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…
Welcome to the driver’s seat! After months of waiting to learn where you would be accepted, the tables have turned and YOU are now the decision maker. Where to start? Accepted seniors are often invited to admitted student events, which are great opportunities to learn more about the schools you are considering. Here are 5 tips to make sure you get the most benefit out of these events:
1. Take…
The college admissions scandal that captured our country’s attention last week illustrated the longstanding problem of money tainting the integrity of what should be a meritocratic process. There is a level of inequality that is inescapable when it comes to college preparedness—some families live in towns with better school systems, more affluent parents can provide enrichment activities for their children, pay for a private education, or hire tutors and educational…
The Pew Research Center reports that seven out of ten US teenagers report anxiety and depression as major problems among their peers. Teens cite concerns about mental health more often than bullying, drug addiction or alcohol abuse. They also say that the number one pressure they face is trying to get good grades. Yes, there’s pressure to look good, to be a good athlete, and to fit in, but the pressure to perform…
As college admissions experts, we are frequently invited to multi-day, immersive campus visits to learn about new developments and better educate our clients. Our recent re-visit to High Point University in North Carolina reinforced why it is essential to return to campuses as offerings can…
For many students, going to college immediately after finishing high school seems like the obvious and expected thing to do. However, immediately jumping from high school to college is not always the best route for all students. For students who are feeling uncertain about college or just want time to have experiences outside of the classroom, a gap year might be the perfect solution.…
When students have a mentor during college they are twice as likely to be successful after graduation—reporting more engagement at work and scoring high on other measures of well-being. The Chronicle For Higher Education reported on a book by Hamilton College Sociology Professor Dan Chambliss who followed more than 100 Hamilton students during and after college to determine which aspects of their undergraduate years really made a difference long term. Relationships matter…
While it’s true that most of your work is done for your college applications, keep in mind that your actions and decisions in the months ahead can still affect the admission decision.
While most high school seniors have completed their applications, those who plan to study music in college (or apply for music scholarships) have the additional commitment of preparing for college music auditions.
To get further insight into the audition process, we spoke with Ellen Donohue-Saltman, a French hornist, and Jamie Saltman, a conductor…
How are today’s college students choosing majors? While many students choose a major to prepare for a specific career, others enter college interested in exploring disciplines that excite them without regard to job prospects.
The Career Driven Student
Conventional wisdom suggests that students are more likely to achieve success if they choose a major at which they enjoy and excel, and this New York Times…