College Admission Coach Newsletter 2023
June 2023
May 2023
- Tradeoffs–You Probably Can't Have It All: When you’re putting together a college list, you will probably find some things you love and some things you’re not crazy about at each school. It’s like choosing a partner. You might have a wish list of 37 characteristics, but if you hold out for every single one, you could be alone for a long time. Here are some things to consider as you craft your final list.
- Majoring in Nutritional Sciences: Americans are obsessed with food. We spend vast amounts of time and money in a quest for the “perfect diet.” None of us ever seems happy with our current self—we constantly seek to lose or gain weight. By avoiding meat or not eating veal, we may use our diets to make political and ethical statements. We look to nutrition to increase both the length and quality of life and search for supplements to enhance physical and mental performance. No wonder a nutrition, food science, or dietetics major attracts so many college students.
- The A to Z of College Finances: Our easy alphabetical reminder of all of the financial components of the college experience.
- Leaving for College: A bittersweet time for both graduating seniors and their families. While it’s normal for students to feel nervous about starting college, it’s a wonderful opportunity for a fresh start. This is your chance to become the person you want to be. Sure, it can be scary, but the payoff is pretty great.
May 2023
- Studying Abroad – Freshman Year or Later: The opportunity to live and study in a foreign country is seen by students and parents alike as not just a fun part of college but necessary preparation for working in a global economy. But there are many different types of study abroad programs. Consider these opportunities.
- Majoring in Molecular Biology: Molecular biologists explore cells, their characteristics and parts, chemical processes, and how molecules control cellular activity and growth. They frequently focus on certain types of molecules or work to define the biological processes that cause genetic defects. Majoring in this field prepares students for a wide range of careers in scientific research, medicine, bioengineering, and biotechnology.
- Cutting the Cost of College: As financial aid packages arrive, families are faced with just how much college will cost. At many schools, self-help is up, and gift aid is down. That means that colleges are offering less in the way of tuition discounts or grants and expect families to assume a greater part of the college financial burden. Luckily, there are ways to cut the cost of college. Explore them here.
- Maximizing Your Summer Break: Summer provides the best opportunity for future college applicants to separate themselves from the pack. As the number of students applying to colleges continues its upward trajectory, so too does the need for students to make an effort to distinguish themselves. So how do you get noticed? Doing something meaningful over the summer is one of the most effective ways to stand out.
- Colleges that Change Lives: when a college routinely admits B students and transforms them into high-achieving, confident college students, that school is having more of an impact than a highly-ranked college that only admits top students. Read on to learn about colleges that do just that!
- Qualities of Stem Applicants: In the face of the increasing demand for qualified graduates, competition for seats in STEM programs has become far more rigorous. In order to present a competitive application to a strong STEM program, students need to start preparing themselves as early as possible. These are the qualities admission officers are looking for.
- Majoring in Communications Studies: It’s #2 on Princeton Review’s List of the Top Ten Most Popular College Majors - Communication Studies. Sounds interesting and marketable, but what is it, and more importantly, can it help you get a job?
- Appealing Financial Aid Awards: If your first choice college offers everything you want, but the price tag is daunting, don’t give up hope; consider appealing the award. Financial Aid Administrators can use their professional judgment to adjust the package presented.
- Dealing with Denial: Sometimes its hard to move on to Plan B, but most college applicants will need to deal with the reality of a denial letter from one of their top colleges. Here are some points to remember.
- College Visit Tips for Students: There’s no substitute for visiting a college and spending time on campus to tell you whether a particular college is right for you. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your campus visits.
- Majoring in International Business: this major is about learning how to conduct business effectively on a global scale. Sound interesting? Learn more here.
- Comparing Financial Aid Packages: If you've applied for financial aid, an award letter should arrive soon after your offer of acceptance. The bottom line in comparing financial aid packages is the final cost of your education to you and your family. Consider these points in evaluating financial aid from different colleges.
- Navigating the Waitlist: It has become pretty typical for a selective college that accepts 2,000 applicants in hopes of enrolling 500 students to offer another 2,000 well-qualified students places on the waitlist. Of these, one quarter are likely to accept a spot. What should you do now if you are one of the hopeful applicants who has been wait-listed at your dream school?
- College Visit Tips for Parents: Touring prospective colleges is a rite of passage for many families and an important part of the college admission process. Here are some tips to help parents plan a successful college visit trip.
- How College Admission Has Changed: The college admission process wasn’t nearly as anxiety-producing thirty years ago. Parents who haven’t been through it yet have heard horror stories from friends and relatives, but they don’t understand why things are so different now. Learn what's different here.
- Majoring in Health Care Administration: Do you love the idea of a health care career, but hate the thought of all of the science classes required for a medical or nursing degree? If so, consider a major in health care administration, one of the fastest growing career paths in the health care industry.
- Tax Benefits that Help Cover the Cost of College: Educational tax benefits can help U.S. students offset the cost of college by reducing their or their parents’ Federal tax obligations. Many American families, however, aren’t aware that these programs exist. Don't be one of the 14 million families that miss out on these benefits each year.
- Feeling Stressed - Try a Meditation App: Anxiety levels are off the charts for both high school and college students in our post-Covid world. Meditation Apps can help you get control of anxiety.
- Big Fish or Little Fish?: Many people assume that it’s better to attend the most selective college possible, even if your high school grades, test scores, and other measures place you towards the lower end of the college’s student body. The rationale behind this “small fish in a big pond” line of thinking is that students will always benefit from being surrounded by smarter peers, as well as enjoy the perceived prestige of the more selective school. Yet, research suggests otherwise.
- Prepping for Spring SAT/ACT: Although many colleges remain test-optional, there are good reasons to prep for and take the SAT or ACT. Most students feel some anxiety about taking college entrance exams. A good test prep course or working one-on-one with a tutor can help alleviate some of this anxiety by allowing students to become familiar with the exams and test-taking strategies. Here are some points to consider in choosing how to prepare.
- Focus on Majors: Visual Arts: There are a number of options for students who want to study art in college, and it is important to choose the right kind of program. How do you choose between an art program at a university or one at an art institute? What are the differences between a BA in Art and a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts)?
- Money for College: Money should never stop anyone from attending college! Yes, college can be expensive, but there are resources available to help you and your family pay for college. Learn about the major sources of financial aid for college here.
- Thinking About Summer: “Elite” Summer Programs - Many pre-college summer programs held on college campuses offer solid learning opportunities and a chance to try out college life. But just how "elite" are these summer programs, and do they really make you a better candidate for admission?
- Avoid Senioritis: Many students think that because they have worked so hard throughout high school, they have earned the right to slack off during the second semester of senior year. Mid-year grades are being sent to colleges, and some students have already been accepted at their favorite school. It's tempting to kick back and enjoy life. But should you?