http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/index.php Thu, 17 May 2012 21:09:47 -0400 Phorum 5.2.14 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,59,73#msg-73 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,59,73#msg-73
1. My dad doesn't want to go see UVA because he visited once and disliked the architecture. He says I'll get tired of it, so it's not worth going. He really means that it's too much time and effort on his part to drive 100 miles over Virginia. How can I convince him, short of nagging, that visiting UVA is worth it?

2. What's the best way to get 100 miles across Virginia? PHC is located in the Leesburg area and UVA is in Charlottesville (duh).

3. Any tips on keeping costs down? Flights, hotels, that kind of thing?

4. What's a good time frame for college visits? My dad wanted to throw in a week touring Washington D.C. Is a Monday-Friday trip standard?]]> Randomdej Join the Conversation Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:37:44 -0500 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,59,72#msg-72 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,59,72#msg-72
I've visited a few of the schools on my list. My school does two annual "college tours" (one around the state of Florida, which I went on last year, and one to Ivy League schools, which I'll be going on this week), so I was able to see most of the schools in my state. We had tour guides and were able to explore campuses on our own. It was fun to be able to explore the campus of certain schools on our own since we could go see things that were of interest only to us (most of the schools we visited on the Florida tour had tour guides who were students majoring in some liberal arts; I am an engineering-major hopeful; they completely ignored any engineering things, sadly), but the tour guides gave some good all around feel of the school. They showed us places like the student center, main offices, popular places to eat, the auditoriums and stadiums, etc.

I've also visited the MIT campus before; during a summer program there. I stayed in the dorms and took some classes there for six weeks and I fell in love the first day I was there. It was definately an exciting experience! I think the best way to get a feel for the college is to actually stay for a day or two, sit in on some classes, converse with locals, etc.

I'd totally recomment visiting colleges. The trip really isnt that expensive and seeing the campuses has definately helped me decide which colleges I DON'T want to apply to. If anyone is planning to visit a college, I'd reccommend that they visit colleges that they feel confident about applying. For example, I wouldn't miss out on a visit to MIT (my 1st choice), but I could probably pass on going to Caltech (choice#6). Since the person would be absolutely sure that they want to go there, he or she should know whether or not the campus is a good fit for them.

~Natalia]]> Natalia Join the Conversation Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:19:56 -0500 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,71#msg-71 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,71#msg-71 Dawn at WiseChoice WiseChoice Feedback Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:18:24 -0500 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,70#msg-70 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,70#msg-70
Could there be an option to "Stay logged in" on the login page? I have to relogin once a day or so, which is far too often for me. Heh.]]> Randomdej WiseChoice Feedback Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:51:10 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,63,69#msg-69 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,63,69#msg-69
Dawn at WiseChoice]]> Dawn at WiseChoice WiseChoice Feedback Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:53:04 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,68#msg-68 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,68#msg-68
Dawn at Wisechoice]]> Dawn at WiseChoice WiseChoice Feedback Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:50:01 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,67#msg-67 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,67#msg-67
What WOULD be nice are the same filters in the regular search function. For example, I looked up all the colleges in Virginia, and couldn't filter them by cost, private/public, size, etc. I can sort, which is good, but when I have 6+ pages of schools, filters would be very helpful. (Especially when I search the entire United States and have 1351 schools.)]]> Randomdej WiseChoice Feedback Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:48:09 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,66#msg-66 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,66#msg-66 Randomdej WiseChoice Feedback Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:28:32 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,65#msg-65 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,65#msg-65
Dawn at WiseChoice]]> Dawn at WiseChoice WiseChoice Feedback Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:21:39 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,64#msg-64 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,64,64#msg-64
I'm wondering if there could be an option for choosing public/private schools, or an option for prioritizing one over the other. It's easy to get public over private - just lower the budget - but not easy to do the opposite.

Also, size of the school matters a lot to me, but not the social makeup so much. I don't want to add more chips to the "Social" bucket in the Priorities setting, because I could really care less about Greek life, sports, and so forth, but I do want to make size (by itself) a high priority.

