Weekly Update : July 11

Can you believe it’s already the second week of July? Summer always feels like it takes forever to arrive – and then it flies by in a flash. Of course, that’s probably because it’s just so much fun. We hope you had a fantastic 4th of July weekend, whether you were grilling with family, catching fireworks in your neighborhood, or making progress on college essays poolside! 🙋🏼‍♀️

Now that we’ve all had a chance to relax and recharge, it’s time to dive back into the latest from the world of college admissions!

Editing essays from one of my all-time happy places – the Winnetu on Martha’s Vineyard 🦞🚲🍦🌸

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

Big News from Michigan: Early Decision Arrives + Essay Shake-Up

For the 🚨🚨🚨first time in university history🚨🚨🚨, the University of Michigan will offer an Early Decision (binding) option, joining its existing Early Action and Regular Decision plans. This is major news for students with Michigan as their clear first choice – ED offers a new way to signal serious commitment to one of the nation’s most competitive public universities.

Michigan also updated one of its required essays. The long-standing “community” essay has been replaced by a new prompt focused on leadership and impact. The second essay – asking students to describe their interest in a specific undergraduate school or program – remains unchanged.

With the addition of Early Decision and a new leadership-focused essay, Michigan is encouraging applicants to show not just interest – but alignment. Students should be thoughtful, early, and purposeful in their approach.

Bonus for this year’s applicants: Michigan is also launching two new academic options, including a four-year Integrated Business and Engineering dual degree (Ross + Engineering) and a first-year entry path to its newly expanded Educator Preparation Program through the Marsal School of Education.

Columbia University Will Pay $9 Million in Class Action Lawsuit

Columbia University has agreed to a $9 million settlement in a class action lawsuit brought by former students, stemming from allegations that it submitted misleading data – including inflated class size averages – to U.S. News & World Report. The questionable figures helped Columbia land the coveted #2 spot in the 2022 rankings. But after a Columbia math professor publicly questioned the data, the university’s ranking plummeted to #18.

Plaintiffs argued they paid a premium based on prestige that may not have been fully earned. While Columbia hasn’t admitted to any wrongdoing, it did acknowledge submitting inaccurate data. Students who attended between 2016 and 2022 are eligible for about $273 – the cost of two textbooks (or maybe one, depending on the bookstore). More importantly, the case is a potent reminder: rankings are not everything. Many colleges offer small classes, dedicated faculty, and outstanding outcomes – without the drama or the price tag.

The Big Bill’s Impact on Higher Ed

A sweeping new federal budget and tax bill passed last week is expected to bring lasting changes to higher education funding. Among the most immediate impacts: higher taxes on large university endowments, which could limit institutional aid at wealthy colleges. Coupled with new caps on federal loans, this could make college less accessible for low-income students.

But it’s not all downside. Pell Grants can now be used for certain certification programs – a win for students pursuing career-focused paths at community colleges or trade schools. And 529 college savings plans just got more flexible: families can now use those funds for college prep and tutoring expenses (including DC College Counseling services, SAT/ACT prep, and so forth!). 💰💰💰

Bryan Kohberger Pleads Guilty: Justice Served, But Questions Remain

In a case that shocked the college town of Moscow, Idaho, and the nation, Bryan Kohberger – a criminology PhD student – pleaded guilty last week to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. The plea deal spares the victims’ families a lengthy trial and ensures Kohberger will serve four consecutive life sentences without parole.

Still, for many, the resolution leaves unanswered questions – especially why the crime happened in the first place. The case serves as a sobering reminder of how tightly knit and vulnerable college communities can be, and why campus safety remains a top concern for students and parents alike.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

This week’s articles explore how success – and the path to it – is evolving, often in surprising and sometimes contradictory ways.

Let’s start with the millennials, who’ve charted a very different course from their Boomer parents. While medicine and law once dominated the top-earning brackets, today’s highest earners are more likely found in tech, finance, and emerging sectors like cybersecurity. According to The Wall Street Journal, the so-called dot-com generation has reshaped what “success” looks like – and the numbers back it up.

Full disclosure: this piece isn’t technically new – but it showed up as “new” on Apple News this week, and that’s good enough for us! It’s an insightful reminder that the careers of tomorrow often look different than the ones we grew up idolizing.

That shift isn’t just about what kind of work people do, but where they’re willing to go to get there. Earlier generations often stuck to the best in-state public university. Millennials – and now Gen Z – have shown a greater willingness to move across the country and invest in elite private schools if it means a better shot at long-term opportunity. The article shared a 2023 study by Opportunity Insights, which found that attending an elite private college rather than a public flagship increases a student’s chances of landing in the top 1% of earners by roughly 60%.

That said, before you reroute your teen’s major to computer science or finance, let’s pause. The takeaway here isn’t about locking into a single track – it’s about staying nimble. If I were applying to college now, I’d be thinking hard about how AI might play into any field I’m considering. Flexibility is key.

That same adaptive spirit is showing up in less conventional ways, too – like in the Texas housing market. High-earning families are finding a workaround to qualify for in-state tuition by families are purchasing condos for their kids. Buying property meets one of the residency criteria in Texas, and for those who can afford it, the math makes sense: buying in cash, living there during college, and selling after graduation can net a savings of around $90,000 on tuition. It’s not exactly equitable – or glamorous (some of these listings seem to be part of a “Febreze and vomit” real estate trend) – but it’s happening.

Meanwhile, in the Hamptons, an idea so brilliant I’m a little jealous: the “Nanny Network.” Launched by a Chi Omega from Ole Miss, the service pairs Southern sorority women with families seeking summer childcare. Is this brilliant or is this brilliant? With international au pairs harder to come by in the wake of visa freezes, this business is filling a real gap – and doing it well. These students bring years of experience (babysitting, camp counseling, you name it) along with soft skills that parents love: poise, adaptability, and great communication.

Beyond summer gigs, there’s long-term strategy here for the nannies, too. They often use their free time to explore internships, build connections, and test out careers. It’s a perfect reminder that no experience is too small to open a big door!

As a mom of two kids who spent most of a recent vacation interviewing au pairs on FaceTime – and exactly none of those interviews amounted to anything, which was awesome – this struck a particular chord with me. I am absolutely convinced there’s a viable, slightly-altered DC version of this model waiting to be launched. In all seriousness, if anyone wants to explore this idea with me, reach out. I truly believe there is a gap to be filled!

On a more sobering note, Scientific American published a tough but important piece on how sweeping federal cuts to science and medical research are impacting early-career researchers. Grad students and recent PhDs – especially in fields like public health and virology – are facing hiring freezes, grant shortages, and low morale. Many are even considering leaving the U.S. for more supportive research environments.

We’d never discourage students from following their passions – but this is exactly why we recommend going into college with an open mind. The landscape shifts quickly, and flexibility will always be a strength.

Finally, to end with a little levity: this WSJ lifestyle piece about teenagers is a hilarious (and painfully accurate) reminder that the traits in our kids that drive us crazy might also be their superpowers. I, for one, could stand to be a little more spontaneous. So before ripping our hair out over their choices, maybe we take a page from their book – and try being just a little more … chill.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

On a more somber note, we want to acknowledge the tragedy that took place at Camp Mystic in Texas. We know a staff member there, and like many of you, we’ve been feeling the weight of this heartbreaking news all week. I’ve honestly been sick about it. The whole situation hits close to home: from the personal connection, to having a child the same age as the young campers, to the fact that so many of our students spend their summers working at sleepaway camps.

Every time I see the photos of the counselors who died – recently graduated seniors, preparing to start college this fall – I can’t help but think of the many teens we’ve worked with over the years. Our hearts are with the families and the entire camp community as they navigate the unimaginable.

One safety tip I came across – and want to pass along in case it helps another family – is to double-check whether any sleepaway camp your child is involved with, whether they’re attending as a camper or working as a counselor, is ACA-accredited. Camp Mystic was not, and ACA-accredited camps are required to meet specific safety and operational standards. Would that have changed anything? I truly don’t know. But if there’s ever a situation where “better safe than sorry” applies, this feels like one.

Wishing everyone a safe and steady weekend – take care out there, and we’ll see you next week!

For More Important Happenings In Higher Ed, See Our Other Weekly Updates:

Weekly Update x2: July 7

Schools are out now and summer is well underway! While I might not want to go back to being a kid, I do miss days when it seemed like summer lasted forever! Time really did move at a different pace then. Hope everyone can stop and savor the special moments of their summer.

