Blog

ESSENTIAL TOPICS:

• University or Liberal Arts College – Which is Right for You? Learn here about the differences. Then, decide what you require to meet your academic and personal needs and review answers to your questions after visiting both a small college and a large university.
• Majoring in Food Sciences – Do you read the nutrition facts on the back of your cereal box in the morning? If so, a food sciences major might be for you.
• Cutting the Cost of College – With the increasingly high price of a college education, families are eager to find ways to cut college costs.  Here are some ideas.
• Receiving Accommodations on the ACT/SAT – It can be confusing for students with learning differences to apply for accommodations. Students must provide detailed official evidence of their disability. This includes a disability diagnosis by a credentialed professional, and official evidence of the impact the disability has had on the applicant’s school performance. Follow our roadmap.

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ESSENTIAL TOPICS:

• How to Ace Your College Interview –  Find lots of tips here to help you navigate the interview process.  And then breathe deeply to calm yourself, put a big smile on your face, and walk in with confidence!
• Majoring in Animation –  While animators often work in the entertainment industry, there are many jobs available in other fields also, such as advertising and education.
• Understanding Your Student Aid Report –  Once you’ve completed your FAFSA, a Student Aid Report will be generated. The information on this report serves as the basis for determining your financial aid package.  This article explains the components of the SAR.
• Dealing With Deferral –  As early college admissions decisions are released, some students will find themselves in the limbo-land of deferral.  Deferral means that your early application will be reconsidered within the context of the regular decision applicant pool.  What can you do to improve your chances of admission?

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ESSENTIAL TOPICS:

• Considering Women’s Colleges –  Students who attend a women’s college report that they feel more ready to speak up in class, and take on greater academic risks and challenges.  Learn about the pros and cons of attending a women-only institution here.
• The Best Majors for Lucrative Careers – Interested in return on investment?  Consider these careers if you want to earn a significant amount both soon after graduation and into your future.
• Merit Scholarships Make Private Colleges Affordable – In 2018, the average institutional tuition discount rate reached a record high of nearly 50 percent among private colleges, meaning that their families are paying only half of the regular tuition rate.  Check this out to learn how private colleges make the experience affordable.
• After Submitting Your Applications – Good for you! But there are still tasks to be completed even after your applications are in.  See what you need to be doing now.

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ESSENTIAL TOPICS:

• The Rise of Test Optional Admissions –  Although many colleges have considered candidates for admission without standardized test results for years, there has been a recent increase in the number and selectivity of colleges offering test-optional admissions.  Learn more about this growing movement and how it pertains to you.
•  Majoring in Public Administration –  Students interested in careers in public service will find themselves well-positioned for anticipated openings by majoring in public administration.
•  Early Decision/Early Action and Their Effect on Financial Aid –    Although Early Decision can significantly increase your chance of admission at many colleges, there is a potential downside in ED for students who require financial aid to attend college.  Read this to learn how ED/EA admissions can affect your total cost of college.
• Why Are You Applying Here? – The popular “Why this college?” supplemental essay requires applicants to dive deeply into programs at that institution, thinking about the student’s interests, strengths and goals, and looking for how these mesh with those of the school.
• Fall Timeline for Juniors and Seniors –  Here’s a clip-and-save list of what you should be doing this fall.

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ESSENTIAL TOPICS:

• Managing Stress –  School has always been high on the list of stressors for young people – exams, tests, deadlines, organization, time management, friends, and money. Here are some ideas to help you better manage your stress level.
• Interdisciplinary Majors–  Tomorrow’s complex problems will require a multidisciplinary approach, and narrowly-focused studies may become inadequate.  Take a look at some of the new interdisciplinary majors that allow students to combine several areas of interest.
•  File the FAFSA as Soon After Oct. 1st as Possible –  The FAFSA should be filed as soon as possible after October 1st of the student’s senior year, and then yearly while attending college.  Here’s what families need to know about this very important financial aid form.
• Rigor of Curriculum – Selective colleges expect to see applicants opting for a high level of rigor in their studies, within the constraints of their high school’s offerings.   You can’t design your school’s curriculum but you can control how you complete your four years of high school, so plan well for the most rigorous program you can comfortably handle while still having a balanced life.
•  Writing a Note-Worthy Essay –  How do you make your essay famous instead of infamous? Here are some basic tips to consider.

