Honors Colleges

One way to have the advantages of a small college while attending a large university is through an honors program. Many public and some private universities offer honors programs that provide great benefits, including preferential class registration, special honors classes, enhanced advising, and enrichment programs. 

Honors classes attract top professors who enjoy teaching bright, motivated students. In most programs, students are not required to take all honors courses and often take one or two honors classes each semester alongside their other classes. Honors classes are smaller and allow students to pursue a subject in more depth. Some programs require students to complete a senior project to receive an honors designation on their transcript.

Some schools offer separate honors housing. Honors students are generally not required to live in honors housing, but it’s nice to have the option.

The University of Arizona and Arizona State University both offer honors programs. These are such large universities, each with more than 30,000 students, that an honors program is a great way to create a sense of community. Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College creates a living-learning community featuring classrooms, an advising center, a computer room, and residence halls. Honors advisors help students find opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad. Interested students need to first apply to Arizona State University and then complete the separate and free Barrett application.

Some honors programs provide financial incentives. Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College offers a renewable scholarship of $5,000 to all first-year honors students and provides grants to students who study abroad. The school offers more than 200 honors courses each year. Like many honors programs, they boast of high placement rates in graduate and professional schools.

While many large public universities have honors programs, some states also offer the option of a separate honors college. For example, St. Mary’s College of Maryland is that state’s honors college. With about 2,000 students, this liberal arts college offers a private school education, with small classes and lots of faculty interaction, at public school prices. 

Private schools can also have honors programs. At Boston’s Northeastern University, students have access to separate honors sections of courses, as well as interdisciplinary honors seminars. They can live with other freshmen honors students and enjoy excursions to the theater and symphony.

These are just a few examples of the many honors programs available at colleges and universities across the country. While a few require a separate application, most schools will invite applicants with top grades and test scores to join their honors programs. Refer to College Raptor for a more extensive honors list.

Financial Matters: Tuition Reciprocity

Picture a student who dreams of studying oceanography but lives in a landlocked state, or a student in California, Texas, or Florida competing for a shrinking number of seats at their state’s public universities. Both want to explore out-of-state options. Both worry about cost. And both are perfect examples of who can benefit from tuition reciprocity programs that make certain public colleges far more affordable.

Reciprocity agreements let students pay reduced tuition at participating universities across regional networks. What many families don’t realize is that every college within a reciprocity program sets its own rules, so eligibility, pricing, and restrictions vary widely even within the same exchange. A student isn’t guaranteed the discount simply because their state participates.

Four major programs cover most of the country: the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), the New England Tuition Break, the Midwest Student Exchange Program, and the Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market. While all aim to expand access, each operates differently, and colleges within them may add their own requirements.

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is the largest and most widely known. Students from participating western states can attend public universities in the region for no more than 150 percent of in-state tuition. But colleges get to decide which majors qualify, how many WUE students they accept, and what academic standards students must meet. Many campuses also exclude competitive majors altogether; nursing, psychology, engineering, and computer science are frequent exceptions, so it’s essential to check each college’s WUE list rather than assuming an entire school participates.

New England’s Tuition Break program focuses on major availability. A student typically qualifies only if their chosen major isn’t offered at a public university in their home state, although some colleges extend eligibility based on geographic proximity. The discount amount varies by institution, and majors can shift year to year, so families should double-check the database before applying.

The Midwest Student Exchange Program spans eight states and includes both public and private institutions, but participation is voluntary. Some colleges offer reciprocity only for certain programs or limit the number of seats available. Tuition at public universities is generally capped at 150 percent of in-state rates, while private colleges offer at least a ten percent discount. The actual savings depend heavily on the school.

The Academic Common Market in the South also ties eligibility to specific majors unavailable in a student’s home state. Each state handles certification differently, and some pause participation during budget-tight years. Colleges may limit ACM to certain degree levels, so families need to verify details early in the process.

Across all programs, the process is straightforward: students must verify residency, apply directly to the participating college, and indicate their reciprocity status early since spots may be limited. Families should also confirm that the student’s intended major is approved in the program’s database and remember that housing, travel, and campus fees can still vary widely by location. 

Reciprocity can open the door to out-of-state options that once felt financially impossible, but the details matter. With careful research and early planning, these programs can help students find the right academic fit at a cost that makes sense for families.

Focus on Majors: Psychology

If you’re fascinated by why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, a major in psychology might be the perfect fit. Psychology is the scientific study of the connections between the mind, behavior, and environment. Students explore how mental processes develop, how people make decisions, how relationships form, and how internal and external factors shape behavior over a lifetime.

Because psychology is grounded in scientific research, most programs begin with core classes in statistics, research methods, and experimental psychology. After building a foundation, students can explore the many concentrations the field offers. These include developmental psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and industrial-organizational psychology.

Different colleges offer unique pathways. The University of Michigan is widely known for social psychology research, including studies on how social media influences self-esteem and relationships. UC San Diego offers exceptional options in behavioral neuroscience. John Jay College of Criminal Justice is one of the top choices for forensic psychology and corrections-based assessment. Purdue University and Colorado State University offer strong industrial-organizational psychology tracks, a rapidly growing field used heavily in human resources and workplace consulting. Tufts University is one of the only colleges with an undergraduate interdisciplinary engineering psychology major called Human Factors Psychology, perfect for students interested in the interaction between humans and technology.

Students interested in children and development might explore programs like the University of Minnesota, well known for its research in lifespan development. For students drawn to health-related psychology, George Mason offers a concentration in health psychology. 

Those interested in sport and performance psychology often look at Kent State or the University of South Carolina.

Psychology majors take courses that help them understand behavior across many contexts. Lab-based programs may include work with human or animal subjects, designing experiments, running studies, or analyzing data using advanced software. Other programs blend classroom learning with internships in hospitals, schools, nonprofit agencies, human resources departments, marketing firms, or criminal justice settings.

One of psychology’s biggest strengths is its versatility. Graduates can pursue careers in business, sales, marketing, human resources, education, social services, research, counseling, or organizational consulting. A growing need exists for psychology specialists in HR departments, where understanding motivation, communication, and workplace culture is essential.

For students who want to become therapists, there are multiple pathways after earning a bachelor's degree. Some continue to a doctoral program (PhD or PsyD) to become licensed psychologists. Others pursue a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy. With a master’s and supervised clinical hours, students can become licensed as an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) or a licensed professional counselor, depending on state requirements. These roles focus on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate mental health and relationship challenges.

Whether a student dreams of supporting children, improving organizational culture, studying brain function, helping individuals in crisis, or conducting research, psychology provides a strong foundation. It’s a major that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of human behavior, qualities that translate into meaningful and impactful careers.

