Our Favorite Online Enrichment Classes For Teens

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is Data Science? (IBM)

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

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

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

Speaking and Presenting: Conversation Starters (University of Michigan)

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

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

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

Introduction to Philosophy (University of Edinburgh)

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

Math Behind Moneyball (University of Houston)

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

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

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

Introduction to Public Speaking (University of Washington)

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

Introduction to Cybersecurity Foundations (INFOSEC)

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

Science of Exercise (University of Colorado, Boulder)

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

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

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

Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee)

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

Essentials of Global Health (Yale University)

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

Digital Footprint (The University of Edinburgh)

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

Weekly Update: February 21

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

VIRGINIA TECH RELEASES EARLY ACTION DECISIONS

The last of the major Virginia early action releases occurred with Virginia Tech on Friday evening. VT reported more than 47,000 applications for 7,085 seats in the freshman class, and so many qualified students were unfortunately waitlisted. We definitely encourage all students to read VT's Waitlist FAQ . Note that VT's released numbers represent totals, not just their EA pool. 

Note If you are interested in learning more about other VA schools and their early action data, keep reading! There’s more on this topic and my thoughts later in this post.

STUDENTS PROTEST AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY 

There’s a call for big changes at Georgetown University. In response to incidents over the past several months, students formed the group Georgetown University Protects Racists (GURP) and have been protesting the ways in which the university handles hate crimes and bias incidents. Georgetown officials are now working with student leaders to address these issues, and an external review of the university’s systems is being conducted. 

TRAGIC SHOOTING AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY LEAVES THREE STUDENTS DEAD

Last week a gunman opened fire at Michigan State University, killing three students and injuring five others. The attacker- Anthony Dwayne McRae- fled the scene and was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He reportedly did not have any ties to MSU, and his motive is unknown at this time. As of Sunday night, university police reported that three of the injured students remain in critical condition. Meanwhile, the MSU community resumed classes on Monday. Faculty and administrators are working to support students through the rest of the semester with lighter course loads and credit/no credit options for academic classes.

WELLESLEY COLLEGE APOLOGIZES FOR MISHANDLING SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

Last week, Wellesley College president Paula Johnson issued an apology for the school’s mishandling of a sexual abuse case. The written statement was released the same day The Boston Globe published an expose on Wellesley’s former running coach, John Babington. Babington was accused of sexual abuse by a student in the late 1990s but continued working at Wellesley until 2013. In her letter, President Johnson thanked the alumna for sharing her story with The Boston Globe and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to preventing sexual harassment. She insisted,  “There is no question that Wellesley would handle such conduct very differently today.”

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW MAJOR

There will be a new major to choose from at Clemson University in the fall of 2023! Clemson announced its plans to offer an undergraduate automotive engineering program next year- the first of its kind in the United States. The university is already regarded as a leader in this field of study, having launched a graduate program in automotive engineering in 2006. Now undergraduates will have the opportunity to prepare for dynamic careers in automotive manufacturing thanks to Clemson’s interdisciplinary and experiential curriculum, as well as its “unique geographic advantage.”

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Does college need to be four years? That’s the question Professor Steven Mintz (University of Texas at Austin) recently tackled in his opinion piece for Inside Higher Ed. With the rising cost of college tuition, many students are dodging the traditional four-year model. Rather than paying for required electives and stressing out over overloaded semester course schedules, students are turning to online course alternatives and dual enrollment programs. The result is cheaper, more efficient credit earnings, but at what cost? Many wonder if these pathways diminish the value of a college education. The question is one that continues to incite big debates, and Mintz is happy to share where he stands. Ultimately, Mintz believes that students are bogged down in courses that don’t mean anything to them and are subject to far too many lectures and discussion-based classes. He hopes that in the future schools will turn to more meaningful, project-based learning opportunities for undergraduates, as well as increased options for “career-aligned degree pathways.” 

Race, politics, religion–these topics may be controversial, even off-limits in some places, but not at the University of Austin (and no, that’s not a typo - University of Austin, not UT Austin!). The university’s Forbidden Courses summer program creates a space for civil engagement on topics that are often “forbidden” as topics of discussion. Students have the chance to “inquire openly into vexing questions with honesty and without fear of shame.” In other words, students are free! Whether they want to ask questions, offer a dissenting opinion, or challenge a belief, they can do that. If you’d like to hear students share their experiences in the forbidden courses or see the lineup of Summer 2023 offerings, click here.

Watching the Howard University swim team is a marvel for many, and it’s not because they’ve got the school dance team cheering them on at the sidelines. In a sport where only 2% of college athletes are Black, Howard University swim coach, Nic Askew, has made historic strides. Since taking over the program eight years ago, he’s revamped a once hopeless team. Over sixty school swim records have been broken, and last year, Howard earned a second-place finish at the Northeast Conference championship. Although Howard’s team is admittedly not a national powerhouse, they are “on the front line of change” in a sport that has historically denied access to the Black community.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

As I mentioned earlier in the post, we’ve been spending a lot of time tracking early decision and early action data for this year’s admission cycle as well as doing our best to make meaning of what we see.

If you were surprised to find yourself on the VT waitlist, you’re in good company with a lot of others! Let’s take a step back in time to understand more about what’s been happening over in Blacksburg. During the 2016-2017 admissions cycle, VT accepted way too many students and over-enrolled their freshman class. As a result, they decided to be very conservative with acceptances in 2017-2018, but took it too far and ended up way below their enrollment goals. Ultimately they had to take about 2,000 students from the waitlist to fill the class. But then they went too far in the opposite direction again the following year! (Are you noticing a trend..?). Yes, in 2018-2019, they accepted far too many students again, and the situation attracted national attention because of the housing crisis in Blacksburg that resulted.

A few years ago at Virginia Tech!

Since that point, they have consistently under-enrolled - better than over-enrolling, I guess! During the following years, they took 3,961 (2019-2020), 3,286 (2020-2021) and 2,458 (2021-2022) students from the waitlist, respectively. These numbers represent HUGE percentages of the freshman class as a whole - taking 3,961 students off the waitlist for a freshman class of 7,000 is extremely significant.

This year, I’m wondering whether the possibility of a pending recession will impact the new pattern of under-enrollment leading to large waitlist acceptances. It could: historically, we see more students choosing public universities during periods of economic uncertainty. If more VT accepted students choose to enroll instead of pursuing private options, this could result in less spots for waitlisted students. There’s also the chance that VT accounted for this possibility when it came to building out this year’s model. Time will tell!

As for UVA, they released their EA decisions about a week before VT, and their numbers are up as well. As is typical for their office, UVA broke everything down to make the differences between EA and ED clear. It’s also really nice that they provide an in-state vs. out-of-state breakdown, but at the same time, keep in mind that data representing the entire state of Virginia may not represent the breakdown for Fairfax and Arlington counties. Anecdotally, I found UVA to be a little more predictable in their decision-making than they were over the last two years, which was a welcome surprise! VT was just completely unpredictable.

Last but not least, JMU's decisions came out about a month ago, and their increases were perhaps the most significant of all. Their 2022 EA numbers (for the HS Class of 2023 - it can get tricky because JMU releases in December while the other two release in the new year) were up 30% from the previous year and up 83% from two years ago. INSANE! Despite those enormous increases, I did find JMU to be pretty predictable for our applicants.

Bottom line? Even though we had pretty good luck with predictability this year, none of these schools are safeties anymore. Make sure to plan accordingly - if you want a Virginia public safety, you need to explore other options. We have so many great schools, so try to keep an open mind and check some of the others out.

How to Combat Senioritis

Flu season may be on its way out, but senioritis is about to kick in. This highly contagious illness affects thousands of twelfth-graders each year, infecting most during early spring. The majority of cases are mild, with occasional bouts of slacking and disinterest. However, if not treated properly, senioritis can lead to more severe side effects: long-haul parental nagging;  plummeting grades; even rescinded college admissions offers. 

Luckily, there are easy ways to prevent full-fledged senioritis. Read on to learn about early symptoms and how to treat them.

EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SENIORITIS

You’re exhausted

No one ever told you that the fall semester of senior year would be so tough! Looking back, you have no idea how you managed to juggle your classes and extracurriculars along with college visits and endless applications. Now you’re feeling exhausted and burned out, and you’re coming down off of the cortisol of a stressful semester. No matter how much rest you seem to get at this point, you’re generally tired and have low energy.

You’re procrastinating…a lot

Okay, so maybe you’ve always had a tendency to procrastinate, but this bad habit is suddenly getting worse. You’re not keeping track of assignments and thinking ahead like you used to. Every task feels tedious and annoying. Even though you know you need to get that essay done and study for that big test, you just can’t seem to check these tasks off of your to-do list. You’ll do it later…

You’re sliding by

Your college applications are submitted, and your GPA just doesn't seem as important as it did a few months ago. A few missed homework assignments won’t hurt, you rationalize. And who cares if you get a B on that one project? You start sliding by because you don’t think your grades will suffer that much. And besides, spring semester senior grades don’t count! 

You’re bored

You should be excited. After all, you’ve submitted your college applications; you’re starting to receive acceptance letters; and you’re just a few short months away from a major milestone-graduation! But you’re not as enthusiastic as you thought you’d be; you’re actually bored. You’ve accomplished a lot of your high school goals, and now you’re just waiting around for your new college life to begin. 

TREATING EMERGING SENIORITIS

Create spring semester goals

If you’re feeling unmotivated after submitting college applications and keep asking yourself “now what?” we’ve got the answer for you. Create a few school goals for the spring semester, either related to your academic classes or your extracurricular activities. Now that doesn’t mean you have to set your sights on a perfect 4.0 GPA or suddenly start a brand new service club. Instead, think of goals that are realistic, manageable, and most importantly a fun challenge for you over the next few months. If you’re loving your AP Psychology class, ask your teacher for a list of recommended books and make it your goal to finish one title by the end of spring break. Or if you’re in the Environmental Club, push yourself to lead a fundraiser or community event. Focus on the things that interest you most, so you’ll feel motivated to achieve the goals you set for yourself this spring. 

Make a bucket list

After three and a half years at the same school with the same people, you might have a “been there, done that” attitude. And this attitude can make you feel even more bored and apathetic in the last months of your senior year. So now’s the time to shake things up! Make a bucket list of things you’ve always wanted to do, whether it’s at school or in your local area, and ask your friends and family to help you accomplish the list. Consider checking out your high school’s spring musical or attending a track meet for the first time. Lend your design skills to the prom-planning committee or organize a night at a major league baseball game for you and your friends. We guarantee that checking things off your bucket list will make you feel much more excited about life. Plus it’s a great way to create memories with friends and family before you start your next chapter.

