As we bring this year to a close, here’s my 2020 hindsight on an atypical year in an unpredictable business (yes, college admissions is a business and don’t let anyone tell you it’s not): This year gave students an opportunity to slow down and take a breath. Sometimes this was welcomed and other times […]
It’s October 1 – Time to Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile
It’s hard to believe that fall is here. And with fall comes the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Both financial aid applications open on October 1. Let’s unpack what this means for high school seniors and their parents. First, some definitions. FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Colleges use this form to determine your […]
Virtual College Fairs
This is the time of year when normally I would be encouraging students to attend a local college fair. While in-person fairs are temporarily on hold, the good news is some great organizations have created virtual fairs, so you can learn about schools and meet admissions reps from the comfort of your home. A few […]
The Summer of Nothing to Do
Artwork by Maza the Rhino “There’s nothing to do.” These days this often seems to be the case for high school students. This is especially vexing for rising high school juniors and seniors who may have had plans to work, intern, volunteer, or attend a pre-college program this summer, but lost the opportunity due […]
The College Timeline
August 1. October 1. April 1. May 1. If you’re the parent of a high school student who’s planning to attend college, these dates (and others) should be marked on your calendar. There are many steps you need to take in order to not only successfully apply to college, but find the college with the […]
To Test or Not To Test
With so many schools going “test-optional” (see the full list at Fairtest), high school juniors are asking me if they still need to take the ACT or SAT. Let’s start with some definitions. “Test-optional” is not the same as “test-blind”. A test-blind school will NOT consider your standardized test scores even if you choose […]
Are Online Classes the Way of the Future?
If you asked a current high school and college student, the answer is probably no. (Check out this NYTimes article.) Thanks to Covid-19, they are no longer taking for granted in-person classes, labs, and performances because for many of them, distance learning unfortunately has not been the same academic experience they were used to […]
Will Students Be On Campus in the Fall?
Everyone wants to know if students will be on campus in the fall. Covid-19 has made this a difficult question to answer. Some schools such as Notre Dame have said they will start early, end early (before Thanksgiving), and forego all breaks in order to bring students back on campus. Others such as the Cal […]
Summer Programs
What should I do this summer? This is a common question I’m asked by my high school clients. The answer of course varies depending on their interests, financial situation, and, this year more than most, what’s available. One great option for everyone is to take a summer class. A plus side to the distance learning […]
Get Ready to Take Your AP Exams
AP exams are going virtual. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, schools across the world will not administer the tests in person, so College Board has created a way to still allow students to take the AP exams (and hopefully receive college credit) beginning next Monday, 5/11 – Friday, May 22. Check out my blog […]
Remote Volunteer Opportunities for Students
Looking for something to do since in-person activities came to a screeching halt with the arrival of COVID-19? The good news is there are plenty of things to do. Follow these steps to find meaningful activities to give back to your community, build your skills, and/or dive into your passion. Step 1: Identify Your […]
Gap Years Are the Latest Craze. Should They Be?
Given the state of the world in terms of both health and the economy, many students who would never have considered taking a gap year are now requesting a deferral, but should they be? Let’s start with the basics. According to the Gap Year Association, a gap year is “A semester or year of experiential […]