March & April 2025 Newsletter

Advising Updates

Hello Students and Families!

I hope that this newsletter finds you well. The last of college admission decisions and financial aid offers will arrive soon! No matter the results of your admission decisions, I hope you feel proud of all the hard work you have put into the process. No matter where you go, the college you attend does not define who you are or who you will become.

For all students, spring break is right around the corner. This is a good time to visit college campuses, meet with admission representatives, and tour the areas where the colleges are located. Seniors, a campus visit can help you choose between your top two or three choices. For Juniors, a campus visit is a great way to continue refine your college list.

For more information about how to arrange campus visits, see the campus visit section of your Digital Binder.

Out of Office Mar. 15th - Apr. 2nd
I will be traveling from March 15th-April 2nd. Due to the nature of my travel, I will only have limited access to email, text, and phone at 210-596-9567. Please allow for a 24-48 hour response time due to the time zone difference.

Seniors - 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. Follow this link for information about things to keep your eyes on…

Juniors - Many of you have been working on researching colleges! Now is a great time to expand your research by visiting campuses. We will talk about writing your activities resume, introduce the CommonApp, and begin work on your first essay as we move into April and May. Follow this link for more information…

Sophomores - Think about summer activities and touring some local college campuses. Many things can provide helpful experiences. Read more here…

All Students - Prepare for AP exams
Good luck to those of you who are taking AP exams in May! Spend some time preparing for the exam so you can 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. The AP credit policies of your future college can be found 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.

Spring College Fairs
The Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling (PNACAC) is hosting college fairs in Seattle and Portland 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 and may do so using the links provided below. You will also find a list of colleges who will be in attendance, so that you can make sure the colleges you are considering will be there.

Seattle PNACAC College Fair
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Location: Seattle University, Redhawk Center  550 14th Ave, Seattle, WA  98112
Start Time:  9:00am
End Time:  12:00pm

Registration information: https://www.pnacac.org/college-fairs_1/spring-college-fairs/seattle

Portland PNACAC College Fair

Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Location: University of Portland Chiles Center, 5000 N Willamette Blvd Portland OR 97203
Start Time: 12:00pm
End Time: 3:00pm

Registration information: https://www.pnacac.org/college-fairs_1/spring-college-fairs/portland

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.

Drexel University, 2022

March & April Reminders

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: begin drafting financial aid appeal letters if needed.

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

Juniors:
- Research colleges on your suggested list
- Begin creating your initial list of colleges in your Custom College Plan account. 
- Tour colleges.
- Register for an SAT or ACT. More SAT dates will become available in May.

Sophomores & Juniors:
- Make plans for a productive summer.
- Investigate summer programs, jobs, and internships.

All students:
- Prepare for AP exams

College Knowledge

  • You’re entring the homestretch now! But don’t let up on your momentum in the classroom! Continue Reading...

  • Now is the time to start visiting colleges to enhance your college research. Continue Reading...

  • Spring is a great time to think about summer activities, classes, and visiting a college or two! Continue reading…

  • Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) isn't your typical single-subject major. Read more…

  • Learn more about Fire Sciences and the careers related to this area. Read more…

  • What if we reframed reading as a workout for the brain? Read more…

  • While downtime is important to re-energize, summer is also a great time to explore new interests by taking a class, trying a residential summer program housed on a college campus, getting a job, or volunteering in your community. Look for an experience that is exciting to you. Continue reading…

  • To get a clear picture of the total cost of attending a school, look beyond just tuition, Read more…

  • College websites can be difficult to navigate. These tips will help, continue reading…

November & December 2024 Newsletter

Advising Updates

Hello Students and Families!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner - can you believe it? Seniors have been hard at work on their college applications since September. 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. It’s been so much fun working with you - keep up the great work!

Traveling from Dec. 1st - 16th
I will be traveling from Dec. 1-16th but will be available via email, text, or phone at 210-596-9567. I will also check my emails daily; please allow for a 24-hour turnaround time due to the time zone difference.

Winter Office Closure
I will close my office for the winter break on Dec. 23rd - Jan. 6th for a break after the long application season. This is the official end of the application and essay review season. During the winter closure I will be available for emergencies and urgent questions via text message and phone call at 210-596-9567 Regular appointments will resume after Jan. 6th.

Seniors - You’re almost there! Some of you have finished all your applications, and others have just a few more to complete. Each of you has been managing the workload of college applications so well - I am so proud of you! See my fall reminders for you linked in the “College Knowledge” section of this post.

