Frequently Asked Questions
For Prospective/New Subscribers
For Current Subscribers
What happens once we place an order for the handbook? What do we receive?
Once we receive a purchase order number, check or valid credit card information (paper order form only), we send the handbook via email within 24-48 hours unless it is during the summer. The handbook is updated all summer, so orders placed then will wait for the new edition in mid to late August. Other than summer, if you ordered a hard copy, it will go out via Priority Mail within 48 hours. In addition, you will receive an email with all copyright permissions, granting you the rights to reproduce the original for your students. You also receive a customized cover in Word, which you may edit. We do our best to make a cover with your school name and logo, but we can't always get a good logo graphic off your website. So many schools edit the cover to their own liking. Lastly, you will receive a hyperlink (website address) to our subscriber research website, where you will find over 600 categorized links on every possible admission related topic! It is the most comprehensive college research site on the internet, and is available only to our subscribers. Every quarter (January, April, July and October) we post our newsletter "The Edge" on the subscriber website as well. You may print it and reproduce it, or simply refer students and parents to it. You receive all this with your annual subscription.
How quickly can we obtain the handbook and other subscription information once we order?
Once we receive your order form, either on-line or paper (faxed or mailed), with a valid PO#, credit card information, or a check in the mail, your order will be processed within 24-48 hours. The emailed handbook will arrive immediately if you provide a valid email address, and a hard copy (if ordered) will arrive shortly thereafter via Priority Mail. If there is some special circumstance making your order an extreme rush, contact us and we will do everything we can to accommodate your needs.
Can a District subscribe and include all its high schools?
Not exactly. The subscription is at the high school level only, not at the District level. However, if multiple schools within the same district subscribe in the same year, they are all eligible for discounts as shown below. It is fine if the district wants to be invoiced all together and make one payment, but we correspond with each high school individually.
Please explain about District Discounts.
If multiple schools in the same District subscribe, then each school's subscription rate goes down according to the following schedule:
If one school in a particular district is already a subscriber, and additional school(s) from the same district subscribe in a later year, the price will drop for the original school as well - from that point on.Important Note: You MUST let us know the names of the schools that are in the same district AND the name of the district. Otherwise, if each school subscribes separately and doesn't tell us, we won't understand that they are requesting/qualified for the discount. You must also be sure that they are subscribing or renewing this year as well. Also, note that we can bill the district for all schools combined.
Why do you charge extra for a hard copy?
Most schools don't require a hard copy, as they simply print their own original from the free emailed version. For that reason, we don't want to charge those schools more in order to cover the cost of the hard copies for others. Priority postage is $4.60, and we add on a minor processing/copying fee. This way we only charge the schools that require it.
Can we receive the handbook in Microsoft Word?
No, because releasing the handbook in Word would keep us from being able to prevent editing and would jeopardize our copyright. But remember, you can add your own custom pages to the appendix prior to reproducing.
How much will your pricing increase each year?
As long as you subscribe on time each year (by Dec 31 each year with no gap), your price will remain only $129 per year. It won't increase at all. The cost for the hard copy will increase to keep up with postage and copying increases.
Why does it say I may reproduce the handbook only for one class? (sophomores OR juniors)
There are several reasons for this. Most importantly, it is to ensure that each of your students receives the handbook at an appropriate time in their college admission process. It also ensures that each student receives the most current edition with the most current information. The handbook changes every year, some more than others. Also, it is the annual subscription "model" that enables us to remain in business while offering these prices. With the annual subscription concept, schools can also budget ahead each year using a known amount.
How do we put the handbook on our school website?
When you subscribe(d), we email(ed) you the handbook in Adobe .pdf format, suitable for posting on a website. If your school has a website, there is almost certainly a technical person (your website administrator) who maintains it. Simply find out how to contact your website administrator and let them know that you have the handbook in Adobe .pdf format and wish to place it on your school website. You will also need to tell him/her how to reference it. (for example, call the link "College Admission Handbook") He or she will know how to do this, and we are happy to answer any questions. Most likely you will simply email the handbook to the administrator. If you have misplaced the email with the .pdf file, please email us. Once we verify that your school is an active subscriber, we will re-email you the file.
How do we link to the subscriber resource website?
When you subscribe(d), we email(ed) you the URL (internet address) for the resource website. Your website administrator will need to know that URL, where you want to place the link, and what you want to call it. (for example, "Link to College Admission Resources" or "Categorized College Admission Links" - something like that) He or she will then create the hyperlink on your school website. When students or parents click on that link, they will be taken directly to the resource website, where they will be prompted for the user name and password. You will need to have either provided this to them, or you can direct them to find it in the handbook If you have misplaced the email or no longer have the link, please email us. Once we verify that your school is an active subscriber, we will re-email you the link.
