Our 2024 Summer Reading Picks

What did the Columbia and Wake Forest applications have in common this past year? Both asked students to share information about books they’d read!

Yes, reading is a great way to pass the time in general, but it can be especially important for rising seniors to pick up a few books while hitting the beach this summer. Remember, even if students aren’t applying to schools that ask about books in the application, they still need to be prepared to discuss reading material in college interviews.

Unfortunately, selecting books to discuss, whether in an interview setting or in a supplemental essay, can be tricky. Students have to find the right balance. War and Peace? Nobody is going to believe a 17-year-old chose to read that for fun. And yet the trashy beach reads won’t be your best bet, either.

Instead, we advise our students to try to find texts that are in alignment with their academic (or extracurricular) interests and overall application narrative, yet aren’t dry and obscure, either.

Check out our top pics below — no matter your intended major, we’ve got options for you!

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‘Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space’ by Adam Higginbotham

If you're into gripping true stories, check out this book about the 1986 Challenger disaster. It dives into the tragic event where the space shuttle broke apart just seventy-three seconds after launch. All seven crew members were killed, including a teacher named Christa McAuliffe. This book isn't just packed with facts—it's also super inspiring and thought-provoking. You'll get the full scoop on what led up to the accident, the disaster itself, and the investigation afterward. Plus, it touches on big themes like ambition, ingenuity, political drama, and heroism. 

We recommend this for students interested in history, politics, science, and engineering – or anyone who can appreciate a good real-life thriller!

‘Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection’ by Charles Duhigg

Check out this book for a fascinating read that can up your communication game! Imagine being in a jury room where one person manages to get everyone on the same page, or a young CIA officer convincing a reluctant foreign agent, or a top surgeon trying to persuade a patient to choose a safer form of treatment. This book is packed with cool stories like these, showing how great communicators work their magic.

Duhigg explains that every conversation has three layers: practical (what’s this about?), emotional (how do we feel?), and social (who are we?). Knowing which one you’re dealing with can make a huge difference in connecting with people. You'll learn how to pick up on emotions, negotiations, and beliefs that shape our talks. By the end, you'll get that with the right tools, you can connect with anyone. 

We recommend this for students interested in communications, business, and politics  – or anyone looking to improve their communication skills in a fun and engaging way!

‘James’ by Percival Everett

If you enjoyed The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, you have to check out this book, which reimagines the classic story from Jim's perspective! When Jim hears he's about to be sold and separated from his family, he hides on Jackson Island and meets Huck. Together they embark on a dangerous adventure, aiming for the Free States. Everett's version keeps all the exciting elements of the original — floods, storms, treasure hunts, and run-ins with scam artists — but it shines a new light on Jim. You'll see his intelligence, agency, and compassion in a way that the original story didn't show. This book is packed with humor and sharp observations that make it an electrifying read. It also dives into serious themes including language, race, and power.

We recommend this for students interested in English literature, race and culture, psychology, or sociology  –  or anyone interested in stories that mix adventure with deep, thought-provoking themes. 

‘Finding Fortunato: How a Peruvian Adventure Inspired the Sweet Success of a Family Chocolate Business’ by Adam Pearson

Dive into this exciting memoir about a family's adventure in the northern Peruvian jungle. They stumble upon a rare cacao bean, once thought extinct, and their journey turns into an epic chocolate business story! This book takes you through their struggles and triumphs as they decide to disrupt the traditional supply chain by trading directly with farmers. Their efforts not only produce what the BBC calls "the Rolex of chocolate" but also help lift farmers out of poverty. A tale of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, the book shows how gut instincts and determination can lead to incredible success.

We recommend this for students interested in business, politics, or global studies  –  or anyone interested in adventure and making a difference in the world.

‘All the Gold Stars’ by Rainesford Stauffer

Dig into the pressures of ambition and how it leads to burnout! From gold stars in grade school to getting into the "right" college and grinding at work, our drive to achieve is celebrated but often comes with serious downsides. The book explores how cultural, personal, and societal expectations push us to tie our worth to productivity, limit our imaginations, and drive us apart. 

Through her own story of ambition and burnout, along with interviews with students, parents, workers, psychologists, and labor organizers, Stauffer uncovers the common pressures we all face. This book challenges us to rethink what success really means and offers new ways to approach ambition that's more about caring for ourselves and each other. 

We recommend this for students interested in psychology, sociology, or education – or anyone feeling the weight of expectations and looking for a healthier way to achieve their goals.

‘The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security’ by Scott Galloway

If you want to get a head start on financial success, check out The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway. Today's world offers more opportunities and mobility than ever, but also some big challenges like inflation, housing shortages, and climate issues. The old financial advice your parents followed just doesn't cut it anymore!

In this book, you’ll learn how to choose a career by focusing on your talent (not just your passion!); how to adopt a mindset that will help you develop better financial habits; and how to make small steps now that will have a big impact later. 

We recommend this for students interested in economics or business – or anyone looking to make smart money moves!

‘The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness’ by Jonathan Haidt

If you're curious about why so many teens are struggling with mental health issues, check out this book, which dives into why rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide skyrocketed for teens starting in the early 2010s.

Haidt, a social psychologist, breaks down the facts about this mental health crisis and explores how childhood has changed. He explains how kids used to grow up with lots of play and independence, but starting in the 1980s, this "play-based childhood" started disappearing. By the early 2010s, the rise of smartphones completely changed how kids grow up. Learn how this shift has messed with adolescent development, from sleep problems to addiction, loneliness, and constant social comparison. 

We recommend this for students interested in psychology, sociology, or education – or anyone interested in understanding and tackling the mental health challenges facing Gen Z. 

‘There’s Always this Year: On Basketball and Ascension’ by Hanif Abdurraqib

This book dives into what it means to succeed, who deserves it, and the tension between excellence and expectations. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, in the '90s, Abdurraqib experienced an amazing era of basketball where legends like LeBron James were born. He combines his personal stories with a deep exploration of basketball's impact on culture. The book is filled with joy, pain, solidarity, comfort, outrage, and hope, and it’s creatively structured like a basketball game, divided into quarters with "timeouts" that mix prose with poetry. 

We recommend this for students interested in sports, race and culture, or psychology – or anyone who loves powerful storytelling!

‘The Formula: How Rogues, Geniuses, and Speed Freaks Reengineered F1 into the World’s Fastest-Growing Sport’ by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg

If you're into fast cars and thrilling stories, you need to check out this epic story of how Formula 1 (F1) racing went from being a distant third behind NASCAR and IndyCar in America to leading the pack in 2023. It dives into F1’s fearless reinvention and its breakthrough in the US. With fast cars, engineering geniuses, driver rivalries, and glamorous settings, you'll see how F1's rise in America was actually decades in the making. It's all about constant transformation and bold moves.

This book isn't just about sports; it's a high-octane history of how modern F1 racing came to be. It's the first book to cover the outrageous successes and spectacular crashes that led F1 to its current, thrilling moment. 

We recommend this for students interested in cars, engineering, popular culture and business – or anyone who wants to know how F1 broke into the American sports scene with style, cash, and personality!

Runner-Ups

• ‘Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI’ by Ethan Mollick 

• ‘Hot Dog Money: Inside the Biggest Scandal in the History of College Sports’ by Guy Lawson

• ‘Cue The Sun! The Invention of Reality TV’ by Emily Nussbaum

• ‘The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony’ by Annabelle Tometich

• ‘A Thousand Times Before: A Novel’ by Asha Thanki

• ‘The Cemetery of Untold Stories’ by Julia Alvarez

• ‘What this Comedian Said Will Shock You’ by Bill Maher

• ‘The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the C.I.A., and the Origins of America’s Invasion of Iraq’ by Steve Coll

• ‘Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis’ by Jonathan Blitzer

• ‘ADHD is Awesome: A Guide to (Mostly) Thriving with ADHD’ by Penn Holderness and Kim Holderness

• ‘Sing Like Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water’ by Amorina Kingdon

• ‘WHEN THE SEA CAME ALIVE: AN ORAL HISTORY OF D-DAY’ by GARRETT GRAFF

Trend Watch: The Newest (Non-Data Science!) Undergrad Programs to Keep on Your Radar

AMERICA LOVES Data SCIENCE THIS YEAR

Have you noticed that practically every college in the country either just introduced, is in the middle of introducing, or is planning to introduce a new academic program in data science? Okay, so that might be a slight exaggeration, but there’s no question that new programs in data science are practically EVERYWHERE these days! And we think it’s a great field, so we are in full support of that.

However, if data isn’t your thing, don’t worry! We have a variety of other new programs to share that are not related to data science in the least. Whether you’re hoping to turn your passion for gaming into a career or become a famous music producer, keep reading for some exciting new options to keep on your radar:

UNC Chapel Hill’s B.S. DEGREE in Applied Sciences

If you’ve always wanted to be an engineer in theory but are worried about studying the hard sciences at such a high level, this brand-new program is for you! It “connects engineering to the liberal arts” and “train[s] students to be problem-solvers with the skills and mindset to address complex, interdisciplinary problems.” This expands on the popular minor program in the same field that UNC introduced in 2020.

Students can choose from two tracks, materials engineering and environmental engineering, and the environmental engineering track will actually be in partnership with the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The environmental engineering choice in particular could be a great option for those interested in environmental science and health — even from a policy standpoint.

UCLA’S B.A. DEGREE IN MUSIC INDUSTRY

Ready for a career in the music industry but also want to make sure that you’re employed at graduation? You have to check out this new degree program at UCLA, which also builds upon a popular existing minor. It combines the liberal arts, business, and music, and offers a “leadership-focused professional degree which prepares students to transform the creative, entrepreneurial, and executive structures of the music industry.”

How cool — and you’d be in such an amazing location! Not surprisingly, the program even incorporates an internship requirement, so that all students are able to gain real-world experience before they graduate.

OREGON’S B.A./B.S. DEGREE IN CHILD BEHAVIOR HEALTH

If you already know that you want to work with children in a therapeutic or wellness setting, you don’t have to go through a traditional four-year program before heading to graduate school to specialize. The University of Oregon recently introduced a pioneering 2+2 undergraduate program in conjunction with the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health — the first of its kind in the entire country!

Students will gain the “knowledge and skills to improve the behavioral health and wellness of youth … [while learning] to equitably deliver evidence-based interventions to promote wellness and prevent mental health problems from developing or worsening in children and adolescents.”

The first two years of the program will take place at the University of Oregon, where students will pursue core requirements and pre-major coursework. The last two years will take place at the Ballmer Institute, and will involve experiential education and a deep level of specialization closer to what one would expect from a graduate program. By the time students graduate, they will already have achieved over 700 hours of field work in Oregon public schools!

SYRACUSE’s B.S. DEGREE IN ESPORTS COMMUNICATION & MANAGEMENT

I need to write this one down for my 7-year-old son, whose career aspirations involve playing video games on YouTube and getting people to pay to watch him (I wish I was kidding!). In all seriousness, though, gaming is a billion-dollar industry and there are many legitimate career opportunities out there. Two of the most renowned undergraduate schools at Syracuse, the Newhouse School of Public Communications and Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, have now joined forces to create an interdisciplinary program that “connects innovative gaming environments and technology with the sports media industry” and prepares students for careers in the field.

For the parents out there who might be unfamiliar with the terminology, esports does not necessarily mean electronic versions of athletic sports, like playing tennis on the Nintendo Wii. Esports is simply competitive gaming, in all forms.

Students will develop “industry-specific competencies in event management and marketing, broadcasting/production, communications, content creation, entrepreneurship, strategic communications and esports experience and design.” There are three tracks: Esports Business and Management, Esports Communications, and Esports Media and Design, so students can focus their course of study on their individual interests and career goals. We always say to follow your passions, right?!

