Happy Spring!

I’ve attached your April issue. In it you’ll find:

• Making Final Decisions – Some very happy students now have the enviable problem of deciding which college they want to attend.  Although some of you will be able to make a campus visit, many of you may have to decide without ever having stepped foot on campus.  Here are some things to consider.
• Majoring in Biology – The study of biology has many areas of specialization, allowing students multiple career paths in a wide variety of fields after completing the major.  If you’re fascinated by living things, bio may be the major for you.
• Comparing Financial Aid Packages – If you’ve applied for financial aid and filed all the paperwork by the appropriate deadline, an award letter outlining a college’s offer of financial assistance should arrive close on the heels of your notification of acceptance.  Here’s a guide to understanding what that package really means.
• Getting Good Recommendations in a Virtual World – Juniors who have spent much of this year taking classes on Zoom are faced with trying to obtain college recommendations from teachers who may not have been able to get to know them well. In order to help your recommenders from the virtual classroom, here are some things to do.

Thank you

Patty  

Hello!
I hope you and your family are well. It’s difficult to believe it’s February. Articles in the February newsletter include: 

• Considering a Gap Year – With the advent of effective vaccines and with colleges beginning to announce on-campus programs for the fall of 2021, should you still consider a gap year? 
• Majoring in Foreign Language – As the world becomes more interconnected, fluency in multiple languages is a highly desirable skill. But what type of careers can this major prepare you for?
• Changes Coming to the FAFSA – The FAFSA Simplification Act of 2021 brings a slew of changes to the FAFSA that will begin with the 2022-23 application cycle.  This is what families need to know.
• Looking for a Way to Enhance your Learning Experiences? – Chances are, there is a MOOC in your future. Although many of you are currently doing some or all of your learning online, you will find that MOOCs are different from traditional high school or college courses.
• To Test or Not to Test – That is the Question – How do you decide if you should invest both considerable time and money into test prep for the next admissions cycle? Info for the class of 2022.

Thank you 
Patty

Hello!

I wish you all a wonderful and restful holiday season followed by a greatly improved 2021! 

In the meantime, your December issue includes:

• Interviewing Tips -Colleges want you to like them, even if they don’t accept you. This means that the interview is not a test. Read this for tips to shine at your college interview.
• Majoring in Civil Engineering – A major in civil engineering prepares students to design, build, and maintain facilities such as buildings for both public and private purposes. Many career paths are open to students studying civil engineering.
• Searching for Scholarships – Most scholarships are awarded directly by the college you attend, but there are other sources of scholarship aid.  Here’s a list of resources to get you started on your search for outside scholarships.
• The 5 Ps of Choosing Colleges – Just getting started on your college search? Deciding on your priorities is the first step. Consider the 5 Ps.
• Dealing With Deferrals – While disappointing, a deferral is actually a “maybe”; it’s up to you now to convince your chosen college that you really are an excellent candidate for admission. 

Thank you,

Patty

Hello! 

Hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during these crazy times.

Attached you’ll find your October issue;  Subjects addressed include:

• How Will Colleges Make Decisions This Year? – With so many colleges going test optional/test blind, an important metric for admission decisions will be unavailable.  How do colleges plan to distinguish between similarly-looking students from different parts of the country, some of whom have been more affected by the pandemic and who may have had their options for education and activities significantly scaled back during the last 7 months?
• Majoring in Business/Entrepreneurial Studies – Business remains the most popular major on American college campuses, with about a quarter of all bachelor’s degrees awarded in this area. What are the career options for students graduating with a business major?
• The FAFSA – Oct. 1st is the opening date to file your FAFSA for 2021-22. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the primary form used by colleges to determine eligibility for need-based aid.  Here’s what you need to know.
• Making the Most of Virtual Tours – Although the COVID pandemic has brought most options for on-campus tours to a grinding halt, this should not prevent high school students from continuing to ‘visit’ their many colleges of interest in ways that have been second-nature to them for most of their lives – by doing research online. 

Enjoy!

Patty

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