Rally your friends

Trust us, you are not the only senior suffering from senioritis. Chances are your friends are feeling some combination of boredom and demotivation, too. Help push each other to the high school finish line by creating a support system. That might mean organizing a spring semester study group or finding an accountability buddy who will text you homework reminders. Or maybe you can ask your best friend to keep you focused during study hall, and you do the same for them. Remember, you are not alone in fighting off senioritis!

Give yourself a reality check

Okay, this is where you need to stop making excuses that you’re burned out, that a few bad grades won’t matter, that you deserve to slack. The reality is that your spring semester senior year DOES matter. It’s your last chance to make an impression on your school and your community. Finish strong with effort, pride, and positivity. 

And on a more practical note, your spring semester grades matter, too. All colleges and universities will request end-of-year reports, and they want to see consistency! It’s okay if your B+ drops to a B, but if there are major changes in your academic performance, that can be a red flag for schools. In extreme cases, a college or university may rescind your acceptance.  It’s rare, but it does happen. So don’t become a cautionary tale!

Weekly Update: February 13

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

THE COLLEGE BOARD FIRES BACK AT AP COURSE ACCUSATIONS

Over the weekend, The College Board released a statement responding to recent accusations over its revised AP African American Studies course. Officials from The College Board insist that criticisms from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis- which they referred to as “slander”-  had no bearing on the changes they made to the curriculum. Further, they maintain that they didn’t receive any feedback or suggestions from any state as they were refining the course. Perhaps most notably, The College Board expressed regret, stating that the “failure to raise our voice betrayed Black scholars everywhere and those who have long toiled to build this remarkable field."

DELAYS TO THE NEWLY REDESIGNED FAFSA FORM 

On Tuesday, the Education Department announced possible delays in the newly redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Although the agency planned for an October 1 release date, officials now say they will launch the new FAFSA sometime in the fourth quarter of 2023. The delay could be problematic, many say, for both applicants and colleges. Institutions may be reluctant to estimate financial aid offers, which can prevent families from fully-informed admissions decisions.

STUDY FINDS SURPRISING ADVANTAGE FOR LAW SCHOOL STUDENTS SEEKING CLERKSHIPS

How can law school students secure an impressive Supreme Court clerkship? Earn an undergraduate degree from Princeton, Yale or Harvard! According to a new study, a diploma from one of these elite institutions gives applicants a “significant boost” in their clerkship applications. In fact, the study finds that the name of one’s college seems to carry more weight than one’s actual performance or proven track record of success in law school. Many are disturbed by these findings, believing that the study confirms the value of status over that of merit. 

VIRGINIA TECH INNOVATION CAMPUS IS UNDERWAY IN ALEXANDRIA, VA

An innovative vision is becoming a reality in Northern Virginia! Last week, construction crews raised the final beam on the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Alexandria, Virginia. When the campus opens in fall 2024, it will feature some impressive spaces: a cyber lab, two story drone-testing cage, and a large maker space–all decked out in state-of-the-art technology.  The campus is the “crown jewel” of the state’s Tech Talent Investment Program, which seeks to attract a diverse pool of students to computer science and prepare them for cutting edge careers in technology. Officials are also hopeful that the campus will also attract new companies to the area, who are seeking young talent.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Imagine spending your college years in a national park! That’s the reality for students who enroll in Black Mountains College. Located in Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, UK, Black Mountains College offers a unique course of study for students passionate about environmental issues. The new BA in Sustainable Futures prepares undergraduates to be “climate-literate” changemakers who can respond to the environmental crises and changes of the future. And no, students won’t be sitting in the classroom discussing nature. They’ll be immersed in it! As part of the school’s mission, the majority of classes take place outdoors, so students can be immersed in nature and civically engage with the world around them.

There’s a new drink in the mix on college campuses across the country. The borg, which stands for blackout rage gallon, is a gallon jug filled with water, vodka, flavor enhancers, and electrolytes. This drink first gained popularity during the height of the pandemic when students could no longer drink from communal vats of jungle juice. Instead, they took to concocting their own self-contained cocktails. Since then, the borg has remained a favorite with undergraduates, many of whom praise it as a “hangover-proof” drink. However, others have had mixed reactions. Some parents and advocates are troubled by the promotion of binge drinking. Others believe that binge drinking is inevitable on college campuses, and the borgs provide a safer way to do it. 

230,000 students in the United States have disappeared, according to AP News. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools reopened, but over two-hundred thousand students never returned. Instead, they vanished from the school system with no record of relocation or enrollment in alternative forms of schooling. Why so many disappearances? Well, experts speculate that a variety of factors are to blame, including financial barriers,  mental health struggles, and overwhelming academic gaps. Regardless of the reasons, though, many feel that schools should have put forth more effort to retain students. Instead of taking action, many families feel that schools took a passive approach, failing to follow-through on virtual school attendance or the transition back to the classroom. Now an overwhelming number of students remain unaccounted for and face uncertain futures as they continue to suffer from the aftermath of the pandemic.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

It was a better week this week with lots of positive news from EDII schools, as well as a ton of our kids getting into UVA early action! 🙏 I’m very thankful for the positive decisions after such a crazy admissions cycle so far!

And for the juniors - mark your calendars! Colleges That Change Lives is hosting a college fair in Washington, D.C. on March 13, 2023. This is a great opportunity for students interested in learning more about small liberal arts colleges. Click here to see a list of colleges that will be in attendance and to register for the event. 

Schooled in Love: Fun Valentine's Day Facts From College Campuses

Valentine’s Day is next week, and we’re celebrating the holiday of love college-style! Read on to learn about famous college sweethearts, romantically-themed college classes, and more!

Romantic campus traditions

Do you hope to find a partner before college graduation? Do you want to make your crush love you back? Well, then you better follow these romantic college campus traditions!

(Side note: We are not proponents of trying to find your life partner in college - quite the contrary, actually! But in the spirit of Valentine’s Day we are playing along..❤️❤️❤️ )

At William and Mary, the Crim Dell bridge can determine the fate of a student's love life. According to legend, those who walk across the bridge alone will remain solo forever. And those who cross with a lover must stop for a kiss in the middle of the bridge to ensure their happy ending. If they ever break up, the couple must return to the bridge and throw one partner off of it (no, we’re not making this up!).

At Syracuse, students don’t have to push anyone off of a bridge. They just need to sit on the kissing bench. This resting spot is supposed to bring marriage to couples who kiss here. But beware if you are single! It’s believed that if a single person sits on the bench, they’ll be alone for life. 

Hopeful couples looking for a happily ever after at Texas A&M head to the iconic Century Tree. It was one of the first trees planted on campus and is steeped in legend. Supposedly, if a couple walks under the tree together, they will marry. And any couple who becomes engaged under the tree will have a successful, lifelong marriage.

LOVE in the city of brotherly love

Are you in search of love? If so, you’re sure to find it at the University of Pennsylvania. Situated in the city of brotherly love, UPenn is home to an iconic bright red LOVE sculpture. According to the university’s almanac, pop artist Robert Indiana first designed the LOVE logo in the 1960s. The stacked L-O-V-E letters had such appeal that Indiana eventually turned the logo into a sculpture in the early 70s. Since then, sculptures of LOVE have been reproduced all over the world, even appearing in different languages. A rendition of the famous sculpture currently stands in the heart of UPenn’s campus, thanks to a donation from art dealer Jeffrey Loria. So if you’re looking for love this Valentine’s Day, head to 36th and Locust Walk.

College sweethearts

College campuses have long been the setting for great love stories. In fact, several celebrities met their future spouses as students. While attending Harvard University- and creating Facebook in his spare time- Mark Zuckerberg reportedly met his future wife at a fraternity party in 2003. They were together nearly a decade before officially changing their relationship status to ‘married.’ 

Bill and Hillary Clinton met while both taking a class on political and civil rights at Yale Law School. The former president was too hesitant to introduce himself, so Hillary made the first move one day in the library. According to Clinton, his future wife approached him with a memorable line: “Look, if you’re gonna keep staring at me and now I’m staring back, we at least ought to know each other’s name.” 

Perhaps the most famous college sweethearts in the world are Prince William and Princess Catherine. The two met at the University of St. Andrew’s in Scotland where they developed a close friendship. Eventually they became platonic flatmates, and as Prince William described in their engagement interview, “It just sort of blossomed from there, really.”

Schooled in Love

To some, love is just a feeling, but it happens to be a topic of serious study at several colleges and universities across the country. In recent years, a number of classes analyzing the psychology of love, as well as the state of modern relationships have appeared in course catalogs. At Northwestern University, undergraduates interested in developing their relationship skills can take Dr. Alexandra Solomon’s highly publicized class, Building Loving and Lasting Relationships: Marriage 101. Over the course of a semester, students study the art of dating, bonding, and partnering across cultures. This class has been such a hit that it’s received media coverage in major news outlets.

NYU has found its own success with love-themed classes. In Love Actually, students explore what love actually is from psychological, cultural and artistic perspectives. If you’re interested in seeing why this course has become so popular (and the topics it covers), check out the course book list. And for students who want to learn more about the college dating scene, NYU offers 100 Years of Courting, Dating, and Hooking Up on College Campuses. In this class, undergrads take a look at the changing behaviors of college students over the past century and examine how universities have responded. 

Some of our lesser-known favorites over the past five years include Love, Mating, and the Brain (UT Austin); Love in the Time of Tinder (Lehigh University); and The Art of Loving (Princeton University). 

sweet tooth

No Valentine’s Day is complete without a delicious heart-shaped box of chocolates. And we have Penn State to thank for these sweet treats! The College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State is known throughout the world for its quality chocolate research over the past fifty years. Teams of faculty, graduate students, and fellows have worked to enhance crop production and the overall quality and taste of chocolate. Specific research topics include cacao production, chocolate making processes, and plant improvement. In an effort to share their passion with others, The College of Agricultural Sciences offered a Chocolate Short Course in the summer of 2022 for professionals in the chocolate industry. 

A Lovely Entrepreneur 

When Esther Howland graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1847, she had no idea that she would fall in love with business or become the “mother of the American valentine.”  Inspired by the Valentine’s greeting cards her father sold in his stationery shop, Esther decided to create her own. She imported speciality materials from England and created an elaborate signature look for her Valentine’s greetings. The cards were often decorated with lace, silk, and satin! What began as a small project in the family home eventually transformed into a successful business: the New England Valentine Company. Howland ended up earning hundreds of thousands of dollars in the 1800s— a time when women weren’t supposed to work outside the home, let alone run a business. Since then Howland has become a true legend. Her entrepreneurial spirit is a reminder of Mount Holyoke's long-standing reputation for educating powerful female leaders.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Whether you’re celebrating with your galentines, palentines or valentines, we hope you have a wonderful week and get to eat lots of yummy treats!

