Weekly Update: September 20

It’s been a WHILE! We’ve been absolutely slammed these first few weeks of school as we try to finish up with our seniors during this unusual application cycle in the wake of the Supreme Court decision. No kidding, I have started this post about ten times. I think it’s safe to say that blogging might be a little bit more sporadic until mid-October, but we’ll get back to our normal posting schedule soon enough :)

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE LAST FEW WEEKS

US NEWS MAKES SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES TO METHODOLOGY

U.S. News & World Report changed 17 of the 19 metrics they use in their annual college rankings, and boy did this year’s rankings look different than ever before! While the usual suspects are still right at the very top, so many other schools saw a major impact. Highly-selective private schools seemed to see the most negative impact and large public schools had the most positive impact. This is not surprising when you consider that class sizes, professors with terminal degrees, and alumni giving rates have now been removed from consideration. Added in their places were a number of factors that relate to first-generation and disadvantaged students. Important considerations, for sure, but so are the ones that were removed, in my opinion. As we always say, think about the factors that are important to YOU and look for rankings that emphasize those.

1 IN 3 COLLEGE STUDENTS HAVE SEEN OR EXPERIENCED ANTISEMITISM

How terrible - the “Jewish on Campus” watchdog group recently reported that a third of U.S. college students have been exposed to antisemitism. About half of that group experienced it directly, while the other half witnessed it. If you’re interested in more on the history of antisemitism in higher education, don’t miss the podcast Gatecrashers, which I posted about last fall. I was surprised by how much I personally learned from it, and would highly recommend it.

BOULDER IS THE NEW VILLANOVA

I kid you not, last winter I was on a call with a colleague as we commiserated about how insane that admission cycle’s results were, and he said something to the lines of “we’re okay as long as nothing changes with Boulder.” He went on to explain his belief that Boulder was one of the last schools out there with relatively relaxed admissions standards alongside a recognizable name. It was an excellent point… while it lasted. Word on the street is that their applications are up 40% year over year, and that statistic was from last week - before Saturday night happened. Sigh! And while I know that Villanova has always been more selective than Boulder, I’m still getting major 2016 and 2018 flashbacks.

FLORIDA APPROVES THE CLT

In the latest development on the ongoing battle between Florida and the College Board, the state just approved the CLT, or Classic Learning Test, as an alternative to the SAT and ACT. Because the CLT emphasizes Christian thought, it’s mostly been accepted by private Christian schools so far - definitely a strange move for public schools. It should be noted that the faculty representative on the state university system’s board of governors voted against this decision, citing a lack of data.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE LAST FEW WEEKS

While Wash U may be mourning their recent drop in the rankings (who cares about undergraduate class size, right?!) - they did end up winners in a different category. Yes, my alma mater is no longer the least economically diverse elite school in the country - Tulane is the unfortunate recipient of that honor now. Wash U, according to the New York Times, is actually now the institution with the greatest increase in economic diversity over the last decade. You can read more about the New York Times’ College Access Index and where various schools place on this scale.

Speaking of Tulane, they were featured in a different New York Times article, as well, for coming in at 2/3 female! (Poor Tulane. Plus a 29 point ranking drop. Rough month). We posted about the college gender gap a month or two ago, and I think it’s going to become more significant as schools fine-tune their policies in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling. This is tricky, because I can understand the rationale for having a balanced class. It’s hard all around.

Not quite an article, but I really enjoyed Wake Forest’s response to the recent rankings. Their 18-spot fall seemed particularly unfair to me, given that so much of the shifts had to do with social mobility. For those not in the know, Wake just introduced AN ENTIRELY NEW APPLICATION PLAN several months ago that’s JUST for first-generation students. That school is incredibly committed to social mobility, whether it is reflected in an arbitrary ranking or not.

