I was sitting in my office one rainy Wednesday afternoon talking to a student new to my practice. Joe was enthusiastically answering my questions because both he and I were hoping to uncover the answer to the age-old question: “What do you want to do when you grow up.” I oftentimes imagine myself a detective… Read more
And Now, We Wait!
It’s that time of the year again – a period marked with increased anxiety and nervousness. I’m speaking of the wait for college decision letters! The applications have been sent, and now it’s waiting time. No doubt this is an extremely nerve -wracking time for everyone involved. What’s a stressed- out student to do during… Read more
Changes to College Admissions Rules May Not all be Positive
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
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
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
The Opportunities and Obstacles of Visiting Colleges During the Summer
Between his two daughters, Chris Snowden and his family have visited more than 15 colleges and universities – some multiple times – during the last five years. “Between AP expectations, soccer, swimming, and lots of homework, finding time to squeeze in college tours meant visiting most schools during breaks,” Snowden says. “Their high school does have a policy of excusing absences to… 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
11 Steps to Successful College Visits
“It’s his senior year of high school, for goodness sakes! Why am I feeling such dread?” one parent recently asked me. “I thought I’d be dancing with joy. He’s a senior; almost an adult. But instead I’m feeling scared and filled with questions. He told me he needs to visit a few colleges. I have… Read more