Weekly Update: February 6

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

MORE BAD NEWS FOR MARYLAND 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

Another board member at Maryland 529 has resigned. Jessica McClain- a member of the audit and governance subcommittee- stepped down as the organization continues to face intense scrutiny. After freezing college savings accounts over an interest calculation error, Maryland 529 sought to correct the discrepancies. However, families are not happy with their newly adjusted totals, and now Maryland 529 admits that the issue may take until late 2023 to resolve. In response, Senator Mary Washington is requesting that the Attorney General launch an investigation. 

CONTROVERSIAL CHANGES REVEALED IN THE NEW AP AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES DRAFT

On February 1, The College Board released a newly revised draft of its AP African American Studies course. Several scholarly terms have been deleted, and now there is more emphasis on “foundational history” rather than “contemporary theorists.” Concepts such as reparations and the Black Lives Matter movement are no longer included in the course–but some current topics are offered as optional project ideas instead. Although many suspect the changes were the result of “political pressure,” The College Board insists that the revisions were made in response to teacher feedback. Meanwhile, educators across the country are expressing their concerns over the new draft and what it could mean for academic freedom. 

COLLEGE ENROLLMENT IS REBOUNDING

The data is in, and college enrollment numbers are on the rise! Last week the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center released their report, offering hope for the state of higher education. After significant dips in enrollment since the start of the pandemic, regions around the country are seeing an uptick in undergraduate enrollment. Most notably, the number of first-year college students increased by 4.3% in just one year. It’s not all good news, though. Undergraduate enrollment is still down 5.8% from where it was in 2019, and graduate programs experienced drops as well. However, experts insist that the numbers are ultimately encouraging as higher education continues to recover from COVID-19. 

DESANTIS PROPOSES NEW BAN AT FLORIDA UNIVERSITIES

On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced his plan to prohibit state universities from funding diversity and inclusion initiatives. The proposed legislation would also prevent schools from implementing such initiatives, even if “the money isn’t coming from the state.” 

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

After spending nearly half of their high school years facing quarantines, Zoom classes, and virtual social lives, the class of 2022 is out of isolation and settled into college campuses across the US. So how are they doing? That’s the question NPR posed to six first-year undergrads, who opened up about how the pandemic has affected their college experiences. While some commented on academic gaps, most focused on the social and emotional impacts of COVID-19. Many students are struggling to develop the skills it takes to be part of such a socially-driven community. As one freshman noted, “We came basically from middle school to college not knowing how to act or who we were.” Slowly, first-year students are finding their ways and creating stability in real-life once again. 

Google, Amazon, Meta- it was a “take your pick” situation for years, as computer science undergraduates in top programs across the country secured impressive internships and lucrative entry-level jobs with these tech giants. This “pipeline” steadily fed technology corporations with new talent and young professionals with job stability and high salaries. However, hiring freezes are breaking the pipeline and forcing students to reconsider their professional options. Rather than focusing on name recognition, young professionals are pivoting toward roles with lesser-known companies, while others are opting for graduate school or technology jobs in other fields, such as healthcare and finance. Fortunately, computer science continues to be a growing field, and there is no shortage of jobs if students are willing to create their own pathways.

What is the ultimate job of a college president? Last week, John Petillo- president of Sacred Heart University- shared his thoughts. He believes that in such a highly politicized world, it’s more important than ever for colleges and universities to uphold free speech and be “safe havens” for open discourse, dissenting voices, and truth. At Sacred Heart University, the core curriculum directly supports such freedoms, encouraging students to grapple with essential questions of human existence. Petillo insists that schools need to “get out of the business of higher ed becoming an echo chamber for a single political ideology” so that “our society may continue to thrive and prosper.”

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

Last week was BUSY! The latest round of EA decisions was challenging and it just gets harder and harder each year. I feel like a broken record saying that during my 10th and 11th grade meetings, but it’s true and it has become tougher each year for me to stay upbeat in the face of a totally broken system.

And I know I’m absolutely biased - but wow, this is not a time to DIY the college process unless you know what you’re doing. It’s just.. brutal out there.

I was talking to a parent last week who characterized it perfectly when he noted that for years, we all heard those horror stories of the mythical good kid from the next town over, four degrees of separation away, who supposedly “didn’t get into college.” As he pointed out, these stories are not urban legends anymore. There are legitimately good kids who will not go to college next year because they (or their parents) were in denial and didn’t take the changing landscape seriously.

If a school has early decision, that school’s early action program is not a safe option for ANYONE anymore. And if it’s a popular public flagship, same deal. Plan accordingly! I hope to write a mid-week blog about this soon because I think it’s very interesting to reflect on how our role as college counselors has changed so much over the last few years. The value we provide is so different today.

On a different note, I made time to share my thoughts on double majoring in U.S. News and World Report. While some students think more is automatically better, I encourage them to reflect on whether it’s worth it. Will the extra time, tuition, and/or effort have a good return on investment? It really depends on the industry and your career goals, as well as the flexibility of your school and the requirements of the majors involved.

Last but not least, I got to spend my free time delivering Girl Scout cookies! I am fairly confident that anyone reading this has already been hit up by 123,428 Girl Scouts already, but if not, I’ve got your hook up. We also have a few boxes of Thin Mints, Tagalongs and Trefoils (aka Shortbread, for those of you in my generation) that are ready to be delivered right away and can be at your house tomorrow if you are local and send me an email!

For those of you who are not budding Girl Scout entrepreneurs, don’t worry - we have a career-related opportunity to kickstart your path, too! Fairfax County’s Instruction 2 Industry Career Fair Expo gives teenagers a chance to learn more about in-demand career paths and hear from experts in different industries–all from the convenience of their laptop screens. The Expo is a series of live Zoom webinars that take place during after-school hours, February 13-15. Click here to learn more and register for the event. 

Four Plans High School Juniors Should Make This Month

Hey Juniors, we’ve got plans for you this month! February is an important time to “get the ball rolling” on your college admissions process. In fact, there are a few sneaky deadlines creeping up that we don’t want to pass you by. To help you get organized, we’ve put together a list of four big college plans you should make this month. So break out your Google calendar and to-do lists, and get to work!

plan #1: sat or act registration

It might feel like only yesterday that you took the PSAT, but now it’s time to sign up for the real deal. Don’t let February slip by without registering for the SAT or ACT. There are a few testing dates available throughout the spring and early summer. Registration typically closes 4-5 weeks prior to a test, so make sure to sign up early! 

As you consider your options, weigh your academic responsibilities and extracurricular commitments. For example, will you have to study for five AP exams this spring? Then maybe the May 6th SAT isn’t the best date for you. Are you already enrolled in a soccer camp that conflicts with the June 10 ACT? Well, then you better sign up for the April test.

Still not convinced you need to register now? Then check out this reality check. The registration deadline for the March SAT is Friday, February 10: that’s only eight days away! 

plan #2: standardized testing study schedule

Once you’ve got your SAT or ACT testing date on the calendar, take some time this month to devise your study plan. You might even want to gather some friends and start a study group. If you need help getting yourself organized, the College Board has information on how to set up an SAT study group and provides a sample study plan. For those planning to take the ACT, there are free study resources available here. We also love Khan Academy, which offers plenty of guidance for both tests. 

If you are interested in adding a prep course or tutor to your study plan, research your options now! Classes and tutors book up quickly during the spring, and we are happy to recommend tutors and courses that have been helpful to our students in the past (private tutoring is without question the best way to prepare if it’s in the budget!).

plan #3: spring break college Visits

So many families wait until summer to begin touring colleges, but did you know that spring break is an ideal time for campus visits? With school still in session, you’ll be able to experience the “hustle and bustle” of college life at the height of the semester. The crowds of students in the quad, the vibrant classrooms, the events in the Student Center- they can all give you a good sense of campus culture and environment. 

College visits can also be useful as you continue to build and refine your college list. When you experience campuses for yourself, you get a better idea of what you like - and don’t like- and which factors are most important to you in a school. 

There is also no question that students who go on in-person visits have a much easier time (yes, that’s italicized and underlined for a reason) with their “Why this school” essays! Michigan and Wisconsin might seem the same from online info sessions, and while those can be very useful in their own right, it can be hard to capture a sense of place - or in teenage speak, “a vibe” - from that type of programming. On the other hand, in-person visits will help you discover the nuances of different environments. There’s nothing like walking through the tunnel onto the field at The Big House or enjoying Babcock ice cream while watching the sun set across Lake Mendota!

Don’t worry, though, if you don’t have much time or can’t coordinate a long-distance trip. You can always schedule a spring tour at a local college. It might not be at the top of your list (or maybe not on your list at all), but the school can still provide valuable points of comparison for the future.

plan #4: Summer opportunities

Now that the idea of college is starting to feel really real, you’ll want to think about how you can use your summer to prepare for the future. Whether you want to gain experience doing medical research in a lab or explore the field of journalism, there’s an opportunity for just about every interest. Visit our database for comprehensive lists of teen internships, volunteer projects, and pre-college programs available for Summer 2023.

Some of our most recent postings include an opportunity to work for NASA and to conduct research on psychological traumas. Pretty cool, huh? The only problem is that deadlines are approaching fast. Many programs will close their applications in mid to late February, so get to work on those summer plans! 

Weekly Update: January 30

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

MORE MEDICAL SCHOOLS PULL OUT OF NATIONAL RANKINGS 

Last week Harvard Medical School made headlines when it withdrew from the U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings. Now four other medical schools have followed suit. Columbia, Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, and Mount Sinai have all announced that they are withdrawing from the rankings due to concerns over inaccurate representations of data.

COLLEGE BOARD RESPONDS TO CONCERNS OVER AP AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES COURSE

On Tuesday, The College Board announced that it will reveal the new framework for its AP African American Studies course on the first day of Black History Month- February 1. Many are concerned that the framework will be influenced by political agendas, given that Florida governor Ron DeSantis recently rejected the course for its “lack [of] educational value.” The College Board issued a letter to its members on Thursday, reaffirming that the curriculum has only been shaped by educational experts and was completed prior to DeSantis’ public rejection. 

CHARGES AGAINST FORMER LOUDOUN COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT ARE UPHELD

During a court hearing on Thursday, a judge ruled that misdemeanor charges against Scott Ziegler- former superintendent of Loudoun County schools- will be upheld. Ziegler is being charged with making false statements about two high-profile sexual assault cases in the county, as well as unfairly firing a teacher.

