Expert Answers to Your College Application Questions

Also, I suggest that you get a copy of the School Profile from the first school your sons attended and make sure that is submitted along with all the other credentials from your sons' current high school. The Profile will help the admissions officers reading your sons' applications to better understand the first school (a Profile for the current school should automatically be sent with the transcript).

Roe asked: My daughter is a senior, and we are going through this process for the third and final time, but in a different manner than her older brothers. They were 3.5/1250s and she is not. She is, however, student body president of an all-girls private school, captain of the golf team and member of basketball team. She works harder than ever to maintain an 83 average. Her downfall has always been math and and last year, chemistry. She finished her junior year with a 76 in both of those subjects, At her school, that is a "D" which hurt her GPA tremendously. Her essay is on "Being a woman in the world of golf." How can she explain her poor math grades in the "additional section"? Any ideas on how to describe her weakness in math so it doesn't look like she is just a lazy student? Also, her SAT skills were poor but she did a bit better taking the ACT. She will retake the ACT next week and hopefully be able to reach a 1000 score. Coaches are calling her for golf. Will schools overlook her poor math grades if they want her for a sport?

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Norman answered: I would describe the math weakness (what about it gives her trouble? -- don't just say, "I just don't get it"). If it is a diagnosed disability, the Additional Information section would be a place to disclose that. She could also mention that her major and career plans focus on her areas of strength, which is one of the many reasons why she elected to stop math after junior year. Since she is stopping math a little prematurely, I recommend doubling up, if possible, in an area of strength.

As for the athletic recruiting process, you will find that some schools will have more flexibility for recruited athletes -- whether they will have enough flexibility in your daughter's situation will really depend on the school. Be honest with the coaches, and ask them for honest feedback, as well, so your daughter knows where to realistically set her expectations.

Kimberly asked: My questions pertains to the Common Application, where you must submit a teacher's name for a recommendation. My son attends high in Bucks County, Pa., and the teachers are not writing recommendations for students due to a "Work-to-Contract" situation. I have been reaching out to admissions offices with my concerns and trying to contact teachers out of school. I have been working this since last May and trust me, I am completely out of options. How can I bypass this field so the application is complete? I was thinking I can use my own e-mail address, but do not want to jeopardize my son's chances for any institution.

Norman answered: You are doing the right thing by discussing this issue with each of the colleges your son is applying to. As for bypassing the technical requirement on the application, I wouldn't put your e-mail address. You may want to write something like, "See Additional Information section" and then attach an explanation there.

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