The Advantages of Summer College Campus Tours

When it comes to summer college campus tours, it can be easy to focus on the drawbacks. Many families worry that they won’t get an accurate picture of a school when students are off campus, classes aren’t in session, and the college feels more like a ghost town. Even though you might not experience the ‘hustle and bustle’ of campus life in July and August, there are actually some great advantages to touring during the summer months.

More scheduling options

Fitting campus visits into a packed schedule during the school year can be challenging, sometimes even impossible. The summer months can provide a valuable window of time for families to organize trips, especially out-of-state visits. You also won’t be competing to book a tour during the most popular times of the year, and you’ll probably find yourself having a wider selection of dates from which to choose. BUT that doesn’t mean you can wait until the last second to schedule your tour. Be sure to visit the admissions website well in advance to register, because these do fill up quickly.

Pro Tip: If possible, coordinate a trip that allows you to visit a few schools. Doing so will make it easier to compare your experiences while maximizing your time.

Better preparation

As we discussed in a previous blog post, it’s important to prepare if you want to get the most of your campus visit. Take a virtual tour and spend time researching the school, so you won’t feel as overwhelmed by information when you actually arrive on campus. We also recommend writing down questions, either in your phone or a notebook, to ask during the tour. 

We know it can be difficult to properly prepare for visits during the school year, so take advantage of the time you have now. Without the demands of classes and homework, you’ll be able to dedicate more energy to gathering information.

Spend time in the local area

Maybe you’re looking for an urban school, but will you actually like navigating a big city? Is a small town going to end up feeling too small for you? The best way to answer questions like these is to spend time in the town or city surrounding a college campus. During the school year, families typically have just a day or two, perhaps even a few precious hours, to explore the area. But during the summer, you can transform what would be a quick stop into a mini-vacation. The extra time can help you gain deeper insights into the community and picture whether or not you see yourself calling this home for the next four years.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check the school’s admissions website to see if they offer special negotiated rates with nearby hotels. You can save a lot of money this way!

A personalized experience

A slower pace on college campuses during July and August can actually be an advantage for visitors. You might find yourself getting an individual or small-group tour, which gives you more opportunities to ask questions and get to know your guide. You may also get more face-to-face time with admissions officers, as well as faculty and students who are still on campus. Many will welcome the opportunity to share their experiences and maybe give an inside look into a cool summer program or research project taking place. 

Our final thoughts and recommendations

Although colleges may look and feel a bit different when school’s not in session, summer campus visits are still worthwhile. 

If you’re planning to visit colleges in July and August, try to visit as many on your list as possible. Doing so will help you to make more accurate judgments and comparisons, so you aren’t comparing a summer visit to one during the school year.

Still curious to learn more about the campus culture and student body? Remember that there are plenty of ways to collect more information about a school after your campus tour. Follow the college or university on social media, connect with current students, and sign up for webinars and/or live information sessions. The more you engage, the more you’ll learn!

Weekly Update: June 3

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

BIDEN ADMIN CANCELS STUDENT LOANS FOR CORINTHIAN COLLEGE STUDENTS

The Biden administration announced this week that it will forgive student loans for over half a million students from Corinthian Colleges, one of the nation's largest for-profit colleges. Corinthian Colleges has faced numerous lawsuits for its predatory practices. This is the largest student loan forgiveness action that the government has taken to date, and will cost close to 6 billion dollars.

PANDEMIC RELIEF IMPACTS FINANCIAL AID

Students who received unemployment benefits in 2020 may be facing issues getting the financial aid they need through the FAFSA. This is an ongoing issue that began after many families faced drastic changes in income during the pandemic. So make sure that your FAFSA is as accurate as possible, and don’t be afraid to reach out to schools if you think your aid should be reevaluated!

TITLE IX TURNS 50

For the 50th anniversary of Title IX, USA Today investigated how colleges are doing in the march toward equity for women. The results aren’t inspiring - the expose uncovers how women are still underrepresented in college sports, and reveals the colleges that have padded the numbers and inflated women’s rosters rather than abiding by the spirit of the law.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

The New Yorker explored how the pandemic has affected the SAT as we know it. In addition to the number of test optional schools making the SAT less important in the admissions process, the pandemic has also prompted the creation of the new digital test. The article explores the history of the SAT and how it has endured through multiple scandals and shifts, with the pandemic only the latest (and perhaps most drastic) change that College Board and its flagship test have had to face. 

This article about the top ten highest-earning degrees from public universities is worth checking out for a few reasons. Most of these schools are not considered “brand names,” and I doubt that many of the students in our area have even heard of some of them! This just goes to show that a “big name” doesn’t necessarily map onto a higher salary after school. And we were excited to see that UVA made the list - students with computer engineering majors make a median salary of just under $102,000 three years after graduation.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

Our juniors are starting to finalize their lists, are finishing their Common App essays, and several have even moved onto early supplemental essay work! While we know that summer is busy for these students, we also know that they will be excited come senior year to have all of this essay writing behind them. 

I don’t think we have written about this much on the blog, but we’ve talked a lot internally about how different this essay season has been from any other year. This group was in the middle of their freshman year when the world turned upside down… and they just haven’t really done very much.

It’s not even about activities, as most of them have taken our advice and maintained extracurricular involvement as much as they could, even virtually. But we don’t advise parroting off a list of activities in the college essay. Whether activities are involved in the story or not, the essay really needs to be a venue to show personal growth and share insight about the student that can’t be found anywhere else in their application. It’s really tough to do that when you haven’t had a typical teenage experience.

But we are lucky because Staci is basically the most patient woman on the planet! She has been working so hard with these students to help them craft amazing essays regardless of what they have been able to come to the table with! Shannon and I have been helping out with lots of extra editing behind the scenes and of course Alan is a godsend! He does the last round of edits from a fresh perspective, having never seen the pieces before. It is amazing to me how much value his perspective adds to the final versions.

Anyway, over the last week we have finished a whole lot of these essays and it’s amazing to me how all the extra work has paid off. The final versions are AWESOME, which is not necessarily something I thought I was going to be able to say a couple of months ago. I actually think they have turned out even better than final versions usually do. For example, I don’t know that we have ever had a year with such little feedback about potential changes. Sometimes parents and students aren’t on the same page about certain aspects and we have to play mediator, but not this year. All constituents involved have just been very happy with few or zero suggestions, and I really hope that ends up to be a theme this season (knocking on wood right now)!

On an entirely different note - we want to congratulate our graduating seniors and wish them well on this next adventure! This is always a bittersweet time because we’re really excited about how we’re getting to know the juniors more, but it’s sad to be done with the seniors and their families. We become so close with these students and we really do miss them! We’re excited to see where they go next - and to see a few of them back for College Experience Coaching.

Have a great weekend!

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Post Graduation Tips for the Class of 2022

Exams are finished, lockers are cleaned out, and graduating seniors across the country are celebrating. Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

Although it’s the second day of June, we can’t help but think ahead to the fall semester. After all, we’re firm believers that success starts EARLY. That’s why we’re sharing practical tips today to help our high school graduates set themselves up for a smooth, low-stress transition into college.

Connect and Communicate

By now, you’ve probably realized that you are going to be receiving a LOT of college communications. These emails and portal announcements provide essential information about housing, roommate selections, course registration, and more. Although you’ve already completed plenty of paperwork in the spring, we guarantee there are more important forms and tasks coming your way. Make sure you have access to your college email address and continue to check it regularly throughout the summer. An easy way to do that is by adding your new school account to your smartphone. Not sure how to do this? Here are quick tutorials for iPhone and Android users. 

Now is a great time to connect with your new college and classmates if you haven’t done so already. Consider attending a summer orientation event if your school offers one. And even if you can’t connect in person, there’s always your laptop. Most schools have social media groups for the Class of 2026, as well as a variety of other interest groups that you may be able to join now. PS: Tell your parents there are social media groups for them, too. They just need to search for the school name + parent/family page on Facebook.  

One caution, though. Don’t be that person who randomly friends or follows hundreds of strangers just because you have a college in common. This approach doesn’t necessarily make for strong connections or new friendships. In fact, it can come across as ‘creepy’ if you don’t actually try to communicate with the person you’ve suddenly added. A better strategy is to focus on getting engaged in the social media group discussions and actually starting conversations with other students. 

Evaluate your social media presence

You’re graduating and becoming an adult, and that means your social media accounts need to grow up too. For years, your Instagram may have just been a place to share funny photos and updates with friends, but in college, your social media accounts become a powerful networking tool. Therefore, it’s crucial to create a strong first impression with your profiles. (Pro Tip: If you haven’t read it yet, don’t miss last year’s guest blog post with the inside scoop about the social media from a professional in the recruiting industry).

Before you start following fellow undergrads or hashtagging your college, take a detailed look at your accounts. Ensure that your personal accounts are private and delete any inappropriate content, photos, and or/negative comments that appear on your page. Even if you didn’t write the post or take the picture, you’re still associated with it through your profile. A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t want it projected on a big screen for the world to see, get rid of it.

We also encourage graduating seniors to embrace a fresh start on social media. Think about creating new, professional social media accounts (especially on Instagram) that track your college journey. That way you can safely engage with your college online, share campus highlights, and maybe even attract new opportunities.

Finally, if you have some free time this summer, set up a LinkedIn profile. You can use this website to connect with people in your field of study, find jobs and internships, and build a professional portfolio. (If you need help developing your LinkedIn content, book a session with us. We’ll work with you to build your profile and teach you how to use the LinkedIn features to your advantage). 

Coordinate with your roommate

Stuff. It’s one of the most important conversations you can have with your new roommate before moving into your dorm. Beyond your personal items, there are things you’ll need for your room that might be more practical to share, like a mini-refrigerator, vacuum, or bluetooth speaker. Decide on what you’re willing to make communal and then determine who’s bringing what.

Strategically shop for dorm essentials

We’ve got a secret to share. You know those ‘dorm essentials’ on display at Target and advertised all over Amazon? Well, most of those items aren’t actually essential at all. The reality is that you’ll be moving into a small room that you’ll have to share with another person and all of their belongings. Don’t waste money or space on things that you don’t actually need.

Be realistic when it comes time to shop for your dorm room. If you’ve never ironed before, chances are you won’t start in college. Instead of investing in a space-consuming ironing board and iron, consider a travel steamer or a wrinkle-release spray. And as nice as the eight decorative bed pillows might look in the Pinterest picture, are you really going to arrange them every morning before your 8am class?  Probably not! 

