Weekly Update x2: July 7

Schools are out now and summer is well underway! While I might not want to go back to being a kid, I do miss days when it seemed like summer lasted forever! Time really did move at a different pace then. Hope everyone can stop and savor the special moments of their summer.

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

UNC FIRES PROFESSOR THEY SECRETLY RECORDED

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill gave notice to Professor Larry Chavis that his contract would not be renewed. In April, they notified him that they had recorded his lecture without his knowledge or permission. When Professor Chavis asked for a meeting to discuss the matter further, and wanted to know the reasons why he was under investigation and his contract was not renewed, the university said they would schedule a meeting, but never did. Professor Chavis is a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and an advocate for Indigenous and LGBTQ rights.

EMERSON AND HAMPSHIRE COLLEGES ANNOUNCES SERIOUS CUTS

Blaming the student protests, the botched FAFSA roll-out and implementation, and low enrollment numbers, Emerson College announced layoffs of faculty and staff and cuts to any new hiring. College president, Jay M. Bernhardt, said in an email that the incoming class that deposited was “significantly below what we had hoped.” Hampshire College in Amherst, MA, also announced cuts to their staff benefits, citing many of the same reasons. Small colleges across the region face some of the same threats, simply because there are fewer and fewer students as the population of graduating seniors declines across the country.

SAT AND GRE TEST ADMINISTRATION COMPANY FLOUNDERING

ETS (Educational Testing Service, the long-time administrator of the SAT, AP, GRE, and TOEFL exams) has offered all employees who have been there a minimum of two years a buy-out. The decline in both SAT and GRE test-takers have caused serious problems for the company, and they recently signed a new contract with the College Board in which they would no longer administer the SAT. Originally, that was 30% of their revenue. An anonymous source said that employees were devastated, noting that “folks [were] earnestly sharing self-harm and suicide-prevention hotlines” within hours of the news.

MORE CONCERNING SHENANIGANS HAPPENING WITH THE  TESTING COMPANIES.

Two weeks ago, we shared the news that the Department of Education has hired the president of the College Board to oversee the continued work on the FAFSA. Well, we have since learned that a second College Board executive, Chief Information Officer Jeff Olson, is joining the DOE team. Like Jeremy Singer, Jeff Olson will take a leave of absence from the College Board for the duration of his time at DOE, and then will return to the company. Many are concerned about how student data and privacy will be handled, given how the College Board hungers for such information to do its business. There are also concerns related to possible conflicts of interest related to the College Board’s financial aid platform, the CSS Profile. Many private colleges and universities use the CSS Profile alongside the FAFSA to determine student aid packages.

CONSTRUCTION OF 25K-SQUARE-FOOT RECREATIONAL FACILITY BEGINS AT GMU

George Mason University has broken ground on an $11 million new recreational facility, set to be open by the Spring 2025 semester. The Activities Community Wellness Center will be home to the Green Machine pep band, and will also contain a full-sized basketball court for intramural games, other activity courts, yoga and exercise spaces, offices, conference rooms, and storage.

VILLANOVA BEGINS RENOVATION OF NEWLY ACQUIRED CABRINI UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Villanova University will begin work at Cabrini University after officially assuming ownership of the 116-acre campus on June 28th. The Radnor, PA campus will be closed for a minimum of two years before reopening as the "Villanova University Cabrini Campus.” Villanova announced their plan to take over Cabrini University last November, after the small, 67-year-old school was unable to bounce back from financial woes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Cabrini held their final commencement this spring. Founded by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and named after the first American naturalized citizen, Saint Mother Frances Cabrini, the university had a core curriculum centered on social justice and was one of the first schools to make community service a graduation requirement.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

We have talked a lot about teens and social media. Its pervasiveness and brain-rewiring algorithmic powers are not really in dispute any longer, but there is a deeper and darker side to it than most adults know — and that’s quite terrifying. This article from Rolling Stone provides an in depth look at Snapchat, the role it plays in connecting teens (and young children) to the world of drugs and sex, and how there is almost nothing law enforcement can do. Cute filters aside, it seems that Snapchat may offer a very different experience for its users based on age, dangerously so.

Some busy high school students can only fit campus visits into their calendars over the summer. These can still be valuable experiences, even though the campus environments may not be teeming with students as they are during the academic year. Almost every college has summer school, and so visitors will still have the chance to observe some sense of the student experience that way. It’s also important to note that there may not be as many tours during the summer, however, as that tends to be when admissions staff take their vacations. And, depending on the school, visitors might not be able to see a specific building like a particular dorm or lab, so it’s important to ask the school how a summer visit may differ from a fall or spring visit.

