The Benchmark Blog Has Moved

The Benchmark Blog has now moved to the Benchmark Associates website. Check the Benchmark Associates website for all of the latest information on college admissions.

Career Tips for College Students

As students head to college this fall, families are facing concerns over the future job market, a major shift in career options, and uncertainty about everything from the value of a liberal arts education, to limited summer opportunities for students. I encourage everyone to read this valuable article regarding the benefits of a liberal arts education as it provides solace in this complicated climate as families sometimes struggle with the academic choices made by students. Employers are often looking for those graduates with a broad humanities education as they know that they can count on them to think critically, and be creative and flexible as organizations are faced with complex challenges.

There is no question that it is becoming increasingly important to seek out internships and jobs that will open doors after graduation. Co-op programs, research projects on campus, and summer internships allow students to explore those things they want to do, as well as those they should avoid. As on-campus recruiters cut back substantially, developing contacts through family, friends, college alumni and mentoring programs, or past employers can make the difference when it comes time to graduate. This article provides suggestions for students as they plan for the future.

The Project on Student Debt Highlights Specific University Programs

The Project on Student Debt offers an excellent listing of colleges that are committed to limiting or eliminating student loans from financial aid packages, reducing costs for students and families. The site includes an analysis of each of these programs and information for the programs that meet their guidelines.

2009-2010 Dates for SAT and ACT Tests Announced

2009-2010 Test Dates
Registration will be available mid-Summer

SAT and SAT Subject Test

Oct. 10
Nov. 7
Dec. 5
Jan. 23
March 13 (SAT only, no Subject Tests)
May 1
June 5

ACT Test

September 12
October 24
December 12
February 6
April 10
June 12

The Benchmark Calendar includes these dates and more....

Seattle Area Events for Students Considering Engineering

Two upcoming events offer students a preview of the many opportunities open to those considering engineering as a focus in college. Many universities ask students to apply directly to engineering programs as freshmen, and it often takes the full four years to complete a degree, therefore students need to hit the ground running. These programs offer a way to explore the many creative and exciting engineering disciplines such as energy conservation and development, infrastructure design, and software development.

Saturday, February 7, 2009
Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Conference at the UW

Saturday, February 14th, 2009
The Museum of Flight joins with the Puget Sound Engineering Council to celebrate the annual National Engineers Week with an Engineering Fair.

Update on Admissions

Many private colleges continue to offer excellent financial and merit aid for students, often making the private school choice a good alternative to the public schools which are facing cutbacks. Business Week has recently published an article that highlights various schools and their approaches to recent economic pressures. Representatives for the UC and Cal State Systems and the Washington State System have made it clear that reduced enrollments and budget cuts are moving ahead. 

While it was expected that Early Decision applications that require commitment by a student to attend if admitted would be down this year as a result of economic factors increasing the need by families to compare other offers before committing, this has not been the case. Inside Higher Education has recently summarized these application details at a number of colleges. As expected, applications to public institutions including the University of Washington are already up 20% this fall despite upcoming cuts. 

The Impact of Social Networking Sites on College Admissions

A recent survey of college admissions offices highlights the impact a student's Facebook or MySpace page can have on admissions decisions. While the percentage of admissions offices checking social networking sites is still fairly small, the numbers are growing. Admissions officers may check these sites if there is a concern or question about an applicant, and in some cases have been directed to these sites from other applicants. You should consider the ramifications of posting material that may impact your application. Read more in this recent article in the Wall Street Journal.

The University Washington Freshman Application Now Available

The University of Washington has recently posted the online application for freshman applying for the Fall of 2009. The UW offers a comprehensive review of every application, and essays are very important in this process. To preview these essay requirements, go to this link and select the "Freshmen Application Instructions" and view page 12. The UW offered admission to approximately 60% of resident applicants for the Fall of 2008.

Many students are interested in learning more about the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program, allowing students who are residents of Washington to enroll at participating college programs in other states at a reduced tuition rate. Learn more here, and make sure to explore the search tool offering a listing of programs and any GPA and/or SAT requirements.

The Common Application Launches Today for 2008-2009

Summer is a great time for rising seniors to begin the college application process and avoid the fall crunch as classes start. Begin by getting a login ID and password, and continue to prepare various sections when you have time. Your information will be saved when you again log on for another session. A good place to start is with The Common Application, where students can choose from 345 colleges and submit one common form. Start by downloading and printing the application form to get familiar with what needs to be completed, and set up your list of colleges so that you can track your progress.

More Movement on Wait Lists Still to Come

There has been an unprecedented use of wait lists by colleges this year, with more students being admitted later through the spring and possibly into the summer. Today's Wall Street Journal provides an excellent summary of the wait lists at a variety of colleges and universities.

NPR Report on Waitlists and College Admissions Today

Today NPR interviewed students and Executive Director of the National Association of College Admission Counseling, David Hawkins, with regard to the recent admissions season. In particular the uncertainly and growth of waitlists has drawn out the admissions process for many and resulted in what the NACAC Director calls "chaotic". Listen to the report or download the podcast here.

Colleges Still Accepting Applications

The results are just in from the National Association of College Admission Counseling Space Availability Survey. If you are still considering an application, you should review your options here.

"Bloom Where You Are Planted"

Durham University Botanic Garden

"Bloom Where You Are Planted": This excellent quote from a guidance counselor at Princeton High School, reminds us that in these days of super-competitive college admissions, there are decisions made that are beyond our control, and an unexpected result can actually be a gift. Read this article to help keep the college process in perspective.

If you want to read more stories related to the college admissions process from students and their families, go to this health blog from the New York Times.

