Did you know that over 40% of all college grads start their education at a community college? The Pros Given the high cost of many four-year institutions, attending a community college can be a smart financial decision. It can also bring a host of other benefits. They provide a low cost a way for students […]
The ROI of Community Service
Looking for a way to give back, to learn something new, or meet new people? Then some time spent doing community service might be right for you. Community service takes many forms from helping out at a food pantry or animal shelter to being a camp counselor to tutoring other students to volunteering at […]
The Wait is Over – The New FAFSA is Here
The new FAFSA is finally here! The “soft launch” is over, and it’s time to complete the form and submit it to your colleges. What’s New? The formula used to determine your financial aid eligibility is changing. It will no longer be the EFC (Estimated Family Contribution). It will now be the SAI (Student Aid […]
Get Your Money’s Worth -Tips for Making the Most of Your Freshman Year in College
Today’s guest blogger is one of my former students, Susan Hickey, Cornell Class of 2026 (Go Big Red!). Here’s her advice to incoming college freshman. Whether you go to a private or public college, the fact remains – it’s not cheap. I felt pressure to make the most of the opportunities that my university had […]
The Beauty of Indecision
Today’s guest blogger is one of my students, Paige MacPherson. Paige wrote a great essay for one of her schools which asked her to explain her choice of major. A simple enough request until she realized she wasn’t ready to choose one major. Paige will be heading off to college in the fall. I have […]
2022: The Year in Review
The 2022 top trends in college admissions … Applications: This year continued to see an increase in the number of applicants and applications. The Common App had a 20+% increase in applicants and a 5+% increase in the number of applications per student. While I’m happy to see more students applying to college, more applications […]
What You Need to Know Before Asking for an LOR
It’s May. Time for juniors to ask their teachers for a “Letter of Recommendation” (LOR). Most students review their report card, find a class or two where they got an A, and head off to ask that teacher to write an LOR for them. Not so fast. Before asking a teacher (or anyone) to write […]
The SAT Is So 2020! Or Is It?
Everyone (including me) thought (hoped??) the ACT and SAT were going the way of mullets and leg warmers. Apparently, we were wrong. While Cal State decided to eliminate the standardized test requirement, MIT just announced that they are requiring standardized test scores for the class of 2027 and beyond. How long will it be until […]
Admitted Students Day – It’s the College’s Turn to Impress YOU!
They said yes! Congratulations on getting into college! Now it’s time to sign up for Admitted Students Day at the school. Why Should I Sign Up? You might be thinking, “Why should I attend? I’m already in.” The answer is so you can make an informed decision as to which school is the best fit […]
Planning Your High School Schedule
Which math should I take? Does it matter if I’m in honors or AP? How do I fit in orchestra? Do I really need another year of a language? Welcome to the world of counseling high school students on their class schedules. Every spring students struggle with deciding which classes they should take next year. […]
2021 Hindsight – A Lookback at College and COVID
COVID continued to have a major impact on students in 2021. While there were some positive changes (students found innovative ways to enhance their learning and explore their interests, schools re-engineered their admissions review process to be more holistic), it was still a difficult year for many. As we bring this year to a close, […]
It’s Time for EA and ED Decisions
December and January. The months where Early Action and Early Decision applicants receive their decision letters. The Outcomes: Accepted. Congratulations you got in! Deferred: Admissions is interested in you, but they aren’t ready to commit. While you may be disappointed that you weren’t accepted, you still have time to impress admissions. Denied: This is the […]