Here are some of the articles from trustworthy sources that we recommend our students and parents to read in the next few days… FORTUNE – The 3 biggest higher education controversies of 2021 Diverse Issues in Higher Ed – Why Access to Computer Science Education Should Be the New Space Race The Chronicle – Lots

The college application process has become increasingly strategic for both students and colleges.  With students applying to more colleges and colleges receiving more applications than ever, there’s increased pressure on both sides.  Students want to know “Will the college accept me?”  Colleges want to know “Will the student enroll here?”  That’s where the early deadline comes

GPA or Rigor – What are colleges really looking for? When applying to colleges, which is better, a higher GPA or harder classes (rigor)? What are colleges really looking for and how do they decide who to admit? Challenge Yourself! Of course, having good grades and rigor in your courses is the best goal.  But

You did it!  You are off to college in the fall! Now is the time to: Pat yourself on the back!  Congratulations on a job well done. High five your friends (virtually)!  You succeeded together. Hug your parents or loved ones!  You could not have done it without them. Give your teachers a thumbs up!  They appreciate knowing their classes influenced you. As an

College Essay General Do’s and Don’ts Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to guide you through the college application essay writing process… Do’s: Be concise and write about something you know. Be open and authentic. Reveal something about your identity in your essay. Show rather than tell. Giving specific examples for your topic brings it

A Novel Idea It’s college decision season. Meanwhile, parents are biting their nails and wrestling with financial aid packages. And we are unsure of what will happen next fall with Covid-19 and all restrictions… So, let’s talk about postponing college. This is the perfect moment to take a deep breath and consider taking a break from

Finding a College: Finding a college is a bit like finding a date for homecoming. You are both trying to get to know each other and size up your chances. Scoping each other out online, liking a post on Instagram, talking to friends, going on a “group date” (aka a college tour). You want to apply to colleges that you like and

Do you have what it takes to play sports in college?  Many students do – either at the varsity level, or in clubs and intramural sports.  Each athletic division has its own athletic and academic eligibility requirements. More competitive divisions may want to see videos of your events.  It’s a good idea to keep a record of

Welcome back from winter break!  Now is the time to review your MID YEAR CHECKLIST.  January is a great time to get organized and jump-start your college search.   1. Meet with your High School Counselor Review your PSAT scores with your counselor and parents (if you took it in the fall) Ask for recommendations for summer programs Schedule next year’s courses Schedule your standardized tests

Welcome back!  You are halfway to the end of senior year.  Hopefully, your winter break has you refreshed and ready to dive back into school because this is going to be a busy time of the year. Review this MID SENIOR-YEAR CHECKLIST to be sure you are on track.  Don’t delay – there are a lot of time-sensitive deadlines in the

Although last year marked the beginning of a new decade, this year marks a new era. In 2020, our daily lives transformed, and we are now in the midst of adapting to a new normal that, although not welcomed, will hopefully soon enough become a positive shift. Our priorities have become clearer than ever as

SAT Subject Tests are based on the curriculum you have in class. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of a particular subject. According to the College Board, “The SAT Subject Tests offer you an additional opportunity to show colleges what you know and what you know you can do. Many colleges use the SAT

How much will I pay for College? Paying for college is often compared to paying for airline tickets. No two people pay the same price. So how much will you pay? That depends on many factors. Knowing what those factors are, and how each college will look at your family’s financial situation, will help you determine the expected cost for college.

Here are some important points to note as you prepare for the PSAT. Guessing is allowed. Remember, no deductions are made for incorrect answers on the PSAT. So – guess away! Prepare to read for content. PSAT uses long reading passages, with questions based on the content and not on vocabulary. Be ready to read and understand the passages.