MARYLAND COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS ARE REVISED- AND PARENTS AREN’T HAPPY

After freezing college savings accounts due to interest calculation errors, Maryland 529 has revised its account balances for hundreds of families. However, many are upset by the new numbers. Families are claiming they are owed a 6% interest rate on all contributions, but this rate is only being applied to money invested from November 2021 onward. The result is a staggering discrepancy between what families thought they had available for college funds versus the newly adjusted totals. We will continue to track this story, as Maryland 529 plans to hold a meeting today.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

A woman with a mission to help college students turns out to be a $175 million dollar fraud. No, this is not the premise for a new blockbuster movie. It’s reality! Charlie Javice, a woman once recognized as one of the most creative people in business, built a career in social enterprise, promising to help millions of families navigate the college financial process. However, when JPMorgan paid $175 million to acquire her financial planning company, they discovered they had been conned. This is a pretty incredible story and one that I haven't seen floating around my normal education spaces. Instead, we discussed it in my Goldman Sachs session last week. Our advisor reinforced what the article stated- that it's a good example of a situation where the lenders didn't have enough institutional knowledge - specifically, they didn't understand the financial aid process and how it works. They should have called us :)

In 2021, an infamous Supreme Court decision changed the world of college athletics. No longer would players be restricted from earning money. Instead, they were free to profit off of their NIL- name, image, likeness. Since then college athletes have earned significant figures through donations, endorsement deals, and even business ventures. And while many support the rights of these athletes to profit off their talents and skills, others are concerned about the potential long-term impact. Advertisers and donors are now investing in individual players rather than school programs, which affects budgets and the overall strength of athletic departments. Too, not all college athletes have the name recognition to make NIL profitable. This is a new “unregulated economic frontier” fraught with both excitement and worry over the future of college athletics.

When it comes to college admissions, we often defer to the experts for their thoughts on rankings, costs, and quality. But what about students? What matters most to college applicants as they make important decisions about the future? The New York Times assembled a focus group of eleven high school seniors to find out these answers. And some of their responses may surprise you! It appears that many students are trying to balance practical considerations, such as tuition and career preparation, with a desire for mental well being and happiness. The group also weighed in on college rankings, regrets over the admissions process, and advice for high school juniors.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

WHERE OH WHERE are the 2023-2024 Common App essay prompts? OMG - I look for them every morning and they still haven’t been released yet. Driving me crazy! We are very excited to jump right into essays with our juniors so they will be finished with their main essay around the timeframe of spring break. At that point, they will move on to preparing supplemental essay content and teacher/counselor recommendation input. We like to stay on track so we can have all of our students finished with their college apps by September as planned!

In other news, so many schools released their EA decisions over the past week! If you didn’t receive the decision you were hoping for, don’t panic! Instead, book a session with us to plan a letter of continued interest, otherwise known as a LOCI. Current clients, schedule your meetings here. If you are not a current client but would like to book a one-time meeting, please click here.

We also want to remind our current students to please always update your status chart each time you receive a decision. It’s also important to update with the decision itself rather than just checking off that a decision came in - otherwise we won’t know what it was! Please watch my quick instructional video if you have any questions about whether you’re doing this correctly.

Finally, be sure to check out our internship database. We’ve listed some great opportunities for Summer 2023, but they might disappear if you don’t apply now! Many programs have February deadlines.

What’s On Your Shelfie? A Look Into Our Current Favorite Reads

What are you reading? Our team of English majors at DC College Counseling LOVES this question. We look for any excuse to talk about our favorite books and recommended reads. And this week we have the perfect excuse, as we celebrate National Library Shelfie Day. Every fourth Wednesday in January, book lovers take selfies to honor all-things reading, whether it’s capturing a beloved novel; showing off bedroom bookshelves; or sharing a visit to a local library. Want to see for yourself? Search #libraryshelfie on social media platforms, and you’ll find thousands of literary images. 

We’re honoring National Library Shelfie Day with a glimpse into what we’re currently reading, as well as some suggested titles for teens and parents. And of course no shelfie day would be complete without selfies!

COLLEEN’S SHELFIE

Every time someone asks what I'm reading, I get a little sad because this is definitely a habit that I've let go over the years. I used to absolutely love reading and now as a mom and business owner it's hard to justify the time when it feels like there is always something urgent that I need to be doing instead. I mentioned in our New Year's wrap-up that I really enjoyed reading The Premonition: A Pandemic Story by Michael Lewis this past year and it's definitely one that I'd recommend to anyone! I love when non-fiction books are so interesting that they read like fiction, and this was definitely in that category. 

Over the holidays I started to read Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead by Brene Brown, and I like it a lot so far. She explains that the human mind is wired to create stories when presented with information, and so in the face of any type of difficult situation we naturally create a story or explanation in our mind about what’s happening and why. But here’s the thing - our stories are usually WRONG!

When we let ourselves jump to conclusions like this, we start assigning negative intent to others and all sorts of problematic things happen. Since I started reading the book, I have really tried to stop and ask myself about whether I’m making unfair assumptions every time I get upset about something. Full disclosure, my bad habits are not fully broken yet - but as you can see, this is really making me think!

I am also sort of on and off reading Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld, which I started a while ago. I love Curtis Sittenfeld!

Back when I used to read more, I tracked everything on my Goodreads page. I am trying to get back into reading more this year, so feel free to friend me on Goodreads so we can share recommendations! I like how Goodreads lets you sync your Amazon account so you don't forget what you read, even if you're delinquent with your updates like I was for a while!

A few books I hope to read over the next few months are:

Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole by Susan Cain - she is also the author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, which I actually read after a student wrote about it in one of her essays!

(That’s a very powerful read in its own right, by the way, and is one of those books that I still think about all the time because I learned so much from it. If you are an extrovert with introverts in your life, this is a must - it will help you identify your unconscious biases and understand their personalities so much better.)

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - I will admit that I am not super excited about the plot but so many people have raved about it that I am willing to give it a try!

SHANNON’S SHELFIE

As an academic coach, I had to add Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention - and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari to my bookshelf. Hari takes a close look at why we have trouble focusing - and the reasons for our short attention spans might surprise you. It turns out that food, health care, and even algorithms could be to blame. 

This book will help you understand why it’s so easy for your phone to distract you (no, it’s not just lack of willpower) and what you can do to reclaim your attention. I know that I’ll be using some of Hari’s advice in my academic coaching sessions this year! 

Another book I really enjoyed (and would recommend to anyone interested in psychology or kinesiology) is Move: How the New Science of Body Movement Can Set Your Mind Free by Caroline Williams. I’ve been working toward my 500-hour yoga certification this past year, which has made me interested in the mind-body connection. Most of us are stuck behind our desks all day, and all of that sitting has a big effect on our brains and our happiness. Williams breaks down the science of movement, explaining why it’s so important to incorporate it into our daily lives. Even a quick walk can improve memory, increase productivity, and boost your mood. 

STACI’S SHELFIE

I just finished all 480 pages of The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II. Don’t let the length scare you away from reading this book, especially if you love World War II history like I do! It was a surprisingly quick read about a group of soldiers who created a memorable football rivalry while training in the pacific. I’ve always been fascinated by World War II (thank you high school history field trip to Germany!) and was so excited to find a story I had never heard about before. If you’re a history buff or are a big football fan, definitely add this title to your shelf! 

Another new addition to my book collection is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. The novel was published a decade ago, but I didn’t crack it open until I recently learned that it was being adapted into a movie. I figured that before watching Tom Hanks star as Ove on the big screen, I needed to read the book. And it’s a good one! Ove is a cranky old man who reminds me a lot of my grandfather. He doesn’t like being around people, and people don’t like being around him–until he meets his new neighbors. The English major in me loves the character development and the feel-good theme of friendship. 

Now I’m waiting for Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock by Jenny Odell to be released. This book is supposed to offer a new perspective on how we think about time and spend our time. I’m hoping that Odell can help me slow down and appreciate the things I do every day–moment by moment.

WHAT’S ON YOUR SHELFIE?

We’re always looking for recommendations. Share some of your favorite titles or recommended reads with us!

Weekly Update: January 23

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

MORE COLLEGES BAN TIKTOK

The University of Texas and Texas A&M University have just been added to a growing list of schools banning TikTok. In recent months, several states and colleges have blocked the popular social media app over growing cybersecurity concerns. If you’re interested in seeing where you won’t be able to access the app on campus networks and devices, click here. This list also includes summaries of state policies and on TikTok.

HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL DROPS OUT OF POPULAR RANKINGS

Despite earning a number one spot as the best medical school for research in 2023, Harvard Medical School announced last week that it is “dropping out” of the U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings. The decision came after Harvard Law School announced last fall that it would no longer submit data to the U.S. News & World Report, which has long been an “influential guide” for students. Several law schools followed in Harvard’s footsteps, and now many are speculating about the impact this decision will have on medical school rankings. Will other medical schools follow suit? How might these “dropouts” affect other programs and rankings? We will continue to track this story, as well as the changes that U.S. News & World Report is planning to implement in this year’s law school rankings.

YALE ANNOUNCES MAJOR CHANGES TO ITS MENTAL HEALTH POLICIES

On Wednesday, Yale announced major changes to its mental health policies. No longer will students have to fear losing their health insurance if they take a leave of absence for mental health reasons or face a complex process for reinstatement. These reforms come after the university made headlines in The Washington Post last November for its pressure-inducing mental health policies. Weeks after the article was published, several Yale students filed a lawsuit that accused the university of discriminatory practices against those with mental health problems. University administrators have responded with “sweeping” policy changes that make it easier- logistically and emotionally- for students to seek treatment.

MARYLAND BOARD CHAIR RESIGNS UNEXPECTEDLY 

The board chair of Maryland 529, Peter Tsirigotis, made a surprising announcement on Friday, resigning from his position in the midst of a major crisis. For months Maryland 529, which offers college savings programs, has been under scrutiny. The organization froze interest payments on a college savings program after a calculation error was discovered. The error has left many families unable to make tuition payments for spring 2023. Tsirigotis appeared in front of the Maryland House Appropriations Committee on Friday to address the issue, only to resign the next day. Now the organization is focused on finding a replacement and taking steps to resolve program errors.

PENNSYLVANIA DROPS COLLEGE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE JOBS

There’s a big shift in the job market for Pennsylvania residents! On Wednesday, governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order eliminating the four-year degree requirement for 92% of state jobs. This change allows for greater focus on skills and experience rather than a diploma. As part of the order, Governor Shapiro also launched a new website for job seekers to easily search for open positions.

