In an Education Week article covering Chicago high school students, Viadero (4/24) reports that more students are enrolling in high-level academic courses and programs but " too few are "applying to competitive colleges."  In the latest report from the University of Chicago’s Consortium on Chicago School Research shows "more than 90 percent of the academically advanced students in the Chicago school system have the qualifications to attend colleges that are at least 'somewhat selective.'" However, "16 percent to 18 percent of that group had not enrolled in any college a year after high school, and only around two-thirds enrolled in colleges that the researchers deemed 'somewhat selective.'" Researchers speculate that this may be because "students are often not aware of the financial-aid opportunities available to them at top-tier colleges and universities."   Proper assistance with identifying potential colleges, opportunities and the development of a solid resume are all elements of the Race to College Success college preparation program.  It is mandatory that students and parent take an active role in preparing for college admissions because schools alone cannot adequately help every student with his or her unique needs.

Janelle Jalbert is the founder of Edusistance, a company assisting in education and business.  Currently, Janelle is heading the “Race to College Success” program to assist students with a variety of college issues including: college preparation, college admissions, general education concerns such as SAT, ACT, and other test prep, college options, college majors, financial aid, scholarships, career planning, portfolio and resume development, essay writing, and such.  Visit www.racetocollegesuccess.com for details.  You can also follow Janelle and Race to College Success on Twitter (RacetoCollege) Facebook (RacetoCollegeSuccess), and MySpace (Race to College Success).