Common Data Set 101

The Common Data Set can be a great tool for researching colleges and universities. You can learn what a Common Data Set is by reading the post that I wrote yesterday:

Researching Colleges With the Common Data Set

Today I’m going to explore how you can use the Common Data Set to gain insights into what admission officers are looking for at an individual school. For this example, I’m going to use Cal Tech’s CDS.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Obtain a school’s Common Data Set.

To do that, you’ll want to Google the name of a school and “Common Data Set” to find the document. As I mentioned yesterday, most schools post their Common Data Sets on their websites. Look for a school’s latest CDS. By now, most schools have posted this document for the 2009-2010 school year.

The document will either be saved as a PDF or an Excel spreadsheet.

2. Head to Section C.

Section C of every Common Data Set is going to be titled, First-Time, First-year (Freshman) Admission.

You’re going to discover lots of statistics about a school’s latest crop of freshmen including SAT/ACT scores and grade point averages. These are the sort of stats that you can find if you buy those big thick collegiate guides from Princeton Review, Fiske and elsewhere, but any Common Data Set will provide more in-depth numbers.

Statistics that can be particularly revealing in this section involve the acceptance rates of men and women. Sometimes the gender acceptance rates are very similar at colleges, but sometimes they differ dramatically. That’s the case with Cal Tech.

For the 2009-2010 admission season, 3,318 men applied to Cal Tech and 390 men were admitted. That’s an acceptance rate of 11.7%. In contrast, only 1,095 women applied and 284 were accepted. That’s an acceptance rate of 25.9%. Obviously, women have an advantage at this school where 58% of the students are men. You will see this same phenomenon if you look at MIT’s Common Data Set.

3. Check Out Basis for Selection

We’re still in Section C, but I want you to scroll down to line C6. Here is where every school shares what academic and nonacademic factors the institution weighs — or doesn’t weigh — when making admission decisions.

The schools ranks a total of 19 factors in four ways:

  • Very important
  • Important
  • Considered
  • Not Considered

It’s rare to see a school rate only one factor as very important, but that’s the case with Cal Tech. That one factor is the rigor of secondary school record. I’d interpret this to mean that if a student didn’t take a lot of Advanced Placement or other comparably rigorous classes, you can forget about this school.

Cal Tech considered seven factors important:

  • Class rank
  • Academic GPA
  • Standardized test scores
  • Application essay
  • Recommendations
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Character/personal qualities

It can also be interesting to see what a school doesn’t care about. Cal Tech, for instance,  does not consider whether a applicant has expressed interest in the school before applying. The school also doesn’t care about interviews or what state a student resides.

In contrast, some schools favor applicants who have visited their campus, had an interview and requested materials. That’s referred to as “demonstrated interest.” Some schools also give brownie points to students who live outside their  state or region.

There’s a lot more to discover in any school’s Common Data Set. In my next post, I’m going to share some additional ways to examine a school’s Common Data Set.

Lynn O’Shaughnessy is the author of The College Solution and she also writes a college blog for CBSMoneyWatch.com and US News & World Report. Follow her on Twitter.

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Common Data Set 101

UK Mortgages Online

A mortgage is a special type of loan that is secured by the house bought using the loan. If at any point during the term of the mortgage a borrower is unable to keep up repayments the house used as security will be repossessed by the lender. However, that will only happen as a last resort and after all other avenues to resolve the situation are exhausted. But, because of the severity of this ultimate sanction i.e. losing your home, you should always get independent advice before taking out any type of mortgage.


Below is a brief description of the most popular types of UK mortgages.


Types of UK mortgages:


There are many types of UK mortgages, but the majority will be either repayment – where both the interest and the sum borrowed are paid in full over the term of the loan – or interest-only, where just the interest is repaid and the borrower is still liable for the amount of capital borrowed at the end of the loan term. In some cases UK mortgages can be a combination of both types, where an agreed percentage of the capital borrowed is repaid but there will still be a balance outstanding at the end of the loan.


In cases where interest-only mortgages are taken out, the borrower normally makes separate provision for the repayment of the capital, for example, by investing in an endowment policy, pension or an ISA. The amount accumulated in the investment should at least cover the capital owed on the mortgage when it becomes due. It is important that a borrower makes provision to enable repayment when selecting an interest-only mortgage. It would be unwise to put off making a provision until much later in the loan term, however tempting it might seem as a way of keeping down initial outgoings. This is because generally the longer you have an investment the better it usually performs by way of return, although that is never guaranteed. Again, seek proper professional financial advice before proceeding with any investment.


As well as different ways of repaying your mortgage, there are also different options when it comes to selecting which interest rate to pay.


Mortgage products by interest rate type:


Standard variable mortgages used to be the industry favourite before the mortgage market became as competitive as it is now. This is where the interest rate of the loan will vary in line with the Bank of England interest rate. So, if the interest rate goes up, so do the repayments and vice versa. This type of UK mortgage usually has no penalty in the case of early redemption.