It’s also a good idea to hold off on buying gadgets like coffee makers or printers. After a few weeks on campus, you’ll probably find that you can live comfortably without them. Remember, if you forget something or find yourself desperate for a particular item, you can always order it later.

And when it comes to the items you do know you need right off the bat? Don’t make the rookie move of hitting up Target or Bed, Bath and Beyond in your college town during orientation weekend (that shopping trip will make Costco on a Saturday look like a relaxing spa day). Either go to a local store to browse and place an order for pickup at the store near school, or order all of your items online.

Hit the books

No we’re not telling you to start studying for fall semester. We just want you to start finding your textbooks. Rather than waiting until late August to buy everything from the campus store or search for a deal online after everyone’s bought up the most popular titles, start pricing and purchasing earlier in the summer after you know your course schedule. Websites like Chegg, Campus Books, and ECampus offer used books, electronic texts, and semester-long rentals, and Abebooks is the place to go if you need a more obscure title. 

Before you order anything, though, check on the return policy. There might be scheduling changes that happen at the last minute, and you don’t want to be stuck with a book you don’t need. Also, confirm that you are ordering the correct edition. Otherwise, you could end up with an old, outdated copy.

Clean your room

Okay, we don’t want to sound like parental nags, but the college packing process can be a nightmare if you wait until the last minute. That’s why we suggest cleaning out a drawer or two every week throughout the summer. You can also start boxing up things you aren’t using right now, like your winter clothes, and throwing away all of those things you’ve been storing in your closet since middle school. This may not be the most exciting summer activity, but trust us. You’ll feel much better come August, and your parents will thank you.

Schedule appointments ASAP

Before you head off to college, make sure you take care of all of your essential appointments: a doctor’s visit, dental check up, and a fresh haircut. It’s especially important to book any doctors’ appointments early. Depending upon the school, you may be required to get certain vaccines, and some of them could take several weeks and multiple doses to complete.

Get legal paperwork in order

Most parents are shocked to realize that they do not automatically have the ability to make decisions or learn important information about their students when they are away at college. Yes, even if you’re paying the bill!

Because of this, parents should go ahead and work with their student for authorization to intervene in issues as major as medical emergencies or as minor as financial aid questions. We are not attorneys, and this is not legal advice, but here is a non-comprehensive list of documents we recommend having signed and notarized before your student leaves home:

• FERPA Authorization to be able to see your student’s grades

• HIPAA Authorization to be able to find out basic medical information about your student or speak to their doctors

• Medical Power of Attorney to be able to make medical decisions for your student if needed

• Durable Power of Attorney to be able to make financial decisions on your student’s behalf

There are free templates for all of these documents readily available online, and those are probably better than nothing - but don’t forget that laws are different from state to state. It’s probably worth working with an attorney or at least doing your own extensive research to make sure that you’re all set!

Weekly Update: May 26

We were shocked and saddened by the tragedy in Texas this week, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families. I have a fourth grader too, so it hit especially close to home for me. As we prepare for Memorial Day weekend, we are also thinking of 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

SUMMER AND FALL 2022 SAT REGISTRATION IS LIVE

The College Board typically opens registration each June or July for the entire following school year (I.e. in June 2022 for August 2022-June 2023 test dates). This year, they changed things up and just released the ability for students to register early for the August 2022, October 2022, November 2022, and December 2022 test dates. All students planning to take one of these tests (or even considering it) should register as soon as possible! The August and October administrations are already filling up quickly.

2022-2023 COMMON APPLICATION UPDATES

The Common Application held a session yesterday to share upcoming changes in advance of the 2022-2023 application release. They confirmed that application rollover will take place on August 1, as in previous years. Students’ login information will remain the same, and all of the information in their profile, family, education, testing, activities, writing, and courses and grades sections will roll over.

(Remember: It’s great to take advantage of the rollover function - definitely get started early and fill all of this out in advance. But MAKE SURE to print/save PDFs of each individual page in case there is some type of rollover error. This does happen occasionally and it would be so awful if all of your hard work was lost!)

Some new changes: “Mx.” and “Other” are now prefix options, and the order of the gender, pronoun, and name questions have moved. There will also be some adjustments to the order and criteria of the questions relating to fee waivers.

PRINCETON FIRES JOSHUA KATZ

In 2018, Princeton University suspended Professor Joshua Katz, pending an investigation into a relationship he had with one of his undergraduate students. On Monday, the school fired the tenured professor, citing a lack of cooperation with this investigation. This is a particularly unusual occurrence, as Katz was a tenured professor at the university. Katz argues that the firing came on the heels of an article he published that criticized the school’s anti-racist policies, and is not an issue of his relationship but instead a blow to free speech. 

GEORGETOWN SENIORS SHUT DOWN LINCOLN MEMORIAL

The Lincoln Memorial was shut down on Saturday morning after hundreds of Georgetown University seniors left broken bottles and spilled wine and champagne covering the monument’s steps. The site was open to the public again by 11:00 am on Saturday. 

COLLEGES REIMPOSE INDOOR MASK MANDATES

As COVID cases spike, colleges around the country have started to reinstate their mask mandates on campus, including the University of Delaware. Public school systems in Philadelphia, PA and Providence, RI have also reinstated their mask mandates in response to cases in the area. 

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

We shared an article a few weeks back with one professor’s opinion of how the pandemic has affected student’s learning ability and focus in the classroom once they arrive in college. Now, a disability rights advocate has published a response, citing mental health issues rather than online learning as the reason why so many students are struggling. Several other letters to the editor continue this dialogue, offering remote learning and mental health related responses to the perceived crisis in students’ engagement. 

Price hikes at a number of colleges have reinvigorated the conversation around whether college is really worth the cost. Enrollment continues to drop, even with the worst of the pandemic (hopefully!) behind us, and in a recent Boston Globe poll, only 10% of respondents felt that college was definitely worth the investment. Spring 2022 college enrollment has dropped nearly 5% from last year - in addition to the overall pandemic drop of almost 10%. This is a surprise to some colleges that expected enrollment to bounce back this cycle.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We’ve offered up our own lists of fiction and nonfiction reads for students to check out this summer, and we’d like to add these three career-focused books for college graduates! If you want even more info on summer reading, current members and clients can check out our Membership Vault summer reading guide.

Pro Tip: We also recommend reading a newspaper or two regularly this summer - this will definitely help you out in interviews when you are asked to talk about a recent news story or political issue that interests you, as well as on applications (like Princeton’s!) that may ask about which publications you read regularly. 

Still looking for more summer opportunities? Gettysburg College’s inaugural Civic Engagement Camp is still accepting applications until Friday, June 3. The program aims to teach students about American democracy and the importance of civic engagement, all against the background of Gettysburg’s history (and with a day trip to Washington, DC).

Have a great weekend!

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Our Fiction Summer Reading List

Last week we shared our favorite new nonfiction releases that are perfect additions to your summer reading list. Now we’re delving into the world of science fiction, fantasy, murder mysteries, and more as we curate our favorite fiction releases for summer 2022.

Sea of Tranquility- Emily St. John Mandel

What does an early 20th century teenage exile have in common with a professional writer from a moon colony in 2203? Emily St. John Mandel has the answer. Weaving together time travel with science fiction and a bit of post-apocalyptic flair, Mandel masterfully combines the stories of several characters over three centuries. This rather quick read will leave you constantly wondering how these lives have crossed into a twenty-fifth century investigation. Although Sea of Tranquility was just released in April, it’s already a popular title with thousands of rave reviews! See what you think for yourself!

All My Rage- Sabba Tahir

Sabaa Tahir’s latest young adult release follows the journey of two friends who both feel like outcasts growing up in California. As they face family pressures, cultural clashes, and life-altering secrets, both characters battle with the age old question: who am I? This novel isn’t exactly a light-hearted read, but it’s a modern coming-of-age story that captures all of the complexities of becoming an adult.

The Maid: A Novel -Nita Prose

If you’re looking for a little mystery in your life, then this is the book for you! In The Maid, we get to know Molly, a quirky twenty-five year old who works as a hotel cleaner. She loves her job…until the unimaginable happens. Suddenly Molly is the prime suspect in a murder case and must set out to clear her name. This novel is a fun read and will have you feeling like you’re playing the classic board game Clue.

The Kaiju Preservation Society- John Scalzi

What do you do when you hate your job? That’s the question that sets Jamie- the main character in The Kaiju Preservation Society- on the adventure of a lifetime. Eager to quit delivering food for a big food app, Jamie accepts a new position that is literally out of this world. The novel follows Jamie as he navigates an alternate universe void of any humans and the biggest responsibility of all: to protect Earth from the Kaiju monsters. We’ll admit that this book is absurd, but that’s what makes it an ideal summer read for science fiction lovers.

The Foundling- Ann Leary

Even though The Foundling won’t be released until the end of May, we couldn’t leave it off our summer reading list. Set in the 1920s, The Foundling tells the story of a young psychiatrist who accepts a job at a mental asylum for women. Although the asylum claims to help women, not everything is what it seems. As the young doctor starts to uncover the real truth behind mental illness treatments, our main character is faced with life-altering decisions. This novel is based on real life accounts from the author’s own grandmother and is already receiving favorable reviews. From what we’ve read so far, we think this is a worthy read for anyone with an interest in psychology and/or history.

How High We Go in the Dark- Sequoia Nagamatsu

In How High We Go in the Dark, Sequoia Nagamatsu blends short stories with the novel. Through a series of chapters (or episodes), we follow the lives of several characters as they rebuild after a global pandemic in the year 2030. Now we admit that this theme might feel a bit too real and heavy for many of us, but don’t worry. There are many fantastical elements that bring in the best of science fiction, dystopian worlds, and more. PS: Curiously, this book was drafted before the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes it all the more fascinating to see how Nagamatsu’s imagination measures up against the realities of the past two years.

Not ready to pick up a book?

Are you short on time? Or maybe not a big book lover? Well, there are plenty of ways to delve into a great story and keep up on the best literature. Here are some alternatives to your traditional summer reading.

Book of the Day Podcast

If you want to tune in to the latest reads, check out NPR’s Book of the Day Podcast. In fifteen minutes or less, the hosts will tell you all you need to know about a particular title. There’s a huge variety of texts and genres covered, which will leave you feeling well-read in barely any time.