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

UNC FIRES PROFESSOR THEY SECRETLY RECORDED

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill gave notice to Professor Larry Chavis that his contract would not be renewed. In April, they notified him that they had recorded his lecture without his knowledge or permission. When Professor Chavis asked for a meeting to discuss the matter further, and wanted to know the reasons why he was under investigation and his contract was not renewed, the university said they would schedule a meeting, but never did. Professor Chavis is a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and an advocate for Indigenous and LGBTQ rights.

EMERSON AND HAMPSHIRE COLLEGES ANNOUNCES SERIOUS CUTS

Blaming the student protests, the botched FAFSA roll-out and implementation, and low enrollment numbers, Emerson College announced layoffs of faculty and staff and cuts to any new hiring. College president, Jay M. Bernhardt, said in an email that the incoming class that deposited was “significantly below what we had hoped.” Hampshire College in Amherst, MA, also announced cuts to their staff benefits, citing many of the same reasons. Small colleges across the region face some of the same threats, simply because there are fewer and fewer students as the population of graduating seniors declines across the country.

SAT AND GRE TEST ADMINISTRATION COMPANY FLOUNDERING

ETS (Educational Testing Service, the long-time administrator of the SAT, AP, GRE, and TOEFL exams) has offered all employees who have been there a minimum of two years a buy-out. The decline in both SAT and GRE test-takers have caused serious problems for the company, and they recently signed a new contract with the College Board in which they would no longer administer the SAT. Originally, that was 30% of their revenue. An anonymous source said that employees were devastated, noting that “folks [were] earnestly sharing self-harm and suicide-prevention hotlines” within hours of the news.

MORE CONCERNING SHENANIGANS HAPPENING WITH THE  TESTING COMPANIES.

Two weeks ago, we shared the news that the Department of Education has hired the president of the College Board to oversee the continued work on the FAFSA. Well, we have since learned that a second College Board executive, Chief Information Officer Jeff Olson, is joining the DOE team. Like Jeremy Singer, Jeff Olson will take a leave of absence from the College Board for the duration of his time at DOE, and then will return to the company. Many are concerned about how student data and privacy will be handled, given how the College Board hungers for such information to do its business. There are also concerns related to possible conflicts of interest related to the College Board’s financial aid platform, the CSS Profile. Many private colleges and universities use the CSS Profile alongside the FAFSA to determine student aid packages.

CONSTRUCTION OF 25K-SQUARE-FOOT RECREATIONAL FACILITY BEGINS AT GMU

George Mason University has broken ground on an $11 million new recreational facility, set to be open by the Spring 2025 semester. The Activities Community Wellness Center will be home to the Green Machine pep band, and will also contain a full-sized basketball court for intramural games, other activity courts, yoga and exercise spaces, offices, conference rooms, and storage.

VILLANOVA BEGINS RENOVATION OF NEWLY ACQUIRED CABRINI UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Villanova University will begin work at Cabrini University after officially assuming ownership of the 116-acre campus on June 28th. The Radnor, PA campus will be closed for a minimum of two years before reopening as the "Villanova University Cabrini Campus.” Villanova announced their plan to take over Cabrini University last November, after the small, 67-year-old school was unable to bounce back from financial woes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Cabrini held their final commencement this spring. Founded by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and named after the first American naturalized citizen, Saint Mother Frances Cabrini, the university had a core curriculum centered on social justice and was one of the first schools to make community service a graduation requirement.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

We have talked a lot about teens and social media. Its pervasiveness and brain-rewiring algorithmic powers are not really in dispute any longer, but there is a deeper and darker side to it than most adults know — and that’s quite terrifying. This article from Rolling Stone provides an in depth look at Snapchat, the role it plays in connecting teens (and young children) to the world of drugs and sex, and how there is almost nothing law enforcement can do. Cute filters aside, it seems that Snapchat may offer a very different experience for its users based on age, dangerously so.

Some busy high school students can only fit campus visits into their calendars over the summer. These can still be valuable experiences, even though the campus environments may not be teeming with students as they are during the academic year. Almost every college has summer school, and so visitors will still have the chance to observe some sense of the student experience that way. It’s also important to note that there may not be as many tours during the summer, however, as that tends to be when admissions staff take their vacations. And, depending on the school, visitors might not be able to see a specific building like a particular dorm or lab, so it’s important to ask the school how a summer visit may differ from a fall or spring visit.

This article offers a nice guide to how to get the most out of a visit and also shares a great point that sometimes a visit will come after being accepted — and that’s ok. As always, no matter when the visit takes place, try to make it an official one. This means signing up with the admissions office and attending school-sponsored programming, not just taking a casual walk around. After your tour has concluded, though, we often recommend asking random students you come across why they chose that school, what they like about it, and what they would change. Most students are happy to give you a fair and honest assessment based on their experiences.

A new study has come up with a list of some of the best choices of majors that are most likely to snag students a stable job post-graduation. It will be of no surprise that majors like engineering, nursing, medical technology, plant and animal sciences and education lead to some of the most reliable jobs. Students majoring in the humanities ended up struggling to find work and often the work found is relatively low-paying. Sadly, art history majors had the highest rates of unemployment.

But what the study also found was that the jobs in industries with low employment rates were also ones where people became burned out and people were simply less satisfied because of the lack of work-life balance. Choosing a major can be challenging because of the pressure to have a “good job for a stable future”, but it’s important to also spend time thinking about what will bring contentment. Of course, there is no reason a teenager would know the answer to this question now, especially when adults don’t even know that for themselves!

So how can we let students know that it’s ok to not have the answers; to be able to sit with the unknown? The future is made up of things — jobs, careers, professions — that don’t even exist yet, so maybe we give them space to learn not only a specific trade, but also critical thinking and problem solving skills. Maybe we do everything we can to instill true love of learning and discovery — a genuine “growth mindset” so that when they need to pivot in the future (and I have no doubt that they will need to!), they can. As quickly as things are changing, I suspect that the ability to turn on a dime and head in a new direction will be the gold standard of a truly educated person — or perhaps it always has been.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

As schools have ended for the year, juniors might now be thinking of themselves as seniors — or “almost seniors”! We have been busy finishing up the Rising Senior Meetings with students and their parents. This is when a student finalizes their college list, with their parents’ blessings, and we help make sure it’s a solid and balanced list of schools. Students are also very busy working on their Common App(R) essays and preparing for their supplemental essays. We love seeing the creativity and self-reflection that our students are finding within themselves!

To read more about testing and the college board, check out these posts!

Trend Watch: The Newest (Non-Data Science!) Undergrad Programs to Keep on Your Radar

AMERICA LOVES Data SCIENCE THIS YEAR

Have you noticed that practically every college in the country either just introduced, is in the middle of introducing, or is planning to introduce a new academic program in data science? Okay, so that might be a slight exaggeration, but there’s no question that new programs in data science are practically EVERYWHERE these days! And we think it’s a great field, so we are in full support of that.

However, if data isn’t your thing, don’t worry! We have a variety of other new programs to share that are not related to data science in the least. Whether you’re hoping to turn your passion for gaming into a career or become a famous music producer, keep reading for some exciting new options to keep on your radar:

UNC Chapel Hill’s B.S. DEGREE in Applied Sciences

If you’ve always wanted to be an engineer in theory but are worried about studying the hard sciences at such a high level, this brand-new program is for you! It “connects engineering to the liberal arts” and “train[s] students to be problem-solvers with the skills and mindset to address complex, interdisciplinary problems.” This expands on the popular minor program in the same field that UNC introduced in 2020.

Students can choose from two tracks, materials engineering and environmental engineering, and the environmental engineering track will actually be in partnership with the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The environmental engineering choice in particular could be a great option for those interested in environmental science and health — even from a policy standpoint.

UCLA’S B.A. DEGREE IN MUSIC INDUSTRY

Ready for a career in the music industry but also want to make sure that you’re employed at graduation? You have to check out this new degree program at UCLA, which also builds upon a popular existing minor. It combines the liberal arts, business, and music, and offers a “leadership-focused professional degree which prepares students to transform the creative, entrepreneurial, and executive structures of the music industry.”

How cool — and you’d be in such an amazing location! Not surprisingly, the program even incorporates an internship requirement, so that all students are able to gain real-world experience before they graduate.