This article offers a nice guide to how to get the most out of a visit and also shares a great point that sometimes a visit will come after being accepted — and that’s ok. As always, no matter when the visit takes place, try to make it an official one. This means signing up with the admissions office and attending school-sponsored programming, not just taking a casual walk around. After your tour has concluded, though, we often recommend asking random students you come across why they chose that school, what they like about it, and what they would change. Most students are happy to give you a fair and honest assessment based on their experiences.

A new study has come up with a list of some of the best choices of majors that are most likely to snag students a stable job post-graduation. It will be of no surprise that majors like engineering, nursing, medical technology, plant and animal sciences and education lead to some of the most reliable jobs. Students majoring in the humanities ended up struggling to find work and often the work found is relatively low-paying. Sadly, art history majors had the highest rates of unemployment.

But what the study also found was that the jobs in industries with low employment rates were also ones where people became burned out and people were simply less satisfied because of the lack of work-life balance. Choosing a major can be challenging because of the pressure to have a “good job for a stable future”, but it’s important to also spend time thinking about what will bring contentment. Of course, there is no reason a teenager would know the answer to this question now, especially when adults don’t even know that for themselves!

So how can we let students know that it’s ok to not have the answers; to be able to sit with the unknown? The future is made up of things — jobs, careers, professions — that don’t even exist yet, so maybe we give them space to learn not only a specific trade, but also critical thinking and problem solving skills. Maybe we do everything we can to instill true love of learning and discovery — a genuine “growth mindset” so that when they need to pivot in the future (and I have no doubt that they will need to!), they can. As quickly as things are changing, I suspect that the ability to turn on a dime and head in a new direction will be the gold standard of a truly educated person — or perhaps it always has been.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

As schools have ended for the year, juniors might now be thinking of themselves as seniors — or “almost seniors”! We have been busy finishing up the Rising Senior Meetings with students and their parents. This is when a student finalizes their college list, with their parents’ blessings, and we help make sure it’s a solid and balanced list of schools. Students are also very busy working on their Common App(R) essays and preparing for their supplemental essays. We love seeing the creativity and self-reflection that our students are finding within themselves!

To read more about testing and the college board, check out these posts!

Small Details, Big Messages: What to Look for on a Campus Tour

When you’re touring a college campus, it’s easy to get distracted. That’s because you’re probably busy checking out the size of the dorm rooms or noting the food options in the cafeteria. Or maybe you’re gazing off down the street at the football stadium or anxiously awaiting your chance to check out the gym facilities. There’s a lot to take in, so much so that you might not always notice the details. But did you know that small details can actually send big messages about a college?

On your next campus visit, be on the lookout for these subtle clues. They will give you insight into the school culture and might just help you make important decisions about whether or not you can picture yourself there!

Advertisements

One of the best ways to really get a sense of what goes on at a college is to look at advertisements. As you tour academic buildings, student centers, and dorms, take note of bulletin boards and posted flyers, especially in entryways. These ads will show the kinds of events taking place on campus and how students are getting involved. Plus, they can help answer questions you may have about the social environment and political climate.

Classrooms

Although you may not have the chance to sit in on an actual college class, make sure you take a peek into some classrooms. These rooms can reveal a lot about the academic life on campus–if you know what to look for. First (and most obviously), take note of the size of the classrooms. Are you seeing lots of big lecture halls or smaller, more intimate spaces? Also, what type of furniture is there - and what is the layout like? Do most of them have desks, and if so, are they arranged by rows or in a circle? Do you notice any rooms with seminar tables or interactive work areas? Finally, scan the rooms for technology, so you can get a sense of how professors actually deliver their lessons.

Student Interactions

Is the cafeteria packed with students huddled around the tables? Are there groups of undergrads hanging out on the quad? Did you notice if the library study rooms are filled with people doing group projects? Has anyone said hello as you’ve passed them on the walkway? These are easy details to overlook, but don’t! Observe the ways that students interact with other members of the school community and with visitors like you. You can also learn a lot by paying attention to common areas. Notice if/how the campus layout gives students opportunities to gather and collaborate– and if they’re actually using these spaces.  

The most memorable graffiti I’ve ever seen on a college campus. It says: “Keep Baylor Baptist!” This gives an indication that there’s some secularization occurring, which could be a good or bad thing depending on an individual student’s preferences!

Signs of protest

Students everywhere have complaints, and some aren’t afraid to express them publicly! Look closely to see if you can spot signs of protest on campus: graffiti, advertisements, etc. These postings are often a source of valuable insight into the campus culture and what students care about. 

Safety

Remember that the college you’re touring could potentially be your home for the next four years. It’s important that you feel safe and secure. Yes, everyone has blue lights. But what else? As you walk around campus, look for features that would make you feel comfortable if you were strolling down these same pathways in the dark. Are the walkways well-lit? Do you see any security officers patrolling the grounds? Is there a free shuttle or escort service for students walking home late at night? And when you enter buildings, pay particular attention to how people can access them. Do students need to scan an ID card, for example? 