SAT and ACT test scores will be important in determining your success in college admissions. After months of hard work, it is just as important to be alert on the actual test day to be able to perform well. Here are 5 test day tips to help you ace the test by starting off on the right

Many college applications require you to select a major or state that you are “undeclared”. What is the best way to choose a major? Here are five ideas to guide you. Start exploring. It is never too early or too late to start exploring your interests and connecting them to majors or careers. Learn about yourself. Take advantage

Every October, Florida Bright Futures application becomes available to all Florida seniors. Why is this important? Because this scholarship program can save you a great deal if you are a Floridian, attending a Florida public college or university. Here are the application links and some information on this spectacular scholarship program: Access the application by clicking

Do you know the entire name of the PSAT test?   It is officially the PSAT/ NMSQT test. “NMSQT” stands for the “National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test”. The only time you can be considered for the National Merit Scholarship is during your junior year. Taking the PSAT is the only way to be considered. Taking the PSAT

GPA or Rigor – What are colleges really looking for? When applying to colleges, which is better, a higher GPA or harder classes (rigor)? What are colleges really looking for and how do they decide who to admit? Challenge Yourself! Of course, having good grades and rigor in your courses is the best goal.  But

Although the senior year just started a little while ago, the college application season is already here! Many colleges are accepting applications even now, and some have deadlines as early as mid-October. Should you apply now? It’s important to know the different types of college deadlines so you can map out a timeline for your applications. Here

Asking for Recommendations You might find this easy, or awkward, or somewhere in between.  How do you get the best recommendations for your college applications? Follow these three steps:   Step 1: Get Ready- Before you start asking your teachers, counselor or others for a letter of recommendation, do your homework. Focus on familiarity: Teachers who know you best

High school senior year is a stressful time. There are so many decisions to take and the college application clock is ticking as well.  In just a few months, you will need to complete the application process, so, if you haven’t already settled on your top college choices, now is the time to figure out

Success in life is more than just graduating from the “best” college.  However, finding the college that’s the best fit for you can help facilitate that success.  Your best fit college may not be the school ranked #1 by the US News, or the school your parents went to, or the school your best friend

Colleges use activities to understand you more as a person – how do you like to spend your time and what types of activities have you committed yourself to?  Essentially, what makes you, you?  Colleges typically look for depth of involvement – assessing how long you have been a part of the activity and whether you’ve held a leadership

Common App went live on August 1 – a significant date in college admissions.  It’s essentially the “kick off” date for the college application process.  Common App is a valuable platform to apply to a large number of colleges and universities. Let’s review some frequently asked questions: What is the Common App? To put it simply –

Knowing the differences between the SAT and ACT may help you decide which test works best for you.  Both tests are acceptable to colleges across the US to demonstrate college readiness of a candidate.  So, which one is best for you? U.S. News has a detailed piece on the comparison of the two tests.  Make

We have received the following information from NACAC. Please read it carefully. NACAC is offering four virtual college fairs for students this fall. The NACAC Virtual College Fairs offer students an unprecedented opportunity to explore their options and get started on their college dreams. More than 600 colleges and universities will be online to talk

It’s summer!!  It’s finally heating up in most places and you might feel like you are melting.  However  ”summer melt”  means something very different for colleges.  Each year, colleges require students to submit an enrollment deposit to enroll as freshmen in the fall (usually by May 1, but this year June 1 for some colleges).  After that deposit

For most students, it’s officially summer now!  Given how this year ended, it may be hard to think about school in the fall. However, now is a good time to reflect on this past year and set your goals for the upcoming school year. Look back at this past year: Are you happy with your grades?

Although this year’s AP tests were “non-traditional”, many colleges have said they will still award AP credit.  AP scores will be available online beginning July 15.  Scores are released over several days based on the state in which you tested.  View the date and location schedule, and your scores, on the College Board website. What is the

The summer of COVID-19!  Is it looking a little different for you than expected?  No school, no summer job, no hanging out at the community pool or movie theater or coffee shop!  You may find yourself with some extra time these days. The college admission process is also looking different than expected for this fall.  Many

It was hard to imagine 2020 being any worse, and then the country erupted over the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.  Communities have watched in horror as protests have boiled over into riots and confrontations with heavily armed police and national guard troops.  In a summer that already felt uncertain, the

Here is a great opportunity to work on creating or enhancing your professional resume. Whether you are on the lookout for a new job or you want to build an effective personal marketing tool, this workshop will cover the essentials you need to know! Registration is simple and quick! Click here to register. In addition to

