If you are a senior, you have recently made a big decision and placed a deposit at the college of your choice. Now it’s time to plan for your transition to college. If you have received support or accommodations during high school for a learning difference, or health or physical disability, here are the steps you should take:
When teachers receive a student request for a college recommendation, they first consider some questions. What are this student’s strengths? Can I give specific examples of how the student demonstrated these strengths? How did this student do in my class in terms of grades and effort? What might this student contribute to their college or program of interest?
As you might gather from these questions, writing letters of recommendation can be a complex task. If you apply through…
Coping with financial uncertainty and creating a financially balanced college list
The events of the past year have disrupted plans for a smooth transition to college for many families. Students’ best intentions to engage in academics and participate in meaningful extracurricular activities were challenged. Parents’ plans to pay for college using long-term investments or savings may need to be revised. While we are educational consultants, not financial advisors, …
While the college application process is an exciting time in a student and family’s life, there is no question that it also can bring on a great deal of stress (especially in the middle of a pandemic). Students find themselves in the driver’s seat of one of the biggest decisions thus far in their young life. Parents worry about the cost of college and the caliber of education their son or daughter may receive, amongst other things. And while this stress is completely normal, it is …
For many seniors, April marks the end of a long period of uncertainty. Emails and envelopes from colleges have arrived, and the result is usually a definitive acceptance or denial. However, for students who are put on a college’s waiting list, the next steps are less clear. Due to an increase in the number of applications per student driven by test-optional policies, and student uncertainty about where to apply, waitlists are expected to be longer this year. In addition, factors…
If the worst thing in life is not knowing, then the second worst thing might very well be knowing that the outcome you wanted did not come to pass. While receiving a denial at the end of the admissions process can be frustrating, there are many others who have found themselves in similar situations. Here are several articles that provide perspective and advice on dealing with this stressful and sometimes disappointing time:
Now that students are receiving their financial need-based and merit scholarship awards, it is important to look at the fine print. Colleges typically lump together grant aid, which is money that does not need to be paid back, with loans. When comparing awards, it is important to compare grants to grants and exclude loans from the comparison to truly evaluate which colleges are offering the best financial packages. Once you do this, you might find that your preferred college…
While visiting colleges in person has not been an option in the past year, our team has been busy with virtual conferences and webinars with college admission professionals and faculty. Here is an overview of our recent virtual visit to Grinnell College.
Despite its location in rural Iowa, Grinnell draws students from major cities across the USA and the world to its vibrant campus and charming town. It is a politically active and engaged community…