Moderator: Welcome to Viewpoint with our guest, Chris Domes. Chris, thank you for joining us, and let's get started.

Bethesda, Md.: A question about SAT scores -- if your score is above the average of the school you are applying to, is it worth retaking? Could you respond especially with regard to top tier universities? My sense is that if they won't accept you with a 1470, they're not going to accept you with a 1500. Is this right, or do the extra points help?

Chris Domes: Thank you for letting me participate in today's discussion. I am looking forward to answering your readers' questions. This first question is a good one. If your SAT score is above the average of the school you are applying to, you may still want to consider taking the test at least a second time. Many colleges determine scholarships and honors programs based on high school GPA and SAT scores. The extra points might help you in ways you may not realize.

Atlanta, Ga.: This discussion is very timely for us. My daughter is finishing up her junior year in high school, so we are doing the college search thing in earnest now. She's a very good student and wants to go to a smallish, liberal arts school. My question regards early admission and merit scholarships. If she is accepted early, and makes the commitment to enroll, will that decrease her chances of receiving a merit scholarship, since she will no longer need to be "recruited?" Of course, she could go to UGA for pretty much free. Any advice is welcome!

Chris Domes: If your daughter is admitted early it should not decrease her chances for receiving a merit scholarship. Colleges should follow a common policy for awarding scholarships. There should not be any advantage or disadvantage as long as the student is applying within the admissions application deadlines.

Seattle, Wash.: Hi! Is it too late to apply to Marymount for fall 2002 admission?

Chris Domes: Marymount follows a rolling admissions policy. You can apply as a freshman beginning in the fall and will receive a decision on your application within two to six weeks. Hundreds of colleges around the country adhere to this type of admissions program. We begin making decisions in early fall and continue to make decisions through the spring or until the enrollment is met. It is still not too late to apply for this fall. Please send your application soon.

McLean, Va.: Are applications that are received prior to the application deadline given any different treatment than those that are received right at the deadline?

Chris Domes: It is important to try and apply early. If you have a top university on your list you should not delay applying. This will help you, your school counselor, and the admissions office of your top college.

University Park, Md.: Thanks for taking my question. Our son has great SATs (nearly 1500) but mediocre grades (about 3.2, though at a selective school and in mostly AP classes). Do we aim high, low, or somehow try to find middle ground? If it matters, he wants to study physics.

Chris Domes: To be safe, I would select a range of colleges. Have your son apply to a college at the top of his academic range as well as at least one college in the middle. He should visit the colleges to show the admissions office that he has a high level of interest. The college essay and recommendations will make a significant difference in the decision process.

Darnestown, Md.: As a parent, I am mortified by stories of acute alcohol poisoning, student suicide, etc. How best can I choose a higher learning environment that will inform me of my child's well-being throughout his college experience?

Chris Domes: Every college and university must, by law, provide an accounting of any crime that has occurred on the campus during the year. If you are concerned you should ask for this information. You may want to see the alcohol policy in the student handbook. If you visit a campus, ask your student tour guide about the drinking policy. Become as informed as you possibly can throughout the college search.

Falls Church, Va.: I've been getting lots of brochures from colleges all over the country. Many say the same things about themselves -- small classes, faculty focused on students, exciting academic community. How do I make sure I see what a college is really like during my campus visit?

Chris Domes: I would encourage you to go on the traditional campus tour and spend time with an admissions counselor. You may also want to do some exploring on your own. Spend some time in the dining room, the student center and the classroom buildings. Plan your visit during the week and not on a weekend. While you are exploring on your own, stop and ask a few students some questions.

DeLand, Fla.: Is there any weight given by an admission committee if your particular high school is college prep and its "regular classes" are harder than "honors classes" at a local public school? How can a college be familiar with every high school in the U.S.?

Chris Domes: Colleges admissions representatives try to learn as much as possible about the high school of an applicant. Admissions representatives are often assigned geographic areas. This allows them to get to know the schools in their area. Each high school also provides a high school profile. This profile provides some insight into the history of the school. Admissions counselors look for students who have challenged themselves. Honors and Advanced Placement courses are a plus.

Richmond, Va.: Due to a learning disability, my son had extra testing time during the SATs. Will colleges and universities treat his test results the same as those who took the test under standard conditions?

Chris Domes: Colleges and universities should treat his test results the same as others' who did not need extra time. You and your son should visit colleges to make sure they can accomodate his needs.

Marymount Graduate, '00, '04: Don't really have a question. Just some comments for those looking. I always tell people that they should definitely visit the campus and look at the surrounding areas of the schools they are considering. Talk to some of the students if you can. I loved all four years at Marymount enough to stay on for graduate school (shameless plug). But seriously, make a list of what you want and stick to it! You'd be surprised at how much it helps!