And even further away from a traditional article, I wanted to share this TikTok video. Warning, some of the language is colorful, but I really like this guy and the messages he shares are typically spot-on. This one is about how to get a 4.0 in college, but it’s completely applicable to high school too. It’s so simple I feel like this is obvious! But then again, how many people are actually taking the time to do it, obvious or not?

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

As many of you know, Shannon had her last day at DC College Counseling. We definitely miss her and wish her all the best. She started working with us in the middle of Covid, so it’s been an interesting three years and it was wonderful to have her support!

We were incredibly excited to welcome Sally to our team, and you’ll “meet” her on the blog soon - but in the meantime, you can see her bio on our website here! She brings an incredible amount of experience to our organization and we are very lucky to have her.

I got to step out of the office a little early last week to go to the annual Madison vs. Marshall football game to watch my daughter cheer for VYI!

I am always so impressed with how kind the Marshall and Madison cheerleaders are to the little ones each year. This is such a big deal to them and the girls make them feel so special. Thank you for that :)

I was in U.S. News & World Report this week providing recommendation advice, and I have to say I’m pretty honored that they chose to share our materials with the world as examples! That Hermione letter makes me smile. We give it to our students to share with their recommenders so the recommenders can see an example of what a strong letter should look like. Our essay coach Alan wrote it, and he’s the best creative writer I know. Not surprisingly, he’s also the coach that does the final edit of all of our Common App essays!

In other news, we have come across SO many opportunities lately for students interested in taking on leadership roles at school or in the community. Check out the following provided by either Elaine Tholen or Karen Keys-Gamarra:

• The Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program is for youth ages 12-19 who want to be community leaders against dating violence. Teen Advocates participate in campaigns to raise awareness about dating and sexual violence and other issues that impact youth. They also work with their peers and Fairfax County agencies to design fun events, such as the annual Art Contest and Talent Showcase, which engage community members in conversations about tough topics like abuse. Click here to apply by September 29 and to learn more about the program.

• Are you a young person between the ages of 10 and 29 with an idea of how digital tools can be used to help improve other young people’s well-being? Do you have ideas about how we could creatively use technology to increase young people’s knowledge around issues that impact them? The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is looking for creative innovators with solutions to pressing issues around well-being. Is this you? If so, apply today for the Youth Well-Being Prize Competition! Applications are open now and close on September 29, 2023. To apply, please fill out the application form and submit here.

• Calling all student artists! The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking students to design posters to submit to the 2023 Youth Poster Contest. The theme for this year is ‘One Water.’ This contest is open to all K-12 students in Fairfax County, and scouts are eligible to earn a poster contest patch. Additionally, this year will feature a new digital poster contest open to students in grades 7-12. Learn more about both poster contests and download your entry form on the Conservation Poster Contest website. Entries are due by September 30, 2023.

• The Youth Conservation Leadership Institute (YCLI) is a program for 9th-12th grade students offered by Virginia’s Soil & Water Conservation Districts. YCLI focuses on volunteer service, environmental stewardship, leadership, and connecting students with environmental issues in their local communities. YCLI students complete a 20-hour project of their choosing throughout the school year, meet with their cohort, and receive the guidance of mentors. Learn more about YCLI and apply by Monday, October 2.

• The Fairfax County Police Department is accepting applications for Public Safety Cadets. Young people between the ages of 14-20 who are interested in learning more about law enforcement and are ready to provide community service are encouraged to apply. Public Safety Cadets is a national organization that partners with law enforcement agencies to provide leadership, ethics, and career preparation training. Fairfax County operates three units in three different locations within the county with police officers serving as mentors. Find more information and the Public Safety Cadet application on the Fairfax County Police Department website. Applications are due by Monday, October 2, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Have a great rest of your week!

Weekly Update: January 23

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

MORE COLLEGES BAN TIKTOK

The University of Texas and Texas A&M University have just been added to a growing list of schools banning TikTok. In recent months, several states and colleges have blocked the popular social media app over growing cybersecurity concerns. If you’re interested in seeing where you won’t be able to access the app on campus networks and devices, click here. This list also includes summaries of state policies and on TikTok.

HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL DROPS OUT OF POPULAR RANKINGS

Despite earning a number one spot as the best medical school for research in 2023, Harvard Medical School announced last week that it is “dropping out” of the U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings. The decision came after Harvard Law School announced last fall that it would no longer submit data to the U.S. News & World Report, which has long been an “influential guide” for students. Several law schools followed in Harvard’s footsteps, and now many are speculating about the impact this decision will have on medical school rankings. Will other medical schools follow suit? How might these “dropouts” affect other programs and rankings? We will continue to track this story, as well as the changes that U.S. News & World Report is planning to implement in this year’s law school rankings.

YALE ANNOUNCES MAJOR CHANGES TO ITS MENTAL HEALTH POLICIES

On Wednesday, Yale announced major changes to its mental health policies. No longer will students have to fear losing their health insurance if they take a leave of absence for mental health reasons or face a complex process for reinstatement. These reforms come after the university made headlines in The Washington Post last November for its pressure-inducing mental health policies. Weeks after the article was published, several Yale students filed a lawsuit that accused the university of discriminatory practices against those with mental health problems. University administrators have responded with “sweeping” policy changes that make it easier- logistically and emotionally- for students to seek treatment.

MARYLAND BOARD CHAIR RESIGNS UNEXPECTEDLY 

The board chair of Maryland 529, Peter Tsirigotis, made a surprising announcement on Friday, resigning from his position in the midst of a major crisis. For months Maryland 529, which offers college savings programs, has been under scrutiny. The organization froze interest payments on a college savings program after a calculation error was discovered. The error has left many families unable to make tuition payments for spring 2023. Tsirigotis appeared in front of the Maryland House Appropriations Committee on Friday to address the issue, only to resign the next day. Now the organization is focused on finding a replacement and taking steps to resolve program errors.

PENNSYLVANIA DROPS COLLEGE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE JOBS

There’s a big shift in the job market for Pennsylvania residents! On Wednesday, governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order eliminating the four-year degree requirement for 92% of state jobs. This change allows for greater focus on skills and experience rather than a diploma. As part of the order, Governor Shapiro also launched a new website for job seekers to easily search for open positions.

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITIES BAN CRITICAL RACE THEORY

Florida’s state and community college system - 28 colleges and universities in all - announced on Wednesday that they will eliminate any academic requirement or program that “compels belief” in critical race theory or intersectionality. The ban will come into effect on February 1, and comes on the heels of an order by Governor Ron DeSantis that public colleges submit lists of their spending related to diversity initiatives and critical race theory.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

“If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” That’s the attitude many colleges and professors are taking with ChatGPT, a new chatbot that doesn’t just provide students with answers to all of their questions. It can write essays, too! For months, school officials across the United States have feared the new technology, speculating the ways in which it will complicate academic integrity standards and methods for monitoring student work. Rather than trying to ban ChatGPT, many colleges are learning to work with the reality of the A.I. tool. Professors have begun revamping curriculum, trading in at-home assessments for in-class writings and building writing workshop processes into syllabi. Some instructors are also finding creative ways to incorporate ChatGPT into the classroom to help students understand the advantages and limitations of A.I. At the administrative level, institutions have begun reworking policies on plagiarism and investigating new digital systems for detection. With these efforts, colleges and universities will hopefully find the right methods for determining what’s human and what’s bot! 

Return on investment is a crucial factor in any decision-making process, including college. Before signing up for tuition payments or student loans, it’s important for students to “crunch the numbers” on an institution to determine what their degree will ultimately be worth. However, this process may prove difficult. Federal restrictions on data sharing, as well as inconsistencies in the ways colleges report data often prevent students from fully understanding the realities of their financial investment. As a result, many are calling for legislation to ensure colleges and universities provide accurate, transparent data about graduation rates, financial aid, and earnings potential for specific programs. These policies will mean nothing, though, if students aren’t taught what to do with the data once it becomes available. That’s where schools and counselors will play a part in teaching young adults to make informed decisions about their academic and financial futures. 