While I'm here (:P), can there also be an option to eliminate art institutes in the same way we can eliminate military academies?]]> Randomdej WiseChoice Feedback Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:17:21 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,63,63#msg-63 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,63,63#msg-63 Randomdej WiseChoice Feedback Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:40:06 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,60,62#msg-62 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,60,62#msg-62
Two exceptions: One, if the major you’re declaring is supported by your involvement in extra-curricular activities, AP classes, and even a letter of recommendation, the colleges will view this as a sign of your continuing passion and then, yes, it will enhance your chance of admission. For instance, an A in AP Calculus, a 780 on the Math portion of the SAT, president of the Math Club, plus a letter of recommendation from your math teacher might bolster your chances if you're applying as a math or engineering major.

And two, if you’re choosing a major that is short of applicants from your specific demographic. For example, if you’re a female declaring an engineering major, or a Hispanic student majoring in math, declaring one of these majors can definitely be a plus. But watch out: declaring a major that is undersubscribed to increase your odds of getting in can backfire if it becomes apparent that you haven't shown any prior interest or talent in the subject -- poor science grades and an Astronomy major won’t fly!]]> College Counselor Toby Join the Conversation Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:46:28 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,60,61#msg-61 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,60,61#msg-61 College Counselor Shirley Join the Conversation Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:50:52 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,60,60#msg-60 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,60,60#msg-60 im pretty sure what major i want to go into but i also don't want to change my mind down the road and have spent my money on credits i won't need. does anyone know if going in undecided affects your application at all?]]> jineen Join the Conversation Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:38:50 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,59,59#msg-59 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,59,59#msg-59
Has anyone visited the campuses of schools on their list yet? What was it like? What was the most useful and what was a waste of time? Was it worth the time and money to go there in person?
Thanks for the help,

Dominique]]> Dominique Join the Conversation Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:22:29 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,24,58#msg-58 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,24,58#msg-58
~Natalia

P.S. I heard that one of the other dorms there at MIT had air conditioners but no elevators. What a trade off! :]]]> Natalia Join the Conversation Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:17:02 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,56,57#msg-57 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,56,57#msg-57
Funny you should ask! We have just posted a video to our learning center over the week-end explaining the different types of early admission. To check it out, just go to the ‘Learning Center’ Tab and click on the ‘Applying Early’ video (it will be in the admissions section).

For a little additional meat to this subject, here is what you may want to consider:

Types of Early Application

Early Decision: Early Decision is only offered at about 15% of colleges, and tends to be more common at highly competitive private schools. Early Decision is a binding commitment – by applying under Early Decision, you’re telling the school that if you are accepted you will attend. Because it is a binding commitment, you are only allowed to apply to one school under Early Decision.

Early Action: Early Action is offered at about 20% of colleges, and is simply a commitment from the school that if you apply by a certain date, they will read your application and notify you of their decision within 4-6 weeks. Applying or being accepted under Early Action does not change your ability to apply to other schools, and you will still have until May 1 to decide whether to accept an offer of admission.

Single Choice Early Action: Single Choice Early Action means that you agree to apply to only one school early (similar to Early Decision), but you are not obligated to attend if the school accepts you (similar to Early Action). Only a few schools offer this early application program.

Pros of Applying Early

• Completing at least one application early will help you get ahead on all of your applications.
• If you apply early and get accepted, you can stop applying or be more selective about the number of additional applications you submit.
• If you apply early to a safety school, you can start the fall knowing that you have at least one acceptance in hand, reducing the stress and anxiety of the college waiting game.
• Applying early to a reach school may increase your chances of being accepted because your early interest shows the school that it’s at or near the top of your list.
• If you’re applying to a school where your parent or sibling attended, applying early may give you an edge that you wouldn’t have if you applied under the regular admission deadline.
• Applying early may increase your chances of getting a merit scholarship or grant aid. Colleges have a limited pool of dollars to give out, and the money may be gone before the application period is over.