Chris Domes: Thanks for the great advice. It is nice to hear from a Marymount graduate. We are glad you think so highly of the Marymount experience.

Scarsdale, N.Y.: For family reasons it will not be possible for me to visit most of the colleges I am interested in. I have read that owing to the large numbers of applications many colleges view a college visit as being an important factor in their decision making. How can I overcome this potential problem?

Chris Domes: You should try to use the Web for much of your research. Begin communicating with the admissions offices at your top colleges via e-mail. E-mailing will give you a personal communication with the colleges. Ask people that you trust, who have attended college, to share their thoughts and experiences. If you cannot visit every school try to visit your top two. Not visiting a college should not affect your admission to that school.

Silver Spring, Md.: I am 24 and would like to fulfill my dream of going to college. Since high school, I have served briefly in the Israeli army (I am a U.S. citizen) and held down steady full-time office jobs. I never cared a bit about my grades in high school, and my transcripts reflect that. But I've grown to regret it! In your opinion, do you think college admissions will be impressed with what I've accomplished and experienced since then, or are my unimpressive high school grades going to make it difficult for me to be accepted? I feel at a disadvantage next to this year's crop of uber-achieving 18 year-olds.

Chris Domes: Many students return to academics after work or military experience. You should try and find a program geared to working adults. Some colleges give credit for life experience. You should feel proud of your life experience and use it to your advantage. Last week a husband and wife received their undergraduate degrees from Marymount. They are both in their forties and had successful careers before returning to school.

Reston, Va.: Do minorities have additional leverage in admission to their college or university of choice? Would it be beneficial for a minority to fill out the optional "race" portion of the application?

Chris Domes: You should first try and find the college or university that will fit your interests. Colleges and universities are admitting students that will be the best academic fit. Researching and finding a set of colleges that will be the best fit for you should be your goal. You might want to explore the list of minority-focused activities and clubs at each college. You should visit. I would complete the entire application.

McLean, Va.: What are the various scholarships available to up-and-coming college freshmen? And who can receive such scholarships?

Chris Domes: Explore the Web sites of all your colleges. Each college will have a unique scholarship program. E-mail the admissions and financial aid offices and request scholarship information. Make sure the admissions office is aware that you are interested in being considered for scholarships.

Alexandria, Va.: My question involves SAT prep courses. What is a reasonable amount to expect to pay for a prep course? Do you have any advice on how to select a prep course?

Chris Domes: An SAT prep course can help to improve your score slightly. I would first try and find a free course through your school or a community youth program. You may want to try a prep book first. Ask a teacher to help you. If you feel you need to pay for a course, make sure you shop around. You do not have to pay a lot to improve your scores.

Jacksonville, Fla.: Thank you for taking my question. My daughter is finishing up her junior year of high school. She has the choice of AP Chemistry or Honors Physics for her last elective. She wants to take the physics. She cannot take AP Physics because she hasn't taken physics before. She really does not like the AP Chemistry teacher. She has that teacher this year and struggles to stay awake in her class. She is at the top of her class (top 1 percent of 375) with good activities. Would taking the Honors Physics hurt her at all?

Chris Domes: Taking the Honors Physics should not hurt her chances of getting into college. Both courses show her willingness to challenge herself. AP courses are great, but not all universities accept the credits. She may want to consult with her high school counselor or the admissions office of her top choice college.

Davenport, Iowa: Does high school GPA really count a lot?

Chris Domes: The high school GPA is one of the most important aspects of a college application. Your senior GPA is the most important of your high school years. Make sure you do well in the first semester of your senior year.

New York, N.Y.: My daughter and I are overwhelmed by the college selection process. Her SATs are 1250 and her GPA is 3.40. Do you think an SAT prep course would help her?

Chris Domes: The college selection process can be very overwhelming. The high school GPA combined with SATs, college essay and recommendations allow an admissions counselor to look at the whole student. Each of these items is important in the admissions decision. SAT scores represent only one part of the equation. You should consider this when deciding about enrolling in an SAT prep course. It may not make that much of a difference.

Chris Domes: Thank you. I have enjoyed the hour -- the questions were great and I hope I've provided some insight as you begin your college search. Here at Marymount, our counselors highly recommend the college visit. Don't just take the tour, ask questions of other students and faculty. The interview is important because it puts a face on an application. Try to attend a class. If you are a rising senior in the Washington, D.C., area, Marymount offers a summer high school institute with three or four day classes that give a glimpse of the college classroom. Most importantly, it's your choice and your future. At the end of this sometimes challenging process, you should be happy with your choice and excited about the next four years.

Moderator: Our thanks to Chris Domes, Marymount University and all who participated.