Fixed rate mortgages have the interest charged on the loan fixed for a pre-determined period from one year upwards. Some lenders even offer mortgages that have the interest rate fixed over the entire length of the mortgage. But be aware that arrangement fees are normally payable with this type of mortgage and there is generally an early redemption penalty.


Capped rate mortgages have an interest rate that will vary in line with the Bank of England rate, but are guaranteed not to exceed a particular rate – the capped rate – during a fixed period after taking out the mortgage.


Discounted rate mortgages have an interest rate that is heavily discounted in the first few years of the loan, usually offering quite a significant saving on the prevailing interest rate at the beginning of the loan.


Special offers:


In addition to the different types of mortgages many lenders offer cashback deals on their mortgage products. This is an initiative designed to help the borrower meet the considerable costs of a house purchase. With cashback deals there is normally a penalty in cases of early redemption; in most cases the borrower will need to pay back a proportion of the cash advanced.


Choose wisely and only after professional advice:


Whatever type of mortgage you choose, ensure that you get proper financial advice and fully understand the pros and cons of the mortgage product you have selected. This article comprises a very brief description of the most popular types of mortgage available, but in not comprehensive and is designed only to be the starting point in your hunt for the ideal mortgage.

UK’s largest and most respected finance brokers for bad credit mortgages.

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Unmanageable Debt Consolidation Loans

More often than not people, who are looking to consolidate their debts with a secured loan, have already stretched their finances too far. People in heavy debt try to ease the burden of their monthly payments and the hassle of dealing with multiple creditors by consolidating all their debt into one payment.

People taking out debt consolidation loan agreements repay an average of around 113 per cent of their salary, so spreading payments across a greater loan term with a secured loan might be a viable option for some people.

However you should bear in mind that the average level of debt in the UK is around £27,000 and the average age of people in debt is 43 years old. This means that most people have built up debts greater than their annual salaries, which is a dangerous financial position to be in.

The banks ask people to repay, on average, around 70 per cent of their monthly income and the reality is they can only afford 18 per cent. With the January financial hangover being realised by some people this is a completely untenable situation, both from the bank’s and consumer’s point of view.

If people simply cannot afford to make repayments no matter how much they cut back they really should seek professional debt management advice.

For those people who still have a manageable level of debt it’s surely time to start reducing any debts before they become too much to manage.

Nathan Galdwell writes for Chiltern Debt Management a UK financial solutions company, helping people who may be struggling with debt through Debt Management solutions, and Individual Voluntary Arrangements, and more.

Reducing Private Student Loans

Reducing Private Student Loans

 Key Facts On Private Student Loans

Many students prefer national loans over private student loans simply because these government-backed loans have lower interest rates and are easier to repay.Visit Here Now http://fafsa-ed-gov-applyforfinancialaid.blogspot.com

 Private student loans are also readily available, but only a few consider applying because of the widespread mental state that private neophyte loans are more useful than federal loans.Private student loans consider bigger funds due to compared to public loans. If you are studying effect a indicative university seat you pay large-scale fees, characteristic loans may just address your needs.

Private students loan are also named as alternate loans, which is offered by the private lenders. The private student loan can be availed for schools, undergraduate and graduate studies. incomparably of the lenders present specialized loan schemes now each course such as under graduate loans, MBA loans, besides school loans.Once the student acquires the funds, the money can be used for multiple purposes such as tuition and books. Federal recruit loans lay foundation limits on how disbursed money is used. However, a private neophyte loan care pay for a idiosyncrasy of education-related expenses equal as a laptop, rent, transportation, etc.

Private loans are usually unsecured loans, which charge prime inspire rates. However live has definitive advantages mark comparison with the state loans, agnate since no specific eligibility requirement, conduct certificate or unequal formalities. The easiness in application submission is the foremost advantage of the private student loan. The federal loans had the jurisdiction that the student loan has to stage applied before the last meet. But the representative trainee loans have no particular dead line and can be applied on particle day. The private recruit loan can equal applied through online. The private apprentice loans can enjoy the privileges of the repayment options of all student loans. The repayment of the loan amount has to be existent unique after the completion of the course and even the adorableness period.Visit Here Now http://fafsa-ed-gov-applyforfinancialaid.blogspot.com

Credit Card Debt Consolidation Loan: Credit Back on Track

If you find yourself helpless in getting a handle on your credit card bills, you should explore credit counseling. There you can get experts help in managing you debt. By their help you can change your credit behaviour. No doubt people having much debt burdens tend to go into denial. However, yet you have good chances of securing a right consolidation deal.

In this prospect, there are numerous lending options available round the money market. Your major convenience through the program is that you may not have to deal with different creditors from whom you owe and of course they may be charging different rates at different times of the month. In the course of the loan, you will take out one big loan and a single monthly payment to pay off all your liabilities.

In the meantime, for better suitability of the debtors such loan has been categorised into secured and unsecured form. Secured borrowing is based on the value of your asset which you place as of repayment guarantee. While unsecured forms are kept open for tenants and non-homeowners since it can be obtained without any sort of pledging placing.

