April & May Newsletter

Advising Updates

Hello Families and Students,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. Spring has flown by, here is a quick update on what students have been up to.

Seniors
Seniors have been getting admission decision notifications and I am thrilled with the results! Everyone has some amazing colleges to choose from this year. Acceptances include small liberal arts colleges, large public schools, and military academies. Congrats Seniors - you have so much to be proud of!

There are a number of things that you’re working on right now ahead of May 1! More information can be found on this post about Reminders for Seniors.

Juniors
Almost all juniors have received their research level college list and have launched into researching colleges. During the winter we explored the characteristics they are looking for in their future college. Through self-surveys, card sorts, career information, and defining campus visits they now have a sense of the most important things for them as they begin researching colleges. We are beginning to draft resumes and will start working on completing portions of the CommonApp later on in May and June.

Sophomores
Sophomores should begin visiting colleges to identify what they like and do not like about campus sizes and settings. Look at the resources in your Digital Binder to help you plan your visits!

This summer, dive deeper into an activity you already participate in, or find an activity that expands your knowledge of an academic interest area. Need ideas? Take a look at this summer programs list.

Spring College Fairs


The Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling (PNACAC) and the Western Association for College Admission Counseling are hosting college fairs in Seattle, Portland and San Diego in April. Over 100 colleges and universities will be in attendance, providing a fantastic opportunity to meet your admission counselor and to ask questions that will help you learn more about each school.

Students are asked to register prior to the event using the links below. You can find a list of colleges who will be in attendance linked below as well. This is a great way to start to explore colleges on your list and ask them questions about majors, activities, and their application process.


Seattle PNACAC College Fair
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Seattle University, Redhawk Center  550 14th Ave, Seattle, WA  98112
Start Time:  9:00am
End Time:  12:00pm

List of participating colleges
Registration Link

Portland PNACAC College Fair

Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
University of Portland Chiles Center, 5000 N Willamette Blvd Portland OR 97203
Start Time: 12:00pm
End Time: 3:00pm

List of participating colleges
Registration Link

San Diego County College Fair

Date: April 18, 2026  
Scripps Ranch High School,
10410 Falcon Way, San Diego, California, 92131
Start Time: 1 pm
End Time: 3 pm

List of participating colleges
Registration Link

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.

University of Wyoming, 2025

April-May Tasks

Seniors:
- Keep your grades strong - avoid senioritis!
- Make final campus visits to help narrow down your college list.
- Begin comparing financial aid offers.
– Final admission letters from colleges should arrive by the start of April. 
- Notify colleges that you will not attend.
- Send thank you notes to those who wrote letters of recommendation. 

- Parents of seniors: Draft financial aid appeal letters if needed.

- Military affiliated families: Connect with VA Benefits representatives on campus to learn about how to claim yellow ribbon benefits at each school.

Juniors:
- Research colleges on your suggested list
- Begin creating your initial list of colleges in your Custom College Plan account. 
- Tour colleges.
- Register for SATs or ACTs. More SAT dates will become available in May
- Attend the college fair in your area

Sophomores:
- Make plans for a productive summer by participating in summer activities that interest you
- Investigate summer programs, jobs, and internships
- Attend a college fair in your area
- Register for SATs or ACTs with your first test date in the fall. SAT dates will become available in May

All students:
- Prepare for AP exams and finals

College Knowledge

  • As May 1st approaches, here are some reminders to keep you on track ahead of graduation! Continue reading…

  • A well-chosen likely school should never feel like a backup plan. It should feel like a place you would be genuinely excited to attend. Continue reading…

  • One of the most significant decisions your child will face in college is choosing a major. As a parent, your role isn’t to decide for them, but to guide, support, and help them explore options with confidence. Continue reading…

  • During early May, high school students across the country sit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Continue Reading to learn more about the exams…

  • If you’re someone who enjoys understanding people, solving real-world problems, and making a difference, studying aging, often called gerontology or aging studies, may be worth a look. Continue reading…

  • For students who live and breathe sports, a career in the industry doesn’t have to mean going pro as an athlete. Continue Reading…

  • Today's world of college financing breaks down into two categories: "Great money" and "Not-so-Great money." Continue Reading…

  • Every year, scammers take advantage of well-meaning parents and students, costing families millions of dollars in lost money and stolen information. Continue Reading…

  • Nearly all first-year college students encounter a few surprises as they adjust to college life.  Understanding the most common challenges students report and what to do about them can make the transition to college life go more smoothly for both students and their parents. Continue reading…