Advising Updates
Hello Students and Families!
This has been a busy fall and I know everyone has been working hard in the classroom and in our advising sessions. It’s been so much fun working with you - keep up the great work!
Seniors have been hard at work on their college applications since September. Sophomores & Juniors are exploring college criteria and career information to help shape their college search. All of you have been doing a great job at the tasks I’ve been assigning to you.
Fall reminders
Here are a few reminders to help you navigate fall smoothly!
Track information, dates, etc.
If you have not found a way to track information, dates, and deadlines yet please talk to your parents about how to organize your tasks and make sure you’re completing the things assigned to you. You can link your CCP calendar to your personal calendar by following the steps outlined in this article.Complete your college advising homework.
Your homework can be found in recap emails and in your Custom College Plan portal’s to-do list. I also set up alerts to remind you of the tasks I have asked you to complete. If there is something I can do to help you track information please let me know. I am here to help!Keep your grades up!
Seniors
Congratulations! You’ve arrived - it’s your senior year! There’s a lot to get done this fall, but you’ve got this! We have set up bi-monthly check-in meetings to make sure you’re completing your applications and essays on time. Each of you have written a great main essay and I am looking forward to learning more about you through your supplemental essays too. See my fall reminders for you linked in the “College Knowledge” section of this post.
Sophomores and Juniors
This fall we’ll have our first college criteria meetings and a family meeting.
After your first Family Meeting, your main task is to visit some local colleges. These visits should not foucs on if you want to attend the college, but on what you like and do not like about the setting, campus resources, area around campus (urban, suburban, or rural), and distance from home. These criteria are generally applicable to all colleges and will guide your college search this year.
I am really looking forward to researching your college list and getting to know you better as the fall progresses. See my fall reminders for you linked in the “College Knowledge” section of this post.
Summer Planning
Now is a great time to start thinking about summer plans! I have created a list of local and national opportunities to kickstart your research process. It’s not exhaustive and I encourage you to reach out to teachers, coaches, and mentors to learn about programs that they think could be a good fit for you.
In the Media
Read, listen, and learn about the college admission process, important topics, and latest news in higher education. These articles and podcasts can help you understand some of the nuances of the application process.
AI and College Essays: What Families Need to Know - Flourish Coaching Podcast
The Shorter Digital ACT - Applerouth Tutoring
Financial InTuition - Podcast from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
New College Cost Calculator Launches - New York Times
The U.S. News College Ranking Trap: How We Have All Been Reading Them All Wrong - College Matchpoint
Building Your Story Through High School Activities - Georgia Tech Admissions Blog
Scaffold Less, Support Smarter with EF Coaching: How to Help Your Teen Build Independence Before the College Transition - Appelrouth Education and Test Prep
University of Colorado at Boulder
October & November Reminders
Seniors:
- Attend meetings with college reps.
- Check the accuracy of transcripts.
- Keep track of all deadlines and continue to work on remaining applications, including essays.
- Check college portals twice weekly
Sophomores and Juniors:
- Complete your criteria building college visits
- Register and prep for an SAT or ACT.
- Focus on coursework and keep grades strong!
- Fine arts students, attend a virtual National Portfolio Day event
College Knowledge
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You’re entring the homestretch now! But don’t let up on your momentum in the classroom! Continue Reading...
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Now is the time to start visiting colleges to enhance your college research, prepare for SAT or ACTs, and keep your grades strong. Continue reading…
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Sophomores, this year is all abotu exploring! Exploring classes, careers, and college campuses. Continue reading…
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College websites can be difficult to navigate. These tips will help, continue reading…
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The time you invest in understanding and completing these forms properly could save your family a lot of money over your student's college career. Read more…
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The “Why Us?” essay has many forms, but essentially asks the same question: Why do you want to study here? Continue reading…
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College planning is always challenging, but in 2025, things feel especially unpredictable. Read more…
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Neuroscience is the study of the brain and nervous system, with an emphasis on how the nervous system affects human behavior. Read more…
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Did you know that there’s no such thing as a pre-law major? In fact, law schools welcome students from nearly every academic background. Read more…
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More students are earning an “A” average. Unfortunately that means having a high GPA doesn’t hold as much weight as it once did. Continue reading…
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You’ve heard me talk about it during meetings, but you may still be wondering what demonstrated interest is. Continue reading to learn more…
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As you continue to submit applications this fall, use these tips to ensure you’re avoiding the most common mistakes. Read more…