Book Riot Podcast

The hosts of Book Riot track all of the latest trends, worthy recommendations, and coolest writers in the book world. Whether you’re looking to keep up with literary news or discover a new title or genre to read yourself, this is a great place to start.

Literary Hub

The title pretty much sums it up. Visit the Literary Hub website for book recommendations and reviews; literary news articles and cultural commentary, and more.

Follow us on Instagram

Take advantage of social media by following these book-loving accounts on IG:

• @BOOKOFTHEMONTH

• @GOODREADS

• @REESESBOOKCLUB

• @NYTBooks

Weekly Update: May 20

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

AP PRECALCULUS!

Yes, you read that right. College Board announced this week that it will be offering an AP Precalculus option in the 2023-2024 school year. The announcement comes in the wake of numerous articles (including some we shared on this blog) that cover the lack of math preparation for high school students during the pandemic. College Board asserts that the new course offering will better prepare students for college math, particularly STEM-related majors. 

PUBLIC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT FALLS

I’ve shared on the blog before about my decision to pull my daughter out of her public school and it turns out I’m not alone! Since 2020, public school enrollment is down by over a million students. Many of these students moved to private or parochial schools, or were even homeschooled, while others dropped out of school due to job loss, homelessness, lack of Wi-Fi access, or other financial issues during the pandemic. The enrollment drop has particularly affected schools that had long periods of remote instruction. And since school budgets are tied to enrollment, public schools will likely be dealing with a drop in funding as well. This may be a contributor to some school districts’ reluctance to reinstate mask mandates or vaccination requirements for fear of losing even more students. 

MENTAL HEALTH DAY OF ACCEPTANCE

Here in our office we were excited to join in on today’s Virginia-wide American Academy of Pediatrics “Wear Green Day of Action” for Mental Health acceptance! (Can you tell that none of us really have green in our wardrobes?! We tried…)

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

We love summer reading in our office, and not just because we’re book lovers! “What is a great book you’ve read recently?” or “What are you reading right now?” or “What is your favorite book?” are very common interview questions for students, and summer is a great time to learn something new AND prepare your answers at the same time. Not sure where to start? Check out our nonfiction summer reading recommendations from the blog this week, or take a look at this Atlantic article for reviews of books based on college campuses or other educational settings.  

When it comes to paying for college, looking at a private vs. a public school is often one of families’ first considerations. But despite the popular wisdom, there are cases where a scholarship to a private school makes it more affordable than a public option - and many cases where an out-of-state public school can be as expensive or even more expensive than a private one! This Forbes article provides a run-down of the tuition costs for the most expensive public colleges by state, and might be a good place to start if public college is on your student’s list (and yes, UVA is #1 on this list).

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

The hot weather lately definitely reminds us that summer is coming! We are still adding to our Summer Opportunities Database every week. Most recently, we featured an opportunity for juniors and seniors in high school to join Mount Vernon’s Student Advisory Board. This is an awesome leadership opportunity for students interested in art, history, museum curation, education, or just networking and gaining experience!

And one more thing on the summer to-do list for juniors - essays! We are so excited to welcome McClain back to the office this summer - she will be available starting in mid-June for students to work with on their essays. Our calendar has been updated and students can now book appointments for June and July with McClain or Staci. If you have a busy summer ahead, we recommend booking those meetings now to make sure that you get the time slots that work best for you! 

McClain has been busy since last summer - check out her adorable new baby Theo, born in January!

Have a great weekend, and stay cool!

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Our Non-Fiction Summer Reading List

With an office full of English majors, we can’t help but get excited about one of our favorite parts of summer– summer reading lists! And no, we’re not talking about those required texts your English or AP teachers email to you on the last day of school. There’s a whole world of non-fiction titles out there that are sure to spark your curiosity, whether you’re interested in sports, psychology, history or even data analytics. Not only can these non-fiction titles open your eyes to new topics, but they can also be a big help when it comes time for college applications. You might just find yourself having to write an essay about a meaningful book you’ve discovered or discuss a recent text you’ve read during an admissions interview. So take a few hours this summer to dive into a great non-fiction text while you lounge by the pool.

Don't Trust Your Gut: Using Data to Get What You Really Want in Life- Seth Stephens Davidowitz

We mentioned this first selection in our blog last week. If you’re a data enthusiast, you’ll love Seth Stephens Davidowitz’s take on the decisions we make everyday, both big and small. Instead of relying on our instincts, Davidowitz, an economist and former Google data scientist, argues that we should use the data that’s all around us. After all, numbers don’t lie! In fact, they can guide us toward better lives if we’re willing to stop and look at the charts.

The Nineties: A Book- Chuck Klosterman

The 90s are back, and Chuck Klosterman is ready to take a closer look at this pivotal decade. His book provides just the right amount of nostalgia for crop tops, Nirvana, and Blockbuster while also analyzing the culture, history, and politics that informed the 90s. We know it’s not easy to sum up ten years into just one book, but Klosterman does a great job of tracing the most important moments that came to define the period.

The Great Stewardess Rebellion: How Women Launched a Workplace Revolution at 30,000 Feet- Nell McShane Wulfhart

In the 1960s, the demand for flight attendants soared. Thousands of women applied to be “stews” in search of exciting, jet setting lifestyles. However, it wasn’t the glamorous career it appeared to be. There were weight limits, strict (and uncomfortable) fashion guidelines, and restrictions on marriage, children, and retirement age.  In The Great Stewardess Rebellion, Nell McShane Wulhart looks behind the scenes at the “stews” who fought for their working rights, and in doing so, created a bigger revolution than they ever thought possible.

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know- Adam Grant

The more you know, the better, right? Well, not according to Adam Grant. In Think Again, Grant takes a close look at the behaviors and thoughts that often leave us cognitively trapped. In place of these limiting ideas, Grant encourages all of us to unlearn our old information and embrace the joys of being wrong. This book is sure to turn your thoughts upside down and leave you seeing the world in a new way. 

Sweat: A History of Exercise- Bill Hayes

Step aerobics, Crossfit, Tae-Bo— it seems like a new exercise trend emerges each year. But what makes a certain exercise so popular? How has physical activity evolved over time, and why?  Bill Hayes attempts to answer these questions in Sweat by tracing the history of physical movement, from jogs to sprints to vinyasa yoga. This book won’t exactly make you break a sweat, but it will leave you feeling motivated and ready to move.

Dress Code: Unlocking Fashion from the New Look to Millennial Pink- Veronique Hyland

Do we wear the clothes, or do the clothes wear us? In Dress Code, Veronique Hyland examines the important role fashion plays in our world and its impact on everything from economics to politics to gender roles. She also takes a close look at the way clothing influences our identity and how social media is changing the way we dress and think of ourselves. This book is sure to make you think a bit deeper the next time you choose an outfit.

The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs: 70+ Teen-Tested and Teen-Approved Recipes to Cook, Eat and Share - America’s Test Kitchen Kids

Okay, so we know there are thousands of cookbooks and websites out there, but The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs is different. The recipes are divided by difficulty level, and instructions are super easy. Along the way, readers learn basic skills, like how to properly slice a potato. What we love most, though, are the helpful hints and shortcuts for each recipe that are sure to make you look like a professional chef with minimal effort. Not only is this book a fun way to explore foods from across the globe; it’s a fantastic starter kit for young adults in need of kitchen survival skills.

The Watermen: The Birth of American Swimming and One Young Man's Fight to Capture Olympic Gold- Michael Lonyd 

The Watermen won’t be released for a few more weeks, but we can’t wait! In the early 1900s, swimming was nothing more than something to do on a hot summer day- that is until teenager Charles Daniels dove into the scene. In this book, you’ll see how one young man helped to create one of the world's most popular Olympic sports while winning against all odds. This is a great read for anyone who appreciates a classic underdog story.

Do you have any non-fiction recommendations to add to our summer reading list? If so, share in the comments below.

Weekly Update: May 13

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ARIZONA THIRD-GRADERS

In 2012, the Rosztoczy Foundation selected a lucky Arizona third-grade class and made them a promise: their college tuition, including room and board, would be covered. With that class graduating from high school, the foundation has decided to continue the good deed, selecting two more third-grade classes from underserved Arizona schools for full scholarships. Students and parents report that the program has allowed them the freedom to focus on high school performance without worrying about how they will pay for college. 

LINCOLN COLLEGE SHUTS DOWN

Lincoln College, a predominantly Black college in Illinois, shuts its doors today after 150 years in operation. The college cites the pandemic as part of the reason for the closure, but it is also a result of a December 2021 cyberattack on the admissions data for the school, resulting in unclear 2022 enrollment projections. This type of attack is becoming more and more common for schools, with 26 colleges and universities experiencing cyberattacks in 2021. 

STUDENT WITH NON-VERBAL AUTISM DELIVERS COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

Elizabeth Bonker, valedictorian at Rollins College, was selected as commencement speaker - despite the fact that she has non-verbal autism and hasn’t said a word since her diagnosis at 15 months old. She delivered the speech using a text-to-speech computer program, and she had some words of encouragement for other students: “Use your voice.”

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

This opinion essay in the New York Times illuminates some of the long-term effects of the pandemic on new college students. While of course the evidence here is anecdotal, it reflects a lot of what we have been seeing in terms of the lack of motivation and the difficulty establishing study habits that came along with online school. If you or your student are also struggling with this, check out academic coaching, which can help students learn the time management, note-taking, and study skills that they may have missed while learning remotely. 

My (former) favorite blog reader used to send me lots of interesting links and has moved on to bigger and better things now that his child is in college! 🙂 But he came through this past week with a good one from The Atlantic on data-driven parenting, and the one decision that really appears to make a difference. Can you guess what it is? Location.

Definitely read the article, and then you can have fun inputting zip codes into The Opportunity Atlas like I did. Absolutely fascinating. I was really struck by the difference between 22101 vs. 22102, and if you're from Vienna, you know that there's a friendly rivalry between those who live in town vs out... well, 22182 held its own! The author just came out with a new book called Don't Trust Your Gut: Using Data to Get What You Really Want in Life, so add that to your summer reading list - I'm definitely adding it to mine!