The last day to have any essays or applications reviewed is Dec. 21st. 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 on the 21st and 23rd. Incomplete work will not be reviewed after Dec. 21st - no exceptions.

Juniors - It’s been so cool to learn about your academic interests, extra-curricular activities, and to answer your college questions. I am working on your college lists and using all of the feedback you gave me in your self-surveys, Corsava card sort, career assessment, and most importantly, during our conversations. See my fall reminders for you linked in the “College Knowledge” section of this post.

In the Media

Read, listen, and learn about the college admission process and latest news in higher education. These articles and podcasts can help you understand some of the nuances of the application process.

Utah State University, 2024

November & December Reminders

Seniors:
- Stay on track with your final applications.
- Check college applicant portals daily
- Complete the FAFSA after Dec. 1 (If applicable)
- Update me about admission decisions and financial aid offers
- Keep grades strong!

Juniors:
- Keep grades strong!
- Continue doing your Criteria Building Campus visits.
- Register and prep for SATs or ACTs
- Update me about any changes to your college criteria

College Knowledge

  • It’s been a busy and hectic fall. You’re almost done and you should begin hearing back from colleges at this time. It’s time to transition away from applications and towards financial aid and other matters. Continue Reading...

  • Keep working hard as the winter break approaches. Here are some reminders to keep you focused on academics and your college search. Continue Reading...

  • Navigating financial aid can feel confusing. Taking the time to understand the process can potentially save you money in the long run. Continue reading…

  • Showing a college your authentic interest in their college not only educates the student about the offerings at a university, but it also may tip the admissions scale in your favor. Continue reading…

  • Most colleges don’t require students to declare their major upon admission. Researching specific exploratory programs or flexible curriculums at colleges can help students find the right academic path for them. Continue reading...

  • Exploring college websites from the comfort of the home gives students a chance to see if the college aligns with their academic, personal, and financial needs. Continue Reading...

  • This important topic will help teens discover simple methods to assist them in managing their time, prioritizing tasks, and staying organized. Continue Reading…

September Newsletter

Advising Updates

September is here and all of you are back in class! How fast the summer went, right? I hope that everyone is getting back into the swing of things. If you have scheduling questions or issues, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Course Schedules
Remember you want to be taking 5 solid classes, even in your senior year. This ensures that your schedule is rigorous and is meeting college entrance requirements. These areas are considered solid (core) by colleges:
- Math
- Science
- English
- Social Science
- Foreign Language

If you have a question about course options and if your schedule is lining up with your college plans, please reach out!

Fall reminders
Keeping your appointments and completing your work on time is critical right now. This time of year is packed with fun, homework and advising tasks to complete. 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.

Your homework can be found in recap emails and on your homework tracker. 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!

Link your Custom College Plan calendar with an external calendar
You can link your CCP calendar to your personal calendar by following the steps outlined in this article::
https://support.collegeplannerpro.com/hc/en-us/articles/9209671395739-How-do-students-view-their-CustomCollegePlan-events-in-an-external-calendar

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.

Juniors - You’ve arrived too! Your main task is to complete your criteria building college visits. We’ll talk more about these during your first family meeting. I am really looking forward to your college research 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.

Upcoming College Fairs

Fall is when the biggest college fairs of all happen in our area. There are three large fairs happening in the Puget Sound area and one in the Portland-Vancouver area. College fairs are a free opportunity for you to connect with your admission counselor. This is a great way to demonstrate interest, get your specific questions answered, and meet the person who (likely) will be reading your application. These are especially important events if you are looking at colleges that are not in our region. Register for the fair you plan to go to - it will make it easier for you to share your information with colleges - this is how you demonstrate interest!

Nervous about the fair? Here is a handout with helpful tips and advice for college fairs. This handout is also located in your digital binder.

Upcoming College Fairs in our area:

In the Media

Read, listen, and learn about the college admission process and latest news in higher education. These articles and podcasts can help you understand some of the nuances of the application process.

Whitman College, 2024

September Reminders

Upcoming College Fairs:
Admission counselors will be coming to your area. See the information about dates and cities in this newsletter.