Career Paths for Psychology Majors:

· Business/Entrepreneur

· Clinical Psychologist

· Cognitive Psychologist 

· Criminal Investigator

· Developmental Psychologist

· Educational Psychologist

· Experimental Psychologist

· Forensic Psychologist

· Human Resource Personnel

· Attorney/Lawyer

· Organizational Psychologist

· Marriage & Family Therapist

· Neuropsychologist

· Physician/Psychiatrist

· Psychiatric Technician

· Psychometrist/Clinician

· Rehabilitation Psychologist

· School Counselor

· Social Psychologist

· Sports Psychologist

· Substance Abuse Counselor

Rethinking Failure and Resilience

Somewhere along the way, many students began treating failure as a personal label rather than a temporary setback. The New York Times once observed that failure has shifted from an action I failed to an identity I am a failure. Any parent who has watched their teen meltdown after a disappointing grade or feedback knows exactly how quickly young people make this leap. Yet every major body of research tells us something very different: failure is not the opposite of success. It is an essential, unavoidable, deeply valuable part of it.

Psychologist Carol Dweck’s work on mindset has helped countless students reframe this experience. Her idea of the “not yet” mindset gives students room to grow instead of shutting down. A tough outcome doesn’t mean they aren’t capable; it means they haven’t yet mastered the material. That single word opens the door to possibility. It reminds students that growth takes time, that learning requires struggle, and that setbacks aren’t proof they should quit - rather, they’re signals to keep going.

Research across psychology echoes this idea. Social psychologist Albert Bandura, showed that the process of confronting difficulty builds self-efficacy, the internal belief that one can handle hard things. Martin Seligman’s work on optimism demonstrated that resilient people interpret setbacks as temporary and specific, rather than defining or permanent. Angela Duckworth, who brought the concept of grit into the mainstream, found that perseverance develops from doing difficult things, not from staying comfortable. When young people are shielded from challenges, she warns, they can become “fragile perfects,” confident only when everything goes right.

Life is full of examples of people who transformed failure into something better. Sara Blakely often describes how failing the LSAT twice pushed her toward entrepreneurship and ultimately to founding Spanx. Jim Marshall, the Minnesota Vikings player who famously ran the wrong way and scored for the opposing team on national television. Instead of allowing embarrassment to swallow him, he used his mistake as motivation to concentrate at a higher level, practice harder than anyone else, and build a remarkable career. Their stories show that failure doesn’t define someone. What they do afterward does.

This dynamic shows up often in the college application process. In one case, a senior failed a class after assuming the teacher would accept late work for full credit. When that didn’t happen, the outcome was painful, but the experience pushed him to take ownership of his communication and planning in a way nothing else had. That one setback ultimately prepared him far better for the realities of college than any semester of smooth sailing ever could. The failure didn’t define him; it simply illuminated what needed to change. Colleges increasingly value this kind of resilience. At highly selective colleges, even a single low grade can still hurt a student’s chances. Even with a clear, honest explanation and evidence of growth, the most competitive schools may not be able to overlook it because so many applicants have spotless records. Admissions officers recognize that the transition to college demands resilience, adaptability, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. They intentionally look for evidence of reflection in applications. A student who can explain how they handled a setback, whether academic, personal, or extracurricular, often stands out due to the vulnerability and realization the student demonstrated.

Colleges understand that challenges are inevitable. They want to admit students who can adapt, seek help when needed, and take responsibility for their growth. Resilience predicts success far more accurately than perfection ever will. Parents play a crucial role in helping teens build this capacity. The instinct to fix things for them is understandable, but confidence grows when students work through problems, not when parents solve them. Teens need reassurance that effort matters more than flawlessness, that their worth isn’t tied to GPA, and that every setback contains a lesson if they’re willing to look for it. Noticing small moments of persistence, kindness, responsibility, and honesty helps them see themselves as capable and grounded, not defined by achievements alone.

Failure, when met with curiosity instead of shame, becomes a turning point. “Not yet” becomes an invitation to try again, adjust, and grow. And that mindset, the belief that improvement is always possible, is one of the greatest gifts we can give our students as they prepare for college and beyond.

Late Fall Reminders for Juniors and Sophomores

Colorado School of Mines, 2025

We’ve been working on potential majors, careers, and what you want to be a part of your college experience. An important part of this is visiting college campuses. Don’t forget to complete your criteria building college visits.

Complete your College Criteria Visits. Here are some Tips for Planning a College Visit. These experiences are great reference points as you figure out what you’re looking for in a school. And some schools offer incentive grants if you visit campus, either in person or virtually.

Consider keeping a journal to collect essay ideas- here are some questions for inspiration. NYT Writing Prompts for Students: Start keeping a journal.

Keep your grades strong! Junior year is the last year of final grades that will be on your transcript when you apply to colleges. So your grades in 10th and 11th grade are really important.

Feeling like you’re falling behind in class? Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and the sooner, the better. Check in with your teacher. Ask older students and/or peers if they might be open to tutoring. Form a study group, or stay after school to work through difficult course content. Uplevel your study skills: This guide has tips to help you study smarter, not harder.

Start thinking about summer. Start investigating competitive summer programs. Some applications open as early as December. Here is a list of summer and year long programs that you can search through. You can also check the Teen Life Summer Programs and the Summer Match Me search engines.

Start thinking about financial fit. Start discussing college costs as a family. Look at Net Price Calculators and tuition on college financial aid websites to get an estimate of how much each school will cost. This article from the College Board about Net Price and Net Price calculators is helpful. Experiment with the Net Price Calculator to get a rough estimate of what you might pay for college, and start the conversation with your parents or guardians.

Review PSAT/PreACT results (if you sat for a test): You can review not only your scores but also the questions you answered correctly and those you missed. Pay special attention to the questions you answered incorrectly and use this information to prepare for the SAT/ACT.. Strong test scores as a junior may qualify you for academic honors as well as for special programs and recruitment opportunities. Here are some free tools to help you understand and prepare for SATs and ACTs.

• Compass Guide to Admissions Testing: If you haven’t already, this is the time to map out a testing plan. Testing spots can be really tough to find in the Puget Sound area. Sign up for 2-3 test dates now - you can always cancel your test registration later on if you decide that you do not want to take the test another time. And remember that 1,000+ U.S. colleges are using test-optional policies.
  

• Best free test-prep resources:

• Official SAT Practice Tests (College Board)

• Khan Academy (SATFree Official SAT Practice Tests | College Board)

• ACT Academy

• How to Improve Your ACT Score by 2 Points in 20 Minutes

December Reminders for Seniors

The finish line for your furious fall is in sight! You have accomplished so much and your application look great. Keep up the great work - you’re almost there! As we are knee-deep in the application process, I thought this quote might resonate with you -

 “Determination is doing what needs to be done even when you don’t feel like doing it.” –  unknown

The last day to have any essays or applications reviewed is Dec. 17th. All application, portfolio, and essay work must be completed and ready for review by this date, even for applications with early January deadlines. Final fall application review meetings will take place the week of Dec. 15th. Late work will not be reviewed after Dec. 17th - no exceptions.