OREGON’S B.A./B.S. DEGREE IN CHILD BEHAVIOR HEALTH

If you already know that you want to work with children in a therapeutic or wellness setting, you don’t have to go through a traditional four-year program before heading to graduate school to specialize. The University of Oregon recently introduced a pioneering 2+2 undergraduate program in conjunction with the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health — the first of its kind in the entire country!

Students will gain the “knowledge and skills to improve the behavioral health and wellness of youth … [while learning] to equitably deliver evidence-based interventions to promote wellness and prevent mental health problems from developing or worsening in children and adolescents.”

The first two years of the program will take place at the University of Oregon, where students will pursue core requirements and pre-major coursework. The last two years will take place at the Ballmer Institute, and will involve experiential education and a deep level of specialization closer to what one would expect from a graduate program. By the time students graduate, they will already have achieved over 700 hours of field work in Oregon public schools!

SYRACUSE’s B.S. DEGREE IN ESPORTS COMMUNICATION & MANAGEMENT

I need to write this one down for my 7-year-old son, whose career aspirations involve playing video games on YouTube and getting people to pay to watch him (I wish I was kidding!). In all seriousness, though, gaming is a billion-dollar industry and there are many legitimate career opportunities out there. Two of the most renowned undergraduate schools at Syracuse, the Newhouse School of Public Communications and Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, have now joined forces to create an interdisciplinary program that “connects innovative gaming environments and technology with the sports media industry” and prepares students for careers in the field.

For the parents out there who might be unfamiliar with the terminology, esports does not necessarily mean electronic versions of athletic sports, like playing tennis on the Nintendo Wii. Esports is simply competitive gaming, in all forms.

Students will develop “industry-specific competencies in event management and marketing, broadcasting/production, communications, content creation, entrepreneurship, strategic communications and esports experience and design.” There are three tracks: Esports Business and Management, Esports Communications, and Esports Media and Design, so students can focus their course of study on their individual interests and career goals. We always say to follow your passions, right?!

WEST VIRGINIA’S B.A. DEGREE IN PROFESSIONAL WRITING AND EDITING

Many students assume that English majors primarily focus on writing, but that’s typically not the case at all: almost all traditional undergraduate programs in English revolve around literature. This can be a disappointment for potential English majors — it’s sort of like thinking you’re taking AP Lang and realizing you signed up for AP Lit instead, for context! And the writing-centric programs that do exist are often geared towards technical writers.

This new program at West Virginia University, on the other hand, provides students with the opportunity to spend their undergraduate years focusing on the art of writing itself. Graduates will be prepared to analyze, problem-solve, and write in nearly any industry, with optional specializations in Editing and Publishing, Creative Writing and Narrative Strategies, and Theories of Literacy and Language. No matter which profession they pursue, this type of degree will be an enormous asset! It also involves a required capstone internship, giving students the chance to use their writing skills in the workplace before graduation.

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You might wonder: what’s the benefit of pursuing a brand-new program when others are more established? Well, from a selectivity standpoint, this can be a slightly easier way to get an applicant’s foot in the door, because seats need to be filled and there may be less competition, as the general population may not be aware of the program yet.

For example, our (admittedly non-scientific) anecdotal evidence has shown that business majors at Rice and engineering majors at Wake Forest have had an easier time in the application process in recent years than other candidates. So if you have a profile that otherwise fits the bill, this could be a great path!

But don’t apply for specialized programs like these without some demonstrated interest in the field — admissions committees aren’t stupid, and the president of the high school pre-med club who volunteers at the local hospital every weekend is going to have an uphill battle trying to prove their commitment to the music industry!

Weekly Update: NOVEMBER 2! We made it!

We made it past 11/1! It is hard for me to even wrap my head around the fact that 6/29, the day of the Supreme Court decision, was a smidge over four months ago. These have been the longest four months of my life! So. Many. Essays! Predictably, the Common App (R) glitched a ton last week and early this week. If you’re reading this and you haven’t submitted all of your 11/15 apps yet - do it NOW! Don’t wait.

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE LAST FEW WEEKS

HORRIFIC ANTISEMITISM ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

Some of the recent antisemitic incidents on college campuses are so awful that I am honestly having a hard time wrapping my head around how they are possible in today’s world. Even if people are horrible enough to want to do these things (which I struggle with understanding, in and of itself) - how could they be so stupid to think that they can behave this way and get away with it? I really do not get it. When I first started drafting this post, the FBI was investigating the incidents at Cornell, and I’m so glad they were able to identify the person allegedly responsible, Patrick Dai. I hope this sends a strong message to students nationwide - no one will get away with this behavior.

VIRGINIA PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES ROLL OUT GUARANTEED ADMISSION PROGRAMS

No, not those Virginia public universities 😀 But these are great options for students, nonetheless! George Mason recently announced guaranteed admissions agreements for seniors at Alexandria City High School (formerly T.C. Williams) as well as Osbourn High School in Manassas. Students with grade point averages of 3.25 are automatically admitted - no applications, fees, essays, recommendations or test scores. VCU announced a similar initiative, except that any qualifying student in the state is eligible - regardless of high school. Students need GPAs of 3.5+, or must rank in the top ten percent of their high school class.

LIBERTY AND HILLSDALE FACE EXTREME BACKLASH

Liberty University is in hot water (to put it mildly) for their alleged violations of the Clery Act. According to the Washington Post, “Liberty failed to warn the campus community about gas leaks, bomb threats and people credibly accused of repeated acts of sexual violence — including a senior administrator and an athlete.” Several days later, Hillsdale College alumnae filed a federal suit alleging that the school violated state law and Title IX by by failing to address sexual assaults on campus. These allegations are very serious, and a good reminder to do your due diligence on any litigation involving schools on your student’s college list.

LOTS OF CHANGES AT UVA

UVA has now changed their approach to early decision and early action applications. Starting with this 2023-2024 application cycle, students will no longer be deferred to regular decision - just admitted, wait-listed, or denied. I think this is a great thing, by the way. The chances of admission post-deferral are so low - particularly with early decision - and it’s so much easier for students to be able to move on with their lives and make the best decisions possible without holding out for something that will likely never happen. Another change - UVA’s commerce (business) major will now be a three-year program instead of a two-year program. This is great for students who are hoping to have a more comprehensive, longer-term approach to business. And lastly, SCHEV approved UVA’s data science major last month, opening the door for undergraduates to move beyond the data science minor and pursue the much-desired major option.

SRAR PROBLEMS

More and more schools are requiring the SRAR, or Self-Reported Academic Record. In fact, Sally has spent quite a bit of time over the last few weeks helping our seniors complete and submit these after they submitted their actual applications. However, a number of problems have emerged over the past few days. Rutgers applicants had trouble accessing their applicant portals due to technical issues, and couldn’t link their SRARs to their Rutgers applications. Fortunately, Rutgers extended their materials deadline (and for SRAR completion) to 11/10 for students who submitted their application on time. Applicants to other schools have reported logging into their SRAR to find that it is pre-populated with inaccurate information. Make sure to check everything over with a fine-tooth comb!

BEST ARTICLES OF THE LAST FEW WEEKS

While it’s nice to see that top law firms are putting pressure on colleges and universities to make sure the anti-semitic behavior referenced earlier in this post is addressed appropriately, I am with Bill Ackman - it’s really unfortunate that the pressure has to happen in the first place. BTW, I really like the way the law firms included Islamophobia in their letter, too. This kind of hatred is just totally unacceptable across the board and makes me sick.

The last place I would have expected a mass shooting is Lewiston, Maine, home of top liberal arts school Bates College - but Bates students had a really rough time last week. Students at Bowdoin College and Colby College were also impacted, as well as local campuses of the Universities of Maine and New England. One of Sally’s children is a student at one of these schools (keeping it vague for privacy!) and it just sounds like it was a terrifying situation all around for them.

On a more positive note, researchers from UVA’s School of Education and Human development recently developed what they call the Portrait of a Thriving Youth. This is a great read for parents, teachers, and anyone else working with or supporting an adolescent or young adult - it helps us identify needs and challenges as well as milestones and competencies. As a parent, I find this kind of thing so helpful, because I constantly remind myself that adolescent behavior is developmentally normal, despite the fact that it makes me want to pull my hair out. I have to literally repeat it to myself over and over in my head: “This is developmentally normal, this is actually a good thing, it would be bad if this behavior was not happening.” Whatever works, right?!