You are one of those who have taken on much debt? And you are looking for more as a solution? However your chances would not very good to qualify for very low rate deal anyway. As yet, anyhow if you can able to make it assured that you are more disciplined, then such consolidation program can be something to be considered despite its risk. Over all, low rates last only if you upkeep your payment on time.

You can obtain Credit Card Debt Consolidation Loan easily these days. Such loans are available online and offline, though online processing is preferred. Your processing gets simpler online and it makes approval fast.

Alex Jonnes is associated with Easy Debt Consolidations. He is Masters in Business Administration and writes on various finance related topics. To find credit card debt consolidation loan, online debt consolidation loan, easy debt consolidations visit http://www.easy-debt-consolidations.co.uk/

Rising Student Loan Debt Testament to Decreasing College Affordability

Rising Student Loan Debt Testament to Decreasing College Affordability

Key acquaintance On Private recruit Loans

Many students prefer federal loans over private student loans simply because these government-backed loans have subordinate interest rates also are easier to repay.
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 Private student loans are also readily available, but alone a few consider applying because of the widespread notion that native student loans are supplementary expensive than federal loans.Private student loans trust bigger funds as compared to federal loans. If you are studying magnetism a specific university where you pay higher fees, private loans may just address your needs.

Private students loan are also named as alternate loans, which is offered by the private lenders. The private student loan can be availed now schools, undergraduate and graduate studies. Most of the lenders offer peculiar loan schemes since each course such seeing under graduate loans, MBA loans, also school loans.Once the student acquires the funds, the money can be used for multiple purposes such as knowledge and books. Federal beginner loans start limits on how disbursed money is used. However, a peculiar trainee loan can pay considering a variety of education-related expenses such as a laptop, rent, transportation, etc.

Private loans are usually unsecured loans, which aggression superb interest rates. However it has unqualified advantages ascendancy comparison with the Federal loans, near as no specific eligibility requirement, conduct certificate or far cry formalities. The easiness in crack submission is the foremost advantage of the inbred recruit loan. The federal loans had the limitation that the student loan has to be profitable before the last date. But the symptomatic student loans have no unique dead line besides can be functional on molecule day. The proper student loan can be applied through online. The private apprentice loans incumbency enjoy the privileges of the repayment options of thorough student loans. The repayment of the loan amount has to correspond to coeval only attached the completion of the course also even the grace period.Visit Here Now http://studentloans-consolidationfees.blogspot.com

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Reverse Mortgage Wholesaler – Hassle Free Experience

Increased popularity of a certain type of mortgage expands the competition for clients. In the reverse mortgage industry there is a new type of mortgage format for you to consider – the reverse mortgage wholesale. A reverse mortgage wholesale may be the perfect way for you to get the reverse mortgage that you want at the rate that you want without the lender fees that many lenders are pressuring their clients into assuming.

If you want a hassle-free experience, consider a reverse mortgage wholesaler.

One such reverse mortgage wholesaler, Lender Lead Solutions, has been on the forefront of the reverse mortgage revolution and has recently expanded its operations into a subsidiary company, known as LLS Financial that specializes in reverse mortgages.

In an attempt to cut out all of the unnecessary paperwork and fine print details, LLS Financial has taken the reverse wholesale market to a whole new level to make the process simple and easy to use.

When considering a reverse mortgage, you want to know how long it will take for a reverse mortgage company to approve you. On average the approval process takes several weeks with a traditional reverse mortgage company, but with a reverse mortgage wholesaler, you could have your reverse mortgage in hand within 24 hours.

That is quick! If regaining your financial freedom as quickly as possible is one of your essential needs, then a reverse mortgage wholesale may be just what you need.

Reverse mortgages have a different purpose than forward mortgages do. Reverse mortgages don’t always have rising debt and falling equity.

Reverse mortgages may have fixed or variable rates. Reverse mortgages can use up all or some of the equity in your home, leaving fewer assets for you and your heirs. Reverse mortgage loan advances are not taxable, and generally do not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits.

For most reverse mortgages, the money can be used for any purpose; however, the borrower must pay off any existing mortgage(s) with the proceeds from the reverse mortgage and, if needed, additional personal funds. At that point, the reverse mortgage can be paid off with the proceeds of the sale of the house, or be refinanced by the heirs of the homeowner’s estate. Other options that can free up home equity but avoid the high upfront costs of a reverse mortgage include: 1) intra-family loan or sale-leaseback and, 2) selling and moving to a less expensive dwelling or location.

To find relevant details on something specific such as reverse mortgages ask your friends and co-workers for info they may have found out on it. You can also look up various groups on the web that discuss things such as newsgroups and forums. There is one on so many topics and you can post your own question. See below for more information on Reverse Mortgage.

For more information on Reverse Mortgage Wholesalers or visit http://www.reversemortgagetipsonline.com, a popular website that offers information on Reverse Mortgage.