WEST VIRGINIA’S B.A. DEGREE IN PROFESSIONAL WRITING AND EDITING

Many students assume that English majors primarily focus on writing, but that’s typically not the case at all: almost all traditional undergraduate programs in English revolve around literature. This can be a disappointment for potential English majors — it’s sort of like thinking you’re taking AP Lang and realizing you signed up for AP Lit instead, for context! And the writing-centric programs that do exist are often geared towards technical writers.

This new program at West Virginia University, on the other hand, provides students with the opportunity to spend their undergraduate years focusing on the art of writing itself. Graduates will be prepared to analyze, problem-solve, and write in nearly any industry, with optional specializations in Editing and Publishing, Creative Writing and Narrative Strategies, and Theories of Literacy and Language. No matter which profession they pursue, this type of degree will be an enormous asset! It also involves a required capstone internship, giving students the chance to use their writing skills in the workplace before graduation.

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You might wonder: what’s the benefit of pursuing a brand-new program when others are more established? Well, from a selectivity standpoint, this can be a slightly easier way to get an applicant’s foot in the door, because seats need to be filled and there may be less competition, as the general population may not be aware of the program yet.

For example, our (admittedly non-scientific) anecdotal evidence has shown that business majors at Rice and engineering majors at Wake Forest have had an easier time in the application process in recent years than other candidates. So if you have a profile that otherwise fits the bill, this could be a great path!

But don’t apply for specialized programs like these without some demonstrated interest in the field — admissions committees aren’t stupid, and the president of the high school pre-med club who volunteers at the local hospital every weekend is going to have an uphill battle trying to prove their commitment to the music industry!

Trends and Themes: January 2024

January is always a good time to reflect on the trends and themes of the most recent application cycle and look ahead to what’s coming in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. As chair of the Committee on Current Trends and Future Issues of PCACAC (Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling), Sally and the committee have been keeping track of the following trends:

ChatGPT made a splash in 2022 and since then more generative artificial intelligence programs have been released. Throughout 2023, many people in college admissions questioned how these chatbots would impact the college admission essay and supplements and how institutions would respond. Some schools have instituted new policies to address this issue; for example, the University of California system includes a Statement of Application Integrity in which they state that the “UC conducts regular screenings to verify the integrity of the responses” and “may request authentication of the content or writing as the student’s.” Our March 1 blog post, Rejected! How ChatGPT Destroys the College Admissions Essay, offers an in-depth look at the risks of using AI chatbots to write college essays.

The Supreme Court decision on race consideration in college admission released at the end of June 2023 had a significant impact on the way that colleges are reading applications this cycle and changing their internal processes. Many schools changed their supplemental essays in order to comply with the ruling, including the University of Virginia. Their new prompt asks students: “What about your individual background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at UVA?” Other schools added on more essays.

In December 2020, Congress passed legislation requiring the Department of Education to update and simplify the FAFSA (the application which determines eligibility for federal student aid) by December 31, 2023. The Department of Education has begun a “soft launch” of the redesigned FAFSA and students and families can begin to complete their applications. We have yet to see the impact of the changes in the formula the government uses to calculate the Student Aid Index (SAI). One of the more significant changes is the removal of the number of children a family has attending institutions of higher education in a given year. 

Changes relating to standardized testing have continued to emerge as a trend. While many schools saw an increase in applications and an increase in applications from historically underserved populations, other schools have decided to return to requiring either the SAT or the ACT. Two great examples are CalTech and MIT. Based on data from their internal review, CalTech has extended their moratorium on standardized test scores through the fall of 2025 and will no longer consider test scores in the admissions process. Conversely, MIT’s internal research demonstrated the need for test scores to be used in conjunction with a holistic review, to properly assess an applicant's preparedness to succeed given MIT’s curriculum. MIT requires students to complete a minimum of two semesters of calculus and two semesters of calculus-based physics regardless of their major. 

In addition to institutional policies based on internal research, the 2023-2024 admission cycle saw an increase in some state schools returning to requiring standardized test scores or considering test scores in specific cases such as below a certain GPA or for consideration for scholarships. For example, the University System of Georgia announced that they would continue the temporary test score waiver for schools not including the University of Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Georgia College & State University. 

The increase in both state and federal government oversight and involvement grew over the past year to include: a congressional hearing on antisemitism on the campuses of Harvard University, Yale University, and the University of Pennsylvania; Department of Education investigations in response to alleged incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia; the North Carolina state legislature appointing board of directors; and proposed federal legislation introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) to ban legacy admissions. We anticipate that such oversight and proposed changes will continue through 2024 and will keep our readers abreast of any changes and their impact on students in the college application process.

Finally, the mental health of college students remains a priority for institutions across the country. Many schools are in the process of increasing access and resources for students who are struggling with issues ranging from anxiety and depression through substance abuse education and addiction counseling.

Holiday Celebrations Across College Campuses

The winter holiday season is filled with celebrations, special foods, and beautiful decorations. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or other holidays, this time of year is marked by traditions at home and at school. Last year we highlighted some of our favorite college Thanksgiving traditions, so this year we are highlighting some of our favorite winter holiday celebrations on college campuses across the country!

CHRISTMAS ON 5TH, BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

From Christmas carols to the tree lighting, students and members of the Waco, Texas community will fill the center of campus in celebration of Baylor’s traditional Christmas on 5th. They can enjoy food trucks, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and other holiday activities supported by many student organizations. The festivities include performances ranging from live Nativity scenes to The Nutcracker to Holiday Carols from Around the World by the Department of Modern Languages & Cultures, and culminate in a Christmas tree lighting and concert.

KWANZAA AND FEAST OF FAITH, NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

The African American Cultural Center at NC State invites students for an early celebration of Kwanzaa and the Feast of Faith, taking place before final exams as Kwanzaa falls during winter break. NC State teaches the principles of Kwanzaa, which include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. In this special event, the community finds new ways to focus on Black resilience, innovation, and joy!

CHANUKAH IN THE SQUARE, COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON

Students at the College of Charleston gather to recognize the Festival of Lights in Marion Square with the annual Chanukah in the Square, the largest Jewish celebration in South Carolina. Sponsored by the city and the school, everyone is invited to enjoy live music and food ranging from traditional hot latkes to kettle corn. Students can also take part in the 16th annual lighting of the giant menorah!

CHRISTMAS ON CAMPUS, UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON

For 60 years, the University of Dayton community has held Christmas on Campus. Student organizations host activities ranging from a carnival with activities sponsored by fraternities and sororities to performances from campus dance, music, and demonstration group. There’s also ornament making, cookie decorating, pictures with Santa, and more! But UD students don’t just celebrate: they buddy up with over 1,000 local children from the Dayton City Schools to explore and enjoy. 

LATKAPALOOZA, DUKE UNIVERSITY

Duke students celebrate Latkapalooza each year at the start of Hanukkah. This fun event includes a candle lighting with traditional Jewish prayers, latkes, and even a jelly doughnut-eating contest! Co-sponsored by the Jewish Student Union and Jewish Life at Duke, all students are welcome to play the Dreidel game and try latkes, a pancake-like traditional dish made from potatoes.

YULE LOG CELEBRATION, WILLIAM & MARY

At the annual Yule Log Celebration of peace, joy and gratitude, students and alumni gather to enjoy music and singing; a reading of traditional poems; and, for good luck, the tossing of holly sprigs into the fireplace. If you’re in a different city, you can still participate - check out the Yule Log gatherings across the country for alumni, families, and friends of the school. There’s even an option for those who can’t celebrate in person at all: William & Mary provides a live feed of the festivities in Williamsburg, along with videos of the fireplace and recipes for the traditional cakes, cookies, and cinnamon rolls.

Happy Holidays!

‘Tis the season…for early application decisions!

Over the next few weeks, many schools will release their early application decisions - especially those with binding early decision plans (some non-binding early action decisions will not come in until January or even February). If you aren’t sure when to expect decisions from the schools on your list, check out this website for expected dates and times.

Make sure to consider where you want to be when you receive your decisions. We recommend you log into your portal or open your email or letter in the privacy of your room or home, not in your high school cafeteria ​​or while with a group of friends. You need to be able to have an honest, emotional response. We have seen a trend developing in which students record themselves opening their admission decisions and then post the video on TikTok. We definitely do NOT recommend this approach!

You should also take some time to decide how you want to share this information, whether positive or negative. Tell your parents. Tell your counselor at school. And of course, tell us! Beyond that, remember that YOU get to decide if and when you choose to share your news with anyone else.

Read on for some helpful tips, broken down by decision!

• If Accepted:

• First of all, congratulations!

• Be gracious. Congratulate yourself. It is ok to celebrate—but be appropriate. Remember there are many of your peers and friends who have not heard anything, are still applying to schools, or have been deferred, waitlisted or denied ​​(sometimes by the same school that just accepted you!).

• Be grateful. Thank your parents. Thank your recommenders. A hand-written thank you note goes a long way for an educator who cares about your success and puts the effort in to meet your school’s deadlines. 

• Be engaged. Your acceptance is not the signal to check out or give in to “senior slide.”

• Be proactive. If you have been accepted early decision, be sure to withdraw your applications from the remainder of your schools. You agreed to do this when you signed the early decision form.

• IF Deferred:

• Continue to work hard in your classes. Many schools will ask you to submit midyear grades in the portal, on the SRAR, or from your counselor.

• Check with us or your school counselor before sending additional submissions. More is not necessarily better. Follow the school’s directions for submitting materials.

• Compose your letters of continued interest (LOCI). Write brief (seriously: brief!) letters that state why you want to attend the schools and why you would be a great fit. Check out our prior blog post: Writing an Effective Letter of Continued Interest: Instructions and Samples, and again, only do this if the schools at which you were deferred will accept them (most will!).

• If Waitlisted:

• Respond. Be sure to follow the school’s instructions to accept your place on the waitlist. 

• Redouble your efforts and study, study, study. These schools will see your 3rd and 4th quarter or winter and spring term grades, which, if strong, can help you.

• Refocus. Be sure to deposit at another school by May 1 to ensure you are going to college somewhere, even if you remain on other waitlists.

• If Denied:

• Process the news. It’s ok to allow yourself time to be disappointed (for a day or two). What you feel is real and needs to be expressed, but cannot take over your life. This sounds impossible, but don’t take it personally. Read our previous post:  5 Steps to Take After Being Deferred or Denied Early Admission.

• Maintain perspective. Remember you have a balanced list for a reason.

• Pull yourself together and submit your remaining applications. Do not allow a denial to paralyze you. You need to continue to work hard in your classes and make sure all of your remaining applications are submitted.

• Prioritize self-care. Got a shredder? Print out your letter and shred it! Have a fire pit? Invite friends over and make s’mores out of your denial letters! Be creative and find a way to move forward!

If you ARE A CURRENT CLIENT:

• If you need help adding new schools to your list or reviewing application materials over winter break, make an appointment with Colleen or Sally to review it and discuss whether or not you need to make any changes

• If you need more essay coaching meetings, book them as soon as possible (but don’t add new schools without running that by us first)!

If you need help now but didn’t work with us earlier in the process on an ongoing basis, it’s not too late.

• If you need help adding new schools to your list or reviewing application materials over winter break, you can book one of our Class of 2024 Strategy Sessions.

• If you already know where you want to apply and just need help finishing up all those essays, you can book pay-as-you-go essay coaching sessions here. 

NOTE: We may be able to add additional essay coaching availability depending on demand, so the earlier you let us know you need help, the better! Please send our admin team an email to discuss options if you can’t find a session that works for you using the links above.

