blog. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/quora/what-does-a-true-five-cou_b_7599524.html

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Getting A Top Recommendation Letter

When it comes to getting those much needed references and recommendation letters for the college of your dreams, it isn’t as easy as one might think.  For many students, the mere thought of asking someone else to write about them is over-the-top, while for others it’s tough determining those who would best fit-the-bill.

So, in the spirit of taking the steps toward getting that glowing recommendation letter, let’s discuss some simple steps to take that will take the sting out of who and how.  Since college admissions offices place a great deal of weight on these letters, mastering the art of asking is ever important.

Here are some recommendations:

Be Aware of Your School’s Procedures

Knowing exactly how your school handles your request for a recommendation letter and what to expect once it is written will take a great deal of mystery out of the process.  Should you ask the teacher directly or is there a form to complete in the guidance office?  Will a copy of the recommendation letter be placed in my academic file?  Will the teacher send it to the college or will the guidance office?  Other than who writes it, who else will read the recommendation letter?

Know Who You Might Ask

Take the time to make a list of those teachers you would like to participate in your college journey by writing a recommendation letter for you.  These teachers should know you differently, in a variety of environments in the context of school.  They should be able to speak of your character, academic responsibility, ethic and habits.  They may even be able to share insights into untapped leadership skills or compassion for others.

Be Sure To Ask Politely, In Person

One of the absolute keys to obtaining a glossy recommendation is the approach you take in asking.  Never should you email or phone a request, nor should you nonchalantly ask in passing.  Take the time to respectfully request by setting up a meeting.  During that meeting, which does not have to take a long time, it will be a great opportunity to briefly share a little about your goals and plans for your college journey.  Be sure to let them know why they are an important part of your journey.

Give Them Plenty of Time

Remember, nothing great happens overnight, so don’t expect your teacher to write your recommendation letter overnight!  Give them plenty of time to consider and write a well-thought letter to reflect the best of you!   It may be a great idea to give them at least a month lead time before they are actually required.  Giving them enough time will reflect your maturity and courtesy.

Equip Them

It certainly isn’t required, but it may be an excellent idea to further prepare your teachers in the details of who you are and what you enjoy.  It’s as simple as preparing a simple folder to include a resume of your academic courses, extra-curricular activities (both in and out of school) and be certain it includes your address and contact information.

Waive Your Right

Admissions personnel prefer to read letters of recommendation that have remained confidential.  This provides a more authentic and honest reference and one that is not obstructed by the influence of other’s opinion.  This pure reflection speaks volumes and can be obtained by making certain they are not sent to the admissions office from your hands.  Therefore, provide the information to your selected and trusted teachers necessary to submit them upon completion.

Say Thank You

A simple “thank you” goes a very long way!  After all, the teachers are taking their time to write about you, so you need to take the time to write to them.  Be sure to write a simple thank you card in your own handwriting and place a stamp on the envelop and place it in the mailbox — don’t forget to put the flag up!  Do not send a thank you email — that is super tacky!

When it all boils down, it’s important to be organized in this process.  So, take the time to do that from the beginning and it will make things so much easier.  Follow these steps along the way and it will put in place the steps needed to get that detailed letter needed to stand out in the admissions office.

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Atlanta Area College Fairs

It is that time of year!  Temperatures are cooling down, leaves are scattered about and colleges are assembling at thousands of locations throughout the United States in preparation of the new recruiting season.  The great news is there are a few of these fantastic fairs coming to the Atlanta area and Fayette County and you’ll not want to miss this great opportunity to get a taste of colleges from all over the country.

Georgia PROBE College Fair
Fayette County Fair
Thursday, September 18, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Sandy Creek High School, Jenkins Road, Tyrone, GA, United States

Atlanta Performing and Visual Arts College Fair
Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts
991 Old Alabama Road
Mableton, GA 30126
770/819-2521
Monday, September 29, 2014
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Christian College Fair – South Atlanta
Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy
2400 Highway 42 North
McDonough, GA  30253
October 21, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Christian College Fair – North Atlanta
Mount Paran Christian School
1275 Stanley Road
Kennesaw, GA  30152
October 23, 2014
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Atlanta National College Fair
Georgia International Convention Center
Sunday, March 22, 2015

11th Annual Black College Expo
Cobb Galleria Center
Saturday, March 28, 2015
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
877-427-4100