By David W. Clark, Ed.M.

Your high school graduation is days away but you do not yet have a college acceptance letter that excites you? Don’t’ despair; there are several attractive and positive options.

First, don’t forget that more outstanding colleges than not have spaces for the fall well into the summer months. The competition for a place at many excellent colleges/universities does not grab media attention but the reality is that openings can be found. How to find these schools? I would start at the National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) “Space Availability Survey.”

The survey (www.nacacnet.og) starts in May and is updated regularly. Do your research, and then make contact with the admission office of a college/university that interests you. There is a good chance that you will learn of terrific opportunities you didn’t know existed.

Other options exist, as well.

You may find that nothing is available for the fall but limited space can be found starting in the January semester.

Why not defer admission for a year? Make sure that whatever you do strengthen your application but an internship at a local not-for-profit or a may have the added impact of helping you grow and mature as a person.

Remember: There are plenty of opportunities, well into the summer.

Next week’s VISTA. today college admissions posting? Take the mystery out of college admissions decisions.

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David W. Clark, Ed.M., is an independent college admission consultant who has been working with high school students for more than thirty-five years. Mr. Clark has offices in Paoli and Ardmore. His website www.collegesearchnow.net is worth visiting and he can be reached there or by calling 610-304-7119.

Mr. Clark is a full member of the Pennsylvania Association of College Admissions Counselors and the Higher Education Consultants Association.