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITIES BAN CRITICAL RACE THEORY

Florida’s state and community college system - 28 colleges and universities in all - announced on Wednesday that they will eliminate any academic requirement or program that “compels belief” in critical race theory or intersectionality. The ban will come into effect on February 1, and comes on the heels of an order by Governor Ron DeSantis that public colleges submit lists of their spending related to diversity initiatives and critical race theory.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

“If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” That’s the attitude many colleges and professors are taking with ChatGPT, a new chatbot that doesn’t just provide students with answers to all of their questions. It can write essays, too! For months, school officials across the United States have feared the new technology, speculating the ways in which it will complicate academic integrity standards and methods for monitoring student work. Rather than trying to ban ChatGPT, many colleges are learning to work with the reality of the A.I. tool. Professors have begun revamping curriculum, trading in at-home assessments for in-class writings and building writing workshop processes into syllabi. Some instructors are also finding creative ways to incorporate ChatGPT into the classroom to help students understand the advantages and limitations of A.I. At the administrative level, institutions have begun reworking policies on plagiarism and investigating new digital systems for detection. With these efforts, colleges and universities will hopefully find the right methods for determining what’s human and what’s bot! 

Return on investment is a crucial factor in any decision-making process, including college. Before signing up for tuition payments or student loans, it’s important for students to “crunch the numbers” on an institution to determine what their degree will ultimately be worth. However, this process may prove difficult. Federal restrictions on data sharing, as well as inconsistencies in the ways colleges report data often prevent students from fully understanding the realities of their financial investment. As a result, many are calling for legislation to ensure colleges and universities provide accurate, transparent data about graduation rates, financial aid, and earnings potential for specific programs. These policies will mean nothing, though, if students aren’t taught what to do with the data once it becomes available. That’s where schools and counselors will play a part in teaching young adults to make informed decisions about their academic and financial futures. 

Unfortunately, metal detectors are common in many U.S. high schools. Now they are being installed in elementary schools as well, most notably in Newport News, Virginia, where a first-grade student recently shot his teacher. The shocking incident prompted increased security measures in the Newport News school system, where young children will now use clear backpacks and pass through metal detectors. Many wonder if secure measures like these are appropriate in an elementary school setting. What impact will they have on the physical safety, as well as the mental well-being of such young students? Some administrators are seeking alternative solutions to school safety, focusing instead on social-emotional learning programs that help students learn to process emotions and interact with others. There is no quick-fix for eradicating school violence, but teaching empathy may play an important role in change.

What’s it like to be a queer student at a religious university? Challenging! Student-athletes at Brigham Young University are opening up about their experiences at the private, Christian school. Despite the university's efforts to foster change through initiatives, discrimination prevails, according to many. Several queer students have accused the school of stifling personal expression while appearing to promote inclusivity. In fact, any form of “same-sex romantic behavior” is still an Honor Code violation at BYU. (PS: Students in search of LGBTQ+ friendly college campuses should consult the CampusPride website. This nonprofit organization puts out an annual list, ranking schools based on policies, programs and practices).

Like many in the college admissions world, we’re waiting to see how the Supreme Court’s decision on the recent affirmative action case will affect the admissions process. As colleges scramble to keep up a diverse population on campus without affirmative action, we may see more schools continuing with test-optional admissions, as well as the elimination of legacy preference or even Early Decision. Other strategies for increasing racial diversity on campus, like fly-ins and designated scholarship programs, could also come to an end. This article dives deep into some of these issues, and we’re waiting to see how far-reaching the changes might be after the Court’s decision!

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We are busy working with juniors on filling out their Common Applications - if you’re a junior looking at the “Honors and Awards” sections of their applications and thinking you have nothing to say, here are some opportunities:

The U.S. Global Change Research Program is looking for student artists ages 13-17 who are passionate about solving climate change to submit artwork related to “climate, people, and nature.” Drawings will be included in the Fifth National Climate Assessment. Interested students should submit their artwork by January 27.

NPR’s fifth annual Student Podcast Challenge is open! Entries for applicants in grades 5-12 must be submitted by a teacher or educator by April 28. And if you’re a college podcaster, keep an eye out for the College Podcast Challenge this fall, which will open September 1.

Trend Watch: Careers on the Rise

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

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

NURSE

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

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

Pharmacologist

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

Physical Therapist

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

Medical and Health Service Managers

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

Financial Manager

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

Data Scientist

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

Machine Learning Engineer

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

Information Security Analyst

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

Software Developer

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

Veterinarian

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

Weekly Update: January 18

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

CYBER ATTACK SHUTS DOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT

Students in Des Moines, Iowa, received two unexpected days off of school last week. The Des Moines school district canceled classes following a cyber attack. Specific details about the attack have not been released, but the district has been working hard to restore the network. On Thursday, students returned to school, although families were warned that wi-fi would not be available yet.

SEVEN FCPS HIGH SCHOOLS NOW UNDER FIRE IN NATIONAL MERIT CONTROVERSY

The situation has continued to unfold over the past few weeks, and seven different high schools in Fairfax County have now admitted that they did not provide timely notification of National Merit Commendations. I want to share what we do with our own students as a matter of course each year, in case this helps anyone. Instead of waiting for official notification, we just compare the student’s selection index on their 11th grade PSAT with the score cutoffs online. I would never have a student submit an application with this award until they receive official notification, but the selection index should provide an indication as to whether official notification should be imminent. And if it doesn’t come automatically, the student knows to ask! [Note: I find that Compass Prep typically has the best information on cutoffs, but their site appears to be down on the date this post was written!].

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SUBMITS NEW PLAN FOR HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS

Two months after its revised proposal was rejected, the Virginia Department of Education submitted yet another draft of its K-12 history and social studies standards. Although the practice of updating standards is usually smooth, Virginia’s history and social studies draft came under attack in the fall of 2022. Many believed the standards “diluted” topics related to cultural diversity and racism. The Board of Education is now tasked with reviewing the new 68-page proposal.

LANGUAGE CONTROVERSY AT USC

Last week, USC made headlines when its School of Social Work announced that it will be replacing the term ‘field work’ with ‘practicum’ in its curriculum. The change, which was explained in a letter to the Suzanne Dworak-Peck Practicum Education community, is part of an effort to promote more inclusive language. As the memo noted, “Language can be powerful, and phrases such as ‘going into the field’ or ‘field work’ may have connotations for descendants of slavery and immigrant workers.” The announcement has caused some confusion and outrage for some. In response,  Elizabeth A. Graddy, interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, clarified, “The university does not maintain a list of banned or discouraged words. We will continue to use words – including ‘field’ – that accurately encompass and describe our work and research.” 

IDAHO MURDER SUSPECT APPEARS IN COURT

Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students, made a brief court appearance last Thursday. He waived his right to a speedy trial and will now await his next court date, scheduled for late June. To date, Kohberger has not spoken publicly about the tragedy or entered a plea. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Before heading off to college, most teenagers are warned about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and partying. But there’s another risky behavior that could leave undergrads in jeopardy: gambling. Thirty-six states have legalized sports betting in recent years, according to the American Gaming Commission, and gambling companies often seek out college students as their target customers. Several universities have even made deals with sports gambling companies, leaving young adults vulnerable to addiction and financial ruin. To help students avoid the alluring trap of sports betting, experts insist that parents look out for certain markers of behavior and encourage universities to do their part in providing education and support for this lesser-known danger. 

We’ve got bad news for students who plan to study psychology or marketing in college. Last week Business Insider revealed a list of 12 most useless college majors, according to career experts. With the cost of higher education continuing to rise, the list considers subject areas that won’t have the best return on investment. Perhaps not surprising, the arts- theater, acting, and film- all made the list. Some may be shocked, though, by other subjects in the top ten. Psychology was listed because students often require a graduate degree to forge a career in the field. And English took the number eight spot. Career experts argue that it’s probably more practical to major in business over English, unless you want to be a teacher or writer. What does our office of English majors think about this? A bachelor’s in English might not pave the way for one specific job, but that’s what we love about our degrees–you can do just about anything with it!

For the majority of Americans, the University of Idaho murders are a tragedy. For some however, the night of November 13 is pure entertainment. The increasing popularity of true crime shows and podcasts has led to a surge in amateur investigations of this horrific incident, especially on platforms like TikTok. Thousands of videos have been posted, including some from psychic mediums, who revealed their theories on the mystery murders. Seems harmless, right? Wrong! Many of these videos shared misinformation and accused innocent individuals of involvement in the murders. As a result, members of the University of Idaho community- a professor, victims’ friends and a surviving roommate- have all come under attack. And it’s not just online fury. Some have received real-life death threats. These safety concerns call into question the “wild west”-like nature of social media platforms and ethical concerns over exploitations of true crime and tragedy.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We’ve been carefully following the issue of compensatory education for FCPS students during the pandemic period, and I attended the first school board session on the subject last week on January 10. I actually asked a question at the end of the meeting - I wanted to know whether or not private school tuition reimbursement would be allowed, but didn’t get a clear answer. The lack of clear answers seemed to be a pattern…

Interestingly, I found out later that the FY 2024 budget only allocates $2 million towards this ENTIRE compensatory education fund. That makes a little more sense to me in terms of the lack of clarity - there’s just not enough money available to provide adequate compensation. We don’t know exactly how many students were impacted, but if we use the estimated 25,000 number provided by the district (another estimation provided was 26,500, so I am trying to be conservative), we end up with $80/student. If half of those families do not pursue any type of compensation, that leaves us with $160/student.

As a taxpayer as well as a parent of a student impacted, I have mixed feelings on this entire issue, but I do think that every family should know what their rights are. I have personally found the Fairfax County Parents Association to be a great source of information and would recommend them to other families who want to stay in the loop.

On another note, we recently learned about an exciting opportunity for high school STEM students in the greater DC area. If you’ve conducted original STEM research, submit your work to the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. You might just have the chance to present your work and compete for scholarships. For more information, please visit the JSHS website.

Have a great [short] week!

Exciting Summer 2023 Opportunities for Teens

We’re coming up on a three-day holiday weekend, and if you are a high school student looking for something to do, we’ve got the perfect idea: plan for summer 2023! We know it may seem way too early to start thinking about what you’ll be doing in July. But believe it or not, there are many summer opportunities with winter deadlines. If you don’t start researching and applying now, you might miss out on a great internship, academic program, or volunteer experience.

the advantages of a summer opportunity

Discover new subjects…and maybe a potential college major: Summer programs are notorious for offering unique classes and subjects you might never get the chance to explore at your high school. For example, Brown’s Pre-College Program offers courses in nanotechnology, Netflix, and mood disorders. And Georgetown’s Summer Academies introduce students to subjects like national security, election campaigns, and AI. A summer program might just lead you to discover your college major or career path.

