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Dear Babs
Questions & answers about the college selection and admissions process
College for Students with Learning Disabilities?
Dear Babs,
When my son was twelve, he was diagnosed with dyslexia and AD/HD. He is on medication and we have been helping him manage his schoolwork and daily stress with lots of coaching, prioritization, tutors, and scheduling. He has good grades and is capable of getting into a good college, but I am worried about [...]
Do I have legacy at Vanderbilt?
Dear Babs,
My uncle is an alumnus at Vanderbilt University. I don’t know that much about the college, but I thought that if I have legacy, I should apply. What do you think?
-Relatively Unsure
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Dear Relatively,
I hate to break it to you, but you are not a legacy through your uncle. College admissions departments that give preference [...]
Do I need to take the TOEFL?
Dear Babs,
I am a high school student in New Jersey, and I will be sending in my college application this winter. I was born in Columbia, and English is my 2nd language. I am now an American citizen, but do I still have to take the TOEFL in order to get into college in America?
-Bilingual [...]
What major do I put down on my college application
Dear Babs,
I’m applying to colleges this winter, and I’m stumped. Some of my college applications ask me what I want to study, and I don’t know! What should I put down? Will they penalize me if I say I don’t know? Can I change my mind?
-Majorless in Minnesota
Dear Majorless,
Don’t worry, you are not expected to [...]
What If I Accidentally Lied On My College Application?
Dear Babs,
This past fall I was nominated for a All-State Academic Award. To the best of my knowledge, everyone who is nominated gets recognition (last year 67 people got it). And since I have well surpassed the requirements, I naturally added it to my awards on the common app. I have since sent three applications [...]
When should I declare my college major?
Dear Babs,I love the website and find it very informative. In what year of college does a student have to declare their major?
Thanks,
L.E.
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Dear L.E.
It really varies depending on the college. Most liberal arts colleges give students until the start of their Junior year (3rd year) to declare their major. This means that by second semester, [...]
Back to College: Which college program is for me?
Dear Babs,
I’m starting in January on my Associates Degree at a community college and then looking to transfer to a 4-year college for my Bachelor’s, and then possibly my Masters in Food Science! As I am 37 years old, I’m excited and nervous to be going back to college after 19 years! I’m looking ahead [...]
The Best College Life: big city or small town?
Dear Babs,
I’m looking at schools to apply to this winter, and I wanted to know your opinion. Where is college life better, a small college town or a big city? Some of my friends really want a small town (I’m from a small town) but others think there’s more to do in a big city. [...]
Will I get caught lying on my college application?
Dear Babs,
Can I get caught lying on my college application? My extracurricular activities are looking pretty grim. I was on the yearbook committee for two years, and I ran track for three. I did debate club all four years, but I never got a role. I was thinking of saying that I did all of [...]
College Admissions Essay: What’s Your Mom Got to Do With It?
Dear Babs,
I’m starting to work on my college admissions essay, and I’m concerned. Should I get my mom to look it over? I know some of my friends had their parents practically write their essay and college application, but is that right? I don’t want to cheat, but if everyone else is doing it, I [...]
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