2011 was the toughest college admissions year on record...


To Get Ahead, You Need To Get A Head Start!

2011 was the toughest college admissions year on record. Nearly every school experienced a massive uptick in the number of applications they received.

And while the admissions officials are doing a happy dance about their pumped up numbers, you are about to embark upon one of the most confusing and competitive (not to mention important) battles you've probably ever faced...

So, are you ready? Well, ready or not...

College is right around the corner.

And getting into a great college of your choice at a price that your family can afford is going to be more difficult than ever! Why? Mostly supply and demand. Once again, schools will see a record number of applicants this fall, all of whom will by vying for the same slots, precious merit scholarships, and disappearing post-recession grants that you will be trying to earn. So, you need to arm yourself with the facts NOW!.

Go beyond the one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter advice you may have received and learn the secrets of the college admissions game from an insider and expert.

Introducing...
'College Pete's' 4th Annual 'Thick Envelope Magic'
College Admissions & Application Bootcamp

Saturday, August 13, 2011
Weston Community Center
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
20200 Saddle Club Road
Weston, FL 33327

Register Now!
Peter Ratzan
Peter "College Pete" Ratzan, Former Teacher, Guidance Counselor and Certified College Planner
 John Blutarsky
John Blutarsky, Faber College '62 (will NOT be speaking at College Pete's Bootcamp)

During this one-day intensive program, you'll learn:

  • How to organize your senior year for college – key dates, deliverables and milestones
  • How to compile the right mix of 'best fit' schools for your family
  • How to build an admissions strategy that will increase your chances of acceptance at those schools
  • What exactly the admissions officers will be looking for this year
  • How to fill out the common application – You will leave with a complete cctivity sheet summing up your high school awards, activities, and achievements that can be used to complete the common application months ahead of time
  • How to craft a compelling essay that separates you from the pack, and several essay topics – and words – to avoid like the plague
  • The surprising truth about flaws and how to explain failures
  • When you should visit colleges? And 10 great tips for doing so
  • A silly way to guarantee you get a great recommendation
  • What you should do, say and ask in your college interviews
  • More!

RESERVE A SEAT TODAY AND You'll Have Your College Applications Done BEFORE You Step One Foot In School This Fall!

Cost: Free to our members/clients
For others, the price for this event is $247 per student for the full event, which includes a binder full of tips and tidbits, strategies and advice on getting into Top Choice U, as well as lunch and refreshments.

This event has limited capacity, and we must reserve seats for our clients, so ACT NOW to lock in your seat and get a Head Start!

Saturday, August 13, 2011
Weston Community Center
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
20200 Saddle Club Road
Weston, FL 33327

Register Now!

The college planning process has become a year-long, overly complicated, overly confusing high stakes game that can affect not just the next four years of your life, but the next 40! In the last few years, colleges have significantly changed the way they do business (yes, despite their 'nonprofit status, they are businesses). I have personally helped hundreds of South Florida students like you 'shop' for, get into and GET DISCOUNTS at great colleges that have met all of their academic and social criteria AND did not force them to take on the back-breaking burden of 'rip-off' student loan debt. It's time for you to go beyond the one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter 'rankings' and advice you get from well-meaning, but uninformed counselors and advisors – and learn how to find and gain admissions to great and generous schools that are right for you and your family.

Let me ask you a few questions. Do you know which schools are looking for what? How they weigh the different parts of your application? What will make your essay stand out? Do you know what the different types of admissions options are and how they could affect your admissions and financial aid chances? Whether to take the SAT or the ACT again? Where the generous schools are and how to get into them?

IF YOU ANSWERED 'NO' TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS, YOU NEED TO...

Re-Stock The Odds in YOUR Favor with a customized, easy-to-implement admissions strategy that will increase your chances of acceptance at the best college for you.

Saturday, August 13, 2011
Weston Community Center
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
20200 Saddle Club Road
Weston, FL 33327

Register Now!
At my annual 'Thick Envelope Magic' admissions and application boot camp, you'll learn:

  • How To Organize Your Senior Year For College – Key dates, deliverables and milestones
  • How To Compile a college list of 'best fit' schools for you and how To build an admissions strategy that will increase your chances of acceptance at those schools
  • What exactly Admissions officers will be Looking For – we'll review the entire common application
  • How to craft a compelling essay that separates you from the pack, and several essay topics – and words – to avoid like the Plague
  • The surprising truth about your flaws – how to explain failures
  • How to avoid high-fee, high rate student lender traps
  • When you should visit colleges? And 10 great tips for doing so
  • A silly way to guarantee you get a great recommendation
  • What to do, say and ask in your college interviews
  • More

What are you waiting for?
RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY AND Have Your College Applications Done BEFORE You Step One Foot In School This Fall!

Saturday, August 13, 2011
Weston Community Center
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
20200 Saddle Club Road
Weston, FL 33327

Register Now!


Register Now!

A Small Sampling of the Praise and Resuts of Last Year's Attendees

"You actually explained things to me that I've never heard from my guidance counselor or anyone else."
C.H.
Accepted to: Hope College, Alma College, Muhlenberg College, Denison College, USF, University of Tampa


"I didn't know that essays could be controversial if the appropriate argument is presented."
A.M.
Accepted to: Emory, American, Drexel, FSU, GWU, Hofstra, UM
Avg. Award Offered: $15,000 (still weighing options)


"I now know how to prepare for the essay and what to do about the interview process."
S.R.
Accepted to/Headed to: UCF
Full Ride


"I was so relieved with the schedule prepared for us and learned a lot about the process, how to fill out the forms and my responsibilities."
D.L.
Accepted to: UF, Colorado College, Emerson College
Offered Full Ride at UF and CC, waiting for EC


"It's the first time I learned how much the years in college have increased at some schools."
S.W.
Accepted to: Union College, Syracuse University, Purdue University, georgia Tech, University of Illinois, George Washington University
Avg. Award Offered: $30,000 (still weighing options)


"I'd recommend this event to every senior."
V.V.
Accepted to: George Washington University, Boston College, Boston University, UF, FSU, University of Miami
Avg. Award Offered: $22,000 (still weighing options)


"I learned new interview techniques, essay tips, and the best procedure for getting letters of recommendation."
M.S.
Accepted to/Headed to: Harvard