Demonstrate your interest in a specific subject: Colleges love to see students getting deeply involved in the areas about which they are most passionate. This is your chance to delve into a particular field of interest. In the past, our students have spent their summers publishing psychological research; designing major engineering projects; and producing short films. Don’t pass up the chance to invest in something you love! 

Develop soft skills: More than ever, universities and employers are looking for people who can work well with others. And in order to work well with others, you need to develop soft skills, such as communication, empathy, and problem solving. Because so many summer opportunities involve lots of hands-on activities and collaborative projects, they provide the perfect environment to improve your skills. Bonus: you show off these skills in your college applications and interviews!

Build your resume: A summer experience can be a great addition to your resume and college applications. Plus, it could end up being a topic for one of your admissions essays! 

Have fun: Do you imagine yourself bored in class all summer listening to lectures? Well, get that image out of your mind! Summer opportunities aren’t meant to be stressful or passive. Quite the opposite! Most programs are designed to give you real-world experiences: field trips, interactions with industry experts, hands-on projects, competitions, and more. We promise that you can have fun while learning. 

WHERE AND HOW TO APPLY

So have we convinced you to start applying for a summer experience? If so, take the next step and visit our database. We’ve curated extensive lists of local, national, and virtual opportunities for teens. Each week, we update the database with new programs and organizations. While many academic programs charge a fee, there are plenty of free courses and volunteer roles available. 

Here are just a few of the exciting opportunities you’ll find in our database:

• Intern at NASA

• Experience the financial world of Wall Street

• Work in a US Federal Agency office

• Become a published journalist or transform into a broadcaster at Northwestern University

• Learn how to make films with a social impact at Loyola Marymount University

• Conduct biomedical research at the National Institute of Health

• “Find your voice” at Emerson’s Politics, Activism, and Leadership Institute

When you are ready to apply for an opportunity, be sure to carefully and thoroughly complete your application materials. If you need support writing application essays, building your resume, or preparing for an interview, book a session with us. 

ADD AN OPPORTUNITY TO OUR DATABASE

If you are an employer or organization looking for teen interns or volunteers, we’d love to add your information to our database. Please email staci@dccollegecounseling.com with your information.

Weekly Update: January 9

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

SIX-YEAR OLD STUDENT SHOOTS TEACHER

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

VARSITY BLUES MASTERMIND IS SENTENCED

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

VIRGINIA ATTORNEY GENERAL LAUNCHES CIVIL RIGHTS INVESTIGATIONS AT TJ HIGH SCHOOL

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

NEW DETAILS EMERGE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO MURDER CASES

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

PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL GETS A CONSERVATIVE OVERHAUL 

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

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

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

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

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

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

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20 New Year's Resolution Ideas For High Schoolers

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne…” (insert my terrible singing voice here). “Auld Lang Syne” has long been the anthem of the new year, as we reflect on times gone by and celebrate what’s to come. But even with a silly hat and a classic tune, no new year would be complete without a list of resolutions. We’ve already had time to think about some of our 2023 resolutions, which we shared on the blog last week, and now we’re encouraging high schoolers to do the same.

There’s no better time to create new goals and habits that can help set you up for future success. So today we’re offering 20 resolution ideas to help make 2023 your best year yet (and a great stepping stone to college).

1. Join a new activity: Do you secretly dream of taking center stage in the school musical? Are you curious to see what kind of golfer you could be? Whatever your interest or curiosity, try it out!  You never know. You could end up with a new hobby, a unique talent, or even a career path.

2. Master a skill: Ironing dress shirts, coding a robot, debating a current event: there are so many skills you can learn this year. Choose one that interests you- or might help you become more self-sufficient- and practice, practice, practice. 

3. Use a planner: Whether it’s a fancy Papier notebook or a simple calendar app on your phone, vow to take charge of your schedule. Track your activities, tests, and other commitments to help alleviate stress and better manage your time. 

4. Talk to your teachers: This year, trade in the quick hellos and ‘help me’ emails to your teachers for actual conversations. More face time can help you develop strong relationships, which is important for academic success. Plus, these connections can lead to much better recommendation letters when it’s time to apply to colleges.

5. Take on a passion project: You probably have plenty of school projects to complete, but what about your own passions? Think about the things that mean the most to you and design a project around your interests. We’ve been so inspired by some of our past students who’ve done everything from building boats to designing clothing to creating nonprofit organizations. Dream big in 2023! 

6. Step into a leadership role: Leadership skills are important for the future, so why not start practicing now? Look for opportunities to lead, whether you’re working on a group project in science class or helping teammates on the field. You don’t need an official title or role to be a great leader. You just need to be positive and motivated! 

7. Find a mentor: We’re usually so busy that we don’t stop to realize that there are a lot of great teachers around us. And no, we’re not just talking about those adults at the front of the classroom. Whether it’s an upperclassman in your Robotics Club, your volleyball coach, or a friend’s parent, look around for those who can teach you something. Be open to hearing their perspectives and asking for advice. You might be surprised by what you learn! 

8. Become a mentor: You don’t have to hit a certain age or join an official program to become a mentor. All you have to do is look for the person sitting alone in the cafeteria or the player struggling during practice. Recognize those in need of a confidence boost and be that positive force for them. 

9. Speak up in class: Did you spend 2022 hiding in the back of the classroom? Or feeling too intimidated to raise your hand? Well, don’t be so shy in 2023. Make it your goal to engage in class and take on more of an active role. We promise that you’ll end up learning more and maybe even having fun. 

10. Create an actual study space: Swap the kitchen counter or your bedroom floor for a dedicated study space. Design an area at home where you can work comfortably and without distractions. And don’t forget to decorate! 

11. Sleep more: Seriously! 

12. Drink water: According to studies, over 75% of people are chronically dehydrated, which can make us tired and affect our ability to learn. Luckily, though, there’s a simple fix: drink more water! If you’re someone who tends to forget about water intake throughout the day, invest in a water bottle with hours/ounces marks and sip away.

13. Switch on airplane mode: Have you ever checked to see how much time you spend on your phone each week? The numbers may shock you! This year, make better use of airplane mode. Consider ‘unplugging’ after 9pm or maybe even doing a digital detox once a month. We know it’s really hard to detach from your phone, but small changes could add up to better sleep and fewer wasted hours.

14. Create a cool summer plan: With thousands of summer academic and extracurricular opportunities for high school students, why not take advantage of one (or more) of them this year? Explore your options and start planning an unforgettable summer! 

15. Clean up: Now is the perfect time to get rid of the old! Whether it’s your locker, bedroom, or backpack, take some time to clean out and clean up. Refine your organizational system while you’re at it, and commit to spending 5 minutes everyday maintaining it.

16. Update an old routine: Are you sick of eating the same old breakfast every morning? Is your study schedule not working as well now that you’ve joined the track team? Reflect on your routines and revamp one that feels boring or inefficient. 

17. Do less: If you’re feeling overwhelmed and overcommitted, think about doing less in 2023. Take stock of your priorities and consider letting go of something to create more balance. Although you might feel like you’re losing, you actually might be gaining. Don’t underestimate the power of more rest. 

18. Fail: No, not your tests and classes! We’re encouraging you to overcome your fear of failure this year and take a risk. Audition for that play; try out for the varsity team; enter the competition; submit your creative writing sample. Whatever it is, take a chance! Even if you don’t make the team or win the award, you’ll feel good knowing you put yourself out there. 

19. Make a new friend: It’s easy to stick to the same routines AND the same friend group. But you could be missing out on some pretty awesome people. Let 2023 be the year where you sit at a different lunch table; talk to the new player on the team; and attend an event, even if your friends aren’t going. 

20. Choose your own adventure: Sure, it would be fun to backpack through Europe or hike the Appalachian Trail. But if you can’t get overseas or don’t love the idea of scaling mountains, you can still create your own adventures. This year, plan a fun road trip or explore a place you’ve never visited right in your hometown. Sign up for a cooking class or challenge your parents to a game of tennis at the local park. Exciting activities come in all shapes and sizes!

Weekly Update: January 3

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

COLLEGES BAN TIKTOK

Some college students are in for a big surprise when they return to campus after winter break. One of the world’s most popular social media apps will now be off limits at some US colleges and universities. Several schools in Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma have recently blocked TikTok from campus computers and networks in response to state executive orders, which banned the app on state-issued devices. Growing cybersecurity concerns have also prompted many schools to delete their university-administered TikTok accounts in favor of other platforms. Students are vowing that the bans won’t stop them from using the popular platform, though. There’s a convenient workaround: they can still access TikTok from the comforts of their personal devices and phone plans. 

PROSECUTORS REQUEST SIX YEAR SENTENCE FOR VARSITY BLUES MASTERMIND

Last Wednesday prosecutors filed a sentencing memorandum, asking that William Singer- the “mastermind” behind the Varsity Blues scandal- serve six years in prison and pay over $10 million in restitution. This request is in stark contrast to what Singer’s attorneys have proposed: community service and three years of probation. So why the disparity? Prosecutors claim that Singer’s fraud was “staggering in scope” and “breathtaking in its audacity and the levels of deception it involved.” Singer responded by issuing a statement of apology and remorse to the court. We will continue to track this story, as Singer is scheduled to be sentenced on January 4. 

IDAHO PROFESSOR FIGHTS BACK AGAINST TIKTOK MURDER ALLEGATIONS

TikToker Ashley Guillard made headlines this past week for her psychic attempts to solve the University of Idaho murder case. Guillard, a tarot card reader, created over 40 posts on her social media platform implicating Idaho professor Rebecca Scofield in the tragedy. Professor Scofield’s attorney issued two cease and desist letters before filing a lawsuit for defamation. Guillard doesn’t seem worried, though, about the lawsuit. According to reports, Guillard said she’s “gleaming with excitement” at the chance to share her ideas in court.

IDAHO MURDER SUSPECT ARRESTED

On Friday, officials arrested a suspect in the University of Idaho quadruple homicide case. Bryan Kohberger was apprehended in Pennsylvania, after officials confirmed his DNA was a match to evidence found at the scene of the crimes.

NATIONAL MERIT AWARDS GO UNRECOGNIZED AT TOP VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL

There’s a “war on merit” at Fairfax County’s Thomas Jefferson High School (more widely known in our area as TJ). The school has been accused of failing to notify or recognize students named as Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. As a result, nearly 1,200 students missed the chance to bolster their college applications with this honor. Many parents are calling this a “criminal act” and are insisting that the school take responsibility. According to a recently released statement, Fairfax County Public Schools is “looking into the matter” and will correct the notification process going forward.