May 1st Deposit Deadline Fast Approaching

This interesting article highlights the uncertainty created in college admissions offices this year due to such a large number of applicants and the elimination of many early admit programs. The large number of waitlisted students is a by-product of this uncertainly. It is becoming increasingly clear that many colleges are looking at a student's demonstrated interest in a college before admitting them, as they need to admit those who are most likely to enroll rather than those who might merely be adding a school to their list as a solid option they most likely would never attend.

Many students are in the throes of making the final decision on where to send their deposit, with the added anxiety of being on waitlists elsewhere. Trying to decide if it is worth the increased uncertainty to remain on a waitlist throughout the summer can be difficult, but for many keeping their name in the running is essential. To understand your rights and responsibilities with regard to deposits and waitlists, review the Student Rights and Responsibilities in the College Admission Process provided in this link. Remember to let the colleges you have decided not to attend know this right away, as this could free up a spot for a waitlisted student.

Resource Update for Students with Learning Disabilities

Today's Wall Street Journal includes an excellent article for students with ADD/ADHD and their families. I am always on the lookout for positive individual profiles of those living with ADD and ADHD, and was particularly impressed with her focus on the different approaches taken by these families as their children progressed through school.

Another valuable resource that has recently been published is a DVD entitled, "College Success for Students with Learning Challenges". Monica Andrews, Ed.D. of www.reelwisdom.com has produced a valuable tool for both parents and students evaluating their college choices. College students share their stories to help others understand what they need to do to make the most of their college experience, what the differences will be between high school and college, and how to access the resources available to them. You can watch a preview here.

This website is useful for evaluating the support for students with learning disabilities at a variety of colleges by providing links to those colleges that go beyond the mandated level of support.

2008-2009 Standardized Test Dates Announced

The dates for the 2008-2008 ACT tests have been announced and are available online at the ACT website and on our College Calendar. Proposed dates for the SAT and Subject Tests have been announced and will be finalized by the end of Spring. These proposed dates are included on our calendar.

I suggest you determine early on in the college process which test is best for you and focus on preparing for just one. The PSAT given in October of junior year will give you an indication of where you might score on the SAT and these scores (usually available from your high school by December/January of your junior year) can be compared to a PLAN score (a pre-ACT test usually given to sophomores) or to an actual or mock ACT. Scores for the ACT and SAT can be compared using this table. For those students interested in a list of schools that do not use either test to admit substantial numbers of student can review the list here.

Both the ACT and SAT are accepted by many colleges and universities. This can be confirmed on the individual website of each college on your list. In addition, some colleges will require the SAT Subject Tests in either two or three subjects. It is best to schedule these tests at the end of the academic year in which you took the course in your high school. Here is a listing of the subjects available for these one-hour tests which are given on the same date as the SAT with the exception of the March test date. An updated calendar with subjects available in 2008-2009 will be posted in late Spring.

The SAT question of the day is a good start in getting familiar with the SAT.

Campus Food Becomes Increasingly Important to Students

Outside dining with Nobel Laureates is a great option at CalTech

I always recommend that when students are on a campus visit, they should try and spend some time in the dining hall listening and talking to current students, checking out the bulletin boards and learning what they can about life on campus. What I inevitably hear are comments about the food. Today's students are used to a variety of food choices and place a great deal of importance on time spent together eating. This fun article in today's New York Times highlights the growing importance of the food experience as a major factor in selecting a college.

Colleges Still Accepting Applications

If you are still thinking about other options for your college career, there are still many colleges and universities accepting applications for the Fall of 2008. For students who are interested in using the Common Application, they have posted a listing of their member schools which still are accepting applications. Simply click on the form, "Requirements Grid" and the members colleges' deadlines will be displayed. In addition, you can access a listing of all colleges through this link including deadlines, as well as this resource for colleges and universities with rolling admissions.

Making the Final Decision

With the May 1st deposit deadline approaching, many students feel a new kind of pressure. In April, colleges are hosting open houses and weekends for admitted students to entice them to enroll, welcoming them to campus with open arms and lots of fanfare. The good news is that the tables are now turned and the visit has a new feel as accepted students approach campus knowing they have been admitted and that it is now up to them. After a long fall and winter, students are finally in the driver's seat.

I suggest you read this valuable article to evaluate your choices. In addition, you can use this worksheet to compare your financial awards and costs. I also suggest you consider those things that were important to you when you put your list together and go to each of the schools websites to compare these factors. For example, were you looking for a school that offered a lot of activities on campus, and clubs to join. Go to each website and find a club that looks interesting and learn more about it: does it have lots of members, meetings and activities? How about the upcoming schedule for the weekend on campus: are there interesting events? What do the housing options look like, and what required courses will you be taking as a freshman. It is better to find all of this out now, rather than when you are enrolled. While you may have investigated this early on, your preferences may have changed. Comparing these items in a clear list with your final choices can help you determine which is the best option for you.

Another helpful tool can be social networking groups like Facebook. Students can use this to share comments within a specific college group, or to discuss and/or read about other colleges between which students are deciding. Your college choices may be very similar to other students, so sharing this insight can provide a new perspective and help you learn more about those who could be fellow classmates.

More on waitlists.......

The news continues to roll in on waitlists, which appear to be growing in popularity. As I mentioned yesterday, the increase at the more selective schools is being attributed to the uncertainty that has been created with fewer binding early decision schools. The Wall Street Journal today has addressed waitlists as well as the ever-popular topic of increased selectivity of colleges.

An important point to remember amid all the talk of those same super-selective 50 colleges and universities is that most colleges accept the majority of their applicants. According to a recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, 80 percent of students were admitted to their top-choice college in 2007, and 82 percent of colleges accepted more than half of their applicants. It is unfortunate that the hype continues to reign for the three percent of colleges that take fewer than 25 percent.