One of the biggest changes for freshman year is a new peer group.  You may have friends that you’ve been with since the beginning of high school or even longer.  Starting college should be exciting but it can also be making you anxious as you think about moving on without your friends to support you.  As

Applying to colleges can be a stressful process under the best circumstances.  In 2020, with the education system turned on its ear, the admission process might seem near impossible.  Standardized tests are canceled for the spring, high schools are closed changing the dynamics of grades and extracurriculars, and colleges are shifting application requirements.  From week

Senior Checklist You are almost there!  What are your next steps? Finish strong!  Strive to finish the year with your best work.  We all know that the past weeks have been a challenge and online school is wearing on many people.  But honor the hard work you put into the year by finishing the last few

You may have heard last week that the University of California system – with 10 campuses enrolling over a quarter million students – announced it would be test optional for Fall 2021 admissions.  The new policy phases in changes over the next four years ending with the university either creating a new admission test or eliminating

How do you describe where you live?  City?  Suburb?  Country?  What aspects of your current location do you like or dislike – and how far are you willing to go from home?  As you explore colleges, one thing to consider is the location of the college.  Location can make a significant impact on your college experience. 

Graduation is a rite of passage that you have been looking forward to for some time.  And while Spring 2020 has brought a season of disappointments, canceling graduations seems particularly egregious.  This is the culminating celebration for years of hard work.  It should be a day that is celebrated with teachers, family and friends, and

“Warm, welcoming, smart, and unpretentious– our university is filled with students who are driven to be the best they can be without striving to do so at the expense of others. They excel at allowing everyone to be comfortable with who they are, and not having to be a certain type of person in order to fit in.” 

Admission offers received – check! Enrollment decision made – check! What’s next?  You’ll be getting a lot of information about the next steps from your college for registration and orientation.  Meanwhile, you might want to start a conversation with your parents about a spending budget for college. Here are 6 money management tips for you

People around the world are adapting to a new normal.  Businesses are reinventing themselves, restaurants are offering delivery and takeout options, television news and late-night shows are broadcasting from home, and colleges and schools across the US are adopting online learning formats.  Now that you may have somewhat settled into a different routine, it’s time to refocus your efforts and

Hoping to get a great recommendation letter for your college or scholarship applications?  It’s hard to write a recommendation for someone you don’t know.  This is why it’s especially important to have strong relationships with your teachers and your counselor. However, it might seem difficult to cultivate those relationships in the era of “home learning”.  How

Worried about your upcoming AP tests or final exams?  Even in a normal year, these exams can cause anxiety, but this year that may be particularly true.  AP exams will now be offered in an online, open-note/open-book format.  And as schools continue to cancel in-person classes for the rest of the year, you may find yourself

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some schools to push back their enrollment deadlines, some colleges are still asking students to deposit by May 1.  Financial aid awards likely play a big part in your final decision.  But interpreting those awards might seem a bit like reading a foreign language.  Below are six common terms

As “stay at home” orders continue on for many states, you may find yourself with some extra time on your hands.  Have you run out of puzzles and family game night ideas?  Have you reached the end of the internet?  Maybe it’s time to think about some of life’s big questions – like “what do

The ripple effects of COVID-19 are just starting to make their impact.  It’s safe to say that the coronavirus has upended the college admission process for the coming year.  You probably have a lot of questions and colleges are just starting to make adjustments to their admission process for the next year.  Here are some

Although many schools have postponed their enrollment deadlines, some are sticking to May 1 which is right around the corner.  You may still be weighing your enrollment options.  With college visits off the table, the choice may seem more difficult than ever.  How do you make a final decision without making a visit? What’s in

Florida College Access Network recently published an informative blog on their website talking about the free online resources being offered by the College Board and ACT to support students impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Here is what it talks about: ” A combined 4 million students took the SAT and ACT during the 2018-19 academic

May 1 is traditionally the National College Decision Day.  Typically, schools require that students choose where they will enroll by submitting an enrollment deposit on or before May 1.  That makes April the ‘decision time’.  Of course, this year things are feeling very different.  A large number of colleges have already extended their enrollment deadlines to June