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ESSENTIAL TOPICS:

• Advice for New College Freshmen – One of the best parts of going off to college is the ability to create the “you” whom you want to be.  Here are some suggestions to help you make a successful transition to campus.
• Majoring in Environmental Science – The world needs more scientists equipped to attack the spiral of damaging human behaviors. Environmental science is a branch of science that seeks to sustain the Earth’s environment.
• Pre-College Legal & Financial Matters – There are a few legal and financial issues that should be addressed before your son or daughter goes off to college. Learn about them here.
• Telling Your Story – The “dreaded” college essays really are your opportunity to share your voice and personalize your application, making the whole package a full and complete story of YOU. Here are some tips to make that happen.

Download the Full Newsletter: June 2019 College Counseling Newsletter 

ESSENTIAL TOPICS:

• Student Support Services on Campus – It’s likely that all students will have need of at least some of the support services available on campus.  Check these out, paying special attention to those that may be important to your well-being.
• Majoring in Computer Programming – In our increasingly technological world, students who major in computer programming can find their niche in almost any kind of company. Learn more about the major and career options here.
• College Choice and Return on Investment – College is a very big-ticket item, and many students rack up considerable debt to help pay for their education. As with any large expenditure, it’s a good idea to consider how the costs of this purchase compare to the benefits of making the purchase.

Download the Full Newsletter:  May 2019 College Counseling Newsletter

ESSENTIAL TOPICS:

• Waitlist Purgatory –The dreaded waitlist. You weren’t rejected, but you weren’t accepted either. What should you do now?
• Majoring in Linguistics – With over 5,000 languages spoken around the world, businesses often are unable to communicate with partners from different countries. There are lots of career options for graduates with a linguistics degree.
• Comparing Financial Aid Packages – The bottom line in comparing financial aid packages is the final cost of your education to you and your family.  Here’s a guide to understanding the components of your offers.
• Social Media & College Admission – Consider using your social media as a wider representation of both who you are and what you have to share with your colleges.

Download the Full Newsletter:  April 2019 College Counseling Newsletter

ESSENTIAL TOPICS:

• The Meaning of Fit –  Fit is frequently referred to when speaking with students about choosing the ‘right’ college, and many of those same students are puzzled about what is the ‘right’ fit. Here are some of the things to think about when we talk of “fit.”
• Majoring in Advertising –  Few businesses are successful without advertising, and that is why it is a helpful major for practically any career. See if it’s right for you.
• Free Money vs Loans –  In the world of college finances, there are just two kinds of money: “Great money – or Free money” – and “Not-so-Great money”. When does it make sense to choose one or both?
• Choosing Next Year’s Curriculum –  For selective colleges, rigor of curriculum is one of the top factors in granting acceptance.  If you’re targeting one of these selective colleges, resist the temptation to make life easy, and opt for the most challenging program you can handle, while still leaving yourself time to enjoy your high school years.

Download the Full Newsletter:  March 2019 College Counseling Newsletter

 

ESSENTIAL TOPICS:

• SAT vs ACT – Which Should You Take? -The redesign of the SAT in 2016 resulted in a test quite similar to the ACT.  But how do they really compare and how can you determine which test is right for you?
• Majoring in Astrophysics –  Students strong in math and science with a passion for the universe may be interested in considering a major in astrophysics.  Learn what types of careers you can aim for by studying this branch of astronomy.
• Tax Benefits for Education –  An education credit helps with the cost of higher education by reducing the amount of tax owed on your tax return. Here are two commonly available tax credits that families should check out.
• Dare to Be Different – Great advice for college-bound students – learn how to stand out from the pack.

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