Seniors:
- Order the following things to be sent to your colleges:

  • Transcripts

  • Letters of Recommendation

  • Test scores (if sending)

- Make scheduling changes if necessary
- Attend the college fair in your area
- Finish main essay and pivot to supplementals and college sections on the CommonApp

Juniors:
- Make scheduling changes if necessary
- Complete your criteria building college visits
- Register and prep for an SAT or ACT
- Attend the college fairs in your area

College Knowledge

  • School is back in session and I am sure everyone is off and running! This time of year always feels like a sprint – but I hope that each of you finds your rhythm and you can find a comfortable pace to take things as they come. Continue Reading...

  • School is back in session and I am sure everyone is off and running! This time of year always feels like a sprint – but I hope that each of you finds your rhythm and you can find a comfortable pace to take things as they come. Continue Reading...

  • High school can be a time of excitement, transformation, and social and academic challenges. This article offers tips to help teens navigate the process successfully. Continue reading…

  • Understanding how financial aid factors into applying Early Decision or Early Action is something families should understand when creating an application plan. Continue reading…

  • Science-oriented students who are fascinated with food should explore the different components of studying food science. The variety of studies includes methods of food harvesting and evaluation of nutritional values to the sensory aspects of food. Continue reading...

  • Massive Open Online Courses, otherwise known as MOOCs, are a way to explore topics beyond the traditional high school curriculum. You may not receive credit for these classes. but learning something new without the pressure of grades can feel liberating. Continue Reading...

May & June Newsletter

Advising Updates

The end of May is here and I know everyone is busy with academics, sports, theater, exams, college tours, and end of the year tasks. Thank you for continuing to keep your appointment dates! This is going to become more important for the fall.

Keeping your appointments and completing your work on time is critical for the fall. This time of year is packed with fun, homework and advising tasks to complete. 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.

Your homework can be found in recap emails and on your homework tracker. 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!

Seniors - Congratulations! Knowing each of you, I am sure you’re finishing the year strong! If you have not updated me on where you’re going, please send me an email. I have a gift I college themed gift would like to send your way.

Juniors - Thank you for attending the resume workshops and for all of your work on your resume. Continue to work on your resumes as we move into the summer. I’ll be setting deadlines for drafts your resume at our next meeting.

Next up, we’ll be tackling the “Why Us” essay, your resume, balancing your college list, and thinking about affordability. If you have not scheduled your Why Us meeting or your third Family Meeting with me yet, please reach out.

Sophomores - It’s been wonderful meeting you and getting to know you better through your career assessments. This summer is a great time to visit college campuses! Check out your Digital Binder to find resources about campus visits (setting them up, questions to ask, etc.). Look at areas you’re traveling to with your family and see if there are any college nearby that you can check out. Do an official tour and even sit in on an information session - you can learn more about the colleges you might visit using your Custom College Plan portal.

Summer Office Closure
June 15 - July 15th

Every year, I close my office for one month during the summer before diving into the application process in Mid-July. During this month I will be checking my email twice a week, but will be available via phone and text message for urgent situations.

Recent College Visits

In April and May I have been visiting campuses in Washington state and on the East Coast. I like to visit campuses to get a sense of what the area looks like, to learn about programs, and to meet the admission representatives who work with my students. These visits inform suggestions I make to you when putting together your list or have questions about a specific college.

This spring I have visited these schools:

  • Whitman College

  • Washington State University

  • University of Washington

  • Yale University

  • US Coast Guard Academy

  • Pace University

  • Fordham University - Lincoln Center

  • New York University

  • US Military Academy at West Point


You can find photos from my campus visits located on the Walberg College Counseling Facebook Page.

In the Media

Read, listen, and learn about the college admission process and latest news in higher education. These articles and podcasts can help you understand some of the nuances of the application process.

Yale University, 2024

May-June Reminders

Graduating Seniors:

- Do your best on your finals - avoid senioritis!
- Notify colleges that you will not attend via email.
- Send thank you notes to those who wrote letters of recommendation for you.
- Have your final transcript sent to your college of choice.

Rising Seniors:
- Resume Drafting
- Why Us Essay Drafting
- Complete all sections of CommonApp except: College Tab, Activities Tab
- Plan summer college tours
- Register and prep for an SAT or ACT

ACT-July 13th,
Register- June 7th

SAT- August 24th,
Register August 9th

Rising Juniors:
- Make plans for a productive summer.
- Investigate summer programs, jobs, and internships.
- Tour colleges.
- Prepare for fall ACTs or SATs.

All students:
- Finish the year strong!