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

Fortunately, all of our 11/1 applications were submitted well in advance of the deadlines and almost of our students have submitted all of their regular decision applications as well. Things have started to settle down for a minute and we are giving our full attention to the juniors, transfers, and grad school applicants. And all of our former clients registering for their Spring 2024 classes over the next few weeks - we’re helping with course selection!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween! Several hours in advance, my son bailed on HIS plan 😀 for our Travis/Taylor costumes in favor of wearing last year’s Pokemon costume again - so I just went with it!

Have a great weekend and enjoy the slightly warmer weather after this week’s cold front!

Weekly Update: May 30

We hope you enjoyed the long weekend! We want to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country - as well as the incredible sacrifices made by their families and friends left behind.

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

VIRGINIA PUBLIC COLLEGES RAISE TUITION

Most Virginia colleges have voted to approve tuition increases of 3% or more for the 2023-2024 school year. The tuition hikes come on the heels of several years of little to no change in tuition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virginia Tech, George Mason, and Christopher Newport have all said that their increases depend on the state budget, and they may cancel the tuition increase with enough state funding. The state budget will not be released until June at the earliest, in part because of the ongoing national debt ceiling negotiations. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON REVOLUTIONARIES

Following student objections, GW changed its nickname from the “Colonials” to the “Revolutionaries” this past week. The committee working on the name sifted through 8,000 suggestions to find the new name, which will go into effect during the 2023-2024 academic year. 

U.S. NEWS CHANGES RANKINGS METHODOLOGY

The U.S. News rankings have been under a lot of scrutiny recently, as schools critique the rating standards and even decline to participate in the popular ranking. In response, U.S. News has announced that it will alter its criteria. Metrics that track alumni giving, class size, faculty with the highest degree in their fields, and the high school standing of the entering class will be removed from the ranking (though still reflected on the U.S. News college profiles). Instead, the rankings will emphasize diversity and “success in graduating students from different backgrounds.” The first round of rankings with these revised criteria will be released this fall. 

529 CONTRIBUTIONS INCREASE

With rising inflation last fall and early this year, contributions to 529 accounts have been on the decline - about $3 billion total late last year and early this year, compared to around $7 billion in the same time period last cycle. However, as inflation eased in recent months, contributions appear to be rebounding close to last year’s levels. Check out this article for more information - not only about recent changes, but also about 529s in general and how they work.

COURT UPHOLDS TJ ADMISSIONS PRACTICES

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that TJ’s new admissions policies do not discriminate against Asian-Americans, and that the changes help create equal opportunity for all applicants. This means that TJ’s new admissions process, which includes increasing the minimum GPA and coursework requirements, increasing the class size, and eliminating the standardized testing requirement, will stay in place. Many expect the decision to reach the U.S. Supreme Court on appeal - only time will tell!

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Wondering which college majors make the most money after graduation? Top of the list is one you’ve probably never considered: operations research. Computer science, computer engineering, and veterinary medicine also crack the top ten. These stand in contrast to the most popular majors: business, nursing, and psychology. Where you go to school also has an impact, with computer science majors from schools like Harvard, Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, and Penn making over $200,000 four years after graduating. P.S. curious about the lowest-paid majors? The bottom of the list includes fields like music, dance, drama, and religious studies. 

After #bamarush went viral on TikTok last year, HBO (I am struggling to get on board with the Max terminology!) followed with the Bama Rush documentary, which follows four students through sorority recruitment. The documentary highlights some of the highs and lows of the process - and while some students are happy with how it explores the complexities of sorority life, others feel that its representation of Greek life at Alabama is too negative. Check it out - but keep in mind that Greek life at Alabama is unique, and the recruitment process will look very different at different schools!

It may be hard to imagine any college student taking a voluntary technology fast and month-long vow of silence, but that is exactly what students do in Penn’s Living Deliberately class. Students learn about different monastic practices in class before putting them into action - yes, including waking up at five am and making arrangements to do their homework for other classes silently and without a computer. Believe it or not, the class has a wait list. The article argues that this should be more common, with colleges introducing a low-tech first year program that allows students to take a break from phones and computers and do a lot more reading and contemplation.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

I finally graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program after spending last week at their headquarters in New York. Pursuing this program on top of running DC College Counseling definitely kept me busy this past year (understatement!) but it was worth every minute.

It’s been a while since I have walked across a stage, that’s for sure!

I bet most people have no idea how much Goldman invests into the small business landscape nationally - it’s absolutely incredible and I just feel so grateful to be the beneficiary of their generosity. In addition to learning a ton of content knowledge - I can make financial projections now! - I also really enjoyed getting to know the other entrepreneurs in my program.

The BEST group!

We came from so many different demographics and I just have so much respect for each of them. I actually started tearing up at our graduation just thinking about how lucky we are to live in a country where people with nothing can build a legacy for their families and truly change the course of so many lives in the process. Entrepreneurship is an amazing thing.

Lastly, I can’t write about the week without mentioning what was perhaps my favorite moment of the program! We were at a reception and one of the Goldman employees saw my name tag and got really excited, saying she had been trying to find me. Wait for it - she was one of my former students, an Oakton HS graduate!

How crazy is that - talk about things coming full circle!! She graduated from Notre Dame, which she loved, and of course now has an incredible job. It made me so happy to see how she has built a fantastic life for herself over the last decade, and that just put everything else all into perspective :)

Weekly Update: April 24

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

JMU TAKES A NEW APPROACH TO NURSING PROGRAM ADMISSIONS

Last week, James Madison University announced that it will adopt a new “holistic” admissions process for entry into its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Beginning in the fall of 2024, JMU will stop considering cumulative GPAs of applicants. Instead, the admissions committee will consider applicants’ weighted averages in prerequisite courses as well as factors beyond metrics, including “military service, employment, community experience, and certifications and credentials.” The goal is to encourage greater diversity in JMU’s nursing program and promote emphasis on the entire student, not solely on academic performance. 

NEW MAJOR CREATES FLEXIBLE FUTURES FOR STUDENTS AT WISCONSIN

In the fall of 2022, the University of Wisconsin began offering a new major–and it’s a hit! Over 70 undergraduates have already declared their major in Information Science this year. So what makes this new course of study so popular? The Information Science program has a flexible structure and doesn’t require students to have a technical background. Instead, undergraduates can personalize their studies to fit their interests and skills. Concentration areas within the major include law and ethics; data and society; and user experience design, among others. 

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAWS IMPACT COLLEGE DECISIONS

A new study has found that applicants are considering more than just academic programs in their college decision process. They’re also weighing reproductive health laws. According to the newly released Lumina Foundation-Gallup State of Higher Education 2022 study, 60% of adults say that reproductive health laws are “somewhat important” as they select colleges, and almost 75% of current college students feel that the laws are “somewhat important” in their choice to remain at a school. Some experts believe this data is important because it may foreshadow future enrollment issues across various states and could potentially impact local economies.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

In a world of increasing inflation and job worries, it’s more important than ever for students to select a practical major. But what exactly constitutes a practical major? According to Freddie deBoer in “Pick a Practical Major, Like French,” “go-to” majors that are often deemed safe and secure—such as engineering, computer science, and business—may not be the safest choices after all. That’s because technology has the potential to rapidly change job industries and make particular fields obsolete. And for undergrads betting on trendy, up-and-coming fields, these industries might still be standing, but they’re saturated with young professionals seeking employment. Ultimately, there may be no such thing as a practical major, but this isn’t depressing news, says deBoer. It’s a chance for young adults to free themselves from old assumptions and instead focus on picking a major and career path about which they’re passionate. 

If you’ve ever tried searching for college data, you know that the process can be difficult at best. It takes a lot more than a simple Google search to locate the numbers buried deep in government websites and behind confusing academic jargon. Fortunately, several parents took notice of this problem—and in an effort to make the college search easier and more transparent—they developed valuable tools to support families going through the college application process. The New York Times curated a list of parent-created resources that offer information on everything from pricing to financial aid discounts to likelihood of admissions. While these tools can’t possibly capture all of the data, they can “encourage a reframing of the shopping process and a proper level of skepticism.”