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We are so excited to announce that our team is growing, and introduce you to Courtney! Courtney will be coming on as an administrator to share some of the workload with Donna, so current clients, keep an eye out for emails that you may see coming from her with reminders (both Donna and Courtney will continue to reach out using our admin email address). 

Courtney is currently a master’s student working towards a degree in social work. During the last academic year, she interned as a school social worker with FCPS and has experience working with students for academic and therapeutic counseling. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team!

Another exciting development for me this week was that DC College Counseling was selected as a finalist for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. I’m so honored to be considered and looking forward to the interview process this month - I’ll keep you posted!

Have a fantastic weekend!

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How Juniors Can Make Senior Year Easier- Starting Now!

There are just a few weeks left in the school year, and that means juniors can start to breathe sighs of relief. AP exams are winding down, and end-of-year festivities are kicking off. But before you get swept up in prom and summer break, we’ve got a few more assignments for you.

Fall semester can be extremely hectic for twelfth graders. However, there are things you can do now (and over the summer) to help make senior year easier and the college admissions process much more organized and efficient.

Secure your teacher recommendations

Many college applications require two or three teacher recommendations. For teachers, this can be a nightmare in the fall when they are inundated with dozens of requests… and you don’t want that nightmare to be reflected in the quality of your letter! Help your teachers – and yourself – by asking for recommendations now. This way they’ll have plenty of time to write you a quality letter, and you will have one less worry in the fall. 

When you’re ready to ask, make sure to speak to your teachers in person. A good way to make sure you don’t end up with a so-so letter is to use the following language: ”Do you think you know me well enough to write me a very supportive letter of recommendation?” In other words, you’re telling them that it needs to be a great letter, and you’re providing an easy out if they can’t make that happen.

We highly suggest providing them with a ‘highlight reel’ of your personal strengths, achievements, and academic interests relating to your performance in their class. If you’re not sure who to ask or what to include in your highlight reel, take a look at our previous blog post where we discuss the best ways to secure a strong recommendation letter.

Confirm your fall schedule

We can’t say it enough: avoid the senioritis schedule! Colleges want to see that you’re pursuing a rigorous curriculum, so it’s important to continue challenging yourself rather than opting for that extra study hall or the “easy” elective.

Now is the time to organize your course load and address any scheduling conflicts. We especially encourage you to talk with your teachers or counselors if you’re considering an honors section or an AP class. Depending upon the school and their policies, you may have to take some extra steps to enroll in an advanced course, whether it’s submitting a petition or taking a placement test. 

If your ideal fall schedule isn’t turning into a reality, don’t get discouraged. Consult with your parents and advisors to brainstorm alternatives. For example, if you’ve already taken the most advanced foreign language class at your school, you might want to look into a dual enrollment program in your area. If there’s no marketing elective offered, consider an online course. There are a growing number of options, both virtually and at local colleges. To take advantage of these options, though, you’ll need to plan now.

Finalize your college list

If you haven’t started already, get to work on your college list. Do some research to get a better sense of what you’re looking for in a school, from size to location to academic offerings. With literally thousands of colleges and universities to choose from, you’ll need to identify what’s most important to you. The College Board offers a comprehensive search tool, and for data lovers out there, College Data provides plenty of school statistics. 

To stay organized, we recommend keeping track of your research with a spreadsheet. Not sure how to make one? We love this free template that you can easily download and customize to fit your needs.

Prepare application materials

College applications require you to submit many different materials: test scores, transcripts, teacher recommendations, essays, and more. You won’t be able to complete some pieces until the fall, but right now you can begin to prepare several materials.

• Make a list of the activities you’ve participated in throughout high school: sports, clubs, volunteer opportunities, jobs, internships, etc. You can even input them directly into the Common Application and roll them over to the new 2022-2023 Common Application in August!

• Work on your resume, which should include any work experience, extracurricular involvements, and awards/achievements.

• The Common Application released their essay prompts several months ago. Take a look at your options, so you can start brainstorming, drafting, or even finishing your essay over the summer. Since we like to start early, some of the juniors we work with are already done with it!

Visit schools, even through your computer screen

Although campus tours always feel a bit different during the summer months when undergrads aren’t filling up the quads and walkways, these visits can still help you with your college list. If possible, sign up for some campus tours. It’s always good to see the school in person, get a feel for the environment, and check out the surrounding community. Take a look at our expert tips on how to prepare for and get the most of your tour here.

If you can’t travel, don’t worry! You can still use this time to take virtual tours, sign up for Zoom information sessions, and/or attend a local college fair. Colleges like to see demonstrated interest, so take advantage of these convenient ways to formally show your engagement with a school.

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Does your junior need help with the college application process? If so, book a no-obligation meet and greet with us today to learn more about our services.

Weekly Update: May 6

It’s a rainy weekend ahead, so we’ve got some good reads to keep you busy!

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

ABA COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THAT LAW SCHOOLS STOP REQUIRING LSAT

A committee from the American Bar Association has advised the organization to put out an official recommendation for law schools to stop requiring the LSAT (or other standardized tests) as a factor in admissions decisions. They are not endorsing test-blind admissions, in which the organizations cannot factor in test scores, but believe that the schools should instead have the option.

Of course, the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC - the organization behind the LSAT) continues to stand by the importance of the test. It’s a tough decision, because higher LSAT scores are directly correlated with bar passage rates, so it’s easy to make the argument that they are important. At the same time, there are equity issues involved - test prep is very expensive, and under-represented groups traditionally score lower on the LSAT. Stay tuned on the final ABA decision!

FIRST WEEK OF AP EXAMS ARE OVER!

We have gotten a lot of panicked emails from families this week about the importance AP exams - I know they are stressful! I do think that these have become more important for students applying to highly selective schools now that the SAT Subject Tests are no longer. Unfortunately, students will not have scores for quite a while, but sometimes they feel less anxious after reviewing the free-response questions after the exams take place in order to get a sense of how their answers might stack up.

COLLEGE STUDENT SALARY EXPECTATIONS ARE WAY OFF FROM REALITY

The Class of 2022 is rather optimistic about the job market, believing that their average starting salaries will be approximately $104,000. Every single group of majors overestimated what they’d earn, with journalism majors overestimating by 139% and computer science majors overestimating by “just” 27%. It’s all about the power of positive thinking, right? :)

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

If you are a data geek like me and want to read more about how everything stacked up in the bloodbath that was the 2021-2022 college admissions cycle, don’t miss this CTAS Higher Ed Business report - it’s probably the most comprehensive piece I’ve read so far. They share that UCLA received more applications than any school in the country - just under 150,000. CRAZY!! Some of the other UC schools were next up in terms of volume, before NYU at 105,000 applications and Northeastern with 91,000. This represents increases of 30-40% for each of those schools since 2020.

But what I found most interesting were some of the schools that were specifically identified as having the most growth on a percentage basis rather than straight volume. Colgate is apparently the new hot school, along with other smaller schools like Macalester, Tufts, Dickinson, and Williams. As for the schools bucking the trends: Bowdoin, Tulane, and Pitzer. They had a particularly interesting theory about Tulane, so read the report!

That said, if you weren’t happy with your student’s 2021-2022 outcome - all is not lost! Check out this Washington Post piece about transfer admissions, which gives readers an inside look about the transfer process as well as the most recent statistics. It’s fascinating that some schools (like UVA, which this article covers heavily) are so much easier to get into via the transfer pathway and yet others are even harder than they were during the first-year admissions process.

Not quite an article, but I’ve been listening to a series on Freakonomics Radio that has been going viral in the college admissions world. First, What Exactly is College For?; then The University of Impossible-to-Get-Into; and yesterday, I Don’t Think the Country Is Turning Away From College. They are definitely worth a listen. Also, if you are a student looking for some summer reading, I HIGHLY recommend reading Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything - by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner. If I had a top ten list of books everyone should read, this would be on it - really makes you think about things differently!

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

It was a relatively quiet week this week because of AP exams, although we had a lot of new client consultations! If you are considering services for your Class of 2023 student, we are very close to reaching capacity and will soon move to our Late Start Waitlist. Our services will be valuable up until the very last minute, but there’s no question that the entire process is more stressful for students who start later.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! One of my own mom’s favorite sayings is “Little kids, little problems; big kids, big problems.” The older my own kids become, the more I realize how true that is and how incredibly stressful and challenging it can be for moms of teenagers today. We hope that all of you are able to relax and let somebody else handle all the problems (and reminders!) on Sunday :)

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Tips on First-Year Housing and Roommate Requests

On Sunday, thousands of seniors across the country celebrated National College Decision Day. We were thrilled to see all of the smiles and proud college t-shirts on our social media feeds! But even though the big decisions are finalized, there are still a few more choices incoming freshmen have to make. Over the next few weeks, students will need to think about one of the most important questions: where will I live next year and with whom? To help answer these questions, we’re sharing some important tips and reminders for housing forms and roommate requests.

1) Meet your deadlines

Be sure to check your email and school portal consistently, so you don’t miss important deadlines for housing applications, roommate requests, etc. Some schools are first come, first serve, while others don’t guarantee on-campus housing if you turn in your application late. You can find information regarding deadlines and housing policies on the school’s website.

That said, we recommend submitting housing materials as early as possible no matter the deadline. Situations can occur where housing fills prematurely even when it is not supposed to first come, first serve. In those cases, students have been shut out despite adhering to published deadlines.

2) Research your options

As much as we encourage you to submit your materials early, we also want you to thoroughly research your housing possibilities. Of course, every school is different when it comes to policies and residential offerings, so familiarize yourself with available options. If you’re allowed to rank residence hall choices, use the school website to take a close look at different buildings and dorm style options. Our expert tip: take a virtual campus tour or download a map to help you get a sense of geography as well. A conveniently located dorm may be the deciding factor in your rankings.

You’ll also want to check out any speciality housing options that your school offers. As we covered in a previous blog post, there is a rising trend in living learning communities, themed housing, and other special interest group housing on college campuses. These spaces connect students with similar interests or lifestyles and provide meaningful opportunities for collaboration and fun outside the classroom and your dorm room. So if you’re looking to live with others who are just as passionate about foreign languages, the environment, community service, and more, specialty housing may be the right fit for you.