REMEMBER: We are rooting for you just as much as you are (maybe even more!). Stay smart, stay positive, and enjoy the rest of senior year! 

Tips For Creating Your College List

Because deciding where to apply to college is a critical step in the college admissions process, it’s important to be thoughtful and thorough.

Creating a college list can also be really fun and exciting, as you explore all of your options and imagine where you’ll be for the next four years. However, with so many schools to choose from, it can be overwhelming! Here are some tips to help you get started and make a strong college list.

Start early

Junior year is the ideal time to start putting together your college list. After all, the earlier you begin this process, the more time you will have to consider your options. Plus, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress later on! During the spring of your junior year, set aside some time to talk with your college counselor (if you haven’t already) and attend any college fairs or information sessions in your area. This is also a great time to tour colleges and see what campuses look like while school is in session!

A note to eager ninth and tenth graders: While it’s never too early to start thinking about college and doing some preliminary research, don’t pressure yourself to make a definitive college list right now. Your interests and goals may change over the next few years, and you’ll want to keep your options open. What you can do, however, is start thinking about preferences in a big-picture sense. Keep reading..

Determine what you want

Before you start sifting through thousands of colleges and universities, you’ll need to figure out what you actually want in a school. For example, do you think a small, liberal arts college is the environment for you, or do you like the idea of a big university? Do you want to stay close to home or maybe venture to a different part of the country? Is it really important that you go somewhere with small class sizes or a particular academic program? Here are some important factors to consider, which can help direct your college search and list: 

• Size of school

• Location

• Student demographics

• Academic programs

• Extracurricular opportunities

• Campus culture 

As you determine what you want, also take note of any priorities, as well as must-haves. It’s really helpful to understand the MOST important factors driving your search and areas where you are willing to be more flexible and open. 

Research, research, research! 

When it comes to researching schools, a quick Google search won’t cut it. You’ll need to dig a bit deeper. Take advantage of college search websites and databases to help you find schools that match your criteria and learn more about specific colleges and universities. The Princeton Review, Niche, and Cappex are just a few resources that make collecting data and comparing schools easy.  You’ll also want to look at individual school websites and social media accounts. Why? Well, because third-party websites can tell you a lot about the numbers, but the school itself will be able to give you insights into its campus culture and student body.

But don’t just rely on your laptop to conduct research. There are plenty of ways to collect information IRL (in real life), too! Attend college fairs in your areas and information sessions at your school. You can also reach out to current students and alumni, as well as admissions representatives. Check a school's admissions web site to learn how to contact representatives. Bonus: You might also find opportunities to attend live webinars or information sessions, too!

Visit campuses

One of the best ways to get to know a school is to visit the campus. Ideally, it would be great if you could visit all of the campuses on your college list. But in most cases, that’s just not realistic. So if you can’t visit a school on your college list, consider touring a comparable college or university in your area. That way you can still get a feel for factors such as size and setting. 

We also recommend taking a virtual campus tour, which most schools now offer. Check out Campus Tours or a specific school’s admission page to start your virtual walk! 

Stay organized

Conducting research is great, but it’s not going to help you make a college list unless you stay organized. Create a system for keeping track of the information you gather for each school. We HIGHLY encourage students to set up a spreadsheet to easily compare multiple schools. 

Revise and refine

Making a college list is NOT something you can create in just a weekend and then check off your ‘to-do’ list. It’s a living, breathing document that will continue to change as you “do your homework.” Be sure to update your list regularly as you narrow down your priorities, visit schools, and learn more about what you like and don’t like. 

Strike a balance

When it comes to a college list, balance is key. You want to make sure you have a healthy mix of safety schools, target schools, and reach schools. In the past few years, the admissions world has changed a LOT, and schools that were once considered safeties are now much more selective. Be sure to research admissions data to get a better sense of how likely you are to be admitted to a particular school. 

As part of creating a balanced list, don’t overdo it on the number of colleges! You may think that applying to 25 schools is increasing your odds and keeping your options open, but more isn’t always better. You’ll be bombarded with a lot of essay writing and a lot of confusion. Of course, the number of schools on a college list will vary depending upon a student and their particular situation; however, a good rule of thumb is that if you’re starting to get past 15, you might want to take a step back.

Be open-minded

Finally, it’s important to be open-minded as you make your college list. The dream school you’ve been thinking about for years might not actually be such a dream once you visit. Or maybe a big university is a little too overwhelming for you after all, even if you don’t want to admit it. Explore your options, knowing that you might just find a great fit in an unexpected place. 

Do you need help creating your college list?

That’s what we’re here for! Whether you’ve just finished sophomore year and want to start getting serious about your college list now, or you’re a soon-to-be-senior in need of some motivation and strategy, we can help. Book a session today!

How to Make a Great Impression on the First Day of School

The first day of school can be nerve-wracking for many students - and it’s right around the corner for most of ours! Whether you're starting a new school or returning to the same one, it's important to make a good impression on your first day. Here are some tips to help you start the school year off on the right foot:

Finish your summer work

Did you have any required summer reading? Or maybe an AP assignment to complete over the summer? Make sure you’ve finished any work that’s been assigned to you over the summer. You don’t want to have to admit to your teacher on the first day that you didn’t do your homework! And who wants to start off the school year already behind?

Look your best

Your appearance can say a lot about you, so make sure to dress appropriately for the first day of school. This means following the dress code, if there is one, and making sure your outfit is clean and wrinkle-free. We also recommend getting a fresh haircut. While these details may seem small, they give the impression that you care. Plus, you’ll feel more confident if you’re looking your best. 

Get to school early

The first day of school is likely to create additional traffic jams on the highway (especially in the DMV area!) and even in the school parking lot. Plan to arrive a bit early, so you’re not stressed, or even worse, late for your first class. Use the extra time to organize your locker, catch up with friends, and find your classrooms. You’ll feel much calmer and will be prepared to start the day off right. 

Smile

Even if you’re not a morning person, even if you’re not thrilled to be back at school, smile! It will set a positive tone for the day and draw people to you. This is especially important if you’re starting a new school and need to make some connections and lunch buddies fast! 

Introduce yourself to teachers

Okay, this might sound like a dorky move, but we promise that it goes a long way! Introduce yourself to your new teachers. You don’t have to offer up a formal handshake, but a quick “Hi, my name is…” when you come into class shows you’re mature and personable. And if there’s anything you want to share with your teacher—like how you’ve always struggled in math or have accommodations—send an introductory email or arrange a meeting. They’ll be impressed that you are taking initiative!

Introduce yourself to students

And while you’re at it, introduce yourself to new students. They’ll appreciate your efforts to make them feel more comfortable on the first day. If you are a new student, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, either! A small “hi” to the classmate sitting in the desk next to you or “do you mind if I sit here?” at lunch will show off your confidence, even if you’re faking it a bit until the anxiety of your first day eases.

Listen and participate

The first day can be intimidating, but make it your goal to participate at least one time in each class. This will show your teachers that you are engaged and interested in learning. It will also help you make a good impression on your classmates, as they will see that you are knowledgeable and enthusiastic!

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR FIRST DAY!

By following these tips, you can start the school year off on the right foot and set yourself up for success. Remember to be yourself, be prepared, and have a positive attitude—and you'll do great!

A Day in the Life, Part IV

For those who have followed our blog for a while, you might remember Colleen, Shannon, and STACI sharing a behind-the-scenes perspective of life at DC College Counseling. NOW WE WaNT TO GIVE YOU SOME INSIGHT INTO OUR BUSIESt TIME OF YEAR - AUGUST! - In PART IV of our day in the life series.

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At the Front Desk:

When you enter our office, you will likely be greeted by Libby! Libby holds down the fort at the front desk, welcoming students in for their in-person essay coaching appointments. You’ve probably also seen emails from her with reminders about tasks or scheduling. She is busy making sure that all of our students have enough appointments on the calendar during this hectic month!

We also wanted to capture our entry wall - so fun to see all of the college memorabilia and interesting articles (many of which feature Colleen!). We used Framebridge to design this back in 2020 and they did a great job!

Libby is also in charge of ordering snacks and stocking up our candy jar, so if you have any special requests, make sure you let her know! She has everything freshly stocked and ready for the next few weeks.

Our office is on the first floor of our building, but we also see some families from the pediatrician’s office upstairs. In fact, today we had a prospective client and her rising ninth grader stop in after seeing our sign on a visit to the doctor! P.S. We love the pediatricians upstairs! Colleen uses them for her children and they are amazing.

Another post-pediatrician visit! Colleen’s friend Amanda also stopped by with her new baby after visiting the doctor - but this one probably isn’t ready to start college counseling just yet!

IN THE ESSAY COACHING OFFICE:

Staci is in the office today because we have several in-person essay coaching meetings scheduled - but in between, she is also ready with her laptop for students who prefer to meet virtually.

In addition to helping students with their generic and school-specific supplemental essays for most of the month, Staci is also meeting with a former client who is currently working on her graduate school applications, as well as doing interview prep with a student who is preparing for an upcoming William & Mary interview (p.s. - if you are a client with an interview coming up too, you can book a prep session here).

Staci isn’t our only essay coach working today - the rest of our coaches are just as busy with virtual meetings from home. Most of our students prefer virtual meetings, so for now our team is working with a hybrid approach to be able to accommodate everyone’s preferences.

IN the College Counseling Offices:

Shannon and Colleen are here for most of the week in August. In addition to updating the Common Application rollover guides and helping students complete their application work, they are also reading and reviewing essays and applications behind the scenes, and making sure each student stays on track!

Colleen checking the mail first thing in the morning. This is our back door, which provides access to the rest of the building - like the bathrooms!

While typically more of us are doing hybrid work during the school year, in the summer Shannon and Colleen are here almost every day! Today, Colleen got in early and will leave around 6:00pm, while Shannon will hold down the fort until 8:00pm.

…And remotely!

In our current hybrid work plan, many team members are working from home rather than the office, including Donna, Grace, and some of our essay coaching team.

McClain’s home workspace…

…and a couple very cute coworkers!

McClain’s share: “About to hop on an essay coaching session to help a student revise one of her Wake Forest supplemental essays! To get ready for my meetings each day, I usually spend time preparing the night before. I look at where each student is in the writing process, find the document links I'll need, and create skeleton recap emails to fill in post-meeting. My coaching sessions are usually in the afternoons since I’m with my kids—Theo, 1.5, and James, 3—most mornings. This organizational routine allows us to enjoy our favorite summer activities (pool, playground, and lots of ice cream breaks) without stressing about being prepared for my students in the afternoon. My WFH setup is very fancy—my dining room table :). I’m always ready with a flavored seltzer, a big cup of water, and way too many open tabs.”

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WRAPPING UP:

Colleen’s kids stop by to grab snacks with their au pair before Colleen leaves to take her daughter Caroline to an appointment at 6:00. She’ll likely be back online at night to review progress from the day and respond to emails!

Caroline, 11, will be in 6th grade this year, and James, almost 7, will be in 1st grade! James has a big smile on his face because he thinks he’s getting away with taking handfuls of snacks to eat before dinner (sadly, it was not to be and most of them ended up back on the shelves!).

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August is a crazy month, but it is also so exciting to see our students’ hard work start to come together. Now we’ve got to get back to it!

Notable Common Application® Changes - 2023-2024 Edition

As we pore through the Common App® to capture all of the changes in the 2023-2024 application, I wanted to draw attention to a few in particular that stood out!

