The College Bound Organizer

Anna Costaras holds a BS and MBA from New York University Stern School of Business. She is the founder of a college-bound mentoring program for underserved students from her community. She is actively involved with Adventures in Learning, an educational enrichment program for children in need of after-school support, as a volunteer and college mentor, and has served on the Board of Directors.Anna is a veteran of the college application process, having guided her three children on their paths- graduate and undergraduate- to Cornell University, Wake Forest University and New York University.

¿ There are 90 million high schoolers in US from 201y to 2020 needing to get into college¿ College entry is tougher than ever; schools are looking for the edge this guide provides¿ The co-authors are two top experts in the field, specializing in making college entry available to every family¿ "Planning ahead and "getting there first" can do more than help students get into a good college - it can provide them with life skills, a solid education, and lifelong friends." - Business Insider

Chapter 1 Getting Started: Fact Finding - This chapter helps students gather the personal, family and high school information that is required repeatedly on all college applications.Chapter 2 A Snapshot of Your High School Years: Who Are You? - Students are guided on how to build their resume using worksheets to compile a complete history of their involvement in clubs/extracurricular activities, sports, community service, awards, competitions, and work and summer experience. Advice on how and when to request recommendations is also included in this chapter.Chapter 3 Testing A to Z: Track Your Scores - All aspects of standardized testing including identifying test dates, recording registration deadlines and test locations, and developing a master test schedule are covered in this chapter.Chapter 4 Researching Schools: Getting Acquainted - This chapter advises students on how to effectively research colleges to identify appropriate schools. Instruction is provided on what to observe and take note of during on-campus visits and online searches, how to arrange and keep track of on-campus and alumni interviews, and how to manage correspondence with school representatives.Chapter 5 Define Your Choices: You're Ready to Apply! - Included are all the steps necessary to ensure that applications are received and each file is complete.Chapter 6 Paying the Bills: Show Me the Money! - Tools and recommendations are presented on how to apply for financial aid and scholarships, manage deadlines and accurately compare aid packages.Chapter 7 The Home Stretch: You're Almost Done! - Strategies and guidance are provided on how to sort through acceptances, handle deferrals and waitlists, and choose the best-fit college.Chapter 8 The Interviews: Conversations with College Admissions Professionals- Candid responses from high school and college representatives offer valuable insight into the college process.