I was very impressed with the security on my last visit to Loyola in Baltimore. I was stopped immediately and not permitted to proceed on campus until I showed ID and a reason for my visit. At Johns Hopkins, just a mile away, nobody blinked an eye.

Just as important, take some time to explore the area surrounding the school. Remember that at many colleges and universities, upperclassmen opt to live off campus, and you’ll want to make sure there are safe options. Sometimes, nearby neighborhoods even defy stereotypes associated with the larger metropolitan area! Shout out to the City of Clayton if anyone is considering Wash U - I lived in Clayton during my last year of college (along with many other Wash U students) and it was one of the best places I’ve ever lived.

Cleanliness

Cleanliness speaks volumes! Pay particular attention to how a college maintains its spaces. Are the bathrooms clean? Do the carpets look worn out in the library? Is there a musty smell in the residence halls? Of course a college campus isn’t going to be perfectly pristine, but you can see when effort is being made to keep everything clean and up to date.

FINAL THOUGHTS

To help you keep track of all of the details on a campus tour, take notes and pictures. We promise, it’s not geeky, and it will help you later as you start to compare all of the schools you’ve visited.

If you’re interested in learning more about campus tours, revisit our blog post from last spring. We shared expert tips on when to schedule your visit, how to prepare, and what do while you’re actually on campus.

Safe campus travels!

Four Plans High School Juniors Should Make This Month

Hey Juniors, we’ve got plans for you this month! February is an important time to “get the ball rolling” on your college admissions process. In fact, there are a few sneaky deadlines creeping up that we don’t want to pass you by. To help you get organized, we’ve put together a list of four big college plans you should make this month. So break out your Google calendar and to-do lists, and get to work!

plan #1: sat or act registration

It might feel like only yesterday that you took the PSAT, but now it’s time to sign up for the real deal. Don’t let February slip by without registering for the SAT or ACT. There are a few testing dates available throughout the spring and early summer. Registration typically closes 4-5 weeks prior to a test, so make sure to sign up early! 

As you consider your options, weigh your academic responsibilities and extracurricular commitments. For example, will you have to study for five AP exams this spring? Then maybe the May 6th SAT isn’t the best date for you. Are you already enrolled in a soccer camp that conflicts with the June 10 ACT? Well, then you better sign up for the April test.

Still not convinced you need to register now? Then check out this reality check. The registration deadline for the March SAT is Friday, February 10: that’s only eight days away! 

plan #2: standardized testing study schedule

Once you’ve got your SAT or ACT testing date on the calendar, take some time this month to devise your study plan. You might even want to gather some friends and start a study group. If you need help getting yourself organized, the College Board has information on how to set up an SAT study group and provides a sample study plan. For those planning to take the ACT, there are free study resources available here. We also love Khan Academy, which offers plenty of guidance for both tests. 

If you are interested in adding a prep course or tutor to your study plan, research your options now! Classes and tutors book up quickly during the spring, and we are happy to recommend tutors and courses that have been helpful to our students in the past (private tutoring is without question the best way to prepare if it’s in the budget!).

plan #3: spring break college Visits

So many families wait until summer to begin touring colleges, but did you know that spring break is an ideal time for campus visits? With school still in session, you’ll be able to experience the “hustle and bustle” of college life at the height of the semester. The crowds of students in the quad, the vibrant classrooms, the events in the Student Center- they can all give you a good sense of campus culture and environment. 

College visits can also be useful as you continue to build and refine your college list. When you experience campuses for yourself, you get a better idea of what you like - and don’t like- and which factors are most important to you in a school. 

There is also no question that students who go on in-person visits have a much easier time (yes, that’s italicized and underlined for a reason) with their “Why this school” essays! Michigan and Wisconsin might seem the same from online info sessions, and while those can be very useful in their own right, it can be hard to capture a sense of place - or in teenage speak, “a vibe” - from that type of programming. On the other hand, in-person visits will help you discover the nuances of different environments. There’s nothing like walking through the tunnel onto the field at The Big House or enjoying Babcock ice cream while watching the sun set across Lake Mendota!

Don’t worry, though, if you don’t have much time or can’t coordinate a long-distance trip. You can always schedule a spring tour at a local college. It might not be at the top of your list (or maybe not on your list at all), but the school can still provide valuable points of comparison for the future.

plan #4: Summer opportunities

Now that the idea of college is starting to feel really real, you’ll want to think about how you can use your summer to prepare for the future. Whether you want to gain experience doing medical research in a lab or explore the field of journalism, there’s an opportunity for just about every interest. Visit our database for comprehensive lists of teen internships, volunteer projects, and pre-college programs available for Summer 2023.

Some of our most recent postings include an opportunity to work for NASA and to conduct research on psychological traumas. Pretty cool, huh? The only problem is that deadlines are approaching fast. Many programs will close their applications in mid to late February, so get to work on those summer plans!