While most schools require first-year students to live on campus, there are some colleges and universities that allow freshmen to opt out of dorm living. (This was a particularly popular option during the height of the pandemic when social distancing didn’t make communal living so appealing.) We know that moving into your very own apartment can be exciting, but don’t let the allure of independent living detract you from fully exploring on-campus options. Taking part in residential life during your first year of college is a great way to build friendships and find your place in the community. Plus, you might just find a cool alternative to the traditional two-person dorm room.

3) Be honest with yourself…and your roommate questionnaire

When it comes to selecting housing and roommates, you’ll need to take an honest look at yourself. What do you need to feel comfortable in your living environment and do well academically? Notice that we used the word need, not want. Sure, you may want your bathroom and a walk-in closet, but these features hopefully won’t make or break your residential life experience. 

Typically, schools will ask you to complete a questionnaire to match you with a compatible roommate. Now is the time to exercise some self awareness about your lifestyle and those bad habits of yours. Be really honest with yourself and the residential life office when answering these questions. Don’t base your answers on giving off the best impression or maybe even letting parents fill out the form for you. If you’re not a neat freak, that’s okay. It’s better to acknowledge your cluttered tendencies now than to be paired with someone who will feel anxiety just looking at your desk. Here are the general areas you’ll need to consider as you fill out your questionnaire: 

• Neatness, cleanliness, and organization: these questions allow you to assess your tidiness level and your tolerance when it comes to dirty laundry and piles on the floor

• Environment: give insights into your sleep patterns, study habits, quiet time, and more

• Lifestyle choices and interests: share information about everything from religion to sexual orientation to smoking, drinking, and extracurricular activities

4) Friends don’t always make the best roommates

As comforting as it might be to room with a friend, we encourage students to branch out. Just because you get along at school or on the soccer field doesn’t mean you’ll be a great match to live together in a small space. Roommates are based upon living style compatibility, and too much time with a close friend can be a recipe for dorm life disaster. This is also one of the rare opportunities in your life to live alongside people from such diverse backgrounds. Trust that the residential life office knows what they are doing and embrace the exciting possibilities for your roommate experience.

5) Insta-friends don’t always make the best roommates, either

With the rise in social media networks and apps, it’s easier than ever to make insta-friends with your soon-to-be-classmates. We love that students can connect through Facebook groups and Instagram, but be careful! Your new insta-friend might seem ‘awesome’ after a series of DMs, but you don’t really know them yet. Avoid jumping into a roommate situation based upon a few social media exchanges. 

There are also plenty of third-party apps, like Roomsurf and The Roomie, designed to help undergrads find compatible roommates. Some of these technologies use a series of questions and algorithms to match students, but it’s not an exact science. Just like any app or website, be cautious with your safety and communications, as well as getting too comfortable with someone you don’t know in real life.

6) Be your own advocate

If you have a documented disability, it’s critical to share this information, so you can work with the school to secure the living environment you need. Schools are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations, which may include anything from ADA accessible rooms to private bathrooms to service animals.

Weekly Update: April 29

Decision Day is almost here - good luck to all of the seniors who are making their decisions this weekend! Make sure to celebrate once that deposit is in :)

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

FCPS HIGH SCHOOLS RANKED AMONG THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY

The U.S. News rankings are out, and TJ tops the list of public high schools as the best school in the country for the fourth consecutive year. Other FCPS schools, like Langley and McLean, were ranked in the top 200 high schools in the U.S. Take a look at where other FCPS schools fall on their website!

And on a related note, the Supreme Court decided this week to let TJ’s new admissions policy stand.

COLLEGES STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Thankfully, all of our seniors have great options for this fall! But every year, there are some students who do not plan as carefully and need additional school options. If you or someone you know is looking for college openings, check out this list of schools that are still accepting applications for Fall 2022. 

UC SYSTEM WAIVES TUITION FOR NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS

The approximately 500 undergraduate students at University of California schools who are California residents and members of Native tribes will have their tuition and fees waived as part of the UC Native American Opportunity Plan. UC professors say that they hope other public land-grant institutions will follow the UC’s example in offering tuition-free education to Native American students. 

FACEBOOK OBTAINED FAFSA DATA

Code embedded in the website where students fill out the FAFSA automatically sent data like first and last names, email addresses, and zip codes to Facebook. It is unclear how many students were affected by the system, which affected students who were not logged into the FAFSA site and even those who did not have a Facebook account. Scary!

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

With so much conversation about student loan debt in the news, it can be comforting to hear that many states already offer free public college options for students. This Forbes article covers a list of the most popular tuition-free schools, as well as other options for students who don’t have the means or the desire to pay for college. 

If there is one thing we can say with certainty at this point, it is that the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding uptick in applications to selective schools has made getting into college MUCH harder for the students we work with - and they’re not alone! During the pandemic, the number of students who chose to take gap years rather than continuing directly to college rose by over 100%. Some schools have also shifted to rolling admissions models, to give students more flexibility over when to begin their college education. 

Finally, an interesting perspective on the past few years of changes at Liberty University from the New Yorker, including interviews with students, faculty, and staff, as well as with the former president Jerry Falwell, Jr. and his wife.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We are so excited for all of our seniors who have sent in deposits!! Congratulations to everyone for such phenomenal success in such a difficult year. We are so proud of you!

For underclassmen who are still looking to bring their grades up during the fourth quarter, FCPS is partnering with Tutor.com to offer free, live tutoring to students in all years - learn more here. 

And for sophomores and juniors working on the college search, the Six College Consortium (which is made up of small liberal arts colleges - Amherst, Swarthmore, Bowdoin, Carleton, Pomona, and Williams) is offering a variety of virtual events next month, including special sessions for first generation and international students. We’ve enjoyed Six Colleges counselor events, and this is a great way for students who know they are interested in a traditional liberal arts college to explore several in a single session. 

Enjoy the sun this weekend!

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Trend Watch: Cool College Electives

If you follow us on Instagram, then you might have seen our post a few weeks back about the college barbecue class being offered this summer at the University of Alabama. Yes, you heard it right. Communication students can actually earn credits while they travel around Alabama and Memphis trying out some of the south’s best baby back ribs. 

But University of Alabama isn’t the only school to get creative with their course offerings. Over the years, classes like Stupidity,  Emoji Worlds and Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame have received a lot of press for their innovative approaches to teaching critical writing and research skills. 

So in the spirit of barbecue, pop stars, and originality, we decided to take a deeper look this week into some of the country’s newest and coolest college course offerings. We’ll also uncover some of the more obscure classes that never quite went viral but should also be celebrated for their quirkiness!

If you haven’t tried the Penn State Berkey Creamery, you are totally missing out!!

Ice Cream Short Course (Penn State University)

While Alabama might have cornered the market on college barbecue, Penn State is infamous for their ICE CREAM! For over 100 years, the university has offered an ice cream short course, affectionately referred to as “Cow to Cone.” Every January, students and industry professionals from all over the world flock to Penn State for a week of intensive workshops and laboratory research. We have no doubt that this sweet class will continue to be a favorite as future generations explore the secrets of delicious frozen treats.

Choreography: Hot Mess & Deliberate Failure as Practice (Stanford University)

If you have two left feet, you’ll be sure to ace DANCE123 at Stanford University. “Hot Mess & Deliberate Failure as Practice” is designed to help students embrace their inner awkwardness as they study “bad” dancing. The course boasts of assignments that are “literally impossible to execute in any good way,” so there’s no need for stage fright here. Instead, students are encouraged to “celebrate destabilization, with all the exuberance, fear, and learning that can happen when we accept and practice being lost.” Now there’s a technique we can all master!

New Orleans Cities of the Dead: Cemetery Architecture and Its Cultural Legacy (Tulane University)

Tulane University might win the award for most creative (and creepiest) field trip! First year students who sign up for “New Orleans Cities of the Dead,” a class offered as part of the Interdisciplinary Experiences Seminars (TIDES), actually tour local cemeteries. No, this isn’t a walking dead exercise. The course aims to teach freshmen about New Orleans history, art, and culture through the lens of its infamous above-ground tombs and rich folkways. This might not be a traditional city tour, but we think it’s a pretty cool way to introduce undergrads to the ‘spirit’ of New Orleans!

Kanye vs. Ye: Genius By Design (Concordia University)

This new course set to run this coming fall at Concordia University went viral on Twitter just over a month ago. The result? The class filled up all 200 spaces in just under 24 hours! Canadian undergrads are eager to study with Prof. Yassin Alsalam, a rapper and fine arts researcher, who is infamous for his passion for media studies. There are already debates stirring online about the class and its controversial celebrity. However, Prof. Alsalam insists he is more interested in studying Kanye as a reflection of hip hop culture, race, and creative industries. We’re guessing we won’t be seeing Kim Kardashian on the syllabus.

Dinosaur Science (University of Chicago)

At the University of Chicago, undergrads have been digging into the past–literally–all thanks to Prof. Paul Sereno. Not only is Sereno a world -renowned expert on dinosaurs, but he’s one popular teacher in Chicago. Students have flocked to his “Dinosaur Science” class for years to learn the basics of geology, biology, and, of course, dinosaur history. But this isn’t your typical science lecture or lab. Participants haven taken part in an expedition in Wyoming. No Jurassic Park rides here, but there’s a real life dig—and the possibility of discovering new fossils.

Circus Activities (Florida State University)

At Florida State University, you can run away and join the circus. Well, maybe not the real circus, but in this one-credit PE course, students master their juggling and trapeze techniques. For undergrads who want to clown around, this is a fun alternative to the more traditional weight lifting and aerobics class options.

Semester-A-Trail (Emory and Henry College)

If you’re looking for more intensive workout than circus acts, head to Emory and Henry College. Their unique Semester-A-Trail program offers students the chance to hike the Appalachian trail. But you don’t have to be an expert outdoor adventurer to sign up. Participants take part in plenty of workshops and training to prepare for their semester, from blister care to navigation to food and nutrition. Along the actual trail, there are independent study projects and once-in-a-lifetime life lessons. Students are sure to return fitter and more confident than ever!

Is Dartmouth a Religion? (Dartmouth University)

That’s the question posed to freshmen in the first- year seminar course “Is Dartmouth a Religion?” The concept is borrowed from Stanford University, who first challenged students in a similar class to think about the definition of religion and sacred spaces. While this class might not be as lighthearted as bad dancing or barbecue, it definitely stretches undergrads to think about the sanctity of college and campus culture.

