A to Z Guide to College Transition

April 17, 2019 1 Comment

Seniors – by now you have received your admission letter and are ready to enroll in college. Great! Read this list of steps to take between now and the first day of classes to ensure a smooth college transition. Consult with the enrollment letter provided by your school, and keep in close contact with your college for important updates about your enrollment status.

As you navigate the enrollment process, I hope you find this A to Z guide to college transition helpful, along with other tips that will lead to matriculation success.

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How to Negotiate a Financial Aid Award

April 12, 2019 1 Comment

You may remember months ago you completed the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form, sponsored by the U.S. State Department of Education provided your family with an index called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This amount told colleges how much you could afford to pay for the cost of attendance, including tuition, room, board, and fees. With this information, colleges formulated a financial aid package comprised of scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. If the college does not provide your family with a competitive package, read this article to learn tips on negotiating a better financial aid package. Also, download a free sample template letter.

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When Should a Student Apply Test-Optional?

March 31, 2019 Leave a comment

As an increasing number of selective and highly selective colleges go test-optional, it shows that institutions are recognizing that it takes more than a score to show a student’s promise. But before deciding whether or not to submit your scores, consider the pros and cons of applying test-optional.

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6 Steps to Mastering a College Fair

January 13, 2019 Leave a comment

College fairs are often overwhelming and intimidating. Hundreds of eager parents and students pack into a convention center. They rotate around the room to learn about what colleges all over the country have to offer. Attending a college fair is an opportunity to get to know schools, meet the admissions officers who represent them, and begin the journey of building a relationship that demonstrates your interest and fit for the college.

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My Dream College Deferred Me. What Should I Do?

December 27, 2018 Leave a comment

In recent years, the number of students submitting college applications in Early Decision and Early Action admissions cycles has increased. Many students believe that applying early leads to a better chance of acceptance.

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Can My Student Apply to College Undecided About a Major?

March 15, 2019 Leave a comment

Last week, a mom emailed me asking if it was okay that her son does not know what he wants to study in college. She shared her experience visiting a college campus where a campus tour guide asked each student in the group to say their name and what they planned to major in. The mom wrote, “Kids spoke of studying biostatistics, history, forensics, and other subjects I have never heard of. When it was Sammy’s turn, he shrugged and said Dothraki (not sure if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, but this is not a real language…). The whole group laughed. I was so embarrassed. What should I do?”

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You’re Accepted to College! Now what?

January 22, 2019 Leave a comment

Getting accepted to college will be the first of many great accomplishments in your life. After crafting the perfect application – taking SAT exams, preparing for interviews, and writing essays that best captures you — the hard work paid off. But what comes next?

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