Successful College Visits in Summer

Ah, summer!!! For high school juniors and sophomores, it is a popular time for college visits. College visits are critically important in deciding your college, but summer is not really the ideal time. Why? You guessed it--no students! Realistically, for busy students, summer appears to be the only time available for college visits. Challenging AP and honors exams, heavy sports schedules, multiple activity competitions all take up students' time and focus during spring semester of high school. Done poorly,…

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Why Sophomores Should Visit College This Summer

If you want to get a step ahead in your college application, then you're being really smart to make some college visits this summer. Even"rising" high school sophomores, and certainly rising juniors can take a lot of stress off their college decisions by starting now. Here are 4 ways to check out your "smart quotient" 1. The Idea of Going to College is Exciting to You Some kids want to go where all their friends are going, and that might sound pretty…

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How Should I Choose a College Major?

Deciding a college major can seem like a daunting task--after all, it means you are choosing your life's work, right? Some independent educational consultants specialize in interest, personality and career assessments. Many students just don't know where to start in picking a major or exploring careers. Of course, a good place to begin is with your high school college counseling website. Some high schools use Career Cruising, some use Naviance. There is no one best way to begin. You may find it helpful…

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Do This Before You are Off to College!

You've picked a college? Now what? Are you done, just waiting until move-in day? NO! There's still a lot to do to get a great start off to college as a college freshman. Here are some tips on what to do next: ASAP You've probably sent in your enrollment deposit already--most people did that by May 1. This is the first step, required well before you're off to college. Be sure that you submitted the deposit for enrollment,…

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College Visits 101

High school juniors are deep into college visits right now. Summer break will see those college visits increase by leaps and bounds. If you are starting now to explore colleges, you have just a few months to learn a lot about your colleges. Make the most of those visits by following these suggestions. Get an Idea of What You Are Looking For Obviously, one of the reasons you are visiting colleges is to learn what matches you, but you want…

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Before May 1st College Decision

May 1, the widely known "College Decision" Deadline, is looming. If you haven't yet decided, we have listed below some questions to consider before saying "Yes". Social Fit Questions May I talk with a current student from my part of the state/country so I can get a student's perspective? What do students do on the weekends? Are parties the primary form of entertainment? Does the college provide lots of speakers, films, concerts (big and small), outdoor activities, indoor activities, that appeal to…

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The Flip Side of Your College Decision

So, you've finally made your college decision -- where you will spend your next few years. Tough College Decision How difficult that decision can be! If the choice was not made crystal clear by your own love for one school over the other, or for a significantly better financial offer, you may be feeling a bit sad about having to choose the “better” of two or more great options. Doesn’t it remind you of the Robert Frost poem, The Road Not Taken? Two roads…

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Your Final College Decision

Congratulations! You are about to make your final college decision, and about where you will spend the next 4 to 5 years of your life. Yes, it is an important decision because if you change your mind, it will likely cost you valuable time and money. So now, it is all about how to compare your choices. Compare College Value This is a good time to compare the value of each college. Not every college can be evaluated on its “face…

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Celebrating Quietude

I’ve been reading Susan Cain lately. She’s the author of "Not Leadership Material" in the New York Times, and she’s become known as a cheerleader for quiet people, the introverts, and those who are often unnoticed. Cain says that our society has outwardly rewarded and valued those who are the opposite of quiet, the extroverts, the noisy ones, those who talk first in a group, those who are often viewed as “the leaders”. I recommend her book, Quiet: The Power of…

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Financial Aid Appeal: How and Why

You’ve just received your Financial Aid Award Letter from your favorite college, and it just isn’t enough. Besides the thud of your disappointed heart hitting the floor, you hear a small voice in your head, “I’ve heard you can negotiate your college costs! How can I appeal my financial aid?” Whoa there! Take a step back. That’s not quite true. Accepting or declining a financial aid award is not like negotiating on a used car! Prepare for a bit more…

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