It’s Never Aliens: Understanding Astronomy in the News (Oberlin College)

Whether it’s an unidentified flying object or life on Mars, the media can make big headlines out of astronomical events. But what’s the real science and truth behind the hype? That’s exactly what first year students at Oberlin College will explore in this upcoming seminar. With its mix of media studies, science, and critical research and writing, we think this is an out-of-this world idea to help freshmen develop the skills they need for college.

History of Modern Board Games (Indiana University, Bloomington)

It’s all fun and games at Indiana University. In History of Modern Board Games, students examine the history of board games; shifts and trends over the past forty years; and the mechanics of taking a game from concept to production. Of course this class wouldn’t be complete without a bit of game design, which is part of the final project. We’re guessing that by the end of this class, students will have a monopoly on the tricks of the game board trade.

What’s the coolest college course you’ve taken? Let us know in the comment section below.

Weekly Update: April 22

Happy Earth Day! Don’t forget to check out last year’s blog about some of the greenest colleges in the country if you are hoping to be eco-focused all year round.

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

50 NEW COMMON APPⓇ COLLEGES THIS CYCLE

We were THRILLED with the announcement that UT Austin will accept the Common AppⓇ this cycle. The change makes applying to UT Austing MUCH easier for so many of our students! Texas A&M is another school added to the list - for the full list of new additions for the 2022-2023 application season, click here.

COMMON APP STUDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

In other Common AppⓇ news, the organization is assembling a 15-20 student group to provide feedback on the admissions process. This paid position allows students to meet with Common AppⓇ staff each month to share their views. The opportunity is open to high school juniors and seniors, as well as first and second year college students.

Applications are only open until April 26, so if you are interested in applying, check it out!

VA-10 VIRTUAL ACADEMY DAY

Planning to apply to one or more military academies in the fall? If you are seeking a nomination from Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (or even if you are considering beginning the process), you don’t want to miss Academy Day on Saturday, April 30. This is a great opportunity to get more information about the specialized admissions and nomination process for military academies. 

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

If there is an FCPS teacher who has made a big difference to you or your student, let them know! Submit either a video or written story using this form and it will be shared during the first week of May, Teacher Appreciation Week, to thank teachers for all that they do.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

At a certain level of selectivity, particularly when you get into those single-digit admit rates, college admission becomes less about the student’s record and experiences and more about factors outside of their control. We tell families this every year, but there are always going to be some disappointed Ivy-League hopefuls who want to know WHY they didn’t get admitted. What could they have done differently? As hard as it is to hear, sometimes the answer is: nothing. As this Wall Street Journal article so powerfully illustrates, “‘extraordinary’ isn’t always enough” to gain admissions to these super selective (and highly rejective) schools. 

This article provides an interesting take on legacy preference in college admissions, arguing that not only do specific schools or lawmakers need to eliminate the practice, but social norms around legacy admissions need to change as well. There is some interesting information here about the history of legacy admissions, and worth a read for anyone interested in how legacy admissions has evolved and will continue to do so in the near future. 

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We are busy this week and next helping Class of 2022 students make their final decisions! Current clients, if you need help with this before the deadline of May 1, make sure to let us know soon so we can squeeze you in. And if you are not a client, we still have some of our favorite strategies on the blog for students and parents when it comes to making that final college choice. 

Good luck and enjoy the weekend!

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Weak Spots, Water, and Walks: Quick Tips for AP and IB Exam Prep

Across the country, thousands of teenagers are busy studying for AP exams, which begin on Monday, May 2, and IB exams, which begin on Friday, April 29. While we hope that AP and IB students have been diligently preparing for months already, we understand that the days leading up to exams can be stressful and chaotic. So today we’re sharing tips to help these students maximize study time over the next two weeks and walk into their exams feeling confident!

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TAKE INVENTORY

One of the most important things you can do in the weeks leading up to your AP or IB exam is assess your strengths, weaknesses, and gaps. If you haven’t completed a practice test recently, now is the time to take one. Not only will it be a great dress rehearsal for the actual exam, it will also give you the opportunity to reflect. Do you need to refresh your memory on old material you learned back in October? Are there skills or content that you didn’t quite cover in class? Which areas are slowing you down or confusing you? These are just a few of the questions to ask yourself as you look over the practice test. Also, look back at old assignments and instructor feedback to identify areas you'll want to focus upon. 

Of course, it’s not enough to simply take inventory mentally.  Make an actual checklist, so you have a quick reference sheet to help guide and organize your study sessions.

SCHEDULE YOURSELF

Whether you’re preparing for one exam or five, it’s crucial to make a schedule and manage your time wisely. Yes, we know teachers and parents have been dishing out advice on time management and study skills for years, but we have a quick (and painless) hack to make the next few weeks efficient. 

Are you ready for our secret? Use your phone calendar! Schedule in study sessions as you would any other appointment or event. If you think about it, you wouldn’t just skip a doctor appointment or your regularly scheduled sports practices. Apply that same mentality to your studying. You’ll be much more likely to prioritize your study sessions if you’ve factored them into your day. Bonus: your phone will send you plenty of reminders and alerts, too! 

Ideally, schedule yourself for thirty minute or one hour study blocks. However, even dedicating a fifteen minute window of time during your day to reviewing notes or looking over flashcards can make a difference. 

Are you convinced that you don’t have any extra time in your schedule to study? Well, think again. A few small changes to your usual routine can usually free up some extra minutes. For example, if you’re a morning person, consider waking up 30 minutes earlier and gaining some before-school study time. (Note: this is only a good idea if you’re actually getting a healthy full night of sleep to begin with). You can also maximize your time during study halls or a long lunch period to review. If you’ve got a long car ride home, study–as long as you’re the passenger, not the driver. 

We also encourage you to create a dedicated work space for yourself, whether that’s taking over your favorite corner of the library, finding a local coffee shop where you can study, or even carving out a quiet spot at home.

GATHER PREP MATERIALS

By this point in the year, you probably have a large collection of AP or IB prep materials. Gather those that will be most useful for review based on the inventory checklist you made earlier.  Start by looking through your own notes and files. Some students find it helpful to physically print out documents or convert notes into digital flashcards. We love Quizlet, especially because you can download the app on your phone and access all of your study materials with a quick tap of your screen. 

Also, don’t forget to log into your AP Classroom if you’re preparing for an AP exam. There are plenty of review materials under the “Exam” and “Exam Preparation” tabs. You’ll find everything from scoring guidelines to practice sets to daily video tips. If you’re not familiar with the AP Classroom and the digital resources offered by College Board, talk to your teacher. 

There are fewer options for IB students, but we really like the guides and past papers posted by PrepScholar.

For students who crave an actual prep book, order one on Amazon or visit your school or local library.

BE SOCIAL

In the weeks leading up to the exams, you might start to feel isolated with all of your solo prep sessions. But you don’t have to do it alone! Organizing a study group is a fantastic way to offer classmates support and get some extra help in areas where you have gaps. Plus, studying is always much more fun when you’re with your friends. Just be sure to stay on task! Make an agenda for your study sessions, so you have clear goals for what you want to cover and accomplish. 

We also recommend reaching out to your teacher if you need extra help, whether it’s stopping by during their office hours or requesting a study session.

STAY HEALTHY

Most importantly, don’t let AP exam stress get in the way of prioritizing your health. Especially when it comes to sleep, don’t trade in a night of zzz’s for more study time. Studies show that if you’re sleep deprived, these late nights won’t help you. Also, drink plenty of water (as opposed to coffee or energy drinks) and eat real food that will actually nourish you.

In between your study sessions, take a break from the screen, stretch, and take walks. Exercise is important for memory and retention. And of course, reward your hard work with things that make you happy, whether it’s listening to music or calling a friend.

GOOD LUCK ON AP AND IB EXAMS!

Weekly Update: April 15

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

DAVIDSON MAKES TEST-OPTIONAL PERMANENT

The pandemic initially forced Davidson College to begin test-optional admissions, but the school announced this week that it will be making the change permanent. At small private schools like Davidson, which can typically spend more time reviewing individual applications with less need for numbers-based selection, we expect to see more admissions offices follow suit. 

WILLIAMS LAUNCHES ALL-GRANT FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM

In other small liberal arts college news this week, Williams College launched the first all-grant financial aid program in the U.S., totally eliminating students loans from all financial aid packages. More than half of current Williams undergraduates (over 1,000 students) will benefit from this change. 

A CRITIQUE OF SCHOOL RANKINGS

On Wednesday, the former president of Reed College released Breaking Ranks, a new book that argues against the college rankings industry. The book focuses in particular on the U.S. News rankings, since they are some of the best-known and most respected by many parents and students, and suggests ways for colleges to combat these rankings. We’re excited to give it a read!

RUTGERS BUSINESS SCHOOL ALLEGEDLY FAKED JOBS FOR GRADUATES

In the latest example of what happens when the race for rankings gets out of hand, a former employee at Rutgers’ Business School has sued the school for faking employment for its graduates, in an attempt to increase the school’s place on the rankings list. 

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Students’ mental health has been in the spotlight in the wake of COVID-19 school closures. This week, an expert federal task force (including a GMU professor) recommended that all children over the age of 8 be automatically screened for anxiety. The task force asserted that anxiety disorders can often slip through the cracks, as children are less likely to have behavioral issues that serve as red flags to parents and teachers. It is still recommended that children over the age of 12 are automatically screened for depression and suicidal ideation. As mental health screenings become more routine, hopefully children will be treated and diagnosed earlier, before cases become more severe. 

This CNN interview with Paul Tough, author of the book The Inequality Machine: How College Divides Us, serves as pushback on MIT’s recent decision to reinstate the SAT/ACT testing requirement in order to bring in a more diverse class. Tough disagrees, and explains in this interview how test scores actually increase inequality in the admissions process, without adding any real benefits to determining how successful students will be in college. A great read for those hoping to dig in more to the anti-testing argument!

Wondering how students themselves feel about the testing decisions? Check out this WSJ article, which asks college students to answer the question, “Should colleges require standardized tests?”    

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We are hiring for the summer here in our office! Stay tuned for some announcements about our new team members :) And we are still searching for a skilled essay coach to join our team - we love referrals, so if you know someone who is passionate about helping students with their writing, let us know! 

Speaking of the summer - if you’re interested in trying out our college counseling or academic coaching services, we have an opportunity to share that is for a worthy cause: check out our donated services in the Women’s Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund’s silent auction!