“More diversity, less Confederacy”- that’s how the University of Virginia’s alumni magazine described the school’s efforts to invest more into their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) program in the wake of the George Floyd murder. While many in the UVA community applaud these efforts to increasingly diversify the student and faculty populations, as well as academic programs, others are pushing back. Most notably is UVA alumnus Bert Ellis, who “co-founded a dissident alumni group, the Jefferson Council” and was recently appointed by Governor Youngkin to the university’s board of trustees. Opponents of D.E.I. programs worry that such initiatives lower standards and redirect what could be valuable scholarship funds. While this is certainly a contentious issue that has no easy answers, it does raise a valuable question: “what should a university look like, value, and honor?”

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

Many of you have gotten to know Courtney on our admin team over the past year. She has provided individualized reminders to all of our students about everything they needed to be doing between meetings to make sure that they stayed on track at all times - from homework, to follow-up action items, to meetings to book!

Courtney has been in a master’s program at George Mason and she’s graduating in May, which means that she will be leaving us for her full-time career in counseling! We are so excited for her next steps but will really miss her in the office :) We’ve been busy trying to find an equally great replacement, which is hard because she has set a high bar!

Stay tuned for more on that over the next week or two!

Weekly Update: March 6

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

COLORADO COLLEGE WITHDRAWS FROM ANNUAL RANKINGS

Colorado College made a groundbreaking decision last week! It became the first college since 1995 to withdraw from the U.S. News & World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings of best colleges. Representatives from the school claim that the annual report is based on a “flawed methodology” and doesn’t objectively measure the quality of education. Instead, according to Colorado College, the rankings favor schools with lower student debt. Although Colorado College will no longer submit data to the U.S. News & World Report, the publication will continue to rank the school based on publicly available data. Meanwhile, Colorado College officials say they are committed to studying the ramifications of this big decision and sharing that information with other schools.

COLUMBIA AND WILLIAM & MARY ARE REMAINING TEST- OPTIONAL…INDEFINITELY 

Columbia University and William & Mary College announced last week that they will remain test-optional indefinitely - Columbia being the first Ivy League school to do so. Since spring of 2020, over 1700 colleges and universities have gone test-optional in response to the pandemic. While some schools have begun to reinstate their testing requirements, others are extending their optional policies to allow for greater flexibility and freedom in how students showcase themselves in an application. Following these two announcements, more schools are expected to update their testing policies soon. We will continue to provide updates as information is released; in the meantime, remember that test-optional admissions and test-blind admissions are not one and the same. In a test-optional situation, the student with test scores typically still has a real advantage. I still really like my pool analogy from 2020!

THE FEDERAL RESERVE OF NY RELEASES DATA ON COLLEGE MAJORS AND INCOME POTENTIAL

The Federal Reserve of New York recently released its findings on college majors and earnings potential. Not surprising, the highest incomes are those in STEM-related fields, while social services and education are fixed at the bottom of the list. What is interesting about the data- and perhaps a bit surprising- is the comparisons of early career salaries and mid-career earnings growth. For example, all engineers have similar early-career salaries, but those who choose chemical engineering are likely to earn ten to twenty thousand more per year mid-career. Fascinating! Experts believe these numbers are quite useful for young adults, who can use the data to make informed decisions about the paths they’ll pursue within a particular field or interest. Along the same lines, I absolutely love these TikTok videos from Salary Transparent Street - check them out!

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Your teen might have been trained in CPR, but are they certified in Mental Health First Aid? With the sharp increase of mental health problems in children and teens since the onset of the pandemic, schools are finding it difficult to fully support their student populations. There are so many students in need and not enough trained professionals to go around. To combat the problem, many schools are turning to Teen Mental Health First Aid. The program trains teenagers to recognize the symptoms of a mental health concern and respond appropriately. Topics cover those that are most pertinent to the age group, from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and addictions. Although the training certainly doesn’t replace professional support, Mental Health First Aid can help create a community-centered approach to wellness. 

To some, Robert Allen is known as a super yacht lawyer. To others, he’s a Facebook troll. However, Allen would like to be recognized as the mastermind behind Governor DeSantis’ conservative takeover of New College in Sarasota, Florida. An alumnus of New College, Allen allegedly helped Governor DeSantis recognize the potential of the school to be a “jewel of the South” and make sweeping changes to its board of trustees. According to alumni members of the New College community, Allen has been very vocal about his ties to DeSantis via social media and has even engaged in arguments with more liberal-leaning alumni on Facebook. Many are less concerned with Allen himself and more with what these changes could imply–that New College is a “testing ground for larger efforts by DeSantis on his road to the presidency.”

High salaries, great benefits, lots of vacation time- you might think these are the most important factors recent college graduates are looking for in a job. However, it turns out there’s something even more valuable to new twenty-something employees: stability! A recent report by Handshake- a career website catering to college students- indicated that Gen Z is craving security. Even though young adults have become experts at adapting to major changes (i.e. a global pandemic), they are ultimately looking for a secure environment in which they can invest themselves. The report also found that recent grads are still optimistic about job potential-even though many say a recession is ahead- and fully understand their worth. This generation is more informed than ever about earnings potential (the data is everywhere!), and they aren’t afraid to have honest conversations about salary. 

There are so many considerations that drive the college decision-making process, but for LGTBQ students, the choice often comes down to one big factor: rights. In response to recent legislation in several states, students in the LGTBQ community are rethinking their college plans. Families are prioritizing safety more than ever, as students worry about the potential for discrimination and hate crimes. And for many LGTBQ young adults, they are focusing just as heavily on the political implications of a school and state just as they are on academic programs and campus life. If you are interested in learning more about LGBTQ-friendly college campuses, check out Campus Pride and The Princeton Review.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We have been busy kicking into high gear now that Common App essay prompts have FINALLY been released for our Class of 2024 juniors! All of our students should have received an email from Shannon last week with instructions on next steps to begin.

Since these prompts are normally released in January, we typically encourage students to take their time in terms of scheduling meetings and deciding exactly when to start. However, this year’s delayed prompt release has left us with a much shorter window. If students want to stick to our typical “Finish by September” timeline, we recommend getting started on these Common App essays right away. Please email our admin team if you have any questions about the timeline!

In other news, there’s an exciting opportunity this month that Fairfax County Teens looking for a job won’t want to miss! The Fairfax County Teen Job Fair is a great chance to look for a summer job, network with local businesses and organizations, and/or attend career-building sessions to enhance your skills. The event is conveniently being held on three Saturdays in March: the 11th, 18th, and 25th. You can register for one of the dates here.

Our Favorite Online Enrichment Classes For Teens

If you look at any high school student’s academic schedule, you’ll see that they’re loaded up with required math, science, and English classes. There’s also the additional burden of courses that aren’t technically required to graduate, like four years of a foreign language, but are highly recommended for students who want to be competitive candidates at the colleges of their choice!

All of these classes, along with limited elective offerings, can make it difficult for students to explore potential career paths or develop some of the practical life skills they’ll need for the future. That’s why we love enrichment courses! And it doesn’t hurt that they look pretty great on college applications too - they offer an easy, free way to demonstrate interest in a particular field of study!

And while the idea of taking classes in their spare time might not be exciting to most teenagers off the bat, there really are some exciting enrichment opportunities. Especially thanks to online learning platforms like Coursera, students can easily build their skills and delve into their passions from the convenience of their laptops.

Coursera has thousands of classes to choose from, which we know can be overwhelming. But don’t worry! We’ve done our homework, curating a list of some of our favorite Coursera classes that we think are great fits for high school students.

The Science of Well-Being For Teens (Yale University)

The Science of Well-Being is a wildly popular Coursera offering, and now there’s a new teen version! In this six-week class, students examine the psychology behind happiness, stress, and healthy mental habits. Along the way, they complete “happiness” homework assignments to understand how to transform the science of mental wellness into everyday action.

What is Data Science? (IBM)

Data scientists are in big demand– and will continue to be, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data science is one of the fastest growing fields, and employment in this area is expected to increase by 36% over the next decade. For students who are interested in exploring data science, IBM’s course is a great place to start. In What is Data Science, participants learn foundational concepts, such as machine learning, and examine how businesses apply data science. And the course description also promises insights from experts in the field! 

Financial Planning for Young Adults (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) 

Before signing off on student loans or applying for a credit card, teenagers would certainly benefit from a crash course in financial planning. In this four-week module-based class, students are introduced to financial skills and concepts needed for adulthood: budgeting, savings, investing, credit, and more. The course also promises to challenge students through real world scenarios. As an added bonus, the last module of the course provides information about career paths in the financial planning industry. 

