Hello!

Attached you’ll find the last issue before our summer break.  Your next issue will arrive in late August. 

Hopefully, by that time, college students will be able to return to campus and all of us will begin to return to our new normal. In this issue:

• Overused Essay Topics –  Many applicants do themselves a disservice by taking on topics that don’t resonate well with the admission readers, thus giving a false or incorrect impression of the writer. Learn which topics to avoid.
• Majoring in Philosophy –  Philosophers aim to answer questions about existence, human nature, knowledge, and ethics.  Happily, the skills acquired through a study of philosophy are applicable to a wide variety of majors.
• Before Leaving for College –  There are a few legal and financial issues that should be addressed before your son or daughter goes off to college. Here are some items each family should consider.
• Staying Healthy – On Campus and At Home –  Being sick at college is no fun because it means missing classes and social events and then catching up on your work. Your physical and mental health is most likely to determine your happiness and success both on campus and at home. Tips for staying healthy will be found here. Wishing you and your loved ones continued good health!

Thank you
Patty

Hello

I hope you are all well and safe during this surreal time. Attached you’ll find the April issue of your newsletter.

April offers articles on:

• What to Do When Campus Visits Are Out –  With campuses closed due to the coronavirus outbreak and with students sent home to complete the semester online, high school juniors and seniors need to go to their back-up plans.
• Majoring in Economics – A major in economics educates a student about how resource allocation, incentives, and wealth interact.  Learn if this major fits your interests and goals.
• Appealing Financial Aid Awards (updated) –  For the class entering fall of 2020, the loss of work due to the COVID-19 virus may affect a student’s eligibility for need-based aid.  Check out the best ways to go about appealing financial aid packages you have received from your colleges.
• Making the Most of this Enforced Down Time – With so many high schools closed,  it probably won’t take much time before you find yourself looking for activities, so we’ve prepared a dozen ideas you may want to follow-up.  

Wishing you and yours the best of health!
Patty

Hello
Attached you’ll find your February issue with articles that you may find helpful.

• School Year Campus Visits – Although many families opt for visiting college campuses during summer vacation, the school-year visit offers a truer look at student life on campus. You’ll see students walking between classes, eating in the cafeterias, sleeping on the green, studying in the library and just enjoying each other’s company. This is the best way to determine a social fit.
• Majoring in Metallurgical Engineering – Did you memorize the periodic table for fun? Did you enjoy your chemistry or physics labs? Is math your thing? If so, you might consider majoring in metallurgical engineering.
• Understanding Net Price – Families often experience sticker shock when contemplating the cost of college, but it’s the net price, rather than the sticker price, that prospective students need to consider.
• Elite Summer Programs – About this time, students’ mailboxes begin to fill up with fancy “invitations” to elite summer programs. These sound like an honor, but are they? Will attending one of these programs give you an edge in the selective admission process?

Enjoy!
Patty

Greetings!

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Attached you’ll find your December newsletter. Articles on subjects that include

• How to Ace Your College Interview – Find lots of tips here to help you navigate the interview process.
• Majoring in Animation – While animators often work in the entertainment industry, there are many jobs available in other fields.
• Understanding Your Student Aid Report – Once you’ve completed your FAFSA, a Student Aid Report will be generated. The information on this report serves as the basis for determining your financial aid package. This article explains the components of the SAR.
• Dealing With Deferral – As early college admissions decisions are released, many students will find themselves in the limbo-land of deferral. Deferral means that your early application will be reconsidered within the context of the regular decision applicant pool. What can you do to improve your chances of admission?

Thank you
Patty

Greetings! Happy Fall! I’ve attached your October newsletter which  includes articles on: 

• The Rise of Test Optional Admissions – Although many colleges have considered candidates for admission without standardized test results for years, there has been a recent increase in the number and selectivity of colleges offering test optional admissions.  Learn more about this growing movement and how it pertains to you.
•  Majoring in Public Administration –  Students interested in careers in public service will find themselves well-positioned for anticipated openings by majoring in public administration.
•  Early Decision/Early Action and Their Effect on Financial Aid –    Although Early Decision can significantly increase your chance of admission at many colleges, there is a potential downside in ED for students who require financial aid to attend college.  Read this to learn how ED/EA admissions can affect your total cost of college.
• Why Are You Applying Here? – The popular “Why this college?” supplemental essay requires applicants to dive deeply into programs at that institution, thinking about the student’s interests, strengths and goals, and looking for how these mesh with those of the school. 
• Fall Timeline for Juniors and Seniors –  Here’s a clip-and-save list of what you should be doing this fall. 

Enjoy!

Patty