Complete the FAFSA if you plan to! The FAFSA is live now and anyone can complete it. Make sure you are tracking the financial aid filing deadlines for the FAFSA and CSS Profile if you plan to submit these forms. Check with your admission counselor or a financial aid office for assistance.

Interviews! Have you registered for an interview with a college or scholarship committee? Please let me know! We’ll talk about how to present your best self in the interview and go through a mock interview together. If you have registered for an interview with a college, read this: College Interview Tips and Strategies: The Ultimate Guide

Keep Copies of Your Applications! If you have not already done so, download copies of your applications for your records. The copies serve as a back-up of your work and proof that you submitted your documents on time.

Check Applicant Portals and Email Accounts Often! Be on the lookout for an email from your college within 48 hours of submitting with information on how to set up your portal. Check your applicant portals and emails: Portals are the place where colleges keep applicant information and where you can update contact information, monitor application status, upload and track documents, and view the final admission decision. If you miss a request for more information or a document, it could jeopardize your admission chances, so make it a habit to check regularly. If your portal states that supporting documentation is missing, take swift action and reach out to me or your high school counselor for assistance.

Mid-Year Grade Reports
Some of your colleges require mid-year grade reports. The CommonApp can tell you if your college requires one. If you have applied to a school using a different application, react out to your admission counselor to see if they want mid-year grades.

Be sure to keep your grades strong! Each year I hear about students having their admission decisions changed or rescinded due to low senior year grades. Don’t let this happen to you! Colleges admit students based on the assumption that you will continue to perform well in your classes. Be sure to communicate with your school/college counselor about any mid-year reports that will be required. You can see if a mid-year grade report is required by looking at the College Information in your CommonApp account or by asking your admission counselor directly.

Running Start Students
Now that you’ve registered for your winter term classes, you need to email your updated schedule to your admission counselors at the colleges you have applied to. If you still have applications to be submitted, you need to update your senior year classes to reflect your winter term schedule.

Give Thanks! Share gratitude with your teachers, couselor, and any others who wrote letters of recommendation for you. Here is a great blog post from Hallmark about thank you note ideas.

Why Are You Applying Here?

When high school seniors start tackling college applications, one of the most common and tricky questions they face is some version of “Why us?” It sounds simple, but many students stumble by plugging the same generic answer into every application. Admissions readers quickly spot essays that could be sent to any school. It’s obvious when an applicant hasn’t done their homework to understand what makes each college distinctive.

To stand out, approach these essays like a personal letter, not a mass email. That begins with research. It’s not enough to note “small class sizes” or “a beautiful campus.” Dig deeper. Explore faculty bios, special programs, course catalogs, and videos of students sharing their experiences. Many colleges work hard to showcase what sets them apart; all you have to do is click deeper. Maybe on a department page, you’ll find a fascinating research project or a video of a professor explaining why they love teaching there. Those are the key details you want.

Visiting campus, if possible, often turns vague interest into genuine excitement. Walking through the quad, sitting in on a class, or just people-watching can give you vivid stories. 

If a visit isn’t possible, virtual tours and online events help. Better yet, reach out. Admissions reps are usually eager to help or see if someone you know has a connection there. 

A short chat with a current student might reveal what surprised them about campus life or which class blew their mind. Imagine writing, “When I spoke to Maria, a senior in environmental studies, she told me about her project restoring local wetlands. I can’t wait to join efforts like that.” Details like that prove you took time to learn what life there is really like.

Also, notice how each college frames this question. Some ask directly why you chose them; others want to know what you’ll contribute or how their offerings fit your goals. Resist recycling answers. Tailoring your response shows thoughtfulness and genuine interest.

The best “Why us?” essays blend research and personal reflection. They connect the school’s offerings to what you hope to do there. They show you’ve pictured yourself on that campus, excited by specifics, not clichés. That’s what makes an essay memorable and helps readers see you truly belong.

2025 Late Fall Reminders for Juniors

University of Denver, Denver, CO

Happy Fall! This is a really important year academically and for college planning. During our fall meetings we are working on discovering majors, careers, and college criteria. A big part of this process is visiting college campuses!

To help in this process, please complete your College Criteria Visits. These visits are assigned to you during your first Family Meeting. These experiences are great reference points as you figure out what you’re looking for in a school. And some schools offer incentive grants if you visit campus, either in person or virtually. Here are some Tips for Planning a College Visit.

Consider keeping a journal to collect essay ideas- here are some questions for inspiration. NYT Writing Prompts for Students: Start keeping a journal.

Keep your grades strong! This is the last year of final grades that will be on your transcript when you apply to colleges. Feeling like you’re falling behind in class? Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and the sooner, the better. Check in with your teacher. Ask older students and/or peers if they might be open to tutoring. Form a study group, or stay after school to work through difficult course content. Uplevel your study skills: This guide has tips to help you study smarter, not harder.

Start thinking about summer. Start investigating competitive summer programs. Some applications open as early as December. For ideas and search tools, please check out this list of summer program ideas!

Start thinking about financial fit. Start discussing college costs as a family. Look at Net Price Calculators and MyIntuition on college financial aid websites to get an estimate of how much each school will cost. This article from the College Board about Net Price and Net Price calculators is helpful. Experiment with the Net Price Calculator to get a rough estimate of what you might pay for college, and start the conversation with your parents or guardians.

Review PSAT/PreACT results (if you sat for a test): You can review not only your scores but also the questions you answered correctly and those you missed. Pay special attention to the questions you answered incorrectly and use this information to prepare for the SAT/ACT.. Strong test scores as a junior may qualify you for academic honors as well as for special programs and recruitment opportunities. Here are some free tools to help you understand and prepare for SATs and ACTs.

• Register for an exam. If you haven’t already, this is the time to map out a testing plan. Testing spots can be really tough to find, making planning ahead and registering for multiple dates at one time a smart idea. If your budget allows for it, sign up for 2-3 test dates now - you can always cancel your test registration later on.

• Prepare, even for your first SAT or ACT. Many students take their first SAT or ACT without preparing for the exam to “set a baseline”. But this is a missed opportunity to give your first score a boost. Take the opportunity to try out a test-prep strategy, whatever that may be. Then you can reflect your results and how you parepared to update your method for the next time you take the test. Many students choose to prepare for their first test on their own. Here are free test-prep resources:

• Free Online or In-Person Practice Tests with Appelrouth Tutoring

• Official SAT Practice Tests (College Board)

• Khan Academy

• ACT Academy

• How to Improve Your ACT Score by 2 Points in 20 Minutes

Financial Matters: Staying Smart in Uncertain Times

College planning is always challenging, but in 2025, things feel especially unpredictable. Costs are rising, financial aid systems are evolving, and many uncertainties remain. It can feel overwhelming for families trying to find the right school for their student, both academically and financially.