I know that a ton of planning has gone into this, and it looks like it’s going to be a really fun event - so fun, in fact, that it sold out before I bought my tickets!!! Oops!!

In all seriousness, if anyone local has two extra tickets or can’t attend at the last minute - please email me - I really want to go and would be thrilled to buy a pair of tickets from you!! 🤞

Lastly, a reminder that we are closed today for Good Friday. Have a great weekend, and happy Easter to those celebrating!!

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Navigating College Decision News Series Part 3: What To Do When You've Been Rejected

“We regret to inform you…” And with those five short words, you realize that a college or university has just denied you.

Yet while this news is never easy to hear, it doesn’t have to send you into a spiral of disappointment. 

In the last installment of our Navigating College Decision News series, we’re sharing tips to help families transform a rejection notification into a hopeful future.

FEEL YOUR FEELINGS–FOR A LITTLE WHILE

It is perfectly normal to be sad, shocked, maybe even bitter when you receive a rejection letter. That’s okay! Take some time to acknowledge your disappointment and work through whatever you’re feeling, especially if the decision came from your dream school.

It’s also important to remember NOT to make any big decisions immediately after receiving your notification. Instead, take a few days to talk with your family, college counselor, and/or close friends who can help you process the news.

However, as much as it’s okay to mourn your rejection notification, don’t wallow in it for too long. You don’t want one disappointment to define the rest of your college admissions process, and you presumably have other great options to choose from.

ADOPT A NEW ATTITUDE

We know that it can be easy to get down on yourself after being denied. However, a rejection does NOT define your worth, nor is it an indicator that something is wrong with you. Try your best not to take the news too personally. Of course we know this is easier said than done, so let’s look at the numbers.

As we reported last week, college applications are a record high this admissions cycle. That means acceptances are at a record low, especially at highly selective schools. If you were a qualified candidate, your decision was likely just a result of the numbers game. These schools simply cannot accept everyone they’d like to accept, and many of the final decisions that differentiate candidates from one another are related to factors over which you have absolutely no control, like demographics.

Even though you are understandably disappointed, there’s good news. Just look in your acceptance pile! Instead of defining yourself by your rejection, concentrate on your acceptances as well as your achievements. After all, a rejection letter doesn’t take away from the hard work, growth, and progress you’ve experienced throughout high school. 

Finally, we know that getting rejected might make you feel powerless, but there are actually a lot of choices you can make to regain control. And one of the biggest decisions is your attitude. You’re still going to go to college, and you’re still going to earn a degree. You’re also going to have a great four years–if you decide to start them off with a positive attitude. 

RECONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS

Maybe you didn’t give a lot of thought to the schools that accepted you because you were really hoping to attend this one. Or perhaps you were waiting until you received all of your admissions news before you made a decision. Whatever, the case, we encourage you to consider (and reconsider) your options with your new attitude and a fresh perspective. 

Why did I apply here in the first place? That’s the question to ask yourself as you think about the schools to which you’ve been accepted. They clearly had qualities you were looking for months ago, and reflecting on these specific characteristics can be helpful. In fact, if you previously identified non-negotiables in your college search or made a ‘wish list,’ now would be a good time to review the factors that are most important to you. 

As tempting as it may be to compare every school to the one from which you’ve been denied, don’t! That will create a situation where you’re constantly searching for what a school doesn’t have rather than what it can offer you. Instead, stick to the positives, and view each school through your new lens. We also recommend talking to current students, visiting campus, and attending admitted student days to help you get more of an insider’s look. These extra steps can lead you to discover things you may have not recognized before. 

P.S. There is another option we haven’t mentioned yet, and that involves appealing your rejection. Now before you get your hopes up, we have to give you a reality check:

1. Not every school allows appeals.

2. The chance of a successful appeal is slim.

You can’t appeal the decision just because you’re upset. You have to have a legitimate reason–and it better be good! In most cases, a legitimate reason would include reporting errors related to a student’s standardized test scores or academic record, or clerical omissions in the application file.

Before you seriously consider an appeal, speak with the admissions office and enlist the support of a college counselor. Again, we don’t typically recommend this route unless there is a major error outside the applicant’s control. 

SUBMIT YOUR DEPOSIT–AND GET EXCITED!

Once you decide what school you’d like to attend, don’t look back! Formally accept your offer by submitting your deposit and begin to get excited about your future. To help embrace your decision and build some enthusiasm, you may want to connect with future classmates and/or attend an admitted students day.

Also, invest in some swag. No need to go to the bookstore when there are so many other cool retailers to check out! A few of our favorites include Hillflint, 47Brand, Hype and Vice, and Kickoff Couture. And if you go to a school (like mine!) that doesn’t have as many options, you can even customize your own with Gameday Bae! Wearing a college hoodie is a rite of passage for many students and can make the next four years feel like a reality.

THERE’S ALWAYS NEXT YEAR

While we don’t want you to start college with the mindset that you’ll transfer next year, it is an option. Just keep in mind that there are no guarantees when it comes to applying as a transfer. While some schools like UVA are historically known for having a higher transfer acceptance rate, many others are even more selective during the transfer process than they are for first-year applicants.

That being said, if you feel that transferring is in your best interest, consider applying to schools beyond the one that denied you the previous year. And don’t forget to check out our “Should I Apply to Transfer?” checklist!

Weekly Update: April 8

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

MY DREAM CAME TRUE!!!!!!

UT Austin will be on the 2022-2023 Common App!!!! Yay!!!!!

If you have ever dealt with the nightmare that is ApplyTexas, you will understand why I am celebrating!!!🎊🤠👏🌮

UCLA JOB POSTING FOR $0 SALARY

Yes, you read that right - UCLA posted an adjunct position for a Ph.D.-holding biochemist and offered no compensation. While UCLA removed the posting after backlash, the unfortunate fact is that arrangements like these are not uncommon in academia, which often expects Ph.D. students and adjunct professors to work for little or no pay. And right now, 70% of college faculty are untenured, part-time, or adjunct faculty with little job security. This is a concern not only for those working in academia, but for undergraduate students taught by overworked and underpaid professors who usually cannot give them the mentorship and relationships that they need.

THE TEEN DC COUNCIL CANDIDATE

Henry Cohen, an 18-year-old student at Jackson-Reed high school, is running for representative on D.C’s council. Cohen argues that young people do not have enough representation in local government, and is actively campaigning in Ward 3. Kind of cool to see young people getting involved in local politics at this level!

VARSITY BLUES CONTINUES WITH MARK RIDDELL SENTENCING

Mark Riddell, the “proctor” in the Varsity Blues scandal who was accused of taking SAT and ACT exams in the place of students, will be sentenced in federal court today in Boston. He is expected to serve a lighter sentence, as he has been cooperating with authorities since pleading guilty in 2019. 

MASK MANDATES ARE BACK

Following the latest spike in coronavirus cases, Georgetown and Johns Hopkins both reinstated their indoor mask mandates this week. Students returning to Georgetown after Easter break later this month will also be required to test negative before returning to campus. Having struggled with this ourselves as we’ve contemplated returning to in-person work with students this summer, we hope that the mask mandates are no longer necessary very soon!

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

MIT made the argument last week, when it reinstated standardized testing, that the tests actually made the process more equitable, rather than less, for students that have not had as many academic resources. In an Atlantic article this week, the author explores this argument, concluding that MIT is correct to say that rather than causing inequity in the admissions process, the SAT merely reveals educational disparities that are already there. 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again - a top tier university is not the right fit for every kid! While we love helping our academic high-flyers pursue their Ivy League dreams, we also know that the ultra-competitive process isn’t for everyone. This article explores how parents can help their students revise their expectations and focus on the college that is right for them - not just the one with the biggest reputation. This is so important for kids to hear, especially now after receiving their decisions!

Finally, we are starting to see how the students who spent much of their high school careers learning remotely have been performing in college. The answer is - not great. Especially in classes like math and science, where material is directly built off of what students have learned in high school, college students are struggling. In addition to the challenges of online learning, pass-fail grades at many schools meant that students were able to “pass” challenging courses without actually mastering the material. We expect that we will continue to see these types of issues as students make the transition from high school to college over the next few years. 

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

Know a teen of “outstanding character” in McLean? Nominate them for the McLean Citizens Associations’ Teen Character Awards. This award is meant to recognize teenagers who have made an impact on their community, whether by leading a service project or caring for a younger sibling or elderly relative at home. A nomination application is available here - Application - Outstanding Character Award for Teenagers. Make sure to get those nominations in by the Friday, April 22 deadline!

Have a great weekend and enjoy the sun!

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Navigating College Decision News Series Part 2: What To Do When You've Been Waitlisted

Welcome to part two of our Navigating College Decision News series. Last week we shared our tips for managing acceptance notifications. Now it’s time to talk about limbo - otherwise known as the waitlist!

So what exactly is a waitlist? As we mentioned in our previous post, a waitlist is much like being put on hold. For a variety of reasons, a school may not be able to admit a qualified student right now. Instead, they’ll invite the applicant to join the waitlist, and IF space becomes available, the student could be admitted in the coming weeks or months. The waitlist is really a numbers game, as well as a test of patience. Schools work hard to estimate their yields- the percentage of accepted students who actually choose to enroll. If they come up short in their estimations, they turn to the waitlist to fill demographic gaps in the accepted student population. For example, admissions staff might be directed to pull files for every classics major from the midwest who doesn’t need financial aid.

We know it can be really confusing, even downright frustrating, to find out that you’ve been waitlisted.  After all, you don’t know whether you’ll be admitted or not, and suddenly your future may not be as definitive by the May 1 deadline you had been anticipating all year.

But don’t worry! There are plenty of steps you can take to help feel more empowered and navigate the decisions you’ll have to make.

PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK

First of all, don’t get down on yourself because you didn’t get the news you may have been hoping for. The number of college applications per student have been soaring (up over 18% in just two years, according to Common Application data ) and admissions is more competitive than ever. Remember that if you’ve been waitlisted, the school thinks you’re a viable candidate who’s qualified to attend that school. They would like to take you! And regardless of the outcome, you should feel proud of that! So pat yourself on the back and approach the next steps with a positive, confident attitude.