LaFAYETTE’S STANCE ON ACTIVITIES

I actually really admire this! Lafayette has made the decision to only review a student’s first six activities on the Common Application® instead of all ten. The idea is to be straightforward with students about their preference for quality over quantity when it comes to extracurricular involvement - they want students to be “deeply invested” in what matters most to them. While this is supposed to make things more equitable across income levels, and it will, I think this is really helpful for ALL students. I am so tired of watching teenagers feel overwhelmed and exhausted, doing things they don’t want to do, just so they can write them down on college applications. As a mom, it is painful to watch. I hope other schools follow Lafayette’s lead here!

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NYU’S QUESTION ABOUT ASSISTANCE

NYU has added a question to their supplement about external guidance in the application process, and this threw everyone for a loop! As always, I would recommend being honest. There is nothing wrong with using an independent educational consultant - just as there’s nothing wrong with using an SAT tutor! However, I do think this is where it (really) helps to be using an organization that is vetted. NYU wants to make sure that the next Rick Singer isn’t running the show!

For what it’s worth, the counselors in our office are members of IECA - the Independent Educational Consultants Organization. We have an EXTREMELY strict code of ethics that goes well beyond expectations for most professionals in other industries. For example, we would never, ever accept any type of referral fee for directing a student to a third-party professional or organization, like an SAT tutor or summer program. Beyond agreeing to abide by this code of ethics, you can’t just sign up to become an IECA member - you have to qualify based on a certain number of college visits in recent years; professional references; experience; a certain number of students advised; and more. Because of this, colleges and universities have great relationships with IECA members - NYU itself held a private informational session just for IECA consultants! Anyway, I share all of this to point out that it’s important to let NYU know that you are working with an IECA member.

I would advise our clients to write something like this: “Because [I am the oldest child in my family/ my school does not provide individualized college guidance/ my parents are unfamiliar with the college admissions process today/ my parents didn't go to college in the United States/ etc] my parents and I felt that we could benefit from professional guidance with the college search and application process. I worked with Colleen Paparella, a professional member of IECA. Colleen and her team helped me narrow my college preferences to find the right fit; provided guidance on ways to determine which of my interests would translate to an intended major; advised me on course selection; and more. More recently, they helped review and edit my application materials. Every piece of information and aspect of my application is my own work, factually true, and honestly represented.”

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SO MANY ESSAY PROMPT SHIFTS

Wow - there have been an incredible amount of changes when it comes to supplemental essays! Colleges are clearly trying to work within the boundaries set by the Supreme Court in order to get a sense of the ways that students have been shaped by their backgrounds. Harvard and William & Mary, in particular, are ones that stand out to me as very different this year!

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LOTS OF AI/CHAT GPT ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Institutions ranging from the College of Charleston to Georgia Tech (and plenty more!) have added snippets to their supplements about the use of AI to generate essay content. Stay away from this! Remember, even the “good” AI-generated essays are not actually good, because there’s no way for a student’s voice to come through! Plus - by sharing these types of cautionary messages in the applications, these schools are actually TELLING students that they are watching for this type of thing. And they are! Any attempt to get pass their filters is not going to be effective and will ruin years of your hard work. Do the right thing from the start and create your own content!

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We’re still working our way through these applications, and we look forward to sharing more thoughts and guidance with our students in all of our August meetings!

So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur?

When I formed DC College Counseling in 2010, I knew literally nothing about business beyond whatever I picked up in my first-semester freshman year Management 100 class at Wash U. But I did know that I was really good at my job as an independent school college counselor, and I also knew that there was a growing need for people like me to serve the general population, outside of a school setting. So I created a website, looked up how to create a Virginia LLC, and here I am today!

There are so many success stories just like mine, when it comes to service-based businesses. You do not need capital, help, or specialized business knowledge as long as you have a skill that matches up with a need in the marketplace, a willingness to work (extremely) hard, and an internet connection. I want to emphasize this because I truly believe that one of the most amazing things about entrepreneurship is the ability to create something from nothing. ANYONE CAN DO IT!

That said, not everyone does do it, and it’s helpful to have companies which exist in this space to provide budding entrepreneurs a little extra help, if needed. After all, having a project of your own - like a business or non-profit organization - can really help applicants stand out in the admissions process. One such company is the Leadership & Innovation Lab, and today we have a guest post from their director, Maya.

If you are interested in starting your own business but feel a little overwhelmed at the thought, it might be worth learning about how the Leadership & Innovation Lab can help you get started. As always, do your own research to see whether this - or any third-party program - is right for you. We do not endorse this program or any other!

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Hi everyone, I’m Maya, the Director of the Leadership & Innovation Lab.

My work focuses on curating training programs to develop our students' leadership and innovation abilities. Of the whole complex college application, how students present and package their leadership and innovation abilities has always been the part that fascinated me the most. This is why I do what I do today!

So you’re wondering - how do you truly stand out in the college admissions process that gets more competitive every year? My advice is: be an entrepreneur and start your own project. This is going to be the only thing on your application that is truly unique and wholly yours. 

Think about it: anyone else can join the same competition, attend the same summer program, or complete the same online course. Your student-initiated and student-run project is something that cannot be replicated. It is unique to your circumstances and profile. What’s more, it could well be the centerpiece of your entire application, linking together your personal statement, your activities list, your supplementary essays and perhaps even your choice of major. 

What is entrepreneurship and why is it important?

The most basic explanation for entrepreneurship is two-fold: first, the ability to envision something where there is currently nothing; second, the determination to work hard and to endure hardship for a vision that others may not see or share. 

To put it bluntly, the road to becoming an entrepreneur (especially a young entrepreneur) is not easy. It is often a long and lonely road. However, every single person who has tried to walk down this road, even if they do not reach the end for a multitude of reasons or simply decide to change paths along the way, will tell you that what they have learned on this road is unique and irreplaceable.

Let’s dive into specifics of what you might learn on the entrepreneurial path. From the leadership perspective, you’ll learn:  

• How to articulate your ideas clearly to others

• How to convince others of your ideas, even to join you in your entrepreneurial endeavor 

• How to organize from within your social networks

• How to build up up a leadership structure

• How to establish and maintain leadership authority 

• How to mediate or resolve personnel disputes

• How to motivate your team to work toward a shared vision

Taking a step back, in the process of cultivating entrepreneurship, you will also encounter significant elements of personal growth. You’ll learn:

• How to handle interpersonal relationships

• How to be strategically observant and perceptive

• How to seize opportunity

• How to decide when is the right time to give up or to cut your losses

• How to be more patient

• How to persevere against all odds

• What it means to be a visionary 

What are some obstacles you might face?

Of course, it is not easy for high school students to engage in an entrepreneurial endeavor - whether it is starting a business, club, or other organization. To be honest, it is not easy for anyone to do so!

You may think there are perhaps legal hurdles - after all, high school students are underage. Or perhaps our schools do not provide enough entrepreneurial resources for them. Or perhaps the wider society isn’t sufficiently supportive of youth entrepreneurship or adopts a skeptical attitude. It is true that these are some of the problems high school students encounter in their entrepreneurship journey. But from what I’ve seen, the biggest obstacle to youth entrepreneurship is that the students themselves do not believe that they can do it.

The most frequent challenge I encounter when mentoring students on leadership and innovation is their mindset. They think, “This is impossible, I cannot accomplish this,” or “I’m just a high school student, what can I possibly do to make a difference?” Such thoughts are very common. As an educator in this field, a lot of my time and energy is actually spent on undoing this mindset, building up students' confidence, convincing them of the possibility of entrepreneurship regardless of age, and explaining to students that entrepreneurship can take many forms and varieties. It is not necessarily a for-profit business. 

Most of the time, after overcoming these hurdles, I discover that the students are already internally inclined toward entrepreneurship - some even have concrete ideas of what they would like to do - but they never verbalized these ideas because of the doubt that their ideas can actually become reality.

It can be difficult to manage the legal, financial, personnel, and management aspects of any entrepreneurial endeavor. But under our guidance and mentorship, most students are pleasantly surprised to discover that if they are shown where to look and do so carefully, they find more useful resources among their communities than they previously thought existed. They find also that their communities are in fact more supportive of their student entrepreneurship efforts than they imagined. The problem is that most students struggle to find this door on their own, but once they are guided and shown the way, many students discover that while the road to entrepreneurship is not easy, it also is not as difficult as they feared.

How can the Leadership & Innovation Lab help?

Starting your own new project (whether it's a for-profit business, an on-campus organization, or a community group) requires a clear goal. Students must be innovative, adept at project management, and determined to work hard and persevere against all odds. 

Our Leadership & Innovation Lab is focused on helping students to learn, develop and practically apply these precise skills.

What is unique about our Leadership & Innovation Lab is that we place great value on hands-on application. Students are given a lot of space to try and practice the skills that they are taught in a real entrepreneurial context. Under the guidance of our experienced mentors, students will explore and discuss various entrepreneurial and management skills, then work in small groups, building on collective wisdom, to form their own new ventures and organizations. 

Our Lab will even guide students on how to strategically amplify their entrepreneurial efforts and curate demonstrated impact, as well as integrate their entrepreneurship into their overall personal narrative in a manner that is optimized for college applications. 

How does Leadership & Innovation Lab accomplish all of this? 

• First, the leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship courses we use have been specially developed in-house for high school students to quickly acquire the relevant knowledge and skills in a short period of time.

• We focus on helping students understand their own entrepreneurial and leadership strengths, discover their own natural leadership style, and define the roles that would fit them the most during the entrepreneurial process, so that they can play to their strengths.

• We help students set up their own ventures step by step, accumulating quantifiable achievements that are incredibly useful during college applications.

• We encourage students to take advantage of our workshops and networking opportunities to advance their projects and source for partnerships.

• We help our students develop a higher-level, bigger-picture vision and ultimately enhance their understanding of entrepreneurship and leadership over the longer term. We emphasize legacy planning and guide our students to think about the long-term development of their venture.

We also have a repository of existing student-run projects in which we can install new students to hold leadership positions and even to take over entirely. This is something that is uniquely offered by our Lab. 

Furthermore, we provide Showcase opportunities for our students to demonstrate and feature their work, not only for publicity and exposure but also to gain some conference-speaking experience. We also provide up to $10,000 in funding annually, dedicated to high school-level student-run projects. 

Please visit our website for further information about the Leadership & Innovation Lab.

What are some projects past students created?

• One student created a peer counseling platform to help students deal with stress and mental health issues. This student hired 9 peers, officially registered his company, and launched a website.

• Another developed a new coffee cup sleeve made exclusively from recyclable and plantable materials (it even had seeds!). With new marketing and business development skills, this student built a website and partnered with local coffee shops. 

• Finally, a student collaborated with artists from 15 high schools across the country to curate 2 online art exhibits. This student auctioned 100+ art pieces and raised proceeds to donate to disease relief.

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If you are inspired to start your own project, you can reach Maya directly at maya@leadershipinnovationlab.org.

Meet Rose!

We are so excited to introduce you to our newest essay coach, Rose! Once again, she’s already been on the job a little while, but we’re excited to finally introduce her to those of you who haven’t had the benefit of working with her yet!

Rose is pursuing her graduate work at the University of Maryland, and started with DCCC last spring after working as a college adviser herself for several years. We are thrilled to have her on board!

Hello! I’m Rose, one of the essay coaches at DC College Counseling. As someone who loves writing and is passionate about working with students, I am excited to get to know you and be a part of your college application process! 

I’m currently an English Literature graduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park. After finishing a year-long honors thesis, I graduated from Davidson College (home of Steph Curry) with an English major and history minor. I then began my professional career working as a college adviser, helping high school students take the next step towards their postsecondary goals. 

I’ve recently worked as a TA for a journalism grammar class at UMD and as an editorial assistant for Restoration, an academic journal that looks at seventeenth-century literary culture. Working as an essay coach at DC College Counseling has allowed me to combine my passion for writing and love of working with high school students. I hope to see you in a meeting soon!