When approaching college planning, it's essential to think of college as both a consumer purchase and an investment, not just a dream. Families need to plan wisely by figuring out their budget before shopping for college. Running Net Price Calculators before visiting colleges can provide directional data points. Taking out huge loans in the first year is unlikely to be the best path for most families. If funding is a concern, consider alternative paths like community college, online programs, or employer-sponsored options such as Starbucks.

The passing of the  Congressional spending bill in July 2025 will have a major impact on college funding for years to come. Beginning July 1, 2026, the federal government will significantly limit how much parents can borrow for their children's education. Parents will now be capped at borrowing $20,000 per year and $65,000 total per child through the Parent PLUS loan program, ending the previous practice of unlimited borrowing up to the full cost of attendance. Additionally, families will have fewer loan repayment options, as the new law consolidates multiple repayment plans into just two options.

If loans will be needed, work on improving credit scores now for both parents and students. Private loans depend heavily on creditworthiness, so early preparation matters. Keep loans minimal, especially in early college years, and remember that under the new law, Parent PLUS loans will not be eligible for income-driven repayment programs.

Understanding the new federal loan landscape is vital for planning. The changes taking effect July 1, 2026, represent the most significant overhaul of federal student lending in decades. When it comes to loan repayment, families shouldn't count on loan forgiveness programs. Instead, they should plan as if they will repay loans in full. Paying interest during college can help keep future payments lower, so it's important to research and understand the new streamlined loan repayment options. Keeping records of all loan payments and scholarship offers is essential for future reference.

Merit-based aid is often awarded to students by moderately and less selective colleges that are using the possibility of a scholarship to entice a terrific student to enroll. The vast majority of highly selective colleges do not offer merit-based aid to students at all and reserve their aid for students with demonstrated financial need. If they do offer merit aid, it is a competitive process.

Expect delays from overwhelmed financial aid offices. Submit FAFSA and CSS forms accurately and early, and prepare for potential delays from the underfunded and understaffed Department of Education. Be patient with college staff who are also struggling with increased workloads as they navigate these unprecedented changes to federal aid programs.

Above all, thorough research is the key to navigating this new landscape. Families should look beyond the initial cost of attendance for the first year and review housing after year one, miscellaneous expenses like Greek life and off-campus social activities, along with additional program expenses. Stay current with news and remain flexible; don't let rankings influence your decisions.

Early planning and research are the keys to finding an affordable path to college in this new era. While the challenges are significant, families who approach the process thoughtfully and realistically can still find excellent educational opportunities that fit their financial circumstances. The new borrowing limits may seem restrictive, but they can also help families avoid taking on unsustainable debt loads that could burden them for decades.

Focus on Majors: Not a Major - Pre-Law

If you’re thinking about becoming a lawyer, you might assume there’s a specific “pre-law” major you’re supposed to choose. But here’s something most students don’t realize until later: there’s no such thing as a pre-law major. In fact, law schools welcome students from nearly every academic background—from political science to physics. What matters most isn’t what you major in, but whether you’ve developed core skills such as critical thinking, persuasive writing, strong reading comprehension, and logical reasoning.

That said, you can begin preparing for a legal career while you’re still in high school.  You can get a taste of what studying subjects like economics, philosophy, or political science feels like before you commit to a major later on. Joining your school's mock trial or debate team is a great way to develop research and persuasive public speaking skills.

When selecting a college major, choose a field you genuinely enjoy and in which you are confident you will excel academically. Law school is academically rigorous, and getting good grades in college matters more than the specific subject you study. For example, if you're intrigued by finance law, a major in economics could be a great fit. If you’re more interested in the psychological aspects of the courtroom, such as jury behavior or bias, then psychology might make more sense. Or maybe you're drawn to reading, writing, and culture. English majors do extremely well in law school, too, thanks to their writing and analytical training.

Some of the most commonly chosen pre-law majors include political science, history, philosophy, economics, English, and psychology. But that doesn’t mean you can’t major in biology, computer science, the arts, or even sport management and still end up thriving in law school. For example, students interested in intellectual property or environmental law might benefit from a science or tech background.

When researching colleges, ask about the availability of dedicated pre-law advisors, LSAT preparation resources, mock trial or debate teams, and opportunities for legal internships or externships. Find out if the school tracks law school acceptance rates for their graduates and whether they offer workshops on law school applications, personal statement writing, and interview preparation. When it’s time to choose a college, don’t panic about picking the “right” school; instead, focus on where you will find academic, social, and emotional success. There are many paths to law school and a legal career. For perspective, check out Harvard Law School's list of diverse feeder schools.

Just like undergraduate institutions, law schools vary in admission rates and costs. If law school is indeed your trajectory, remember that high LSAT scores, undergraduate grades/rigor, and letters of recommendation are essential. A strong application will also include a compelling personal statement along with a resume that includes internships and volunteer activities related to the field of law. 

If you’re looking for something more affordable or closer to home, some large public universities have excellent pre-law support. The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor Comprehensive Pre-Law Advising (LSA) provides extensive pre-law advising services to students. The University of Maryland has a Law and Society Minor that complements a student's major, focusing on the relationship between law and various societal factors, and Binghamton University has a Pre-Law Concentration. While not a formal major, the pre-law concentration is an educational goal that allows students to tailor their coursework towards law school preparation. 

Students who prefer small classes and close mentorship might want to consider liberal arts colleges. Amherst College, The University of Rochester, Pomona College, and Dickinson College consistently send graduates to law schools. Claremont McKenna College even offers a government major with a legal studies sequence, Occidental College has a unique “Lawyering for Social Justice” program, and Gettysburg College has the Eisenhower Institute.

Other colleges that offer excellent outcomes for future law students include: Fordham University’s Pre-Law Institute, which has a summer program providing an introduction to foundational U.S. law subjects, legal writing, and research skills; American University in Washington, DC which has a well-established path into public policy and law; The University of Richmond, which features a PPEL track (Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law); and Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, which is especially good for students interested in entertainment or immigration law.

No matter where you go to college or what major you choose, the goal is to build key skills and explore the field of law in ways that feel meaningful to you. That might include joining the debate team, volunteering with a legal aid organization, or interning at a courthouse. Along the way, you’ll want to develop strong relationships with professors, particularly in writing-intensive or analytical classes, since their recommendation letters will carry serious weight when you apply to law school.

Thinking about law now gives you a head start, but there’s no need to lock anything in yet. Focus on building strong academic habits, asking good questions, and staying curious. Law will still be there if you decide to pursue it, and you’ll be all the more ready when the time comes.

