The University of Massachusetts at Amherst is our state’s flagship university, meaning it is our largest, most selective public institution with the greatest variety of programs. Academic options span the colleges of agriculture, education, engineering, humanities and fine arts, information and computer sciences, natural sciences, nursing, social and behavioral sciences, management, public health and…
For many seniors, April 1 marks the end of a long and often stressful period of uncertainty. Envelopes or emails from colleges will arrive, 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. Here are some tips on dealing with life on the waiting list.
Consider your options: Your first priority …
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:
“The College That Rejects You May Do You a Favor…
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…