bradshaw
Gerald Bradshaw
Gerald M. Bradshaw has been writing the Educated Advice Column since 1995. He is an international college admissions consultant. His focus is helping students gain …Read More
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Computer science skills valuable in all fields
Dear Students: I recently wrote a column recommending that all college students should consider adding classes in computer science as a part of your major field course selections. I feel confident in saying that if you take these classes you will not be among the …Read More
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Ivy League education has some advantages
Dear Mr. Bradshaw, I grew up in a working-class family and while I did not graduate from an Ivy League school I did graduate from an elite state college. I turned down Princeton for a full scholarship to a top state college that paid for …Read More
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Get early start on applications to highly selective colleges
Dear Mr. Bradshaw, I am applying to several Ivy League colleges this fall as well as several other highly selective schools. My projected academic profile reads as follows: I will graduate first in my class of 500 and my GPA is 5.089 (weighted) on a …Read More
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Enthusiasm important in college interviews
Dear Mr. Bradshaw: I am applying to several colleges next fall that require an interview by an alumnus. Can you share with me what kind of information they look for in an applicant? Signed: Student Dear Student: This should help. Here is an alumni report …
Test scores do matter to colleges
Dear Mr. Bradshaw: My guidance counselor told me that SAT and ACT scores are not as important as they once were in the college admissions process. She said some colleges do not require test scores, or that they are optional. My older brother is a …
Beat the competition, show ‘who you really are’ on college applications
Dear Mr. Bradshaw: I am a junior in high school and I am concerned about ethnic “quotas” for admissions at top colleges. I am an Asian American, and my Asian friends tell me that many top colleges have quotas. Several of them who were rejected …
Career goals count on college apps
Dear Mr. Bradshaw: I am a junior in high school and I know I will face a very competitive class of applicants when I apply to college next fall. I have a 4.125/4.250 GPA and a 2250 SAT score. I participate in a number of …
Four classes that enhance any field of study
Dear Mr. Bradshaw — I am an early admit to the University of Chicago, but I want to be sure and take classes as a freshmen and sophomore that will help me, no matter what my future course of study is. Since I have not …
Bradshaw: Investigate edX to start online classes
Dear Mr. Bradshaw — I am a high school student in Hong Kong and want to take an online class from an American university. Is there a program you can recommend? Dear Student — It does not matter if you live in Hong Kong or …
Advanced degree considerations
Dear Mr. Bradshaw: I am a sophomore at the University of Chicago and in the process of deciding on a career in law or business. What are the job prospects for each of these professions given the current state of the economy? A master of …
76 percent of freshmen get in first-choice college
In the hours before New Year’s Eve, many teens and their parents will be concerned about completing their applications before the Jan. 1, 2013 deadline. The last-minute rush usually comes down to completing a plethora of essays designed to distinguish the applicants in some unique …
Personal essays vital to admission
Mr. Bradshaw — I have been putting off writing my college essays, and now it is getting to crunch time. It is not so much writer’s block as it is that I just can’t find anything interesting about myself about which to write. I am …
Four classes that enhance any field of study
Dear Mr. Bradshaw — I am an early admit to the University of Chicago, but I want to be sure and take classes as a freshmen and sophomore that will help me, no matter what my future course of study is. Since I have not …
Bradshaw: Investigate edX to start online classes
Dear Mr. Bradshaw — I am a high school student in Hong Kong and want to take an online class from an American university. Is there a program you can recommend? Dear Student — It does not matter if you live in Hong Kong or …
College rankings worth considering
Dear Mr. Bradshaw — I am applying to 10 or more colleges, and I came across the latest college rankings published by U.S. News & World Report. How important are these rankings in getting a job after graduation, and how should I evaluate them? — …
Build learning skills at early age
Dear Mr. Bradshaw — Our son just started seventh grade. He is an excellent student, and we want him to continue to do well so he can apply to a top college. When should we start thinking about hiring a consultant or tutor to make …
Teen sets bar high — Silicon Valley career
Dear Mr. Bradshaw — I really want to be located near the center of technological innovation when I go to college. I am a junior in high school and have been looking at colleges that offer business and engineering programs. My question is, which schools …
Leadership, service projects vital
Dear Mr. Bradshaw — I still am mystified that my neighbor’s child was denied admission to all the top colleges he applied to last year. He is a brilliant student with an outstanding academic record. My son is a sophomore, and I don’t want that …
Freshmen: Study hard from Day 1
Dear Mr. Bradshaw — I will begin college shortly and want to make sure I get off to a good start. I hope to pursue a career in law. What advice can you give me about preparing for law school? — College FreshmanDear Freshman — …
Competition spurs use of consultant
Dear Mr. Bradshaw — My husband and I have three children in grades 9 through 12 and know parents who have hired college consultants to work with their children. Is this a growing trend? I never heard of this when I was seeking college admission. …
