America's Best Colleges for B Students. Tamra B. Orr
of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Orr, Tamra.
America’s best colleges for B students : a college guide for students without straight a’s / Tamra B. Orr. -- 4th ed.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-61760-000-5 (alk. paper)
1. College choice--United States--Directories. 2. Universities and colleges--United States--Directories. I. Title.
LB2350.5.O77 2011
378.73--dc23
2011026675
To my kids who brighten my life, my husband who enriches my life and my parents who gave me life.
CONTENTS
SECTION ONE CHOOSING—How to Choose the Right College for You
CHAPTER ONE: Where to Find Colleges That Welcome B Students
We Really Do Want You (Or, Why Colleges Love B Students …)
Don’t Overlook Community College
Community College Facts
A College Whose Door Is Always Open
Where to Find Out More about Colleges
Visit Colleges Sooner Rather than Later
Don’t Get Caught Up in the Frenzy
College Score Sheet
CHAPTER TWO: It’s Never Too Late: Take the Necessary Steps to Make a Change for the Better Right Now
(2) Reorganize your priority list.
(4) Start on that college essay NOW.
(5) Get to know your guidance counselor.
(6) Shed the fluff and take advanced placement, honors or college prep courses.
(7) Get passionately involved in your community.
(8) Get a coach, tutor, mentor and/or study buddy.
The Top Five Facts about Learning Disabilities
(9) Make sure you aren’t working “around” an undiagnosed learning disability
(10) Take classes at your local junior college.
SECTION TWO GETTING IN—Beyond the Basic Application Form: Explaining Weaknesses and Building on Strengths
CHAPTER THREE: GPAs, SATs and ACTs, Oh My!
Tips for Getting a Higher Score
Taking the Credit; Taking the Blame
How Will My SAT Essay Be Graded?
Include a Resume to Highlight What You Have Accomplished
A Word About Test Anxiety
CHAPTER FOUR: Winning in Writing: The All-Important College Essay
Typical Essay Questions
Essay Mistakes to Avoid from the Get Go
This is Your Chance!
Let Me Explain …
Winning in Admission—With Someone Else’s Words
CHAPTER FIVE: Winning in Words: The Also-Important College Interview
Don’t Just Talk About You Your
Interview Homework
The Moment of Truth
SECTION THREE PAYING—B Students Can Win Scholarships Too
CHAPTER SIX: B Students Can Win Scholarships Too
Students who show genuine financial need
Students with a disability or illness