Applying to college isn’t the same as it was 20 years ago. Colleges aren’t looking solely for excellent grades and test scores anymore. They are seeking specific attributes that make an applicant unique or special. Things like extracurriculars, talents, outside interests or experiences and background might matter more now. This is something that Karen and Tony DeRosa, owners of Class 101 Dayton know well.
“Perhaps the biggest misconception about the college planning process is that applying to college is the same as it was a generation ago or even a few years ago,” explains Karen.
When Karen and Tony became Class 101 franchise owners, they had four teenage kids, three of whom are now college students. They have personal, firsthand experience in what is required for college planning. In addition to helping their children navigate the college planning timeline, Karen and Tony bring a combined 25 years of college teaching experience to their business.
“Our true success is best illustrated by our students who have applied to more than 140 different colleges and universities with an acceptance rate of 90 to 93% each year. This includes acceptances to Yale, Columbia, University of Chicago, NYU, Georgia Tech, Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, Michigan, GWU and many more,” shares Karen.
One of those recent acceptances was Karen McLain’s son, Sam. Now a high school senior, Sam was able to take advantage of all the services Class 101 Dayton offers including PSAT/SAT/ACT prep, resume prep, essay writing, assistance with high school course selections, college applications, scholarship guidance, college visits and more.
Sam was thrilled to be accepted to Northwestern University, which was his first-choice school, and his mom loved how Class 101 Dayton allowed Sam to be in control of and responsible for the planning. “After each visit, we received an update on items discussed, progress and goals, which kept us in the loop but from a distance. The ball was in Sam’s court to do the work and stay accountable to Class 101,” says Karen M.
Since their opening in August 2018, Class 101 Dayton has received several recognitions from Class 101 corporate. Due to their success and passion for the best practices in college advising, Karen is often invited to lead training sessions for Class 101 college planners across the country.
The DeRosa’s bring a passion for seeing each student define and realize their goals and they provide each family they work with the personal time and attention to make this happen. Alli Brown, a current high school senior, sought out Class 101 Dayton while in her sophomore year.
“I truly felt supported by everyone in the office, whether it be academics, sports, clubs or my personal life,” shares Alli.
This is echoed by Karen when she says, “we are more than test prep. More than essays. And our mission is to empower all students.”
For more information on Class 101 Dayton visit Class101.com/DaytonOhSouth.
Class 101 College Prep Essentials:
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Developing a college list
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Visiting colleges
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Checking grades, helping choose high school classes
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Preparing for the ACT / SAT / PSAT
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Upgrading the resume
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Crafting college essays
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Managing applications and deadlines
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Exploring scholarship opportunities
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Pursuing financial aid
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Transitioning to college
Class 101 Dayton
36 Richards Run Suite A, Springboro
937.705.5113 | Class101.com/DaytonOhSouth
