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Showing posts from May, 2025

Applying to college in uncertain times

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  Figuring out the what, where, and how of applying to college is challenging enough. But when colleges are facing operational uncertainties that make it difficult to predict what to expect, it can be altogether overwhelming. Here’s how we encourage you to move forward in the college process in times of uncertainty – Refocus: What truly matters most to you in the college you call home? In chaotic times, sometimes we see with more clarity. If you are feeling overwhelmed or unclear about how to move forward in navigating college selection and planning, this is a good time to sit down and talk as a family, taking stock of what matters most in the college options you want to create. It is crucial for this dialogue to be open and transparent between parents and the student who is heading into the application process themselves. If priorities have shifted around distance from home, specific supports on campus, college costs, or the desire for particular experiences or opportunities, it’s...

College Admissions is Changing. How can students & families respond?

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  In 2025, application numbers are up, acceptance rates are down, testing policies and practices are shifting, and new political realities are creating increasing uncertainty about what the college admissions process will look like in the months and years ahead. So what are students and parents to do? Read on for our approach to taking the guesswork & stress out of college admissions, and be sure to join us on May 15th for a free virtual program: Navigating a Changing College Admissions Landscape by registering here . What is changing? We’ve explored the increasingly competitive nature of college admissions in recent blogs that address " Taking an honest look at college admissions” , and the confusion around testing with “What to know about the role of SAT and ACT testing" . While uncertainty drives individual applicants to apply to more colleges, it also creates a more challenging landscape for all applicants, as higher application numbers mean lower acceptance rates....

When the time comes, how do you choose a college?

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 With the May 1st national deposit day in sight, the tables turn for students and families who’ve spent months anxiously awaiting college decisions, and it’s time to decide what’s right for you . While you may be compelled to check the rankings, we have a different approach. Here’s how we encourage you to make your own best decision – #1 Break up with the rankings: There are all kinds of college rankings and ‘best of’ lists out there…and while that may have led you to apply to a certain school, we encourage you to leave all those external validations behind when it comes time to make your college decision. The truth is, no ranking list can tell you if you will be happy, if you will build a great community, meet amazing mentors, or shape the life you want to. Nothing can tell you this with certainty, but decision time is the perfect time to step away from the noise of what everyone else thinks about a college and tap into your own intuition. Here’s how: #2 Ask yourself: how will I m...