ACCEPT AN ACCEPTANCE

Sometimes students get so distracted by a waitlist that they forget they have a stack of acceptance offers “waiting in the wings.” The reality is that there are no guarantees when it comes to a waitlist, and you don’t want to gamble on a maybe. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a school to which you have been admitted and submit a deposit by May 1. If you’re having trouble deciding between schools, take a look at our advice for weighing your acceptance options. 

What happens, though, if you’re eventually admitted into your waitlisted school? Notify the first school ASAP that you’re withdrawing your intent to enroll. You will lose your $500-$1000 deposit, but for many families. this is a small price to pay to gain admission to the school of your choice. And if the financial implications of losing the deposit are significant, given your financial situation, we encourage you to reach out to both schools to see if someone will work with you on the financial end.

RSVP TO THE WAITLIST

Now that you’ve secured a spot at a college or university, you have another decision to make. How will you RSVP to the waitlist? Just like any invitation, you’ll need to accept or decline. To help you make an informed decision, we encourage families to do their homework. Determine if/how the school ranks or prioritizes the waitlist and learn where you stand on the list. Sometimes your notification letter can provide this information, or you might have to reach out to the admissions office.  To help you get a sense of the bigger picture, use resources like College Search, which provide helpful data about waitlist outcomes from the previous admissions cycle. While we have seen dramatic year-to-year shifts in our post-Covid world, you can at least begin to gain a frame of reference.

Another great way to predict what your chances might be is to stay up-to-date on whether the school has already begun to take students from the waitlist - or even whether other schools have! When you see waitlist movement at highly selective schools before May 1, that’s a general sign that there’s a LOT more movement to come - for a wide range of schools. Highly selective waitlist admission results in a trickle-down effect: School A will take a student from their waitlist, and the student who takes it will free up a spot at School B to come to School A. Now School B takes a student from School C, and so forth.

And the good (great) news? We have already seen waitlist movement this year! UCLA, University of Michigan, and University of Chicago have begun to take students from the waitlist over the last several days. It’s extremely rare for schools to start accepting students this early, so this is a very promising sign for waitlist movement to come.

While statistics and updates can be extremely useful, there are other questions families should be asking and researching.

• Is it worth it? Do you like the school enough to live in limbo for weeks, even months? Or is it more important to you to wrap up your decision now? Sometimes it can be helpful to set an “waitlist end date” in advance so that you know a sense of closure is on the horizon, one way or the other.

• How might a late acceptance impact your housing options and course selections for fall? You can always reach out to the school’s admission office if you can’t find the information on their website.

• What’s the financial impact? In addition to the risk of losing deposit money, you may also miss out on financial aid packages or merit scholarships. Calculate these factors carefully! 

SHOW YOUR INTEREST

Don’t assume that just because you’re on the waitlist, you have to literally sit back and wait. If you really want to attend the school, let them know by writing a letter of continued interest (LOCI). I cannot emphasize enough how important this is! When they pull the files of all of those midwestern classics majors, the spots are going to go to the students who reached out and established a line of communication. Remember, colleges are still focused on yield. They do not want to offer a waitlisted spot to a student if there is any question about whether the student will accept it.

A LOCI is the ideal space to explain why the school remains your top choice, and you must state explicitly that you are committed to attending if accepted. Of course you shouldn’t profess your love and commitment unless you really mean it, though! 

As part of your letter, you’ll also want to share any recent updates, such as achievements, awards, even summer plans (if they include something academic or professional). 

And one last thing - before you hit the send button, make sure to re-read all communication to double-check that your school of choice has not already issued guidance on LOCIs. Some schools do not want them, and you do not want to send one to a school that has already told you not to do so!

MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

To avoid falling into the waitlist waiting trap of false hope and disappointment, you’ll want to be realistic. Assume that you’ll be attending the school to which you submitted a deposit, and get invested in the exciting next steps. That way if you do happen to be admitted off of a waitlist later, it will be a pleasant surprise rather than a life-altering tragedy. We know this is easier said than done, but a positive mindset can make all the difference in how you manage your expectations!

KEEP UP WITH YOUR COLLEGE COMMUNICATIONS

If you’re in waitlist limbo, be sure to check your email and/or application portals frequently. It’s also a good idea to maintain communication with the admissions office, especially to share a letter of continued interest or to follow up with questions. 

There’s just one catch! Don’t be ‘that’ student who becomes a pest to the admissions office. You’re not going to increase your chances if you’re constantly asking for updates or inundating the admissions office email inbox on a daily basis. No more than one point of contact every 7-10 business days, please!

DO YOU NEED HELP NAVIGATING YOUR WAITLIST NOTIFICATIONS?

That’s what we’re here for! Book an appointment with DC College Counseling today.

STAY TUNED!

Next week we’ll close out our series with part 3: what to do when you’ve been rejected!

Weekly Update: April 1

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

BRUTAL REGULAR DECISION NUMBERS

A number of highly selective (or as many of our colleagues are calling them, “highly rejective”) schools released the last of the regular decision admission decisions last night. It was absolutely insane. Check out the latest results from College Kickstart, but don’t forget to keep in mind that these statistics are somewhat misleading as they represent the combination of results from multiple admission plans. In other words, many of these schools are admitting 50%+ of their classes through binding early decision plans with a higher acceptance rate.

Let’s look at Vanderbilt - they had approximately 2,700 ED I applicants; 2,400 ED II applicants; and 41,600 RD applicants for a total of 46,717. As College Kickstart reports, 2,864 students were admitted to the freshman class for an overall acceptance rate of 6%. Totally insane, right? But it gets worse. Of the 2,700 ED I applicants, 24.1% of students were accepted. Of the 2,400 ED II applicants, 10.3% of students were accepted. And for the approximately 41,600 RD applicants? Approximately 1,964 acceptance letters went out. This means that despite the published acceptance rate of 6%, the RD acceptance rate was actually 4.7%. For Vanderbilt - an amazing school, of course, but it’s not Harvard or Yale.

Perhaps even more depressing, Northeastern had an overall acceptance rate of 7% (Northeastern!!!!), Tulane 10%, Boston University 14%, NYU 12%… what is wrong with the world?!

MIT REINSTATES TESTING REQUIREMENT

MIT is the latest school to announce that it will be reinstating its testing requirement for the next admissions cycle. Yet rather than the decision itself, it is the reasoning behind the decision that has been making a lot of waves in the educational consulting community this week. MIT argues that reinstating a testing requirement will allow the admissions process to be more equitable, by giving students who may not have access to advanced coursework or extracurricular programs to demonstrate their readiness for MIT. This is a controversial decision because conventional wisdom has long held that standardized tests perpetuate inequality in the admissions process, as students with access to paid test prep opportunities and advanced curricula typically score better on these exams.

I tend to agree with MIT on this one - after all, you can’t fake a test score (well, as long as you aren’t Rick Singer’s client!!). Even with pricey tutoring, the student has to actually earn the score. On the other hand, when a school is test-optional, the “softer” sides of the admissions process (essays, interview prep, extracurricular depth, recommendation letters, ED strategy) become much more important. Because those are a whole lot easier to manipulate with expert guidance than a test score, students with means can end up with a big advantage in test-optional situations. We will have to see if other schools follow MIT’s lead in bringing back testing requirements for the next admissions cycle. 

ANOTHER NEW SET OF RANKINGS

We’ve written before on the blog about the rankings from Academic Influence, and the latest metric that the organization is using to rank colleges is something called Academic Stewardship. Basically, this number calculates how an institution uses its resources - a ratio of how much impact it has to available resources. The result is an interesting list of schools that often do not appear on any well-known rankings: the #1 school for Academic Stewardship is Fisk College, a private HBCU in Nashville. 

NBA PROSPECTS BYPASS COLLEGE DESPITE NIL DEALS

A growing number of high school basketball players are choosing to bypass college and the NCAA altogether in pursuit of an NBA career, despite the fact that NCAA athletes can now earn money through the NCAA’s newly approved “name, image, and likeness” deals. These allow players to profit from advertisements, video games, and more, even as they remain amateur players. For many students, these incentives are just too new and untested to justify entering college when they could make salaries as full-time players straight from high school. We will have to see how lucrative these NIL deals become to know whether they will attract top-level players to the NCAA - although we also believe that a college education should be worth something in the calculus, too!

TEENS FACED EMOTIONAL ABUSE DURING PANDEMIC

In a sobering study this week, the CDC announced that the majority of teenagers endured emotional abuse while at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional stressors from home and family life were just one of the potential traumatic triggers for teenagers in the last two years, and potentially a symptom of overstressed caregivers, including parents.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

As we talk with students about their summer plans, the idea of doing independent research comes up more and more. This can be a really great way for students to pursue their passions (especially those with a unique interest), gain hands-on experience, and create a final product that looks great on college applications. For more about why it is important to pursue research as a high school student, as well as some ways to get started, we recommend diving into this short article and then checking out our Summer Opportunities Database!

We maintain that the number one way to get a true sense of a school is to take an in-person tour. But the truth is, sometimes even that is not enough! During the pandemic, in-person tours were not an option for many students. Other tours were available, but students couldn’t see inside academic buildings or dorms. Or maybe the tour is great, but you visit campus during a break and don’t get to see any students walking around - it can feel like a ghost town! This article explores some ways to improve campus tours, both in-person and virtual, to make the selection process easier for all students, even those who are not able to visit. 

By all accounts, this has been a tough admissions year for many students and families. This article dives into some of the reasons for the change. It is worth a read, though we don’t agree with the tongue-in-cheek tone - this has been a legitimate challenge for many families! If your student did not receive the decision they were hoping for, this article from the L.A. Times provides some strategies parents and family members can use to help students weather their feelings of rejection.  

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We want to share a couple of contest opportunities with you! The Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide art contest sponsored by the House of Representatives, is currently accepting applications. If you are a high schooler in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, you can read more and apply here. 

And for our Class of 2022 students, if your college essay had anything at all to do with money - work, social class, privilege, etc. - consider submitting to the New York Times annual essay contest. The essays will be published in late June, and writers will be paid for their work. We love any opportunity for students to share their amazing essays! 

Enjoy the weekend, and try not to stress too much if you received a decision you weren’t happy with. I know, easier said than done - at this time of year I always think about how absolutely crushed I was when I was rejected from my dream school (you can read the whole saga here). Yet as an adult, I am so incredibly grateful for the path my life took instead. This too shall pass!

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