CAUSE OF PRINCETON STUDENT’S DEATH REVEALED

For months, many have speculated about the cause of a Princeton University student’s death. In October, the body of Misrach Ewunetie was found near campus tennis courts, just two days after Ewunetie was reported missing. Although there were no indicators of foul play, many wondered what happened and why. This past week investigators revealed that Ewunetie died by suicide: a fatal mixture of antidepressants and anxiety medication. 

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

$60,000 college tuition price tags, tens of thousands in student loans, raging debt: how did we get here? That’s the question David Love is posing, as he traces the history of the American student loan crisis. He examines the shift from college education being perceived as a “public good” to an individual “private endeavor.” Love also looks at the politics and policies that have informed access to college education over the past forty years, making it a luxury for those who can afford the soaring costs. Ultimately, Love calls for an ideological shift back to college as a public good “rather than a profit center.”

Teachers got an unwanted holiday gift this year: a new technology that makes cheating even easier for students. ChatGPT is a newly released AI bot that provides well-written, almost “human-like” answers to any question the user may pose. While this may be a handy app for the curious, it’s anything but for teachers and professors who are concerned about academic integrity. Gone are the days of checking for plagiarism via a Google search. Many educators are worried that ChatGPT will make it impossible to determine originality in student work. And with ChatGPT’s refined features, which include the ability to script paragraphs in different writing tones, teachers will have to work extra hard to distinguish a student’s authentic writing style from an AI response. ChatGPT is aware of the potential for cheating and has offered teachers advice: educate students about cheating; provide them with support so they won’t cheat; and change up typical essay or exam questions to make them more sophisticated. We’re not convinced that these measures will solve the potential problems of AI and cheating. But students beware: your teachers know about this technology, and they’re on the watch! 

A recent New York Times opinion piece delves into a topic that comes up quite frequently in our office: whether or not to disclose mental health issues in college applications. As the author found, this type of disclosure can be a red flag to admissions officers and can have a significant negative impact on admissions decisions. All things being equal, we do not recommend disclosing. However, sometimes all things are not equal - if it’s obvious from other aspects of a student’s application that something serious was going on, it can be better to go with the truth instead of leaving admissions officers to make guesses that are often times worse than the reality.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

It’s a new year, and we have a new collection of Summer 2023 opportunities for high schoolers! Visit our database to see the latest internships, pre-college programs, and volunteer experiences available. And don’t delay! There are several opportunities with January application deadlines.

If you need help with summer program applications, resumes, or cover letters, book a session with us. Meeting times in January are filling up fast!

Our 2022 Year in Review

Before we ring in a new year, we want to send off 2022 properly. After all, it’s been quite a year! The past twelve months have brought us many adventures, proud achievements, and some amazing milestones. So today we’re taking a look back at 2022 and sharing some of our favorite memories with all of you.

My year can be summed up in one word: Busy

A good habit I developed: I started getting consistent about vitamins - I take them every single morning now and managed to stay relatively healthy all year long. 

The best time management hack I discovered: using IGK “Good Behavior” spray on my hair before drying it - it is life changing and saves me so much time! Thank you, TikTok!

Memorable reads: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story by Michael Lewis and The Family Firm: A Data-Driven Guide to Better Decision Making in the Early School Years by Emily Oster.

Podcast favorites:  My daughter and I listen to podcasts together most nights and our long-time favorite is Curious Kid Podcast. We also got into Newsy Pooloozi and just finished Six Minutes, which one of her teachers recommended and it was such a hit! We are in the market for another ongoing one like that - sort of a kid-friendly version of Serial if anyone has any recommendations. 

When I am by myself I usually listen to business podcasts - some of my favorites are BizChix and the sister podcast Stacking Your Team; HBR IdeaCast; Pivot; and The Indicator from Planet Money. 

My new skills of 2022 include: Home maintenance tasks- I ordered a new part and repaired my dishwasher, identified and repaired some kind of blockage in my dryer, and even fixed an issue with my garage door with the help of YouTube and video chats with girlfriends! 

The best piece of advice I received: I am paraphrasing here but Robert Kennedy, my Goldman Sachs 10KSB lead faculty member, told my cohort of entrepreneurs that if you have even a tiny suspicion that something might be going “wrong” in your business, it’s likely that something actually IS wrong and you need to pay attention to your intuition. I think this advice can be applied to many different aspects of life, and it stuck with me. 

Favorite moments: Finding out in an Uber one night that I was en route to a Billy Joel concert at Madison Square Garden. I had mentioned a year earlier that seeing him there was on my bucket list and never said anything about it again, so I was blown away at the surprise! The concert was amazing but the thoughtfulness was even better. My runner-up would be when my kids and I decided at the last minute to fly down to see Miami play UVA and ended up courtside. So much fun! 

My big achievement: Hitting submit on my 10KSB final growth plan on December 4, which represented the end of the intensive part of the program. Balancing that commitment with our busy season at work while still being an involved and engaged parent was the hardest thing I have ever done by a long shot! 

New Year's resolutions: My perpetual resolution for at least the last decade - learning how to put contacts in my eyes. I want to make them work so badly and have had all the help you can imagine, but nothing works - my instinct to blink is just too strong, and I can’t get the contact in. Free college counseling to anyone who can help me overcome this!

In 2023, I’m looking forward to: I have some fun travel planned, and this may sound lame but I am actually super excited to introduce a new type of application status chart for our Class of 2024 students. I had an epiphany about how to improve the tracking process, which continues to become more complex by the year, and I think it’s going to be a big hit that will make our students’ lives easier!

My year can be summed up in one word: Hectic

A good habit I developed: This sounds boring, but I have been struggling with a back injury for over a year now and making an effort to slow down and focus on healing (rather than throwing myself into all my favorite workouts!). 

The best efficiency tool I discovered: “Open” and “Closed” to-do lists! I use an “open” list as a brain dump to get down literally everything I have to do, and then the “closed” list is limited to 3-4 items I will focus on. The key is that I can’t move anything from my open list to the closed list until I complete something that is on it! I’ve enjoyed this method because it lets me do the all-important brain dump to make sure I know what needs to happen, but also helps me prioritize (since I can’t do 100 things in a day, no matter how hard I try :)) 

Memorable reads: Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari; Move: How the New Science of Body Movement Can Set Your Mind Free by Caroline Williams (P.S:  I’d recommend this book for any juniors hoping to study something like kinesiology or psychology - great to mention in an essay or interview!). 

Podcast favorites: If Books Could Kill - a new podcast from one of my favorite podcasters this year that debunks some of the most popular ideas from books like Freakonomics, Outliers, and more!

I gained confidence in: Flying! I struggle to sleep on airplanes and was always afraid of long flights, but this year I took a couple 18-hour-plus flights with no problem. 

The best piece of advice I received: Let other people help you when you need it (they want to!).

Favorite memories: I traveled to India this December for my cousin’s wedding. It was such a wonderful experience both to see a part of the world I’ve never visited before and to spend time with my extended family. 

My big achievement: I dove into getting my 500-hour yoga certification this year, which is something I’ve considered for a long time. I’ll graduate in March!

New Year's resolutions: I want to start taking piano lessons. I LOVE music, but I have never played a musical instrument. 

In 2023, I’m looking forward to: Continuing to travel and spend time with family and friends. Being able to do this post-pandemic is something that I will really never take for granted :) 

My year can be summed up in one word: Active

A good habit I developed: Not checking my phone immediately when I wake up in the morning. It’s part of the morning routine I created after reading The 5am Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life by Robin Sharma. I still haven’t mastered the 5am workout or hearty breakfast, but I’m getting there! 

The best time management hack l I discovered: Allison Bornstein’s TikTok series on closet editing and organization. Her system has saved me so much time and money.  Bonus: I finally found the jeans I’ve been missing since 2019!

Memorable reads:  By far my favorite book this year was The Watermen: The Birth of American Swimming and One Young Man's Fight to Capture Olympic Gold by Michael Loynd. I love a good underdog story! Honorable mentions go to Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus- a fun, easy read- and The Motivation Code by Todd Henry - a dense book but an interesting take on what it takes to get motivated.  

Podcast favorites: Currently hooked on Betty in the Sky With a Suitcase! - a great mix of funny travel tips and stories from a long-time flight attendant. Runners- up include Stuff You Missed in History Class and You’re Wrong About.

I gained confidence in: my French language proficiency and my grilling skills.

The best piece of advice I received: “Make the day. Don’t let it make you.” - from a very wise Instagram post I stumbled upon. 

Favorite memories: Hiking along the coast of southern California; reuniting with one of my best friends after three long COVID years; welcoming a new niece; watching one of my former students star on Broadway. 

My big achievement: Surviving a 2-day, 17 mile winter hike in Shenandoah and earning my personal training certification.

New Year's resolutions: I am determined to keep up with my French lessons and read one fun book per month. 

In 2023, I’m looking forward to: Traveling to Spain for my best friend’s wedding.

Happy New Year to all of you!

We wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2023, and we look forward to a new year and new cycle of college admissions!

Weekly Update: December 27

biggest college-related news of the week

EARLY DECISION RESULTS CONTINUE TO SHATTER RECORDS

More early decision results have been released, and the numbers are continuing to shatter records! Across the country, colleges and universities are reporting historic increases in early decision applications. JMU announced they are “rewrit[ing] the record books” with a 30% increase in ED applicants this cycle, while Brown and Williams also released staggering data. Unfortunately for many hopeful seniors, what goes up must come down. With ED applications at an all-time high, acceptance rates are at an all-time low.

STUDENTS PROTEST ANTISEMITIC ACTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD 

A “Jews Not Welcome” sign at the entrance to a high school in Montgomery County, Maryland, has created outrage. Students at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda organized a walkout last week in protest of the sign, as well as other antisemitic acts. According to data, there’s been a recent surge in antisemitic incidents in Montgomery County (and nationwide), prompting students to ask: “why is this happening?” Students are encouraging school officials to ask the same question and generate solutions. Meanwhile, Whitman’s Jewish Student Union has responded to the incident with an action plan. They’re meeting with school administrators to plan community educational events, and they’ve already hung a new sign over the school entryway: “Everyone is welcome here.”

