Good College Resources

There is so much information on the internet that it is difficult to know which sites are reliable, honest, and worth reading.  So as juniors begin their college classes tomorrow, I thought I'd share with you some of the blogs we follow.  We trust the information they provide, because in many if not most cases, it is similar to or exactly the same advice we offer too.

1.  www.gpscollegeguidance.blogspot.com - Yes, that's our blog, but I think we do a good job of reviewing admissions trends, sharing summer opportunities (more about that tomorrow), and contemplating the important college admissions issues of the day.

2.  www.theprospect.net - One of my favorites, Lily Herman and Steven Gu, co-founders of The Prospect, offer a wide variety of good articles written by current college and high school students.  And if you're interested, you could inquire into writing for them as well.  I tweet their links frequently, so check it out.  As their tag line says, "let's win college!"

Almost every college these days has their own blog, but there are a few that I really enjoy.  Their posts may sometimes revolve around their own school (naturally), but their advice most likely applies to every college you are considering.

3.  http://tuadmissionjeff.blogspot.com - Our very good friend, Jeff Schiffman, the Interim Director of Admission at Tulane University, pens an excellent and entertaining admissions blog!  Whether he's sharing the best tips from the experts, writing about the best way to have a good college visit, or the importance of demonstrating interest, Jeff's blog is a fun one to read.

4.  http://ugaadmissions.blogspot.com - Our friends at the University of Georgia also have an interesting and informative blog to read.  The most recent post, comparing college admission to a grocery store, is just one example of their work.

5.  http://blog.ivywise.com/blog-0 - I can't help but be pleased when I read the IvyWise blog and see the same advice that we give our students.  Right now they're running a series about how colleges read applications and how the admissions process works.

6  And for a different twist, check out the Ethical Admissions Blog at www.thoughtfulcollegesearch.com.  Jim Jump, former president of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling and the current Director of Guidance at St. Christopher's School in Richmond, Virginia, has some very thoughtful ideas and opinions about the college search process.  Perhaps though, I particularly like that he refers to the college search as thoughtful.  That's the same tag line we use with our juniors...that the search is supposed to be thoughtful and purposeful.  If you will do that, then most likely you will come up with a list of schools that will fit you.

Happy reading!