Unfortunately, metal detectors are common in many U.S. high schools. Now they are being installed in elementary schools as well, most notably in Newport News, Virginia, where a first-grade student recently shot his teacher. The shocking incident prompted increased security measures in the Newport News school system, where young children will now use clear backpacks and pass through metal detectors. Many wonder if secure measures like these are appropriate in an elementary school setting. What impact will they have on the physical safety, as well as the mental well-being of such young students? Some administrators are seeking alternative solutions to school safety, focusing instead on social-emotional learning programs that help students learn to process emotions and interact with others. There is no quick-fix for eradicating school violence, but teaching empathy may play an important role in change.

What’s it like to be a queer student at a religious university? Challenging! Student-athletes at Brigham Young University are opening up about their experiences at the private, Christian school. Despite the university's efforts to foster change through initiatives, discrimination prevails, according to many. Several queer students have accused the school of stifling personal expression while appearing to promote inclusivity. In fact, any form of “same-sex romantic behavior” is still an Honor Code violation at BYU. (PS: Students in search of LGBTQ+ friendly college campuses should consult the CampusPride website. This nonprofit organization puts out an annual list, ranking schools based on policies, programs and practices).

Like many in the college admissions world, we’re waiting to see how the Supreme Court’s decision on the recent affirmative action case will affect the admissions process. As colleges scramble to keep up a diverse population on campus without affirmative action, we may see more schools continuing with test-optional admissions, as well as the elimination of legacy preference or even Early Decision. Other strategies for increasing racial diversity on campus, like fly-ins and designated scholarship programs, could also come to an end. This article dives deep into some of these issues, and we’re waiting to see how far-reaching the changes might be after the Court’s decision!

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We are busy working with juniors on filling out their Common Applications - if you’re a junior looking at the “Honors and Awards” sections of their applications and thinking you have nothing to say, here are some opportunities:

The U.S. Global Change Research Program is looking for student artists ages 13-17 who are passionate about solving climate change to submit artwork related to “climate, people, and nature.” Drawings will be included in the Fifth National Climate Assessment. Interested students should submit their artwork by January 27.

NPR’s fifth annual Student Podcast Challenge is open! Entries for applicants in grades 5-12 must be submitted by a teacher or educator by April 28. And if you’re a college podcaster, keep an eye out for the College Podcast Challenge this fall, which will open September 1.

Weekly Update: January 3

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

COLLEGES BAN TIKTOK

Some college students are in for a big surprise when they return to campus after winter break. One of the world’s most popular social media apps will now be off limits at some US colleges and universities. Several schools in Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma have recently blocked TikTok from campus computers and networks in response to state executive orders, which banned the app on state-issued devices. Growing cybersecurity concerns have also prompted many schools to delete their university-administered TikTok accounts in favor of other platforms. Students are vowing that the bans won’t stop them from using the popular platform, though. There’s a convenient workaround: they can still access TikTok from the comforts of their personal devices and phone plans. 

PROSECUTORS REQUEST SIX YEAR SENTENCE FOR VARSITY BLUES MASTERMIND

Last Wednesday prosecutors filed a sentencing memorandum, asking that William Singer- the “mastermind” behind the Varsity Blues scandal- serve six years in prison and pay over $10 million in restitution. This request is in stark contrast to what Singer’s attorneys have proposed: community service and three years of probation. So why the disparity? Prosecutors claim that Singer’s fraud was “staggering in scope” and “breathtaking in its audacity and the levels of deception it involved.” Singer responded by issuing a statement of apology and remorse to the court. We will continue to track this story, as Singer is scheduled to be sentenced on January 4. 

