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Capstone Educational Consultants

Helping Students with Test Prep, Tutoring, and Navigating the College Journey

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Surviving College Admissions Deadline

In politics, we always hear of the “October surprise.”  High school seniors have a different understanding when it comes to surprises in October.  Throughout the month and the fall semester, students are scrambling for time to finish their applications, edit and re-edit their college essays, all in hopes to reach the college admissions deadline.  And, there are different deadlines depending on the college.  For Early Decision, many see October 15, while others have determined November 1 or 15.  Some Early Action deadlines stretch even later like December 1, 15 or even January 1.  Regardless of the day, surviving this gauntlet of detail can wear down the most eager of students.  

So, here are a few suggestions for parents on surviving college admissions deadline day:

Stay Healthy

Whatever the schedule, getting the proper rest for your student is paramount.  And, be sure to have them eat plenty of smart foods for the brain like salmon, avocado, nuts, broccoli, spinach, berries and let’s not forget; dark chocolate!  Yeah, I know, what student will eat spinach? But, there’s always an alternative! In addition to these great foods, there’s always the daily vitamin!

Stay Organized

When your schedule is packed with school work, band practice, soccer practice, test-prep, volunteering on the weekends and college applications with essays, keeping it all organized is critical.  Look ahead and plan your week accordingly.  It’s a good idea on Sunday to see what your upcoming week may require.  Once you see the big picture, then break it into manageable pieces and plug it into your week to make it all happen smoothly and on-time.

Stay Mindful

Keeping a clear mind is important in producing quality work.  Going for a quick run to unclutter your mind always helps.  You need to be mindful to survive the college admissions deadline.  With a clear mind, your essay is sharper, your applications are clearer and your life gets easier.

 

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Should I Ask For Help With My College Essay?

College EssayWhen it comes to writing your college essay, there’s a moment when you may wonder, “Should I ask for help?”  The likely answer to this question is a resounding YES!  Even the best of high school writers can benefit from another set of eyes and a dose of expertise providing feedback on the most important 650 words you will likely ever write.

But if the answer to this is a resounding YES, then the next obvious question is WHO?  Believe it or not, you are likely not short on options.  Of course, you will want to be strategic and calculated about why you ask for help.  The objective here is to write a compelling essay that addresses the prompt and captures the attention of admissions.

English Teachers

This is probably your most likely go-to for this kind of help.  English teachers are a great choice, especially when you need a special eye on grammar, syntax, spelling, and structure.  But there is a strong possibility their availability is limited.  Don’t forget, they are teaching English and you are not their only student.  Grading papers, managing assignments and conducting classes will come before editing non-essential essays.  Unless you are one of the lucky ones don’t expect to find yourself on their schedule.

Parents and Family

Parents have always played a key role in the college application process.  But, it can be a little tricky when you ask for help from your parents, especially if they serve as your only source for edit.  Your college essay is designed to focus deeply on teaching the reader more about the author.  It requires students to be vulnerable, often transparent, with subjects very close and dear to them.  This is actually a good thing because you want to be all these things for Admissions.  It’s when the subject matter is sensitive that it takes a different tone with a parent’s read.  It’s family, it’s close and when it’s both family and close it’s difficult to edit or critique.  Parents will sometimes fall into the trap of editing the essay as they would write it and neglect or overshadow the student’s voice.

Essay Specialists

The most ideal candidate for evaluating, editing and suggesting direction on your college essay is an Essay Specialist.  These individuals have a background in recognizing compelling essays for college admission.  Did you know there are people who are trained and work solely to improve college essays? It is not uncommon for a person such as this to combine this service with college planning.  And, on a broader scope, there are companies like Prompt who provide a service to students offering significant and valuable feedback on college essays and supplemental essays.  If you’re wondering if there is an Essay Specialist in your area, start by asking your local independent college consultant.

 

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New Location – Peachtree City

We’re growing and needed to find a new location to meet those demands, so we found it in the heart of Peachtree City!  This new location is conveniently located across the street from McIntosh High School and easily accessed by all of Fayette County’s other high schools.

Our new address is 6000 Shakerag Hill, Ste. 108, Peachtree City, GA, 30269.  Directly behind the Waffle House!

Pinwheel of College Pennants

This new address will involve several changes.  Over the next several months, we’ll be announcing ACT/SAT test prep opportunities, ACT/SAT practice tests nearly every weekend, academic tutoring, and much more to complement our already successful and favored college admissions consulting.

When it comes right down to it, Capstone has been a growing presence in Fayette County, assisting families and students far and wide.  With this new location, we are positioned to provide the same quality and respected service at a sweeter value without the hassle of those congested roadways.

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College Essay Bootcamp

College Essay Bootcamp StudentsFor rising high school seniors across the country, the answer to getting a head start on college essays could be attending a local college essay bootcamp.  Unfortunately many simply procrastinate the inevitable and find themselves rushing to complete one of the more critical components of the college admissions process.

There are many opportunities to get a jump on the college essay.  Most colleges require as a minimum requirement a Personal Statement Essay and many others further require supplemental essays covering topics from why you chose this college to the most meaningful event in your life and why.

The process is simple — write the essay and submit with your application.  But in such a competitive admissions environment, students are faced with challenges of making their college essay as spotless as possible.

Some go at it alone in a quiet place, hammering drafts after drafts — searching for the very perfect topic, structure and angle for their essay.  Or, others are able to attend workshops or bootcamps to assist them along the way – making the process less stressful, far less painful with the assurance of capturing the best of angles and topics as it relates to them personally. 

We are offering a College Essay Bootcamp, College Essay Branstorming Workshop and many more!  More details can be found on Capstone’s Facebook Page under Upcoming Events!

Hurry though, space is limited and time is running out for registration!

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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