Susan Alaimo

4 days ago | mycentraljersey.com | Susan Alaimo

The largest graduating class of high school seniors, at 3.9 million students, is about to embark on the next phase of their lives. For many, this includes college, and the laws of “supply and demand” are certain to further decrease college acceptance rates. This beckons the question, “exactly what are competitive colleges seeking in their applicants?  Certain qualities remain constant: a competitive academic course load with a high GPA and impressive SAT scores.

1 week ago | mycentraljersey.com | Susan Alaimo

Show Caption Hide Caption How would a Dept. of Education closure affect Americans? U.S. President Donald Trump moved to eliminate the Department of Education. But he can't shutter the agency without congressional legislation. Summer break provides students with valuable time to enhance their college applications through relevant experiences. Students can gain experience through internships, volunteer work, or pre-college programs in fields like medicine, science, and technology.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Susan Alaimo

More than 81,000 New Jersey high school students took AP exams last year, recognizing their importance in the college application process. According to statistics from College Board, AP courses are offered at 86% of public high schools in the state. In Central Jersey, the participation rate in AP courses is particularly impressive with more than 50% of students partaking at a multitude of schools including Hillsborough and Montgomery. But not all AP courses are equally appealing.

3 weeks ago | mycentraljersey.com | Susan Alaimo

College admissions officers are increasingly looking for applicants with demonstrated leadership skills, impactful extracurriculars, entrepreneurial spirit, and engagement in passion projects. Students who hold leadership positions in high school, such as team captains or club founders, have a significant advantage in the admissions process. Colleges value depth over breadth, meaning they are more impressed by students who focus deeply on one or two activities and make a tangible impact.

1 month ago | mycentraljersey.com | Susan Alaimo

The highest ROI for bachelor's degrees tends to be at prestigious schools and those focused on computer science, engineering, and medicine. California Institute of Technology has the highest ROI at $627,000 after 10 years and $3.9 million after 40 years. Other top schools for ROI include MIT, Stanford, and specialized institutions like the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis. Students searching for their ideal college often have varying criteria in mind.