Why do we have to pay each year?
It is the annual subscription "model" that enables us to remain in business while offering these prices. With the annual subscription concept, schools can also budget ahead each year using a known amount.
Is the handbook customized to our school?
The answer is "yes" and "no". The core pages of the handbook apply to any college bound student, and are most appropriate for those intending to pursue four year colleges. Those core pages may not be altered and are not customized. But each handbook does include state pages for your specific state - generally a page for every one of your major state university systems. Finally, you are welcome to add your own school-specific pages to the Appendix prior to reproducing the handbook. This can include your own forms, curriculum requirements, etc.
What is included in the state pages for our state?
Each handbook includes state-specific pages for your state - generally a page for every one of your major state university systems, depending upon how much information is available. The state pages are also updated annually with current admission information. We are very open to your suggestions for improving the state pages for your state. Simply send us any general information that you think would enhance them. We will include them subject to review for accuracy and relevance.
Will you make specific handbook changes for our school?
No, we are simply not able to offer specific versions per school at these prices, nor are we staffed to do so. However, we are very open to taking suggestions from schools. If you have a request or idea, and it is verified to be accurate and appropriate by our staff, it is very likely that we will add it.
How often is the handbook updated?
Research for the handbook is ongoing throughout the year. However, the major update is done over the summer, with the new edition being released in August. The reason for this timing is that many colleges update their websites and make their online applications available in late July or August. By timing our editions this way, we ensure that the handbook and its state pages have the most current information possible.
How much does the handbook change every year?
It varies from year to year, but there are always changes. We notice that the web links become obsolete very quickly as do the statistics. We are also always incorporating suggestions from our schools. For example, when the new SAT was introduced, we completely revamped the entire standardized testing section with extra pages on the new SAT. Now that section is being revamped again, as the new SAT no longer requires quite as much detail. The NCAA changes their website constantly, as do many financial aid resources. For example, the College Cost Reduciton Act of 2007 has affected the financial section and will be revised in the next edition. We make it our "mission" to remain absolutely current.
Do you consider suggestions for the handbook?
Absolutely! If you have a request or idea, and it is verified to be accurate and appropriate by our staff, it is very likely that we will add it. So far every edition has contained at least one suggestion that came directly from one of our subscriber schools.
When and how do we renew?
We mail out an official renewal packet with a renewal order form every summer. (usually in August) But if your school's process necessitates renewing earlier or later, we will work to accommodate you. You can always find an on-line or paper renewal form on our website, so we can accommodate what works best for your school. In order to maintain your same price year to year, you must always have your renewal form in by December 31. However, many schools want the handbook much earlier than that, so it's up to you. We will send the handbook as soon it is ready (August) and we have received your renewal form.
Why can't I get into the Subscriber Website?
Assuming that your subscription is current, you were emailed the new user name and password when you renewed. It is also contained inside each year's handbook, right after the Table of Contents and also at the end. If you no longer have it, simply email us at info@getin2college.com. Once we verify your subscription, we will send you the user name and password again. NOTE: The password is case sensitive and is all caps!
When do we receive the new edition each year?
The new edition is worked on all summer and is available in August. After August, we will send it as soon as we receive your renewal order form with a check, Purchase Order or credit card information.
Do you take credit cards?
Yes, Master Card and Visa - but only using the paper order form. We are not yet set up to accept them over the internet for security reasons. You can print the paper order form from our website.
How else can we pay?
Personal checks, school checks, purchase orders and credit cards are all accepted.
Are there any discounts available?
At this time, the only ongoing discount is when multiple schools within the same district order "together". The annual subscription price is then based on the number of schools in the group as follows:
If one school in a particular district is already a subscriber, and additional school(s) from the ame district subscribes, the price will drop for the original school as well - from that point on.
Important Note: You MUST let us know the names of the schools that are in the same district AND the name of the district. Otherwise, if each school subscribes separately and doesn't tell us, we won't understand that they are requesting/qualified for the discount.
Why don't we receive your emails?
Unfortunately, some schools have installed "spam blockers" that attempt to block unwanted junk mail. Most likely your school is inadvertently blocking our domain. To remedy this, simply contact your school's technical person and tell them that you WOULD like to receive email from info@getin2college.com We assure you that we only send a few emails a year, and they are only to keep you updated about special offers, new additions etc. We don't sell anything other than our annual subscription. If this method doesn't work, the other option is to provide us with a non-school (personal) email address to use.
Do you try to market anything to our students/parents?
Absolutely NOT! We sell only our annual subscription, only to schools, and we NEVER contact your parents or students in any way. Note also that there is no advertising on our site and we make no money on sites that we link to. We are purely a resource for schools - nothing more. We do not do test prep, independent counseling or any other side service.