Speaking and Presenting: Conversation Starters (University of Michigan)

In a world dominated by text messages, tweets, and Instagram stories, it’s harder than ever for teens to strike up real, face-to-face conversations, especially with adults. In this short ten-hour course, students learn how to initiate conversation, whether in a big group or with an individual, and keep the dialogue going. The curriculum also focuses on how to spark conversation during a presentation and keep an audience engaged. We think this would be a great class for students to take before they begin touring campuses or attending college fairs. 

Act on Climate: Steps to Individual, Community, and Political Action (University of Michigan)

Act on Climate is a perfect match for students interested in environmental activism. Rather than just studying the impacts of climate change, participants learn how to take action! The course focuses on different ways to develop community partnerships with other passionate individuals, as well as political leaders. At the conclusion of the class, students are encouraged to share their efforts online (#UMichActonClimate) and connect with the 14,000+ people who’ve previously taken the class.

Introduction to Philosophy (University of Edinburgh)

What is truth? Do we have an obligation to obey the law? What does it mean for something to have a mind? In Introduction to Philosophy, students look at the fundamental questions in several different areas of philosophy, including politics, science, and morality. This class isn’t just for those seeking the meaning of life. The concepts can help enrich those exploring careers in everything from medicine to law to international relations.

Math Behind Moneyball (University of Houston)

Calling all sports and math enthusiastics! Improve your statistics and probability skills while studying your favorite sports teams. In this class, students use math to make game predictions, master Excel tools, and explore game theory. Sports topics include the NCAA tournament, NASCAR, betting, baseball, and more.  

The History of Medicine: Philosophy, Science and Psychology (University of California, Santa Cruz)

This is a fantastic option for those considering a future in the medical field! The course provides an overview of the history of disease treatment from ancient Egypt to today. Along the way, students examine major shifts in scientific thinking, as well as significant advancements in modern medicine. 

Introduction to Public Speaking (University of Washington)

Introduction to Public Speaking just might be the cure for students who suffer from stage fright, rambling disorder, or presentation disorganization. In this twelve-hour course, students learn how to prepare for and structure a presentation or speech. The course also helps participants work on intonation, body language, and a confident, powerful presence. We think this is a wonderful option for students who want to work past their public speaking fears from the privacy of their own bedrooms! 

Introduction to Cybersecurity Foundations (INFOSEC)

Cybersecurity is another growing industry, and many students are interested to learn more about this field. This short three-hour class is perfect for beginners with little to no knowledge about the field. Students will be introduced to key concepts of cybersecurity, so they feel prepared to explore more advanced classes on the subject in the future. 

Science of Exercise (University of Colorado, Boulder)

We all know that exercise is good for us, but why? In this class, students analyze the impact of exercise on the body, including metabolism, disease prevention, and mental wellness. As part of the curriculum, students also look at behaviors and choices that impact health. Not only is this an informative class for those thinking about a future in health-related industries; it’s also a great option for anyone hoping to develop habits for a healthy future.

Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself (Wesleyan University)

Wesleyan University is ditching the boring, five-paragraph essay in favor of something much more personal- the memoir! In this specialization- a series of four courses- students learn how to craft their memories and experiences into a powerful personal story. As part of the writing journey, participants practice writing meaningful details, portraying emotions, and cultivating a unique tone and style. This class is ideal for emerging creative writers! 

Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee)

Students who aren’t thrilled about essay writing might want to consider this songwriting course. The class offers participants the chance to turn their thoughts and feelings into actual lyrics. No previous musical experience or beautiful singing voice is necessary! Throughout the class, participants learn how to identify the audience for a song, master rhyming techniques, and create memorable phrases. There are also opportunities for peer review and feedback to help participants come away with a finished set of lyrics. 

Essentials of Global Health (Yale University)

In the wake of a pandemic, global health is a more popular topic than ever. Students who want to explore careers in the healthcare industry, public policy, or other community-related fields will want to check out Essentials of Global Health. In this class, participants study significant health issues across the world and their impact on communities. A heavy focus is also placed on health systems and the relationship between health and development in countries.

Digital Footprint (The University of Edinburgh)

Social media has the power to make careers–and break them! That’s why it’s important for teenagers to learn how to manage their digital footprint and present themselves in a professional (and safe) manner. In this course, students develop techniques for creating an appropriate digital presence while discovering ways to leverage social media platforms for networking and career growth. It’s never too early to consider digital footprints, so consider signing up!

Trend Watch: Careers on the Rise

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” When you were six years old, this question was probably fun to answer. Maybe you wanted to be an astronaut, professional athlete, or a movie star. There were no limits! As you get older, though, the answer isn’t so simple. You start to weigh the practicalities of a career path, from salary potential to job security. 

If you are exploring career options, then today’s blog post is for you! We’re sharing ten careers that are on the rise in 2023 and are projected to keep growing. Take a look and see what your future could be!

NURSE

Nurses have always been in demand, but more so in recent years. With a rise in chronic conditions and an aging population in the United States, nurses are needed to fill hospitals, assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, and more. Although nursing can certainly be challenging, the field is known for having good job security and flexible schedules. 

For those who don't mind the additional schooling and training, you may want to consider becoming a nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these fields are predicted to increase over 40% in the next decade. And while it’s not all about money, know that nurse anesthetists in the DC area make about $200k per year on average. Not too shabby!

Pharmacologist

Six out of ten American adults suffer from a chronic disease, such as diabetes, cancer, or Alzheimer’s disease. With the rise in these conditions, the medical world is more focused than ever on finding treatments and cures. That’s where pharmacologists come in! These medical scientists specialize in researching and developing new medications to help patients. If you’ve always dreamed of discovering a cure for cancer or find yourself interested in medical research, this field could be for you! Just get ready for lots of schooling: pharmacologists are required to earn an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. or Pharm.D. 

Physical Therapist

All of this medical talk brings us to physical therapy. The increase in chronic conditions (yes, again!) and the fifty million Americans over the age of 65 are just two factors contributing to the 20% growth in this profession. Physical therapists often work with a range of clients, and it’s their job to help patients recover from injuries, manage pain, and ideally avoid surgeries. The field offers a lot of flexibility in terms of where and with whom you can work. Perhaps even more importantly,  physical therapy is one of the most satisfying professions, according to recent surveys and studies. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend their days helping others get stronger and better?

Medical and Health Service Managers

With great demands in the healthcare world comes greater demand for healthcare leaders. Managers are needed to oversee medical facilities, including hospital departments, physicians’ offices, and clinics. This field is projected to grow almost 30% over the next decade and could be a good match for those interested in the business of healthcare. We have also seen a significant increase in undergraduate programs dedicated specifically to preparing students for a career combining business and health - pretty cool!

Financial Manager

If the medical field isn’t for you, consider helping the health of a business organization. Financial managers are responsible for overseeing the “financial sustainability” of a company. They help plan, direct, and organize operations through a number of tasks: data analysis, investments, profit planning, and risk management. With so many economic fluctuations and a growing global market, this field is expected to grow 17% in the coming years. 

Data Scientist

These days, every company and organization has a wealth of data. But what do they do with it? That’s actually why so many places are hiring data scientists, who help the organization make sense of datasets. It’s their job to analyze, identify patterns, and even build models for predictions. Ultimately, data scientists help companies solve complex problems, make important decisions, and develop new strategies. This field is extremely popular and offers professionals the flexibility to work in just about any industry, from business to technology to healthcare. It’s also an area where we see more and more academic programs popping up each year!

Machine Learning Engineer

The popularity of data science has created an increased demand for machine learning engineers, not just data scientists. Machine learning engineers often work as part of a bigger team of data analysts and scientists to help build AI systems that hold huge data sets and can make predictions. Machine learning engineering could be the right fit for those who enjoy programming just as much as data analysis.

Information Security Analyst

According to the U.S. Government, cyber attacks are on the rise, and the risks to IT systems are increasing. This is bad news for most people, but not if you’re interested in a career in cybersecurity! Information security analyst roles are becoming increasingly popular in all industries, where these experts are needed to help secure computer networks and prevent cyber attacks. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this field will expand 35% by 2031.

Software Developer

It’s probably no surprise to see software development on the list of growing careers. With our reliance on technical systems to perform jobs and daily tasks, professionals are needed to design the programs and apps that keep our lives running efficiently! Software developers can find jobs in just about any industry if they have the right skills. In addition to programming and other technical expertise, a developer must also have superior problem solving skills, creativity, and the ability to work on big teams. 