Careers in Law

Corporate lawyer

Family lawyer

Intellectual Lawyer

Civil Litigation Lawyer

Legal Technology and Innovation Lawyer

Compliance and Risk Management Specialist

Legal Journalist and Writer

Law professor

Arbitrator

Mediator

Judicial Law Clerk

Judge

Sports Agent/Entertainment Agent

Common Application Mistakes and How to Avoid them

When preparing and submitting college applications, proper planning and preparation can streamline the entire process. Start by carefully reading all instructions before beginning any application. Avoid waiting until the last day before deadlines, as this increases the likelihood of rushing and making careless errors. Mistakes on critical information like birth dates or social security numbers can cause significant processing problems. Additionally, last-minute submissions may encounter technical difficulties that may not be resolved quickly enough to meet the deadline.

Most applications include automatic timeouts for security purposes, so remember to save your work frequently if taking breaks. Always use the application's built-in navigation buttons rather than your browser's controls, as using the browser's back button can unexpectedly log you out and cause loss of unsaved information.

The Common Application provides a “Preview” function that allows you to see how your application will appear when viewed by admissions. Sometimes students discover that the spacing of their essay isn’t formatted correctly. While you can send complete versions to admissions offices if answers are seriously compromised, this is only necessary for significant truncations. Admissions officers regularly see minor cutoffs and won't penalize otherwise strong applications for a few missing words. When sending complete materials, clearly explain that you're providing them due to potential omission issues during submission.

After submitting the Common Application to a specific college, you cannot modify or resubmit it to that institution. However, when applying to additional Common Application schools, you can edit prior answers before sending your application to subsequent colleges. 

Having someone proofread your application helps catch mistakes before submission. Remember that completing an application involves submitting the main application, any required supplements, and payment.

One common source of post-application stress occurs when admissions offices notify students of incomplete files. Resist blaming school counselors or support staff for missing transcripts. Admissions offices often require several weeks to process and file documents, and many colleges automatically send incomplete file notifications. Required documents are typically either at the college or in transit.

Many colleges provide online portals for checking application status. Be sure to look out for an email from each college with instructions for how to set up your online portal. Regularly monitor these accounts and check your email frequently to avoid missing important communications such as alumni interview requests. Stay vigilant about additional requirements, such as sending official SAT or ACT scores where required, or completing the STARS form, and ensure your high school submits midyear reports when required by specific colleges.

Financial Matters: It’s Time to Complete the FAFSA and CCS Profile

As your high school student prepares for college, understanding the financial aid process can make the difference between affordability and overwhelming debt. The good news? October 1st marks the opening of financial aid applications for the upcoming academic year, giving you a clear starting point for this important journey.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required by every U.S. college and university if your student is applying for need-based financial aid. This federal form costs nothing to submit and serves as the gateway to federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Before you begin, both you and your student will need to create individual FSA IDs, which serve as electronic signatures when submitting the application. This ID will be used throughout your student's college years, so keep the login information secure.

The CSS Profile is used by some elite public universities and many private universities because it provides more detailed financial information than the FAFSA. This distinction matters because the CSS Profile is specifically designed for determining eligibility for institutional financial aid, while the FAFSA is primarily used for federal government funding programs. Schools that provide institutional aid without requiring the CSS Profile typically base their awards on the financial information from the FAFSA alone.

The CSS Profile is more comprehensive and detailed than the FAFSA, requiring additional financial information and taking longer to complete. There is a submission fee plus reporting charges for each college that receives your information. 

It is recommended to complete both the FAFSA as your circumstances may change. Even if you don’t think you’ll need aid, many colleges still require the FAFSA or CSS Profile for merit scholarships, so completing these forms keeps all options open.

Since both the FAFSA and CSS Profile are designed to be submitted only once with all your colleges listed, your best strategy is to submit both forms before your earliest college deadline. Missing a financial aid deadline can reduce the amount of aid your student receives, since some funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Check the financial aid pages on each college website where your student is applying, or contact their financial aid offices directly to verify deadlines for each application round (Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision may all have different dates).

When completing these forms, keep in mind that student assets are assessed much more heavily than parent assets. Student assets are evaluated at 20% by the FAFSA and 25% by the CSS Profile, while parental assets are assessed at only 5.64% by the FAFSA and 5% by the CSS Profile.

This means if you have a 529 college savings plan for your student, make sure it's listed as a parent asset rather than a student asset. The beneficiary designation doesn't matter; what matters is who owns the account.

The time you invest in understanding and completing these forms properly could save your family thousands of dollars over your student's college career. Start early, stay organized, and don't hesitate to reach out to college financial aid offices with questions; they're there to help you navigate this process successfully.

Focus on Majors - Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of the brain and nervous system, with an emphasis on how the nervous systemaffects human behavior. Neuroscientists are interested in understanding how the human nervous systemdevelops and functions throughout life, and seek to find ways to prevent or cure neurological disorders.Therefore, neuroscience draws from many different areas of study, including biology and the life sciences, chemistry, psychology, physics and biomedical engineering. Although it has connections to the social sciences and humanities, neuroscience is firmly based in the laboratory. It is there that neuroscientists study the relationship of the brain to behavior, the biological basis of thought, and how memories are stored or lost. It is topics like Why does addiction occur? How can we help nerves to regenerate?, What causes depression?, and How can we treat pain?, that consume the interest of neuroscientists.

Although many universities have neuroscience departments, even at the undergraduate level, many neuroscientists have gotten their initial training in areas such as biology, pharmacology, physiology, or psychology. Typical introductory courses in this major include general and organic chemistry, math (including calculus and statistics), physics, psychology, and general biology. More advanced courses may include neurobiology; cognitive, developmental and systems neuroscience; behavioral and evolutionary neuroscience and neuropharmacology. Although undergraduate programs may allow for a concentration in one area of neuroscience or neurobiology, it is at the graduate level that most of the specialization occurs. Thus, most neuroscience majors go on to pursue an M.D. or Ph.D. degree, or both. In choosing an undergraduate program, look carefully at the course offerings to determine the emphasis of that school’s neuroscience program and to see if the courses offered in their majors correspond with your interests.

As a neuroscience major, you’ll develop skills that are applicable to many career areas. Some of these skills include:

• Laboratory and research skills—designing experiments and recording and reporting results, operating scientific equipment, applying scientific theory to real-world problems

• Critical thinking and analytical skills—creating new ways of looking at problems and finding solutions, analyzing data and drawing conclusions

• Communication skills—interacting effectively with other members of your team, utilizing different forms of media to present findings

• Organizational skills—working both independently and as a member of a team towards a goal, identifying and applying resources toward solving a problem

While research careers in the neurosciences generally require graduate degrees, some undergraduate majors go into teaching, journalism, nursing, psychology, radiology, or medical technology. They may also pursue a variety of alternate career paths in areas such as biotechnology, public health, social science research, and consulting. Others pursue a medical degree to become practicing neurosurgeons or psychiatrists. Still others will focus their graduate studies and life work on one of the subspecialties described in the sidebar to the left.