To learn more about Rose, we thought it would be fun to have her answer some of our favorite supplemental essay prompts and short questions from previous admissions’ cycles.

We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications,  journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. (Columbia University)

Big surprise, I love to read! One of my favorite things about summer is that I have more time to read books for fun since I’m not reading for my classes. I track the books I read with an app called Storygraph, which gives you detailed data in the form of charts that categorize your reading trends. So far this year my top categories are memoir and contemporary fiction with reflective, funny, and challenging moods. Moving my body is also important to me, so I love doing yoga and walking around D.C. to explore the incredible museum culture, restaurants, and events. My favorite activity recently was the Smithsonian Solstice Saturday, with late-night music and exhibits. The next stops on my list are the Old Post Office Pavilion and an outdoor movie!

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (Stanford University)  

I wish I could have witnessed the first photograph being taken. It would have been fascinating to watch people’s reactions when it was developed.

What’s your favorite word and why? (UVA)

My favorite word is “interesting” - it can have so many meanings and is also a valuable starter word that can help you get your thoughts on the page. I had a professor who banned us from using the word in her classroom because it was overused and she thought it prevented us from communicating a fuller meaning. Instead, we had to come up with synonyms. Once you start to think about what you really mean when you say “interesting,” you have to be specific and expand your vocabulary. Do you mean provocative, astonishing, relevant, ironic, disturbing, alluring? Interesting!

Dream trip… (USC)

One of my close friends from college lives in Hong Kong and I hope to visit her soon and see Asia for the first time.

Which Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor (real or imagined) best describes you? (University of Vermont)

Chunky monkey! Banana Ice Cream with Chocolatey Chunks and Walnuts: a nostalgic flavor with sweet chocolate chunks and some tougher, crunchy bits in a creamy banana ice cream.

In keeping with Rice’s long-standing tradition, please share an image of something that appeals to you. (Rice University)

Afternoon light in the windows of the Sagrada Familia, taken on my recent trip to Barcelona.

want to book a meeting with Rose?

You can schedule an essay coaching session with Rose here.

Get to know the rest of our essay coaching team!

Meet Ian

Meet Stephanie

Meet Staci

Unique Freedoms on College Campuses

Happy (belated) 4th of July! As we celebrated our country’s independence last week, we thought it would be fun to honor “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”-- college-style, of course! So today we’re sharing some unique freedoms on college campuses, from self-scheduled final exams to make-your-own-majors to tuition-free schools. 

HONOR CODES

An honor code is a set of standards and values that a school outlines for its students regarding academic integrity, ethical conduct, and behavior. Although it might just sound like a fancy label for another set of rules and restrictions, honor codes can actually offer students a surprising number of freedoms. 

At Davidson College, for example, students have the flexibility to self-schedule their final exams–and no, the professors don’t watch them take the test. Randolph-Macon College takes a similar approach to final exams, allowing undergrads to choose the time, day, and even room to complete their tests. And as part of their honor code, students have another unique liberty: freedom from “telling on” someone else. Instead of reporting an honor code violation, students are encouraged to ask the person to report themselves. 

But with great honor code freedom comes great responsibility. Haverford College has one of the few student-run honor codes, which is overseen by its Honor Council. This group of 16 students works to resolve honor code violations and maintains the spirit and integrity of the code. It’s a big job, but the Honor Council gives students the freedom to shape the campus culture and address problems fairly.

Design your own major 

Forget having to pick from a list of approved majors! Some schools give students the freedom to design their own course of study. In Indiana University’s Individualized Major Program (IMP), undergraduates work with a faculty sponsor to design a multidisciplinary major and a personalized curriculum. IMP students can’t escape the university’s general education requirements, though!  

Similarly, James Madison University’s Independent Scholars Program seeks students whose interests break the typical curricular boundaries. Participants develop an area of inquiry and plan a course of study which is grounded in experiential learning. Independent research or a creative project is a must! 

New York University is so committed to freedom of study that it dedicated an entire school to personalized majors. Gallatin School of Individualized Study emphasizes self-direction for mature students who want to build their own majors. The school also takes into account that designing a unique course of study can be challenging–and sometimes lonely. Therefore, Gallatin students are assigned two advisors. One acts as an “intellectual mentor” while the other oversees a small cohort of students and takes charge of community-building.

Grades

It’s not an urban myth! There actually are colleges and universities that don’t assign grades–well, at least not in the traditional way. Rather than relying on simple letters to measure student performance, professors at Sarah Lawrence College take a three-step approach to assessing undergrads. Critical ability assessments and narrative evaluations give faculty more freedom and flexibility to explain a student’s overall progress and performance. Plus, students are free from having to guess why they got that B+ instead of an A-. The thorough assessments and evaluations explain everything that the letter grade can’t.

While Sarah Lawrence students still see letter grades on their transcripts, that’s not the case at Brown University. Students here can choose to earn a letter grade for a particular class or a satisfactory/no credit designation. It’s up to the individual at the time of course registration, and if they change their minds later, they have the first month of the semester to switch their grading option. So with the freedom to choose letter grades or not, how does Brown calculate GPAs? Simple, they don’t! 

Students at Bennington College can also opt for letter grades, BUT only if they specifically request them during the semester. Otherwise, transcripts are composed solely of narrative evaluations, which are meant to foster a culture of conversation between students and faculty. 

Tuition

Let’s face it. High tuition costs and decades of loan repayments can be a huge burden for students. However, there are some colleges that have managed to free students of any financial worry. They have found creative ways for students to exchange tuition payments for good old-fashioned hard work. 

College of the Ozarks covers tuition costs, provided that students demonstrate need and agree to work on campus. Students at Warren Wilson College also work in exchange for tuition, with emphasis on learning a craft and gaining valuable skill sets for the professional world.

At Deep Springs College, located on a cattle ranch in California, all accepted students receive a full scholarship, including room and board. In return, undergrads are expected to work on the cattle ranch and contribute to the life of the school. The student body even helps make important decisions about admissions and faculty hires. 

scheduling

Thanks to a reimagining of the traditional semester calendar, some schools are able to offer undergraduates more freedom and flexibility in their schedules.

At Bates College, undergraduates spend the month of May taking a short course. These are immersive classes that take students off campus and into the field. Last spring, undergrads were analyzing earthquakes in California, studying theater in central Europe, and researching healthcare systems in South America. 

Undergrads at Colby College have the freedom to make dreary January much more exciting thanks to Jan Plan. This month-long block allows students to choose from an array of internships, research opportunities, and unconventional classes. For example, this past January, students had the option to earn their EMT licenses, learn the art of blacksmithing, study tropical plants in Costa Rica, and more! 

And finally, one of the most famous schools for scheduling freedom is Dartmouth College. Their D-Plan allows students to design their very own academic calendars. How exactly does that work? Well, the college distinguishes between residency terms, those where students study on campus, and leave terms, in which students intern or undertake research projects. Of course there are some guidelines to help students organize their calendars, but the D-Plan ultimately opens up a lot of possibilities that wouldn’t be available within a traditional semester schedule.

Did any of these special freedoms pique your interest? If you’d like to do some more research on any of the schools mentioned, here are some our favorite online resources:

• You can find virtual tours on the school's websites or at youvisit.com. The virtual information sessions will almost always be on the individual school websites. 

• Create a free account on the Princeton Review website at review.com and read their write-ups on various colleges. I particularly like the "See what students say" perspectives and the “Rankings & Lists” sections.

• More great resources for college profiles are the reviews at unigo.com (I like the "Most-Answered Questions" part), and the "report cards" at niche.com.

Questions on the Affirmative Action Decision - Answered!

Last week, the Supreme Court released decisions in the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. UNC cases. As expected, the ruling effectively eliminates the use of formal affirmative action practices in college admissions: an incredible development for some and a devastating setback for others.

Our goal at DC College Counseling has always been to help each one of our students navigate today’s college admissions landscape in the most advantageous and strategic way possible, given their varying circumstances.

Whether our next steps together involve maximizing new opportunities or overcoming new limitations, please know that we remain committed to finding creative and ethical solutions to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome for each individual student.

With that said, we’ve been fielding a lot of questions - and we want to share our answers!

IS THIS AS BIG OF AN ADMISSIONS gAME CHANGER AS IT SEEMS?

It’s very important to read the wording of the opinion carefully to differentiate between what will change and what will stay the same. Yes, an admissions committee is no longer able to give an applicant an advantage simply due to the color of their skin alone, in a vacuum.

But admissions committees are still able to consider the impact of students’ races on their individual experiences. The mainstream media isn’t picking up on this as much as I wish it would. College admissions professionals know that this makes a big difference, because the entire college admissions process is holistic by nature anyway at highly selective schools.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote: “Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”

That doesn’t mean this decision doesn’t matter, though. Roberts also added, “Universities may not simply establish through application essays or other means the regime we hold unlawful today.”

Ultimately, I think that underrepresented students may not see as much of an impact as we had previously imagined if (a) they have faced adversity as a result of their race, and (b) they can successfully communicate the impact of that adversity on their individual circumstances through their essays and other application materials.

We will know much more next summer, after we are able to analyze the results of a complete admissions cycle.

When does this go into effect?

The ruling will go into effect immediately, so rising seniors will see the impact of the case.

Which students will this impact most?

Now that schools have lost the ability to consider race as part of the admissions process in a blanket sense, we expect admissions committees to give more consideration to other factors that may increase diversity- such as socioeconomic status.

That could result in an easier admissions process for white or Asian students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and a much more difficult process for underrepresented students from privileged backgrounds. 

Asian students will likely see the biggest positive impact - in fact, the negative impact on Asian students from affirmative action policies was the central argument in this case. The major benefit to this group will actually be a lack of discrimination.

There’s also another group that I think could come out ahead - students who are diverse but didn’t quite “fit the box” for a leg up. For example, students of Middle Eastern descent. There is no question that they face discrimination in today’s society - so why weren’t they getting any kind of admissions advantage?

The justices cited this group as an example three separate times throughout the course of the opinion, noting that existing affirmative action policies “fail[ed] to articulate a meaningful connection between the means they employ and the goals they pursue” in this regard. It also specified that the current approach was “underinclusive” for Middle Eastern students in particular.

If colleges shift their approach to considering the impact of race or minority status on each individual student’s life, these students may not fall through the cracks as much.

WHICH colleges will this impact most?

There are many colleges and universities that do not use race-conscious admissions at all - in fact, it is banned in nine states, including California (so the UC system is not impacted).

I believe that the changes will be most obvious at public schools which currently do use race-conscious admissions and are less holistic in their admissions approach. To be clear, not all public schools operate this way. Many do not, including the more academically competitive institutions here in Virginia.

Private schools, on the other hand, often place greater emphasis on subjective factors like essays and recommendations. These institutions may not have to change their policies as drastically, because they can simply continue evaluating candidates on an individual basis that takes many different factors into consideration.

HBCUs, like Morehouse, Spelman, and Howard, will probably see a rise in applications as more Black students choose alternative options.

What will change on the Common ApplicationⓇ?

Students will likely still have the opportunity to indicate their race on the Common ApplicationⓇ, but beginning August 1, colleges will have the ability to block the race answer on their side, so that admissions officers do not see this answer while reading the application. We will have to stay tuned to see whether Common AppⓇ decides to do away with the box entirely in the wake of this decision.

What should I do differently as a result?

While “checkboxes” or other binary options indicating race cannot be used in the admissions process, essay content is still fair game. ALL students, whether or not they are from an underrepresented group, should pay close attention to their college essays and be strategic about the information they share (this was always true, but is especially true now!). There was actually an article in the LA Times about this very issue today.

