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.