To learn more about this rapidly expanding field, explore the website of the Society for Neuroscience at www.sfn.org.

Subspecialties of Neuroscience:

• Neurobiology—studies the biology of the nervous system

• Neuroanatomy—studies the structure (anatomy) of the nervous system

• Neurochemistry– studies the chemistry of the nervous system, such as how neurotransmitters work

• Neuropharmacology—studies the action of drugs on the nervous system and on behavior

• Neuropathology—investigates the diseases of the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, and multiple sclerosis

• Neuropsychology—studies the relationship between the brain and behavior, especially as related to thought

• Neurophysiology– studies the electrical responses of the nervous system

Career Paths for Neuroscience majors:

• Psychology (neuroscience research, clinical neuropsychology, health psychology, rehabilitation psychology, general clinical psychology, general experimental psychology)

• Medicine

• Biosciences (neuroscience research, neuro- & psycho-pharmacology)

• Physical therapy

• Speech pathology & audiology

• Nursing

• Special ed

• Brain injury rehab

• Gerontology

The Truth About High School Grades

The Truth About High School Grades

If you're a high school student with college aspirations or a parent supporting one, there's a fundamental truth you need to understand: straight A's don't carry the weight they once did. This isn't meant to discourage hard work, but rather to provide clarity about the current educational landscape and help you navigate it more effectively.

According to Inside Higher Ed, over 47% of high school students now graduate with A averages, yet actual student achievement has been declining across multiple measures. While grades have been steadily climbing since the 1990s, performance on standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and AP exams has been falling. Students are achieving higher grades in more advanced classes without corresponding gains in actual proficiency, creating a gap between perceived and real learning.

The consequences extend far beyond high school hallways. High school GPAs, once considered the best predictor of college success, have lost much of their predictive value. While many colleges initially dropped SAT and ACT requirements, selective institutions are now bringing these standardized tests back because they desperately need objective measures they feel they can trust. Students armed with excellent grades often march off to college only to find themselves placed in remedial courses because they haven't actually mastered the material their grades suggested they had.

This disconnect affects everyone. Employers complain that graduates lack basic workforce skills. College professors report that incoming students struggle with fundamental tasks like reading books thoroughly. Parents are often shocked when their straight-A students face rejection from selective universities, not realizing that in today's landscape, an A truly has become average.

The challenge for today's students is figuring out how to differentiate themselves when everyone seems to have identical transcripts. Many hardworking students have responded by piling on academic rigor, taking increasingly heavy course loads. However, this approach often backfires. Taking eleven AP classes might look impressive on paper. Still, it fundamentally changes the high school experience and can compromise the mental health and well-being that adolescents need to thrive.

While high school grades are determined using different rubrics across schools and teachers, standardized assessments like AP and IB exams are graded according to the same criteria nationwide. For students who have access to AP or IB programs, their scores can be a more reliable measure,but this path is not available or for everyone. This means that although an "A" in a high school class may be a weaker signal than it used to be, a score of 4 or 5 on an AP exam hasn't experienced the same decline in meaning. A student who can demonstrate objective mastery on a criterion-referenced test provides powerful validation of their classroom grades.

Students navigating this landscape should shift focus from grade accumulation to genuine learning and mastery. Rather than asking "How can I get an A?" ask "Am I actually learning this material?" Choose depth over breadth by selecting fewer courses where you can achieve genuine mastery and strong standardized test performance. Instead of retaking tests for higher grades, spend that time ensuring you understand the underlying concepts that will serve you in college. Seek meaningful challenges by choosing a few substantial extracurricular commitments over multiple superficial activities that you believe will look good on applications.

Parents play a crucial role in helping their children maintain perspective. While it's natural to want children to succeed, the definition of success needs to include happiness, health, and genuine preparation for future challenges. Remember that straight A's don't guarantee admission to selective schools, and the goal isn't just to accumulate impressive-looking credentials but to develop skills and knowledge needed for lifelong success.

This doesn't mean grades don't matter or that students should stop working hard. Rather, it means putting grades in their proper context as one measure among many, and recognizing that in an era of grade inflation, objective demonstrations of knowledge and skill carry more weight than ever before.

The students who will thrive in college and beyond are those who focus on genuine mastery, maintain their well-being, and develop the critical thinking and learning skills that no amount of grade inflation can fake. Colleges increasingly want students who can actually succeed in their programs, not just students with perfect GPAs.

In a world where an A has become average, the real differentiator isn't the grade itself but the authentic learning and growth it's supposed to represent. By keeping this perspective and focusing on substance over statistics, students and families can navigate the current educational landscape more successfully while preserving what matters most: genuine education, personal growth, and the foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.

Fall 2025 Reminders for Seniors

This time of year always feels like a sprint – but I hope that each of you has found your rhythm to take things as they come. You have all worked really hard and submitted your first wave of applications - congratulations!

From here on out, things should feel a little easier. But there are still things to be done as we move into November:

1. Set Up and Check Applicant Portals. A day or two after hitting the submit button you will get emails from your colleges instructing you to set up your portal. Follow the instructions and save the login information into your College Companion Spreadsheet. Check your portal at least twice weekly!
   
   This is where colleges will notify you about missing application materials, scholarship applications, and where your application is at in the review process.
   

2. Meet with college representatives at your high school, college-specific panels, or online info sessions to learn more and demonstrate your interest.
   
   These opportunities are more than just informational sessions; they're a chance to make a personal connection with the college representative who might be the one reviewing your application.
   
   If a college of interest isn’t visiting your school or coming to the local college fairs, be sure to explore their website, do a virtual tour, set up a virtual meeting with your admission rep, and don't hesitate to contact the admissions office to learn more.
   

3. Continue Researching the Colleges on your List. What you learn about colleges can help you write your supplemental essays. With many colleges using a holistic admissions process, it's important to show genuine interest in the schools on your list. Finish your research and use this research to articulate why each school is a good fit for you in essays, emails, and conversations with admission counselors.
   

4. Essays. You’ve written your first set of essays now, which means you have work that can be updated and used for your next set of essays. I have identified overlaps in the prompts to see if you can use the same essay for multiple applications. This should save you some time and ensure each essay is polished and thoughtful. Make sure to personalize your essays for each school!
   

5. Talk about your college budget. Family discussions about college costs are essential. Explore financial aid options and scholarships together. Understanding the financial obligations and finding the best ways to manage them will make the process smoother. There are tools and information located in your Digital Binder. There will also be a FAFSA presentation later in the fall for seniors and their families. More information will be sent out via email.
   