Cons of Applying Early

• You have to start early to make sure you have all of your application materials ready just a few weeks after starting school in the fall.
• Since Early Decision is a binding commitment, you’re giving up the chance to apply to additional schools and compare financial aid packages.
• Applying Early Decision also means you may be making your final decision on a college in the next few weeks instead of next May. A lot can change in six months, and your dream school may not look so dreamy later. You have to be absolutely sure this school is your top choice before choosing to apply under Early Decision.

Hope this helps!


Dominique
WiseChoice]]> Dominique Join the Conversation Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:17:51 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,56,56#msg-56 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,56,56#msg-56
Sabrina]]> Sabrina2010 Join the Conversation Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:36:04 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,23,55#msg-55 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,23,55#msg-55
I am glad you are enjoying the site so far. As for matching, it is almost ready, and will be available for you shortly!

Dominique
WiseChoice]]> Dominique WiseChoice Feedback Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:44:42 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,23,54#msg-54 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,23,54#msg-54 One kink though, is that i cant match up any of my colleges yet becuase the site is under construction; so that little part is the only problem ive found so far.

However, the site is very easy to navigate through, and very helpful.]]> Blackdrake92 WiseChoice Feedback Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:25:22 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,50,53#msg-53 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,50,53#msg-53 Christina WiseChoice Feedback Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:51:42 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,50,52#msg-52 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,50,52#msg-52
This is a technical issue (it SHOULD be working)... so the best way to get it fixed, is to report it through the "feedback" button to the right of your screen. That will take you to our Customer Service, and they will be able to help you better than I am!
Try to describe the issue as precisely as possible, preferably with screen grabs (to take a screen grab, press Ctrl, Alt and Print Screen buttons on your keyboard all at the same time, and then paste it into your message), so the programmers can see what you see exactly.
It would also be helpful if you told them if you are using a Mac or a PC, and which browser you are using: Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox.
It should be fixed quickly!

Dominique
WiseChoice]]> Dominique WiseChoice Feedback Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:38:58 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,50,51#msg-51 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,50,51#msg-51
Let me look into this - it's definitely not normal! I'll write back as soon as I find out!

Dominique
WiseChoice]]> Dominique WiseChoice Feedback Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:22:20 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,50,50#msg-50 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,50,50#msg-50 Christina WiseChoice Feedback Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:25:53 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,41,49#msg-49 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,41,49#msg-49
This was a bug on our side! Thanks for reporting it, and this should now be resolved. Please let me know if you encounter any more issues.
Sorry about the inconvenience,

Dominique
WiseChoice]]> Dominique WiseChoice Feedback Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:58:09 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,42,48#msg-48 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,42,48#msg-48
I consulted with Shirley Levin, the private college counselor we work with. She’s been advising students on how to put together applications for 30 years. Her advice is to focus on big awards if you’ve received a lot of honors. If you have enough national, state or school-wide awards, smaller awards will pale in comparison. If, however, you don’t have a whole lot of awards to list, than listing any award is better than nothing. Even a CPR certification or an award from a teacher helps to show your dedication and achievement, and could boost your application.

Good luck with your applications,

Dominique
WiseChoice]]> Dominique Join the Conversation Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:56:04 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,25,47#msg-47 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,25,47#msg-47
To answer your question directly: Yes, this also applies to the Common Application. It doesn't really matter which application you use (Common Application, Universal Application or school specific applications), this is a good rule to follow regardless!
Good luck with your applications,

Dominique
WiseChoice]]> Dominique Join the Conversation Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:55:09 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,41,46#msg-46 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,41,46#msg-46
Dominique
WiseChoice]]> jackiechan WiseChoice Feedback Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:28:17 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,41,45#msg-45 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?44,41,45#msg-45
The forum name that appears is a name you filled out when you first signed onto the site. If you are not happy with it, you can change it easily by going to 'Your Profile' (top left corner of any screen), and at the bottom of the form, you will see a field labeled "Your Community Nickname". Change the name in that field, and click 'Submit' at the bottom of the form.

Dominique
WiseChoice]]> jackiechan WiseChoice Feedback Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:26:02 -0400 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,24,44#msg-44 http://www.wisechoice.com/forum/read.php?53,24,44#msg-44 jackiechan Join the Conversation Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:21:47 -0400