STUDENT DATA IS KIDNAPPED FOR RANSOM 

Students at Knox College received an unexpected email recently. After breaking into the school’s systems, a group of hackers emailed students to let them know about the breach. The group is holding important information for ransom, in the hopes that the school will pay for the safe return of students’ confidential data. This is the first known case where hackers have contacted students directly, and the school community is hoping that administrators can resolve the issue promptly. Currently, the hackers’ website lists an entry for Knox College data, but the entry point doesn’t lead users to any actual information…for now.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

California has found a creative, new way to help students afford college! This year the state developed the California College Corps, a program that provides undergraduates from low-income backgrounds with financial assistance in exchange for community service. Program participants complete 450 hours of community service, supporting a variety of organizations, and then receive $10,000 for tuition and living expenses. The goal is to reduce the burdens of college loans while promoting meaningful civic engagement and possible career pathways. Over 500 students have participated in the program thus far, many of whom are first-generation college students and students of color. Governor Newsom is particularly proud of the program, and many are hopeful that the Corps will create a hopeful future for thousands of students. 

“Stanford University has lost its mind” this past week, according to Fox News contributor Sarah Carter. Thousands took to Twitter and other social media platforms, criticizing and mocking Stanford’s Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative - a multi-year project aimed at eliminating harmful language from the school’s website and codes. The 'naughty list’ of phrases - which is organized into ten distinct categories - includes “users,” “survivor,” “American,” and “Karen.”

In response to the negative press, Stanford representatives insist that the glossary of terms does NOT reflect university policy. Furthermore, there is no ban on these words. Rather, the discussion surrounding such phrases is meant to “support an inclusive community.” PS: If you are curious to view the glossary of terms, you’re out of luck! The university has locked the list behind a passcode after receiving so much backlash. But my family was able to get it before it got locked down and we have all been laughing about it for the last week!

How are we going to afford college tuition? That’s the question hundreds of Maryland families thought they answered years ago when they invested in the state’s 529 college pre-paid savings accounts. This type of plan allows families to lock in future tuition payments at the current price. What seemed like a secure investment in a child’s future is now anything but!

After discovering a calculation error in the spring, the Maryland Prepaid College Trust suspended interest payments on accounts. Not only did families lose access to interest they were counting on; many say they no longer have access to their principle amount either. Parent groups have formed to fight against the frozen accounts, as hundreds are scrambling to pay spring tuition bills.

Imagine getting a B on an English essay just for turning it in! Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s actually a growing reality for undergraduates enrolled in first year composition courses. Many universities are turning to a labor-based grading model for writing classes. This alternative approach seeks to deemphasize the focus on numeric scores and alleviate the pressures to produce “perfect” essays. Instead, professors outline expectations for effort, which typically include class participation, writing conferences, and multiple drafts. Proponents of the labor-based model believe this approach will help solve problems with grading biases and uplift students from marginalized backgrounds, as well as those with learning disabilities. Others worry that it will be difficult to measure the effectiveness of such a model and may promote student “laziness.” For now, undergrads are largely praising labor-based grading, insisting they are more confident communicators thanks to a new take on the traditional writing process. 

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We hope everyone is enjoying the holiday and taking time to relax with friends and family! My kids and I spent the week in Hilton Head which was fun and relaxing but cold!

BUT if you are a senior who can’t relax because you have looming college deadlines or last-minute essays to write, let us bring you some holiday cheer. We still have some appointments available between now and the new year. Book your session today!

5 Steps to Take After Being Deferred or Denied Early Admission

Last week was the one that so many high school seniors were waiting for–early decision releases! The news came flooding in, and we were anxious all week long! If you’re still waiting, remember that you can check this website to see the official list of release dates and times. It’s updated almost daily!). 

We are absolutely thrilled to see that so many students have been accepted into their first choice schools. Thanks to all of our families who emailed us to share the news! If you were admitted early decision, make sure you carefully read our recent blog post for ED admits. We outlined 5 crucial steps you need to take now that you’ve been accepted. 

But what happens if you didn’t receive the decision you were hoping for? Well, first of all, don’t get down on yourself. There's been a HUGE increase in applications over the past two years, and it looks like that trend will continue. As of November 1, college applications for Fall 2023 were up 41% from the 2019-2020 cycle. All of these numbers add up to inevitable disappointment for some students. 

If you didn’t get the news you wanted or were expecting, don’t panic! This is NOT the end of your college admissions journey. Take a look at these 5 steps for managing deferrals and denials.

Do you need help navigating a deferral or denial?

Book a session with us by clicking here. We offer strategy sessions and writing support.

For More Information:

If you are looking for more information on details we mentioned above, we encourage you to read some of our blog posts from past cycles:

How to Turn a Deferral into an Acceptance

Writing an Effective Letter of Continued Interest: Instructions and Samples

Weekly Update: December 19

if you’re one of our long-time readers, you might notice something different this week. We’re posting on Monday! Yes, we are going to try moving our weekly updates to Mondays from here on out, and you’ll see additional content later in the week. Would love to hear any thoughts or comments!

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

RUTGERS MOVES TO THE COMMON APP

In an email to counselors on 12/12, Rutgers announced that they will be moving to the Common App for the HS Class of 2024. Great news!

EARLY DECISION ACCEPTANCES ARE AT RECORD LOW

Data is starting to emerge as colleges release their early decision/ restrictive early action news this month. Several schools received a record number of early applicants, including Duke, Dartmouth, and Yale, and once again this has driven acceptance rates to record lows. We will continue to track the data as more early decision data is shared. So far, we were fortunate to have our students accepted ED to a lot of great schools - Tufts, Barnard, Northwestern, Emory, Syracuse, Villanova, Elon and of course a number to UVA! We also had more students than ever choose to opt out of ED because their favorite schools only offered EA (or REA). Still waiting on some of those decisions, but Clemson and UGA came in really strong.

MISSING COLLEGE STUDENT IS FOUND

A missing college student will make it home for Christmas after all. In late November, St. John Fisher University senior Kenny Deland Jr., disappeared from University of Grenoble Alpes, where he had been studying abroad. Friends reported him missing, and investigators undertook a multinational search. Last week Deland was found safe in Spain, but no further details have been released. For now, the mystery of why and how Deland ended up in Spain remains. 

INVESTIGATORS SEARCH 22,000 CARS IN EFFORT TO SOLVE IDAHO MURDER CASE

As we reported last week, investigators in the horrific University of Idaho murders finally got a lead in the case. A white Hyundai Elantra was spotted near the crime scene, and police have been trying to identify the individual(s) in the car. They are currently searching over 22,000 vehicles that match the description. Meanwhile, investigators continue to scour surveillance footage and encourage community members to be on the lookout for the white Elantra as well.

LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL OFFICIALS ARE INDICTED

Loudoun County’s school system has made headlines over the past year for high profile sexual assault cases. Last week two school officials, Scott Ziegler and Wayde Byard, were indicted as part of the investigation into how the district has handled sexual assault reports. Ziegler has been accused of publishing false statements related to a sexual assault in a school bathroom that took place in 2021. He is also indicted on unlawfully firing a teacher who filed sexual assault complaints about one of her students. At this time the reason for Byard’s indictment is unclear. Several local area parent groups have responded to the news, expressing gratitude for the investigation and the efforts to address these problems within the school system. 

best articles of the week

If you are struggling to make sense of a college decision, check out Jon Boeckenstedt’s Why You Were Denied. The bullet-point list is on point, and while some of them are more obvious than others (i.e. we all know that recruited athletes are likely to be in a better position than the rest of us), so rarely do we consider the role that sheer randomness can play.

There’s a surprising new class appearing on high school students’ schedules across the country: Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (otherwise known as JROTC). For over a century, JROTC has been a volunteer program for young adults potentially interested in a military career. However, this class may not be optional anymore. Recent data indicates a rising trend in automatic and/or mandatory enrollment at several high schools, especially those in predominantly non-white, low income areas.

These numbers have created a great deal of controversy, and not just from teens who oppose an additional class. While the program has the potential to provide students with discipline and direction, many insist that it takes advantage of vulnerable young adults. Some are worried that JROTC pressures students into a military career and prevents them from considering other pathways. A number of families have successfully challenged required enrollments, and community debates continue to unfold about the nature and direction of the JROTC program. 

What’s the best way to relieve student debt? For months, there’s been a national debate centered on debt cancellation programs, which are meant to support those with limited means. Specifically, President Biden’s proposals focus on people earning five-figure salaries whose debt far outweighs their earnings. But what many don’t know is that there are also programs in place to help even the wealthiest of families better manage the steep price of higher education. Most of us have 529 college saving plans for our children - but “dynasty” 529s allow those with “hundreds of thousands of dollars to spare” to create hefty savings accounts that avoid taxation- provided that future generations use the money for college tuition. These “dynasty” plans have come under attack, as many view these accounts as just another advantage for the economically advantaged.

Speaking of college savings, there’s a great deal going on at Colby-Sawyer College: half off tuition! As part of the great “tuition reset,” several small, private colleges have recently cut tuition prices in an effort to fill their classes. How can they manage such a financial hit? Well, for years many schools have used hefty price tags to denote status and align themselves with the most elite institutions in the country. Here’s a secret, though: the majority of students don’t actually pay the steep price, thanks to scholarships, loans and grants. This financial “game,” as some in the education world label it, has worked for years but hasn’t been so successful in the economically conscious climate of late. Many applicants are now being deterred by sticker shock and opting to apply to schools seen as a “better deal.” In response, schools have begun to lower their prices, which could be a big gamble. Those who are part of the great tuition reset will need to carefully watch the data and see what story the numbers will tell in upcoming admissions cycles. 

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

As you might have seen from my social media posts, I made an appearance on CNN last week discussing private versus public schools. We are so fortunate to have lots of great options here in Fairfax County- both of my kids attend amazing schools with incredibly dedicated teachers and administrators.

I personally believe that strong public school systems breed strong private school alternatives, and that healthy competition in the educational marketplace promotes accountability and a culture of excellence across the board. If you’d like to see a clip of the CNN segment, head over to our Facebook page. 

As mentioned above, decision notifications continue to roll in, and we are thrilled that so many of our students have been admitted to their first choice schools! If you’re a current client and haven’t shared your news with us yet, please send us a quick email! 

For those who may not have received the ED news they were hoping for, we can help! If you’re NOT a current client, book an emergency strategy session ASAP, so we can begin planning your next steps. We also have essay coaching meeting times available for students who need to write a letter of continued interest. If you ARE a current client, email us to figure out your next step!

And lastly - it’s hard to believe that we are right in the middle of the holidays already! Hanukkah started last night and Christmas is in just a few days. We hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday with family and friends. But try to keep the college admissions talk to a minimum with extended family! This article is a few years old, but it still rings true!