6. Finally, maintain strong grades. First-semester grades are important, and colleges and scholarship applications may consider them in their admissions decisions – you may be required to submit them after they have posted in January or February. Remember, colleges are looking for students who challenge themselves academically to the best of their ability. 

Fall 2025 Reminders for Sophomores

Study Hard
Keep your grades strong, even in the classes that are difficult for you. Strong grades now mean that you will be able to access more rigorous classes in your Junior year.

Explore
This time of year is all about exploration! By reflecting on the things you are doing right now you can begin to understand what you find fulfilling career wise. This year, here’s what I want you to do:

1. Explore classes - Pay attention to what interests you and what you find difficult or uninteresting. This is an indicator of the things you may want to major in once you get to college.

2. Explore majors - Read through the majors handouts in your digital binder to find out more about majors and the associated careers.

3. Explore extracurriculars - Pay attention to the things you spend a lot of time doing outside of the classroom. What engages your mind enough that you lose track of time? What do you do to relax?

4. Explore careers through volunteering - Consider volunteering as a family to learn more about your community. Consider finding a volunteer position that is connected to an area of academics you like. This will help you understand what makes the organization work, giving you insight into what working in that field could be like.

5. Explore family connections - Think about the jobs the adults in your life have and ask them about their work! Your family friends are a part of your network and can help you understand what working in different areas of work can be like. The next time you’re spending time with family friends, ask them about their jobs - how they got there, what they like about it, and what they find hard.

All of this information will help you next year when you’ll start researching colleges and majors more!

Plan for the Summer
Start thinking about summer activities and programs that you’d like to be involved in. The more competitive programs often have application deadlines in December and January. For ideas about local and national activities, take a look at this list of summer programs and activities.

Exploring College Websites

Researching colleges can include visiting college campuses, attending information sessions, and meeting college representatives. However, before scheduling a visit, students should begin their research on the college’s website.

Start with the college's homepage, and from there, explore sections such as "About Us," "Academics," "Admissions," "Student Life," and "Research." Reading the mission statement provides insights into the college's history and values. When it comes to academics, explore the majors and departments you are interested in. Check for research opportunities, academic facilities, available minors, and study abroad programs. Investigate resources such as subject tutoring or learning disability support, which could be vital during your college years.

The admissions page is another crucial area. Here, you’ll find application requirements and deadlines. Make sure to note whether the school uses the Common Application or another platform. On the admissions page, you should see a way to sign up to receive email notifications about any admissions events. You can also schedule tours and info sessions, both online and in person. Connecting with admission counselors can give you a more personal understanding of the college. You won't be studying 24/7 so it's important to explore what student life at each college looks like.  This will be an important part of your college experience, so take the time to review options for clubs, study abroad programs, and volunteer opportunities. Check to see if you can find the link to issues of the student newspaper or other student-run publications. Reading these will give you further insight into the school. Look into housing options and how roommate matching/selection works. If you have a special hobby or interest, see if the college offers living-learning communities."

Health and safety should not be overlooked. Investigate the Student Health Center, counseling services, and campus security. Be sure to ask about dorm security, escort services for late-night walks, and the availability of emergency services. If transportation is a priority, find out whether first-year students are allowed cars and explore campus shuttle options, especially if you’ll need transportation off-campus.

On the financial aid page (a sub-page to the admissions page) use the online Net Price Calculator to assess affordability, and reach out to financial aid officers with specific questions. Many schools offer scholarships, so ensure you’re aware of all financial aid opportunities. Lastly, don’t forget to explore the college’s career center. Look for internship programs, job fairs, and alumni connections that support your long-term career goals. Most colleges offer resources such as resume-building workshops and meetings with industry professionals. 

In addition to the school websites, you can also find useful information using the Common Data Set (CDS) which includes class sizes, student-faculty ratios, and graduation rates along with data about acceptance rates, average GPA, test scores, and other useful statistics. This data helps assess whether the college aligns with your profile. 

By thoroughly exploring these sections of the college’s website, students can make more informed decisions about which schools align with their academic, personal, and financial needs.

Spring Reminders for Sophomores

Washington State University, Spring 2024

Make Plans to Build Your Activities Resume This Summer

Summer is a great time to relax, but it’s also a great time to explore academic interests and build your resume. Even a part-time job can help you understand what you could be interested in doing for a career.

If you already know what you want to do for a career, consider taking a college class or participating in a research program that will give you a deep academic experience. For example, UW’s Summer Sessions have lots of options (online and in person), and registration begins in April. Other colleges also offer summer courses and programming - to find those options, search for “high school summer programs” on your local college’s website.

Not sure what you want to do for a career or what you want to major in? No problem! Think about the things you already enjoy doing and expand on those activities. Love being a camper at summer camp? Consider becoming a camp counselor. Love apps and games on your phone or tablet and have ideas about improving them? Consider teaching yourself how to code or attend a coding camp like the ones offered through Digipen.

If you already participate in clubs and organizations, there are opportunities to expand your resume. You don’t have to be the club president to build responsibility and experience. Look into leadership positions or ways to take more responsibility for specific events or projects with which the organization is involved. Is there a project the club is considering creating that you can join the planning team for?

Want more ideas? Check out this article from TeenLife about summer activities. You can also search their database for summer programs or use the Summer MatchPoint AI Search Tool to find other national-level summer opportunities.

Expand your academics

Is there an elective that you want to take, but you can’t because there’s no room in your schedule next year? Consider taking the class during the summer! Your school district likely offers summer school options - watch for announcements about enrollment and course offerings this spring. No summer school? Reach out to me for some online options.

Tour Local Colleges

Now is the time to start visiting campuses in your local area to get a sense of what a college campus is like. I call these “criteria building” campus visits and they can be done any time between now and fall of your Junior year. School in-service day? Go visit a college in the area! Visiting family in a different part of the state or country? Find a college campus to visit! Use the resources in your Walberg College Counseling Digital Binder to help you plan your visit and use these tips to guide your visit:

• Take notes and pictures. They will help when trying to remember the atmosphere of the school.

• Use opportunities like school days off and in-service days to visit a college. Visiting when the college is in session will let you see the campus on a “normal day.”

• Avoid visiting campus during “game days,” especially during football season. Visiting on a big game day can skew your perception of the campus. All of the activity and spirit on campus during those days are not representative of what the college looks like for most of the academic year.

• If visiting during your spring break, check the college’s calendar to see if they are in session. Visiting a campus during their spring break can make the campus feel like a ghost town and leave a negative impression.

• Preview a college by watching a virtual tour.

• Let the admission office know you’re visiting and give yourself 2-3 hours to visit campus.

  • Register for an official tour.

