At the September meeting of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), changes were made to the ethical guidelines that colleges have to adhere to when admitting students. These changes went into effect at the end of September of this year and may impact your child’s admission experience. The changes include: For years… Read more
Here’s what you need to know about the FAFSA!
It is that time of year again! The 2020-2021 FAFSA and CSS Profile opens on Tuesday, October 1. The FAFSA is required to be completed by any student and parent who intends to attend college in the Fall of 2020 and will need money to pay for college. Listed below are suggestions and facts that… Read more
The Pros and Cons of Summer College Visits
Pro: Add it to your vacation schedule. With most colleges offering two information sessions and tours a day, even in the summer, many families cram visits to several universities over the course of a few days. Big urban schools, like NYU, tend to have robust summer sessions with a lot of students on campus, so… Read more
A Big Congratulations to the Class of 2019! Way to Go!!!
This past year, I supported students to get into many of the following schools: Bowie Coastal Carolina Colby Case Western U of Delaware Florida State Florida Southern Hood Lafayette Lehigh U of Maryland U of Maryland Eastern Shore U of Michigan U of Maryland Baltimore County McDaniel Penn State Shippensburg Stetson U of South Carolina… Read more
How to Help Without Taking Over the College Essay
It is a rainy Wednesday in July 2018. I am sitting with a Mom and her daughter as they share with me their hopes and dreams for college as well as their fear about the college essay. When I mentioned the essay for the first time, Mom began bombarding me with questions: “Does she have… Read more
Why You Should Take a Second Look at Test-Optional Colleges
In light of the recent Varsity Blues Scandal, which continues to be in the news four weeks after the first headlines, I thought I would revisit an article that I wrote in 2015 about options to college admissions’ testing. As you know, the two assessments used by college admissions’ counselors are the SAT or the… Read more
Taking AP Exams is WELL Worth the Cost!
In reviewing a student’s transcript, most college admissions counselors check for rigorous classes, such as Advanced Placement. Students who earn a four or five on most AP exams are usually awarded college credit. This results in a substantial savings for parents and students, as the cost for an AP exam is currently $94, whereas the… Read more
What to Look For When Hiring a College Consultant
A consultant should help reduce anxiety for parents and students during the college admissions process, according to a recent article in U.S. News & World Report. I recently posted a response to the college admissions scandal, and included valuable information on the credentials parents should look for when considering hiring a college consultant. Here’s another… Read more
Saddened by college admissions scandal
Good morning: Like many of you, I have been following the college admissions scandal that has been in the news these last few days. As an independent college counselor with more than 30 years of experience, I am angry and sad that this is happening today. However, I am not surprised. I have met many… Read more
Understanding those Critical Financial Aid Letters
“The waiting is finally over!” Mrs. Drew* happily shared with me as I answered my phone in April 2018. “Scott* got into all of the schools on his list, which is wonderful. So, how do we decide where he should go? I have started receiving his financial aid award letters and I don’t understand them. … Read more