Black, Latinx, or other underrepresented minority students will need to make sure that if they do want to discuss race on their applications, they do so in a way that connects directly to their personal characteristics. For example, a Black student could focus an essay on her determination, showing how she overcame persistent racial slights at her mostly-white high school. 

For DC College Counseling clients, we already take this approach! All of our students build their essays by choosing a personal characteristic first, before focusing on the story.

PRO TIP: Underrepresented students who do not want to include anything about race in their main Common ApplicationⓇ essay should consider preparing a separate written statement for the “Additional Information” section of the application instead.

What will the future impact of this case BE?

This decision is expected to encourage colleges and universities to remain test-optional in the coming years. As we’ve seen already with the UCs, which are test-blind, eliminating test scores from the admissions process helps create diversity on campus in the absence of race-conscious admissions. This may apply to graduate schools as well, with less of a reliance on GRE, LSAT, or GMAT scores. 

This is not necessarily a good thing for students, by the way. As many of our rising seniors are learning, test-optional policies are not test-blind policies. If you don’t know the difference, I still like my pool analogy from 2020! Plus, test-optional policies have caused test score averages to skyrocket now that the bottom group of test-takers is no longer factored in.

We may also see more schools making the decision to stop relying on legacy admissions in an effort to diversify their incoming classes. Because larger proportions of white applicants are admitted through the legacy process, colleges hoping to increase numbers of Black, Latinx, and Native American students on campus may look to eliminate the legacy preference. 

Finally, we are likely to see an impact on minority scholarship programs and outreach initiatives at colleges and universities.

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As we continue to learn more about how individual institutions plan to modify their policies or approaches in response to the ruling, we will do whatever we can to leverage this information to help our students.

Do you have any questions that I didn’t answer? Let us know in the comments!

Meet Ian!

A few months ago, we were thrilled to welcome our newest essay coach Ian to the DC College Counseling team! He’s been so busy working with our students that he hasn’t had a chance to formally introduce himself–until today! Read on to learn more about Ian, including why he loves tutoring students and which videos he can’t get enough of on YouTube.

Hi there! I’m Ian, and I’m happy to join the DC College Counseling team as an essay coach! I’ve been obsessed with writing ever since the fourth grade, when I was assigned the task of writing my first-ever short story. I’ve come a long way since then, but my interest in reading and writing has only gotten stronger. 

I graduated summa cum laude as an Outstanding English Major from Oklahoma Christian University in 2017, and then pursued my M.A. in English at Georgetown University. I passed my M.A. thesis with distinction, and graduated in the spring of 2020. That fall, I matriculated in the Ph.D. in English program at the University of Virginia, where I am currently a doctoral candidate, having finished coursework and passed my qualifying exams. I’ve begun work on my dissertation, and hope to earn my doctorate by the spring of 2025. I’m especially interested in contemporary fiction.

I worked as a writing center tutor in both college and at Georgetown, and this is really where my love of essay coaching began. There are few things I find more rewarding than talking to someone one-on-one about their writing: how to make it sharper, clearer, and more able to express the ideas they want to convey. I’ve also worked as a teaching assistant at all levels of my undergraduate and graduate education. I have been the instructor of record for a first-year, essay-focused writing class at UVA, and I have extensive experience in helping high school students, college students, and veterans with their writing.

Being a student, teacher, and tutor simultaneously has allowed me to engage in the writing process from all sides, and it’s deepened my appreciation for writing across disciplines and contexts. I’m so excited to have begun essay coaching at DC College Counseling, and I’m looking forward to helping everyone embark on the writing process!

Ian is currently working toward his Ph.D. in English at UVA. Maybe you’ll run into him as your first-year writing instructor one day!

To learn more about ian, we thought it would be fun to have him answer some of our favorite supplemental essay prompts and short questions from previous admissions’ cycles.

We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications,  journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. (Columbia University)

I love going to museums — the National Gallery of Art and the Hirshhorn are two of my favorites. And I love watching Architectural Digest house tours on YouTube! 

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (Stanford University)  

I wish I could have seen the moon landing in real time! 

What’s your favorite word and why? (UVA)

My favorite word is “plangent” — a word that sounds just as evocative as its definition: “(of a sound) loud, reverberating, and often melancholy.” 

Dream trip…(USC)

I would love to make a return visit to the North Island of New Zealand — the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. 

Which Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor (real or imagined) best describes you? (University of Vermont)

I would have to go with Cherry Garcia: sweet with cherries, but also with chocolate chunks! 

In keeping with Rice’s long-standing tradition, please share an image of something that appeals to you. (Rice University)

Cheval Rouge by Alexander Calder, in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden -- one of Ian’s favorite places in DC!

want to book a meeting with ian?

You can schedule an essay coaching session with Ian here.

Get to know the rest of our essay coaching team!

Meet Stephanie

Meet Staci

Best of LGBTQIA+ Colleges

This year we are celebrating Pride Month by recognizing some of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly campuses in the country! These picks are based on our own impressions as well as data from the Campus Pride Index - a resource that measures a number of factors to compile a list of campuses to help LGBTQIA+ students and families find their best fit! Take a look at some of these schools this Pride Month: 

BEST IN VIRGINIA - Virginia Wesleyan University

Okay, so it may not have as much of a household name as some of the other Virginia schools, but Virginia Wesleyan is a great hidden gem! It ranks #5 on the Campus Pride Index (the highest ranking), and offers an Office of Gender and Sexuality Equity; Safe Space and Unconscious Bias workshops for faculty, staff, and students; and gender-neutral restrooms. In 2021, the university was recognized as an Equity & Inclusion College of Distinction. VWU’s Preferred Name and Pronoun form is shared with all faculty before the start of the semester, so students can ensure that professors know their preferred method of identification before they step into the classroom.  

BEST IN MARYLAND - University of Maryland

UMD offers a multitude of unique opportunities for LGBTQIA+ students. Any student can access the resources of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Equity Center, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The Lavender Leadership Honor Society is believed to be the first of its kind in the world, recognizing students, faculty, staff, and alumni involved in LGBTQIA+ social justice leadership. The Rainbow Terrapin Network organizes members of the school community to advocate for LGBTQIA+ social justice on campus, particularly in its newest initiative, the #TransTerps Project. 

In fact, not only did UMD receive the honor of being named the most LGBTQ+ friendly college in Maryland, it is ranked #1 in the nation by Campus Pride!

BEST IN DC - American University

The American University Center for Diversity and Inclusion spearheads a number of campus initiatives. In addition to producing an LGBTQIA+ newsletter, the office also offers a Trans Resource Guide and dedicated contact to help students navigate university policies. The university also has an all-gender housing option and the popular AU Pride student organization. Students can find support in a variety of ways at AU - everything from a dedicated AU LGBTQIA+ Facebook group to specialized health equity resources. 

BEST LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY - Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College’s Triangle House is open to all students, regardless of their sexual identification or gender identity. Residents have discussion groups focused on LGBTQIA+ issues, and can choose from multiple other options for engagement, from taking courses that focus on LGBTQIA+ topics to conducting an independent project with the Triangle House Live-In Advisor. Students are also encouraged to work together on social justice organizing, service, activism, and/or social change. In addition to the Live-In Advisor, students have the support of a Staff Advisor and peer mentor. 

BEST HBCU - Howard University

Another DC school on the list, Howard has the honor of being Campus Pride’s most highly-rated HBCU. Howard staff and faculty receive Safe Zone training on campus, and students can join organizations like the Coalition of Activist Students Celebrating the Acceptance of Diversity and Equality (CASCADE). Additionally, the university provides gender-inclusive housing and specialized LGBTQIA+ organizations in academic disciplines ranging from science to law. 

BEST STUDENT-SELECTED - Mount Holyoke College

Mount Holyoke tops the Princeton Review’s list of LGBTQ-Friendly colleges, based on student responses to the statement, “Students treat all persons equally, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.” This statement definitely describes Mount Holyoke!

This women’s college was the first of the Seven Sisters colleges to adopt a trans-inclusive admissions policy. LGBTQIA+ students can attend programs at the Jeannette Marks Cultural Center; live in the Mary Woolley Living-Learning Community with a focus on sexuality and gender identity; and join one of several LGBTQIA+ focused clubs. 

BEST FOR HEALTH EQUITY - University of Pennsylvania

All students can take advantage of Penn’s LGBT Center, which, in addition to providing advocacy and access to campus resources, also hosts a variety of events (most recently a pride month Pride & Popsicles pop up!). You can check out their active instagram @PennLGBT.

But it is the school’s medical system that stands out on this list. The Human Rights Campaign recently named Penn Medicine a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality.” It offers LGBTQ treatment teams as well as a Transgender Patient Advocacy Program.

BEST PRIDE MONTH CELEBRATION - San Diego State University

If you are going to celebrate Pride Month at any college, make it San Diego State! The university’s Pride Center has an annual contingent in the San Diego Pride Parade, as well as an alumni mixer and happy hour. And for those who can’t make it to campus, the university will also host a virtual celebration. 

But it isn’t only during Pride that LGBTQIA+ students should consider San Diego State - its Pride House living-learning community, active Pride Center, and gender-inclusive housing make it #2 on Campus Pride’s list. 

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If you didn’t see a college you liked on this list, check out our list of unexpectedly LGBTQ-friendly campuses!

Finally, if you came upon this post as an LGBTQIA+ student who is embarking on the college admissions process without parental support because of your sexual orientation, our hearts go out to you. Please reach out to us - you DO have options, even if you don’t know they exist, and we would be happy to discuss them with you and get you the help you need at no charge. 

Happy Pride!

Spotlight on the New AP Precalculus Course

There’s good news in store for math lovers and even reluctant math learners: this coming fall, AP Precalculus will make its debut! Today, we’re going to tell you all about this new class and explain why it could be a great addition to your schedule next year. 

Why was AP Precalculus Created?

For years, College Board has offered Advanced Placement courses in Calculus AB, Calculus BC, and Statistics. These have been good options for students who took Geometry or higher in ninth grade, and will therefore have a math sequence** that culminates beyond Precalculus.

But what about the students who took Algebra I in ninth grade, or just want a more rigorous math option earlier in high school? That’s where AP Precalculus comes in! The course is designed for a broader range of students– anyone who’s successfully completed Algebra II and Geometry or Integrated Math 3. As College Board explains,

“AP Precalculus will open the door for many students to advanced course studies in mathematics and will bring a college-level course to students who may not have access to other AP math classes.”

And not only does AP Precalculus “open doors” for a more diverse group of students; it’s also been created to help address a significant issue in higher education: weak math skills! According to College Board, one-third of undergraduates don’t actually have college-level math skills. That means many students struggle through required math courses ,and some even have to spend extra time and money on remedial classes. AP Precalculus is meant to empower high schoolers with the foundations they’ll need to successfully navigate college-level math, regardless of their major or future career path.

* Sorry, stats lovers. While these courses are all higher level, that doesn’t mean that colleges regard them equally.

** If you’re confused about how high school math sequencing works, you have to go back to middle school math enrollment to see where it all begins. Check out this blog post to learn more. The average American high school student takes Algebra I in 9th grade and Precalculus in 12th grade. This is not the case in our geographic area, where most students come in at a higher level with Geometry in 9th grade - and some even higher, with Algebra II.

What content is covered in AP Precalculus?

AP Precalculus is rooted in the development of three mathematical practices: procedural and symbolic fluency; multiple representations; and communication and reasoning. To develop these practices, students complete four major units of study: polynomial and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; trigonometric and polar functions; and functions involving parameters, vectors, and matrices. PS: Unit four is NOT included in the AP exam! 