College Knowledge

  • Your teen may be academically ready to move on to college, but are they prepared emotionally and psychologically? Read about the eight components that are considered predictors of college success. Continue reading…

  • This ailment happens to seniors every year. Mid-term grades have been sent to colleges and acceptances have been received. During the last quarter of high school, apathy can set in. Seniors need to remember that their acceptance is contingent on their continued successful performance. Continue reading…

  • As the school year ends, the college application season begins. Summer is the perfect time to unwind from a busy school year, but is also a good time to begin brainstorming ideas for your college essay. Continue reading…

  • Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and Dual Enrollment

    offer a competitive edge to applicants; however, there are differences between the levels of rigor, work, impact on GPA, and attainment of college credit. Continue reading…

  • Understanding educational tax benefits can help offset the cost of college. After reading this article families should consult with an accountant or tax consultant and decide on the most beneficial tax benefits for them. Continue Reading…

  • Students who will begin college in the fall semester should receive their tuition bill a few months before the term begins. There are different options for paying tuition, such as tuition payment plans, taking out a home equity loan or line of credit, Parent Plus loans, and credit cards. Continue reading…

  • Art is a field that allows students to explore different cultures and perspectives while also equipping them with 21st-century skills needed for the rapidly changing workforce of the future. Continue reading…

  • Data Science is an interdisciplinary field where students learn to combine statistics, computer science, and knowledge about systems. This article offers information on the varying fields of knowledge that students can pursue. Continue reading…

March & April 2024 Newsletter

Advising Updates

Over the winter, students have been working hard defining their College Criteria - the characteristics they are looking for in their future college. We’ve used self-surveys, card sorts, career information, and defining campus visits to help your students get a sense of the most important things for them as they begin researching colleges.

Happening in late March - April:

- Initial college lists for Comprehensive clients - Over the next few weeks, comprehensive package students will receive their initial college lists. These lists have 25-30 colleges on them, a great starting place for detailed research and exploration.

- Resume workshops - In collaboration with Delehoy College Counseling, I will be hosting two resume workshops, one on April 2 (Tuesday) at 6 pm and the other on April 13th (Saturday) at 2 pm, all times listed in Pacific Time. Registration emails and a packet have been sent out.

All juniors are expected to attend a workshop. Following the Resume Workshops, I will meet with your student to go over their resume. Students should have a first draft ready to share at the meeting. A scheduling link for the Resume Review meetings was sent out last week and your student has many appointment times to choose from.

If there is a scheduling conflict, please have your student contact me to make alternative arrangements for the workshop and review session.

- Planning Campus Visits - Continue to complete your criteria building campus visits and begin visiting campuses on your college list.

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

  • Make sure your teen takes notes and pictures. This 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 a campus on a “normal day”.

  • Avoid visiting campus during “game days” - especially during football season. Visiting on a big game day can skew your feel of the campus. All of the activity and spirit on campus during those days is 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.

  • Before visiting, it may be worth previewing 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!

Keeping an open mind during this process is important.  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 how to make the most out of spring break campus visits.

Innovation Hall,
University of Washington - Bothell, 2024

March-April Reminders

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: begin drafting 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:
- Register for a Resume Workshop (Apr. 2 or 13).
- Register for a Resume Review Session (multiple dates)
- Begin creating an initial list of colleges. 
- Tour colleges.
- Register for an SAT or ACT

Sophomores & Juniors:
- Make plans for a productive summer.
- Investigate summer programs, jobs, and internships.

All students:
- Prepare for AP exams

College Knowledge

  • Researchers surveyed over 30,000 college graduates about their job and life satisfaction and determined that it isn’t where you go to college, but rather what you do when attending college. This article gives insight into making the most out of your college experience. Continue reading…

  • Students entering college don’t need to limit their studies to one subject. Many colleges offer the option of double majoring, majoring in a certain concentration, or combining a major with a minor. Understanding your choices allows you to broaden your area of expertise and interests. Continue reading…

  • Before your teen accepts an admissions offer to their dream school, make sure to understand the total cost of college. Reading the three steps will clarify how to decipher the actual cost of attendance, and whether to accept loan offers and scholarship terms. Continue Reading…

  • While downtime is important to re-energize, summer is also a great time to explore new interests by taking a class, trying a residential summer program housed on a college campus, getting a job, or volunteering in your community. Look for an experience that is exciting to you. Continue Reading…