AboutValerie Broughton Expertise I can advise high school students and their parents on every aspect of the college search, application, admissions and financial aid processes.
Experience Currently, and for the past ten years, I've served the Midwest as a private college counselor guiding hundreds of families and students through the college admissions maze, matching them with the colleges where the students will thrive and succeed. Prior to starting my own practice, I was a faculty member and administrator at several colleges and universities. Prior to completing my PhD. I taught high school math and was a guidance counselor at a community college.
Organizations I'm a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, a member of the Higher Educational Consultants Association, and the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of College Admissions Counselors. I'm proud of the fact that I've earned the designation of Certified Educational Planner.
Publications Strictly High School was a publication for high school students and I had a monthly column in that paper. Copies of those articles are available on www.CollegeConnectors.com.
I'm a regular contributor to the KARE 11 morning program where I discuss college admissions topics. Those clips are available on the College Connectors website also.
Education/Credentials My bachelor's degree is in Math Education. My master's degree is in Counseling. My PhD is in Educational Research and Evaluation.
Awards and Honors I was selected and participated in the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management and was supported by a Bush Fellowship for this program. The Duluth Chamber of Commerce selected me as a Leadership Duluth participant.
Past/Present Clients You can see some testimonials from past clients at www.CollegeConnectors.com.
Question Hi Valerie. I just started Summer Vacation and I am going to be a high school senior next school year. I have all ready taken my SAT and ACT tests but I am very confused as to what I should do now in the admissions process. I have a few schools that I plan on visiting. But when do I need to start filling out the paperwork and beginning my essay? When do colleges make these applications available? Also even though I have a few schools in mine, where can I find information on what schools have the best programs for business/medical etc.. ? What can I do over the summer to be more productive towards the acceptance process for colleges? ...I would really appreciate your help on these topics considering your expertise.
Thanks.
Answer Bob,
You're on the right track. The next step is to select the colleges you will apply to and figure out what are their application requirements. Some colleges use the Common Application which is filled out online. Go to commonapp.org to see if your colleges use this application. You can begin working on your general essay, but until you know where you're applying, you won't know the specifics of their essay or supplemental essay questions. Also, different colleges have various recommendation requirements. So, your next step is to continue to consider what college characteristics are important to you and identify those colleges. Visits are great. But, don't eliminate a school from your application list just because you can't visit.