Veterinarian

Over the past three years, pet ownership has significantly increased, and pet industry sales have soared to over $100 billion. Clearly, people are willing to spend on their pets, whether it’s food, accessories, or even healthcare. These factors are likely contributing to the increased demand for veterinarians, a career that is anticipated to expand by 19% over the next decade. Of course, there’s a lot of schooling involved if you want to become a veterinarian, but U.S. News and World Report ranks it number twelve in its list of best jobs. 

Weekly Update: January 9

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

SIX-YEAR OLD STUDENT SHOOTS TEACHER

Shocking news was reported from Newport News, Virginia, on Friday afternoon. A six-year old student at Richneck Elementary School was taken into police custody after shooting his teacher. According to reports, the shooting was not accidental. Fortunately, the teacher was able to receive immediate care and is in stable condition.

VARSITY BLUES MASTERMIND IS SENTENCED

On Wednesday January 4, William Singer–the mastermind behind the Varsity Blues admissions scandal– was sentenced. After pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to defraud the US and obstruction of justice, Singer was given 3.5 years in federal prison. Additionally, he was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit over $10 million. During the court proceeding, Singer issued an apology, admitting a loss of moral and “ethical values.” He is scheduled to report to prison on February 27.

VIRGINIA ATTORNEY GENERAL LAUNCHES CIVIL RIGHTS INVESTIGATIONS AT TJ HIGH SCHOOL

Last week Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares launched two civil rights investigations at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County, VA. These investigations are in response to recent claims that the school failed to recognize National Merit Award winners in the fall of 2022. Miyares’ team is also looking into recently revised admissions policies that many have deemed discriminatory. School officials referred to the National Merit notification as a one-time human error. However, emails have now surfaced showing similar patterns with award notifications from 2020, and two more schools (Langley and Westfield) have also indicated that they failed to notify students this year. More on our thoughts below…

NEW DETAILS EMERGE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO MURDER CASES

University of Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger appeared in court last week and was then transferred from Pennsylvania to Idaho. As Kohberger awaits a January 12 hearing, new details about the case are emerging. Court documents reveal information about Kohberger’s actions the night of the murder, including key details about his car and phone usage. Based on the information, investigators suspect that Kohberger may have planned the attack. However, police have not been able to determine a motive yet. 

PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL GETS A CONSERVATIVE OVERHAUL 

New College of Florida made headlines on Friday when Governor Ron DeSantis appointed six new members to its Board of Trustees. Many feel that DeSantis is seeking to “overhaul” the college, which has a reputation for being one of the most progressive schools in the state, with conservative leadership. This move comes after DeSantis recently asked all state colleges and universities to document the resources they use related to diversity, inclusion, and critical race theory initiatives. 

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Racial justice has been at the forefront of university initiatives over the past three years. In response to the killings of George Floyd, several colleges established new programs, buildings and research opportunities to promote racial justice. Penn State is one of those schools–or so it planned to be. However, plans for the formation of a Center for Racial Justice were halted after a change in school leadership. New president Neeli Bendapudi expressed concerns over budget and instead wants to direct funds to already-existing campus programs and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. Many are upset by the decision and feel that the “broken promise” undermines the transformative work so many within the Penn State community are trying to accomplish. 

Employers may no longer care where you went to college, according to analyst firm Gartner. The firm recently released a report predicting that the most successful companies in 2023 will be those that look at “nontraditional” employee candidates. As part of a growing trend, many organizations are dropping education requirements to attract new talent in a “tight labor market.”  Companies are encouraged to focus instead on soft skills and training opportunities for new employees. 

What’s in store for higher education in 2023? Last week, Higher Ed Dive released their list of trends to look out for this year, noting that for the first time in three years, we don’t have to examine everything through a pandemic lens. Very exciting! Instead, experts predict greater focus on financial aid and student loans, as well as efforts to address enrollment declines. Many are also watching the U.S. News & World Report rankings, which have long been a well-respected source of data for undergraduates and graduate students. This fall, Yale and Harvard law schools made headlines when they announced they would no longer cooperate with the rankings. Will other law schools follow in their footsteps? And what could this mean for undergraduate rankings moving forward? Time will tell! 

Ding, dong: the traditional participation grade is dead! For decades, college students have been awarded participation points for being physically present in the classroom and speaking up. However, the pandemic changed the very nature of participation. In online formats, teachers were forced to figure out a new way to define engagement. Many noticed that students who didn’t participate in a traditional classroom setting were thriving in Zoom thanks to chat boxes and breakout rooms. And for other undergrads, they successfully mastered the course content asynchronously. So what does that mean for the value of traditional participation? If and how should it be weighted? Well, educators aren’t quite sure yet. For now, many professors are experimenting with incentives and alternative ways for students to show their engagement with and understanding of course content. 

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

Last week I had the chance to speak with Aimee Cho of NBC4 about the National Merit controversy at TJ. I am at the 1:44-ish mark, but watch the whole video - it’s interesting! Especially the part from the TJ parent.

Having worked alongside TJ students for years, and having worked in multiple high school counseling offices, I truly do not think this was intentional in any way. That doesn’t make it okay - at all. But when I hear people saying that the administration purposely hid the awards to result in “equal outcomes for every student,” or even worse, to promote anti-Asian discrimination, I’m just floored.

Having been on the other side of this, I know how much paperwork these counselors and administrators get flooded with and how many similar delays happen at high schools all the time, everywhere. I also know how hard the TJ staff works to maximize opportunities for their students. They really do a lot behind the scenes, so much more than parents probably realize. Remember, the staff at the school are not responsible for the admissions changes at TJ or the greater equity issues happening in Fairfax County Public Schools right now. No matter where you fall on those issues, the hardworking staff isn’t responsible. They are just trying to do their jobs, and too few people are responsible for too many tasks. In those situations, things fall through the cracks. Again: not okay. At all. They need to do better. But I just don’t believe this was intentional.

(Side note: I think it’s incredibly important that we don’t throw baseless accusations of discrimination around. These kinds of allegations are very serious. When people start saying that everything is discriminatory, that dilutes the very real issues of discrimination that do exist. And there’s SO much anti-Asian bias in the college admissions process - I have written about it so many times.)

In my opinion, mistakes like this will continue to happen until we can ensure that the counselor: student ratios are lower in public schools. The counselors could have then taken this on (as many private school counselors do) to notify the students and take it off the principal’s plate.

And as I said on the segment - no TJ student will have their chances of college admissions success in jeopardy because their commended student status was not shared in a timely manner. This is the runner-up to a larger award - it pales in comparison to the typical awards that TJ students have. These are the best and brightest students out there.

I am actually much more concerned about the Langley and Westfield students who were also impacted, which we just learned about in the last day or two. If a student with generally average academic qualifications had failed to report this, that could have been more of a difference-maker.

Weekly Update: December 9

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

A NEW TOOL FOR COMPARING SAT AND ACT SCORES

Students who received their PSAT scores this week should take a few minutes to check out the concordance widget. Compass Prep released this new tool that makes it easy for students to convert their scores from SAT to ACT and use the comparisons to make important decisions about future test prep.

CONTRACEPTIVES BOOST COLLEGE GRADUATION RATES

There’s good news this week for young women in Colorado. Researchers have found that the state’s Title X Family Planning Initiative (CFPI) - which increased access to low and no-cost contraceptives in 2009- has also increased college graduation rates for women over the past decade by up to 12%. Additionally, the data shows improvements in high school graduation rates, as well as the number of women in Colorado who earn their bachelor’s degree by the age of 24. Researchers feel these numbers are significant because they emphasize the importance of Title X policies and programs, as well as the impact contraceptive access can have upon a woman’s future. 

HIGHEST PAYING COLLEGE MAJORS OF 2022

What is your college major worth? Payscale released their annual list of highest-paying majors, so check them out. As many might expect, a majority of the top spots are held by engineering industries, computer science, and math. However, there are a few surprises on the list this year, especially for those preparing to become dental hygienists or physician assistants. And if you’re still in search of a well-paid career path, you might want to look into marine transport management! Aspiring entrepreneurs should check out this recent Forbes piece - a lot of interesting data here about small business ownership.