Within each unit, there are a series of smaller, more specific topics. We’ll spare you the details so this blog post doesn’t turn into a book, but if you’re curious about the topics, you can take a look at the Course at Glance document. And if you’re really brave, you can delve into College Board’s whopping 183-page AP Precalculus course and examination description. 

What are the advantages of AP Precalculus?

One of the big advantages of AP Precalculus is that it’s great preparation for the math you’re likely to encounter in college, regardless of your major. Even if you don’t plan to become an accountant or engineer, you’ll be ready to conquer any general education or core Calculus I requirements. 

And if you’re not sure what you want to major in, AP Precalculus could help spark your interest in STEM-related fields. In fact, College Board reported that female students “taking one year of high school precalculus resulted in a 48% increase in the odds of choosing a science or math major.”

There’s also the allure of college credits. You might be able to fulfill a college math requirement if you successfully pass the AP Precalculus exam. Like any AP course, though, there’s no guarantee that your future college or university will accept the credits. Use College Board’s AP Credit Policy Search tool to see which schools offer credit or placement for AP scores - and know that since this particular course is being offered for the first time, schools may not know for sure yet.

Lastly, the AP option is a great way to maximize course rigor for students who plan to take Precalculus anyway. A student who chooses AP Precalculus over Honors Precalculus will show colleges that they have taken the most challenging math course available to them during that particular year.

Who Should Consider Taking AP Precalculus? 

AP Precalculus could be a good fit for a range of students, most notably:

• Those who began with Algebra I in ninth grade and are ready for more challenging math coursework during their senior year, or are preparing for a STEM-related or business major requiring higher-level math in college

• Those who began with Geometry in ninth grade and are preparing to take AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC during senior year

• Those who began with Algebra II in ninth grade and are preparing to take AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC during junior year, and AP Calculus BC or Multivariable Calculus/Linear Algebra during senior year

Like any other advanced placement course, AP Precalculus will be rigorous, and it will take up your time. Before enrolling in the class, think realistically about how it fits in with your math abilities, your academic interests, and your other academic courses. Your counselor and math teachers are good resources to help you make an informed decision.

Additional AP Precalculus Resources

AP Precalculus: An Overview

AP Course Ledger: Check this website throughout the summer to see which high schools will be offering AP Precalculus in the fall. 

Advice For First-Year College Students

Dear Class of 2023,

Congratulations! You’ve successfully made it through four years of high school amid tough classes, demanding schedules, and that pesky global pandemic.

As you celebrate the end of one chapter and look to the next, we thought it would be helpful to offer you some advice on your first year of college. But you’re probably tired of parents and teachers warning you not to skip classes next year; not to live off of a diet of pizza and microwavable macaroni and cheese; and not to be too social. So we’re skipping the adult wisdom and sharing advice from actual college students.  

Recently, we reached out to some of our former clients and asked them to reflect on their first year of college. We were blown away by the thoughtful responses and the fantastic advice they were eager to offer on everything from class schedules to friendships to dorm snacks.

Seniors, we hope that these words of wisdom will help you, and we look forward to sharing your advice next year :) 

ON MAKING FRIENDS:

“Prioritize making good friends! The people you surround yourself with can make or break your college experience. When you’re picking who to live with and who to hang out with, choose people who cheer you on (and who you’re willing to cheer on) and make you better.” - Jenna, UVA

“Something I wish I knew before going to college is how important those first few weeks are to making friends. People tend to be extremely friendly and open to anything the first couple weeks of school. But soon it feels as if people start to shut down and stick with the people they met in the first two weeks. So I would recommend putting yourself out there and saying yes to everything in the beginning. Everyone is in the same boat in the beginning. Taking advantage of the first couple weeks will make you feel a lot more comfortable.” - Addie, Penn State 

“To have a friend, you must be a friend. This is a lesson my parents have told me for nearly 20 years, and now I can confidently say they were correct. In high school I was always in awe of the kids who were friends with everyone; and I mean everyone. I wondered how they did it and why I was never that student. I mean I had plenty of friends, but not that many. Upon going to college, I realized that all it took was the eagerness and confidence to be the first one to say hi, to ask “can I sit with you.” Everyone wants to make friends and have people to sit with — don’t be afraid to make the move. I’ve been using this strategy for 4 semesters and it always works!  This is for clubs, classes, libraries, dining halls, etc. I’ve met some of my greatest friends by having the bravery to ask to sit with them!” - Anne, UVA

“It can seem clicky in the beginning, but nobody really knows anybody that well. Don't feel like you are behind.” - Nick, Villanova University

“When it comes to making friends, the first people you should get to know are the people in your building. Having a group of people who live in the same building is a great way to make new friends quickly, and it will allow you to meet new people. As the semester goes on, you may continue to be friends with this group, or you may find new friends. No matter what, having a group of people to start off the semester will help you find your place.” - Andriy, UVA

ON ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF:

“A lesson I learned the hard way was definitely learning how to advocate for myself. I remember during my first month of school I slept through my first test. I emailed my teacher frantically, but he didn’t respond. Panicked, I didn’t know if I should wait for his response. Instead, I took matters into my own hands and went directly to the testing center and asked to take the test, even though I was late. They let me take it and my teacher never had to get involved. In college, it is up to you to fight for yourself. You will have to seek out help to get it.” - Addie, Penn State

ON GETTING INVOLVED:

“Take your time getting involved, but get involved. During my first week of college, I went to a club fair and signed up for probably 12 different email lists. Nearly two years later, I have still not attended a single meeting for any of those groups. Some of it was social pressure, some of it was academic pressure, and a lot of it was excitement. I wanted to take advantage of all the opportunities that were presented to me. I quickly realized, though, that I didn’t have much of an interest in investing my time in these random clubs when I would rather dedicate myself to adjusting to a new school schedule, making friends, and exploring a new city. Ultimately I ended up slowly adding extracurriculars after spending a lot of time thinking about them — I didn’t get involved in anything until second semester. Now I’m actively involved in three groups that I’m really passionate about. There’s no rush to join things that you don’t care about; take your time finding what you’re truly interested in.” - Anne, UVA

ON ACADEMICS:

“Keep your options open. When you are signing up for classes, you probably won’t get every class you want. Make sure you have backups and sign up for waitlists (even if they are really long). Be aware that the schedule you create before enrollment will not look like the one you wind up with. The process can be frustrating, but if you come in with the expectation that you won’t get everything you wanted, you will be able to make the most of it and maybe even find a new passion. Also, don’t take too many classes your first semester because you’re going to be in a whole new environment and the last thing you want is to have crazy amounts of work right when you get there.” - Andriy, UVA

Go to class (95% of the time). As someone who had a very strict attendance policy in high school, the idea of no apparent repercussions for skipping class was so exciting. Like what do you mean I can sleep in and my teacher won’t care?! While this may be true, the decision not to attend classes will come back to haunt you, probably during final exams week. And as all of the adults in your life will tell you, we are going to school to learn. This is an amazing privilege that we get to take part in. You’re gaining access to such knowledgeable professors and classmates, which is something to take advantage of. BUT there are some days when you have a major test to study for that afternoon or it’s 80 degrees and sunny in the middle of winter and it is just so impossible to get yourself to class. Allow yourself 5% exceptions because those are just as important.” - Anne, UVA

“Get on top of your work early. It doesn't get easier.” - Nick, Villanova University

ON HOMESICKNESS: 

“​​Something that made the transition to college a lot easier was doing things that reminded me of home. Whether that would be watching a movie that I remember fondly from my childhood or making something for dinner that my family would have at home. Moving to a new place, especially a new state, can be a bit of culture shock. Finding people from your hometown is a great way to feel more comfortable in a new place, especially because you guys are in the same boat. Also reaching out to family members is an obvious but effective way to feel more at home.” - Addie, Penn State

ON DORM ESSENTIALS:

“Bring some kind of shoe deodorizer. You walk so much and those things STINK. And you do NOT want to be “that roommate with the smelly shoes.”- Jenna, UVA

“Make sure you have cough drops, some sort of cough medicine, and plenty of tissues. I would say that you are almost certain to get sick sometime, especially in the first semester, and it is nice to have exactly what you need in your dorm room instead of asking a friend or having to get to a store by yourself while you are sick. Also don’t forget snacks for your dorm.” - Andriy, UVA

ON HAVING FUN:

“Never choose homework over an ice cream run. Ice cream is worth it every. single. time.” - Jenna, UVA

“People always tell you that “college is the best four years of your life.” That may be true, or it may not be. But don’t put too much pressure on it. Accept the wild highs and heartbreaking lows, use your time and resources wisely, and don’t take life so seriously and you’ll have made the most of these four years.” Anne, UVA

Our 2023 Nonfiction Summer Reading List!

Last week, we shared our fiction summer reading list, and now it’s time for a dose of reality! Here are some of our favorite nonfiction titles for teens to read this summer.

The Climate Book: The Facts and the Solutions by Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg is one of the most recognized climate activists in the world. In her new book, she gathers information from over 100 experts to help us understand the biggest environmental threats and their potential long-term effects. Thunberg also shares some of her own experiences, inspiring all of us to fight for a healthier planet. This is a must-read for students interested in environmentalism and advocacy.

Psych: The Story of the Human Mind by Paul Bloom 

Paul Bloom- a popular psychology professor at Yale University- combines science and storytelling in his latest book. He provides an overview of psychology while also analyzing some of today’s biggest issues from a psychological lens: mental illness, politics, racial bias, and more. Throughout the book, Bloom also incorporates amusing anecdotes, making this much more than a technical guide to the subject matter. High schoolers thinking about majoring in psychology should definitely add this title to their summer reading list! 

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann

Two ships; two countries; two conflicting tales of treachery and murder. In The Wager, author David Grann recounts the ultimate adventure story. In 1742, an English vessel was shipwrecked off the shores of Patagonia, and it took sailors over three months to make it to safety in Brazil. The survivors were celebrated as heroes– well, until another ship narrowly escaped disaster and washed ashore in Chile. The survivors of the second ship had a very different account of the first vessel. They accused the heroes of actually being murderers! The first vessel responded with equally terrible claims of violence and killings. No one knew who to believe or how to figure out what really happened out at sea. That was up to the courts to decide, and their decision was a matter of life and death. If you want to know the ending, you’ll have to read the book this summer!

How Data Happened: A History from the Age of Reason to the Age of Algorithms by Chris Wiggins and Matthew L. Jones

In 2017, Chris Wiggins and Matthew L. Jones developed a course at Columbia University titled Data: Past, Present and Future. The class was a hit! It became so popular that now these instructors have turned their course material into a book. How Data Happened explores the history of data collection and the powerful impact it has had on everything from politics to economics.The authors also look closely at the relationship between data and technology and pose the question: where are we going with data in the future? This is a perfect pick for future data scientists or any student who loves math and computer science.  

Choosing to Run: A Memoir by Des Linden

What does it take to make history? That’s the question Des Linden tries to answer in her new memoir, Choosing to Run. Linden traces her journey as a professional runner, from her early days on the track to her Olympic appearances to her historic win at the 2018 Boston Marathon. Not only is this a story of physical triumph; it’s one of mental toughness. Linden reveals what it takes to stay motivated and to reach your goal, even when others tell you it’s impossible. 

The Things We Make: The Unknown History of Invention from Cathedrals to Soda Cans by Bill Hammack

Bill Hammack, otherwise known as “The Engineer Guy” to his over one-million YouTube subscribers, has made a career out of examining how things are made. Now in his new book, he looks closely at the invisible “engineering method” inventors have used throughout the centuries to solve problems and develop some of the world’s most famous creations. He argues that there’s a common link between the ways in which inventors engineer great things, whether it was an 18th century cathedral or a modern- day soda can. If you’re passionate about STEM or considering a career in engineering, this title will be a wonderful addition to your bookshelf. 

