Red brick building with white pillars on college campus
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The Impact of Covid-19 on College Admissions: An Update

Two weeks ago, which now seems like a year ago, I wrote about the preliminary anticipated impact of Covid-19 on college admissions.  Since then, there have been daily developments and the picture has become much clearer.  So I thought it was time to check back in here and attempt a round-up of what we now…

empty college dorm room
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Coronavirus and College Admissions – 7 Impacts

As we are currently immersed 24/7 in news about COVID-19 here in the United States, I considered whether anyone could stand to read one more word about it.  But, I also know that the families I work with have questions about coronavirus and college admissions impacts.  And, as I sit in my home like many…

college students working together
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College Student Engagement and the College Search

So, you’re starting the college search process.  And now you’ve discovered that there is going to be a lot more to this experience than you expected.  And today, it’s possible that I’m going to add in another factor you had not considered – college student engagement.  It matters.  And fortunately, there is a report, the…

woman tossing graduation cap outside building
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Is a College with Big Name Recognition Always the Best Choice?

I’m going to violate every rule about writing and just answer the question in the title in the first sentence:  No. Chances are, somewhere deep inside, you already knew that though.  But, college is a huge investment and parents are rightfully concerned that maybe attending a college with big name recognition is the best way…

Acceptance, Rejection, or Waitlist sign
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Your Student is on a College Waitlist…Now What?

According to the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, colleges are using waitlists more than ever before.  Between the Fall of 2017 and fall of 2018, the number of students put on a college waitlist increased by 18%.  And 43% of institutions reported using a waitlist. Let’s talk about exactly what that means and how…

High school exterior with driveway
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What Do You Know About High School Profiles?

If you are like most people, your answer to the question in the title is “Not much” or even “Nothing.”  But, your teen’s high school profile is a factor in college admissions, even if it isn’t often discussed.   High school profiles give context to admissions departments when they are reviewing your child’s college applications.  It…

student hand holding pencil on standardized test form
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What’s the Best Strategy for the Changes to the ACT?

In early October 2019, the ACT announced big changes.  Beginning in September of 2020, students that have already completed the full 3-hour college entrance exam in one sitting, can now retake each section of the exam separately, if they wish.  Students can then combine the scores of the various sections to arrive at their best…

teen girl looking into distance
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How to Handle a High School Suspension on College Applications

Let’s face it – teenagers make mistakes for all kinds of reasons.  Our best hope is that the mistakes they make won’t be life-changing ones.  Sometimes, the mistake they make will result in disciplinary action from their high school.  And usually, that means that it will wind up on their transcript, which will be sent…