A NEW LEAD EMERGES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO MURDER CASE

After receiving over 6,000 tips, investigators in the University of Idaho student murders have a new lead. On Wednesday, police announced that a white Hyundai Elantra was spotted near the off-campus house during the time of the attacks. They believe the person(s) in the vehicle could have critical information into the case. Meanwhile, the two surviving roommates - who are believed to have slept through the attacks- opened up for the first time since the tragedy. During a memorial service last weekend, they shared memories of their friends and spoke about the impact of the tragic event.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

With affirmative action at the forefront of college admissions over the past several months, many are taking a fresh look at disparities in higher education. For decades, experts have cited a long list of factors that create a system of imbalances for students: athletic recruitment, legacy admissions, elite prep school education, to name a few. And now, in the words of Taylor Swift..

via GIPHY

Well, according to Evan Mandery, anyway. In his article for Time Magazine this week, he looks closely at the rise of private college counselors like us, which he calls the “gatekeepers.” He writes that we take “disparities between rich and poor, which diverge from birth, and explode them exponentially.” Yes, because college admissions have become increasingly competitive and complex, many families are turning to expert counselors like us at DC College Counseling for one-on-one support. I can’t deny that he’s correct about the advantages of working with us, but it’s not accurate to say that we only work with wealthy families. We also work with quite a few middle-income families as well as an increasing number of low-income families through our pro-bono program. We also do not charge anywhere near the amounts mentioned in that article - wow.

Can race impact your chances of college admissions? That’s the question many Asian-American students are asking in the wake of Harvard’s discrimination lawsuit. While students highlight their racial backgrounds on college applications, that doesn’t seem to be the case for a lot Asian-American students. In fact, many say they prefer not to disclose their race and even avoid “stereotypical” activities out of fear of bias. I can understand the stereotypical activities part - it’s awful that this has to happen, but I can understand why a student would make that choice given this landscape.

But my personal opinion - which I understand others may not agree with - is that there’s rarely a point to opting out of race disclosure. It’s almost always pretty clear whether a student is Asian based on other information in the application, so I don’t think it’s effective, and a student who chooses not to disclose when it’s obvious can instead give off the impression they are trying to hide something. Again, just my personal opinion, and of course these concerns extend far beyond college admissions. Many experts believe that heightened self-consciousness over race can have detrimental effects on students’ mental health.

The college essay is dead! This bold statement might leave essay-averse undergrads cheering, but our office of English majors was devastated to see the headline. And it’s not referring to the admissions essay, by the way! According to Stephen Marche in The Atlantic, growing AI technologies are changing the face of humanities. Students are now relying on auto-generated programs to write “original” works, from analytical essays to poetry. Some argue that the use of AI technologies isn’t actually cheating, but the issue certainly raises important questions about the role of technology in the study of humanities. Will the art of writing be relevant in the future? What value will natural language hold? Marche believes that academia will need to work hard to answer these questions and create a new vision for the future–one where humanities and technology won’t be at odds. I think writing will always be an essential skill for success in any career field and life in general!

Financial aid letters are in desperate need of revision, according to researchers at the U.S. Government Accountability Office. A recent report revealed significant problems with the ways in which schools present financial aid packages to admitted students. These letters can be confusing and misleading for families, who struggle to make sense of the numbers and compare offers across multiple schools. That’s why researchers are calling for standardization of information in financial aid packages, as well as legal disclosures, so that students can avoid costly mistakes.

Computer science may be one of the highest paying majors of 2022 (as we mentioned above), but recent undergrads could have trouble finding a lucrative job in the industry. Over the past decade, the number of students majoring in computer science has tripled, as undergrads are lured by dreams of six-figure salaries and office napping pods. However, a weakening economy has led to recent cuts within major tech companies, such as Meta and Amazon. But don’t panic yet, computer science majors! Recent data shows that there’s an increasing demand for computer science majors in the automotive and finance industries. Job seekers may just have to give up their dreams of working for Twitter and imagine a future at Toyota instead. 

If you like kids and want to earn a six-figure job within a few years out of college, we've got a school for you! Norland College, located in Bath, England, has been the premiere educational center for nannies for 130 years. The school is known for its rigorous curriculum - a mix of early childhood development studies and training in martial arts, evasive driving, and even cybersecurity. Who knew?! Graduates are in high demand and often go on to work for elite households, from the house of Windsor to ​​the house of Mick Jagger. Just don’t tell anyone if you’re admitted. Privacy is one of the hallmarks of Norland College! 

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We have a lot of students hearing back from their ED schools both tonight and over the next few days. I feel so anxious! For our current students, please let us know as soon as you find out. We are crossing our fingers.

If you watch CNN, look for me early next week on a segment with Don Lemon about public vs. private school and which is better. I’m not sure which day yet, but I’ll post it when it comes online. Spoiler alert: it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, in my opinion. I have children at both! They are fortunate to go to amazing schools and have incredibly dedicated, hard-working teachers. As I listened to the other panelists, I could not help but reflect on how beyond fortunate we are in the D.C. area to have so many diverse school choices. This is definitely not the case in other parts of the country!

On another note, while you’re busy making plans for winter break, don’t forget to start planning for summer as well! Several summer pre-college programs and internships have been announced recently, and deadlines are approaching fast (we know it seems early, but many applications close by mid-January!).

To see a list of summer academic, internship, and volunteer opportunities, visit our database. We update the listings weekly. And if you need help with summer applications or your resume, we can help. Book a session with us here (scroll down to the bottom) if you aren’t a current client and here if you are.

Trend Watch: The Newest Undergrad Programs This Fall

We’re just about to start a new school year, and for many colleges and universities across the US, that means the start of new departments. 

This year there are several exciting majors, programs, and concentrations newly available to undergraduates. Some put a modern twist on a classic major while others reflect a whole new world. Let’s take a look!

Climate Change

Undergraduate programs in Environmental Studies and Sustainability have become increasingly popular over the past decade. But there’s a change coming! Several universities are designing bachelor’s degree programs that will prepare students to specifically address some of the world’s most pressing climate issues, from water shortages to soil depletion to natural disasters. Climate Change departments are so new, though, that many are still in the process of being approved. But from what we can tell already, this new major is taking an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating scientific studies and lab work with social problem solving and advocacy.

If you’re interested in learning more, take a sneak peak at Vanderbilt’s Climate Studies major, Iowa’s developing plans for their Climate Science program, and Northern Vermont University’s unique problem-based approach to the new major. 

Robotics

Once upon a time, robotics was just an extracurricular activity for middle and high school kids who loved tinkering. However, with the rise of technology, especially AI, robotics has shifted from an after-school club to a viable career path. 

Typically, the study of robotics has been integrated into undergraduate mechanical and electrical engineering programs. But not this year! University of Connecticut, University of Michigan, and UC Riverside have all announced new undergraduate programs in the field.

So what exactly can you do with a degree in robotics? Well, just about anything, really, from computing to software development to engineering. And with the increasing demand for technology in all industries, robotics professionals can cross over into a range of fields, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

Data Science

It’s no secret that data science has become one of the trendiest picks for undergraduate study. Last year, UChicago, Boston University, and Pitt added data science to their list of majors, and several other schools are following suit this fall. UC Davis is now accepting students into their inaugural program, and Hamilton College is offering a newly designed interdisciplinary concentration in the subject. 

If you’re a recent college grad who wants in on the data science trend, don’t worry! Master’s degrees in this field are on the rise as well. UConn is just about to welcome its inaugural Master’s cohort this fall. The program promises to be multidisciplinary, with an emphasis on ethics, design, and analysis. And for those looking to complete their studies virtually, there are plenty of options. Johns Hopkins and Northwestern are just two major universities now offering online graduate programs in data science.

Sports Analytics

Who knew that Brad Pitt would incite an entirely new major? After the success of the film Moneyball in 2011, many academic enrichment programs began teaching young students the fundamentals of statistics and analysis through sports. 

Over the past few years, undergrads have been able to take sports analytics electives through data analytics and business programs. And more recently, schools like Roanoke University have added concentrations in sports analytics to round out their computer science and math departments. 

However, only a few schools have created stand-alone majors dedicated to the field, namely Syracuse University and Rice University, who just announced their new program in May. Although there is an obvious sports emphasis to this course of study, students will learn a variety of mathematical and data-related skills that could be applied to many careers of the future.

Interested in learning more about trending majors? Check out our previous blog post on majors to watch in 2022.