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
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
What to do AFTER all the College Applications are done
I recently heard this voicemail from one of my students: “I’ve finished all of my college applications. I’m done, right?” I could hear the pride and fear in her voice as she asked the question. She was proud that she had completed all of her nine college applications, including essays, short answers, letter of recommendation… Read more
Workshop on the 3 A’s of College: Access, Admissions & Affordability
Attend our 3 A’s of College: Access, Admissions and Affordability to learn from a college admissions’ expert. You’ll discover the proven steps you can take to not only gain admission to one of your dream schools, but to complete college without massive debt. Applying for college can be difficult, overwhelming and stressful. Dianne Keilholtz, NCC,… Read more
Congratulations, Class of 2018!
I love graduation ceremonies, not just to hear “Pomp and Circumstance” one more time, but mainly to witness the joy and happiness in student’s faces as they walk across that stage towards their diploma and their life. This is a time of celebration and reflection, and I hope each of you take the time to… Read more
3 A’s of College: Access, Admissions & Affordability Seminar in Bradenton
Learn from a college admissions’ expert the proven steps you can take to not only gain admission to one of your dream schools, but to complete college without massive debt. Applying for college can be difficult, overwhelming and stressful. Dianne Keilholtz, NCC, IEC has over 30 years’ experience guiding students and families through the entire… Read more
Volunteering is Important to College Admissions Officers
I recently received a phone call from an anxious Mom. “My child has completed all of her college applications. Now I’m freaking out because we haven’t heard anything yet and my friend just told me that my daughter needed to volunteer someplace in order to get in. Is that true?!” I felt for this mom. … Read more
The Importance of Gratitude in College Admissions and in LIFE!
Several years ago, my husband became very ill. All of a sudden, his blood pressure shot up into the unhealthy stroke range. For several days, nothing the doctors did seemed to bring it down. I was filled with worry and dread. I began to miss appointments, not return phone calls or emails, and would find… Read more