IDAHO PROFESSOR FIGHTS BACK AGAINST TIKTOK MURDER ALLEGATIONS

TikToker Ashley Guillard made headlines this past week for her psychic attempts to solve the University of Idaho murder case. Guillard, a tarot card reader, created over 40 posts on her social media platform implicating Idaho professor Rebecca Scofield in the tragedy. Professor Scofield’s attorney issued two cease and desist letters before filing a lawsuit for defamation. Guillard doesn’t seem worried, though, about the lawsuit. According to reports, Guillard said she’s “gleaming with excitement” at the chance to share her ideas in court.

IDAHO MURDER SUSPECT ARRESTED

On Friday, officials arrested a suspect in the University of Idaho quadruple homicide case. Bryan Kohberger was apprehended in Pennsylvania, after officials confirmed his DNA was a match to evidence found at the scene of the crimes.

NATIONAL MERIT AWARDS GO UNRECOGNIZED AT TOP VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL

There’s a “war on merit” at Fairfax County’s Thomas Jefferson High School (more widely known in our area as TJ). The school has been accused of failing to notify or recognize students named as Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. As a result, nearly 1,200 students missed the chance to bolster their college applications with this honor. Many parents are calling this a “criminal act” and are insisting that the school take responsibility. According to a recently released statement, Fairfax County Public Schools is “looking into the matter” and will correct the notification process going forward.

CAUSE OF PRINCETON STUDENT’S DEATH REVEALED

For months, many have speculated about the cause of a Princeton University student’s death. In October, the body of Misrach Ewunetie was found near campus tennis courts, just two days after Ewunetie was reported missing. Although there were no indicators of foul play, many wondered what happened and why. This past week investigators revealed that Ewunetie died by suicide: a fatal mixture of antidepressants and anxiety medication. 

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

$60,000 college tuition price tags, tens of thousands in student loans, raging debt: how did we get here? That’s the question David Love is posing, as he traces the history of the American student loan crisis. He examines the shift from college education being perceived as a “public good” to an individual “private endeavor.” Love also looks at the politics and policies that have informed access to college education over the past forty years, making it a luxury for those who can afford the soaring costs. Ultimately, Love calls for an ideological shift back to college as a public good “rather than a profit center.”

Teachers got an unwanted holiday gift this year: a new technology that makes cheating even easier for students. ChatGPT is a newly released AI bot that provides well-written, almost “human-like” answers to any question the user may pose. While this may be a handy app for the curious, it’s anything but for teachers and professors who are concerned about academic integrity. Gone are the days of checking for plagiarism via a Google search. Many educators are worried that ChatGPT will make it impossible to determine originality in student work. And with ChatGPT’s refined features, which include the ability to script paragraphs in different writing tones, teachers will have to work extra hard to distinguish a student’s authentic writing style from an AI response. ChatGPT is aware of the potential for cheating and has offered teachers advice: educate students about cheating; provide them with support so they won’t cheat; and change up typical essay or exam questions to make them more sophisticated. We’re not convinced that these measures will solve the potential problems of AI and cheating. But students beware: your teachers know about this technology, and they’re on the watch! 

A recent New York Times opinion piece delves into a topic that comes up quite frequently in our office: whether or not to disclose mental health issues in college applications. As the author found, this type of disclosure can be a red flag to admissions officers and can have a significant negative impact on admissions decisions. All things being equal, we do not recommend disclosing. However, sometimes all things are not equal - if it’s obvious from other aspects of a student’s application that something serious was going on, it can be better to go with the truth instead of leaving admissions officers to make guesses that are often times worse than the reality.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

It’s a new year, and we have a new collection of Summer 2023 opportunities for high schoolers! Visit our database to see the latest internships, pre-college programs, and volunteer experiences available. And don’t delay! There are several opportunities with January application deadlines.

If you need help with summer program applications, resumes, or cover letters, book a session with us. Meeting times in January are filling up fast!