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

Do you like dancing alone in your bedroom or doodling in your notebook? If so, there’s a reason for it, according to Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross. In their New York Times best seller, these authors look at the joys art can bring to our brains and the powerful effect it can have on our mental and physical well-being. They incorporate lots of research, as well as real-world examples, to show how an art project, a trip to a museum, or even a piano lesson can boost our brains and lead to healthier lives. This is a longer read, but we think it’s worth it for art lovers and those interested in psychology and mental health.

Magic Words by Jonah Berger

In his new book, Magic Words, Jonah Berger examines the power of the words in our society. Through research, he reveals how a slight change in vocabulary can make all the difference in how we’re able to persuade others, whether we’re arguing in a courtroom, writing an essay, or trying to land a new job. So what exactly are these magic words, Berger speaks of? You’ll have to crack open the book to find out!

Without a Doubt: How to Go From Underrated to Unbeatable by Surbhi Sarna

What do you do when you’re faced with a cancer scare? In Surbhi Sarna’s case, she turned her fears into a $275 million dollar business! Without a Doubt looks at how Sarna used her medical struggles as motivation to create a start-up and a life-saving medical device. Of course Sarna had many challenges along the way. She didn’t have a swanky MBA or a business network, and at every turn, people doubted her. Her story shows how we can push past all of the doubts, think outside the box, and convince others to support our vision. We think this book is a great guide for teens who are dreaming big, especially those who hope to become entrepreneurs one day! 

Our 2023 Fiction Summer Reading List!

Forget your science textbooks and your mandatory AP reading lists! Summer is just around the corner, and now’s the time for FUN reading. We’ve been busy scouring the latest book releases, and we’ve put together a list of our favorite fiction titles for Summer 2023. And we promise, there’s something for everyone! Whether you love murder mysteries, high school drama, or time travel, there’s a title for you to take to the beach or pool!

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Have you ever made a new friend thanks to Xbox? That’s the case for Sam and Sadie, who become best buddies over their shared love of video games. As they grow older, they turn their hobby into a gaming empire. Read this New York Times best-selling book to follow their thirty-year journey of friendship and collaboration.

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

An Irish mob, a missing teenage girl, and a dead African American man– Small Mercies has all the makings of an intriguing mystery. Set in 1970s Boston, the novel follows the journey of Mary Pat, who sets out to find her missing daughter and ends up finding much more than she bargained for. The novel explores themes of race, class, and power and is sure to keep any reader intrigued. This novel just came out in late April, but it is already getting great reviews and would be a fantastic addition to your summer reading list!

The Girl in the Castle by James Patterson and Emily Raymond

Hannah Doe is a teenage girl who has just been admitted to a mental hospital. Everyone thinks she’s suffering from hallucinations, but Hannah knows the truth: she’s stuck between two worlds, and now she must return to the past in order to save her sister. But who will help her? We’ll admit that The Girl in the Castle is long, but don’t let the 368 pages scare you away. This is a quick, thrilling read that will definitely capture your attention with its mix of fantastical and psychological elements. 

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

This novel became a best seller and book of the year in 2022. And we know why! Lessons in Chemistry is a lighthearted read about a female chemist in the 1960s who reinvents herself as a cooking show host and a champion of gender equality. This “beach read” would be great to take with you on summer vacation, especially if you’re interested in gender studies.

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

It started as a typical Monday afternoon, but it ended as a murder mystery. In One of Us is Lying, five teens walk into detention, but only four walk out. Simon has died, and everyone wants to know why. Who had a motive to kill Simon? Could it be one of his friends? Maybe the other students in detention know the answers, but will they tell their secrets? This book- the first in a three-part series-  might not be challenging enough for eleventh and twelfth graders, but it’s a great pick for students ages 13-16, especially those who are reluctant readers. 

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Yellowface is the ultimate cautionary tale of plagiarism! June Hayward is a white woman and aspiring writer who fears that readers won’t think her stories are diverse or exciting. So when a fellow writer-an Asian-American woman-dies unexpectedly, June steals her newly-finished story about Chinese laborers in WWI. June adopts a Chinese-American persona, passes the story off as her own, and finds great success. But at what cost? Read Yellowface to see what happens when you try to be someone you’re not.

The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben Macintyre

The Spy and the Traitor tells the intriguing tale of Oleg Gordievsky, a Russian spy who helped put an end to the Cold War. Blending history, politics, and mystery, this novel will have you on the edge of your seat for over 300 pages. No wonder it’s a New York Times bestseller! Any student interested in criminology, political intrigue, or history is sure to enjoy this book. 

True Biz by Sara Novic

In True Biz, author Sara Novic gives a voice to a silent world. Deaf children are usually isolated by their disability, but that’s not the case at River Valley School for the Deaf. At this school, hearing-impaired teens find a unique community where they can conquer family struggles, growing pains, and the unique challenges of a disability together. Be sure to pick up this book if you want to see how their journeys unfold and discover why this novel was voted as one of the best books of 2022 by The Washington Post.

Stay tuned!

Next week we’ll be sharing our nonfiction summer reading list. If you have any favorite titles to share, please leave a comment.

Careers in Nursing

Happy National Nurses Week! We want to extend a big thank you to all of the amazing nurses out there - we appreciate your tireless efforts to care for patients!

As we take time to honor nurses who play vital roles as advocates, educators, and caregivers, we thought it would be a great opportunity to spotlight nursing career options and educational pathways! After all, there is a nursing shortage - and the profession can offer security, flexibility, and a nice paycheck!

TYPES OF NURSES

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses (RNs) typically provide direct patient care in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They perform tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with procedures. As for education, RNs can either complete a two-year associate's degree (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s in nursing (BSN). The BSN is highly recommended, and even required in some states and healthcare settings. RNs may also seek additional certifications after they graduate and gain experience, especially if they are interested in areas such as oncology, pediatric, or critical care nursing. 

The average annual salary for an RN in the United States is $77,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salaries can be higher depending upon education and geography. For example, nurses in California have an annual mean wage of $133,340! And nurses in the DC area can make nearly $100,000 each year. 

Nurse Practitioner

In contrast to RNs, nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses who have completed additional education and training beyond the RN level. They are authorized to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and order diagnostic tests. NPs often work independently or in collaboration with physicians, and they may specialize in areas such as pediatrics, women's health, or mental health. Because of their specializations and advanced education, NPs stand to earn more than registered nurses. In 2021, the median salary for an NP was almost $110,000, and in some parts of the U.S., NPs made approximately $150,000!

Nurse Anesthetist

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in administering anesthesia to patients during surgical and medical procedures. They work closely with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive safe and effective anesthesia care. CRNAs are responsible for assessing patients' medical histories, monitoring vital signs during anesthesia administration, and adjusting anesthesia levels as needed throughout procedures. They also provide post-operative care to patients, ensuring that they recover safely from anesthesia and that any pain or discomfort is managed. CRNAs are required to have a master's degree in nursing as well as certification through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.

Becoming a CRNA requires a lot of additional education and training, but the investment is worth it! The average CRNA salary is approximately $123,000 per year, and in some areas of the country (like the DMV), CRNAs make upwards of $200,000. Plus, CRNA jobs are in high demand. Employment in this field is expected to grow 41% by 2031! 

TRADITIONAL AND NONTRADITIONAL PATHWAYS TO BECOMING A NURSE

There are two main pathways to becoming a nurse: traditional and nontraditional. The traditional pathway involves completing a nursing program at a college or university and earning a nursing degree, such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing. This pathway typically takes 2-4 years to complete and involves coursework, clinical experiences, and passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. 

The nontraditional pathways involve alternative routes to becoming a nurse, such as completing an accelerated nursing program or earning a nursing degree online. These pathways are designed for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree in another field and wish to transition to nursing. Nontraditional pathways may offer more flexibility and convenience, but they also require a strong commitment to self-directed learning and may have additional requirements, such as completing prerequisite coursework or passing additional exams. 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT NURSING PROGRAM FOR YOU

Whether you’re pursuing a traditional or nontraditional pathway, there are many things you want to consider as you research nursing programs. Here are questions to help guide you.

TRADITIONAL PATHWAY - BSN degree:

• Is it a 4 year, direct-entry program? This is the best choice for most students because there are no more hoops to jump through in college.

• Where will your clinical experience take place? For example, nursing students at Clemson will be in one of two separate clinical cohorts beginning during junior year, one in Clemson and one in Greenville. Would this be ok with you to be at a separate campus?

• What are the alumni NCLEX pass rates for the program? If you can't pass this exam, you can't become a registered nurse, so it's very important to go to a school that prepares students well.

NONTRADITIONAL PATHWAY - any degree:

Note - if you are sure you want to be a nurse when you are applying to college, this is not the path we would recommend unless you have a particular reason for it - this is typically more appropriate for people who decide to be a nurse later or are trying to keep their options open for specific reasons.

• What types of prerequisites will you need to be able to get into a post-baccalaureate nursing program - will you be able to take these at the college of your choice?

• What types of experiences will you need and will you be able to do those at the college of your choice? (for example, a certain number of hours of patient care or service work in health care)?

Here are two examples of nontraditional programs offered by universities:

George Washington University: GW offers an accelerated BSN program for those who have already earned their bachelor’s degree in a different field and would like to start a career in nursing. Students can earn their BSN in four consecutive semesters on site at GW’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, VA. In order to begin the program, though, students must complete a certain number of prerequisite courses in areas such as Statistics, Nutrition, and Natural Sciences. If a student has not completed these courses in their previous degree programs, no worries! GW offers these courses and students can complete them online.

University of Pennsylvania: At UPenn, students with a bachelor’s degree in another field can earn a nursing degree in just 15 months through the university’s accelerated BSN program. The program has two options: BSN Second Degree- which leads to a bachelor’s in nursing- or BSN/MSN- which allows students to earn a graduate degree as well. The BSN/MSN pathway is a great choice for those who know they want to pursue a specialization that requires graduate coursework. Similar to GW, applicants must complete several prerequisite courses before being considered for admissions into the program. These courses include chemistry, biology, nutrition, and statistics, among others.

LOOKING FOR A COLLEGE WITH A GREAT NURSING PROGRAM?

We can’t possibly begin to list all of the colleges and universities with great nursing programs. However, we’re sharing a few of our favorites that might help you get started if you’re a high school student hoping to major in nursing in the future.

University of Pennsylvania 

What we like about this program: There’s a reason UPenn’s nursing program is ranked as one of the best in the country. There are amazing opportunities for students to gain clinical experience and conduct research at some of the best hospitals in the country. Plus, UPenn offers several minors, such as Nutrition, Global Health, and Health Communications, which reflect some of the most relevant and pressing issues in the healthcare world.

Clemson University

What we like about this program: Clemson’s nursing program is nationally recognized and increasing in popularity. In an effort to meet the demands of student interest, as well the need for nurses in the industry, the university recently created The Clemson Nursing Expansion Program, which has expanded enrollment in the program, as well as clinical placements in the area. Despite the expansion, admissions is extremely competitive, but students are sure to get state-of-the-art-training and a lot of opportunities to support local communities in South Carolina. 

Georgetown University

What we like about this program: Experience, experience, experience! Georgetown’s School of Nursing has an overwhelming number of options for students to gain hands-on training, from working in local DC hospitals to taking part in the Tanzania Healthcare Experiential Learning Initiative. We also love that the program incorporates an emphasis on social justice and community connections!