  • Eat at the cafeteria

  • You don’t need to meet with admissions as a Sophomore, but you can if you want to!

• If comfortable, talk to some students.

  • Ask why they chose this college.

  • What do they like or not like?

  • What is the campus like on the weekends?

  • What is the surrounding area like?

• Explore the surrounding area by choosing a fun thing to research and compare.

  • For example, if you love ice cream, find a local store and indulge.

  • Do this with each college visit and compare your notes as a family!

• Keeping an open mind during this process is essential. 

Campus Visit Tips for Parents

• Some colleges will likely resonate with you, but not your child.

• Help your child reflect on the visit by asking open-ended questions about what they saw, heard, and thought while on campus. 

• Listen carefully to your child’s reactions before sharing your impressions. 

• Take your own notes, as your child may forget to write down information. 

• Most importantly, enjoy this time with your teen before they head into the next chapter of their lives. Try to build some downtime and fun activities that have nothing to do with college, and enjoy this exciting journey.

Want more tips? Here is a great article from Bierer College Counseling about making the most of spring break campus visits.

Spring Reminders for Juniors

University of Idaho, 2024

Over the winter, you have been working hard to define your College Criteria—the characteristics you are looking for in your future college. We’ve used self-surveys, card sorts, career information, and defining campus visits to help you get a sense of what is most important to you as you begin researching colleges. Now is the time to start visiting campuses on your college list.

• Use the resources in your Walberg College Counseling Digital Binder to help you plan your visits.

• Take notes and pictures. They will help when trying to remember the atmosphere of the school.

• Use opportunities like school days off and in-service days to visit a college. Visiting when the college is in session will let you see the campus on a “normal day.”

• Avoid visiting campus during “game days,” especially during football season. Visiting on a big game day can skew your perception of the campus. All of the activity and spirit on campus during those days are not representative of what the college looks like for most of the academic year.

• If visiting during your spring break, check the college’s calendar to see if they are in session. Visiting a campus during their spring break can make the campus feel like a ghost town and leave a negative impression.

• Preview a college by watching a virtual tour.

• When deciding your itinerary, choose a balance of colleges that fit academically and socially. You can always visit more colleges after receiving acceptances.

• Let the admission office know you’re visiting and give yourself 2-3 hours to visit campus.

  • Register for an official tour.

  • Meet with an admission counselor.

  • Have lunch in the cafeteria - what is the atmosphere like?

  • Meet with a coach, professor, or student representative of a club you are interested in.

• If comfortable, talk to some students.

  • Ask why they chose this college.

  • What do they like or not like?

  • What is the campus like on the weekends?

  • What is the surrounding area like?

• Explore the surrounding area by choosing a fun thing to research and compare.

  • For example, if you love ice cream, find a local store and indulge.

  • Do this with each college visit and compare your notes as a family!

• Keeping an open mind during this process is essential. 

Campus Visit Tips for Parents

• Some colleges will likely resonate with you, but not your child.

• Help your child reflect on the visit by asking open-ended questions about what they saw, heard, and thought while on campus. 

• Listen carefully to your child’s reactions before sharing your impressions. 

• Take your own notes, as your child may forget to write down information. 

• Most importantly, enjoy this time with your teen before they head into the next chapter of their lives. Try to build some downtime and fun activities that have nothing to do with college, and enjoy this exciting journey.

Want more tips? Here is a great article from Bierer College Counseling about making the most of spring break campus visits.

Make Plans to Build Your Activities Resume This Summer

Summer is a great time to relax, but it’s also a great time to explore academic interests and build your resume. Even a part-time job can help you understand what you could be interested in doing for a career.

If you already know what you want to do for a career, consider taking a college class or participating in a research program that will give you a deep academic experience. For example, UW’s Summer Sessions have lots of options (online and in person), and registration begins in April. Other colleges also offer summer courses and programming - to find those options, search for “high school summer programs” on your local college’s website.

Not sure what you want to do for a career or what you want to major in? No problem! Think about the things you already enjoy doing and expand on those activities. Love being a camper at summer camp? Consider becoming a camp counselor. Love apps and games on your phone or tablet and have ideas about improving them? Consider teaching yourself how to code or attend a coding camp like the ones offered through Digipen.

If you already participate in clubs and organizations, there are opportunities to expand your resume. You don’t have to be the club president to build responsibility and experience. Look into leadership positions or ways to take more responsibility for specific events or projects with which the organization is involved. Is there a project the club is considering creating that you can join the planning team for?

Want more ideas? Check out this article from TeenLife about summer activities. You can also search their database for summer programs or use the Summer MatchPoint AI Search Tool to find other national-level summer opportunities.

Spring Reminders for Seniors

As the grey days of winter fade, you may be feeling all kinds of emotions! This is a really exciting time and I hope that knowing you have great college options to choose from helps keep your nerves at bay. Here are the things to do and keep your eyes on:

Award Comparison Tab now available

This tab is now viewable on your College Companion Spreadsheet.

Keep your grades strong - avoid senioritis!
Colleges have the right to rescind offers of admission if your grades drop significantly during your senior year. Keep your grades up and finish your high school years strong. They admitted you, assuming you would continue to perform academically at the same level noted on your transcript. If your grades have significantly changed, please contact me so we can craft a letter to your admission counselor explaining your circumstances. Read more here…

Compare Financial Aid awards
Use the "Award Comparison" tab in your College Companion spreadsheet to compare financial aid awards and costs of attendance across all of your colleges. If you would like help filling out this spreadsheet or have other questions, please let me know. I am happy to set up an appointment!

Track important dates and information requests from your colleges.
These include admitted student day invites, housing information, deposit deadlines (typically May 1), and requests for additional information.

Attend admitted student events
Attending an admitted student event is a great way to meet other students attending the same college as you. These events may also include information about orientation, course registration, housing, and other helpful sessions to get you ready to come to campus. Watch for emails about admitted student events to your student portal and personal email account. 

Check the enrollment deadlines for your colleges
You must submit your enrollment deposit to one school (no more than one) before the school's enrollment deadline, usually May 1. Your offer of admission and college checklists will have this date on them. You can also check the admission office website to confirm this date. You can submit this deposit before the deadline if you have already decided where to go.  

Send a "thanks but no thanks" email or letter to the schools you won't be attending. You can find an example letter in your Digital Binder.

Waitlisted?
The last round of admissions decisions will arrive between now and early April. If you are waitlisted at your top school, please let me know, and we can discuss your strategy.

Prepare for AP exams
Good luck to those of you who are taking AP exams in May! Spend some time preparing for the exam to earn the highest score possible. Khan Academy offers free preparation courses for AP coursework and exams.Scores of 3, 4, or 5 may qualify for college credit. You can find your college's AP credit policies on the college's website. You can also ask your admission counselor for information about the score you need to receive credit for AP coursework.