Exciting Summer 2023 Opportunities for Teens

We’re coming up on a three-day holiday weekend, and if you are a high school student looking for something to do, we’ve got the perfect idea: plan for summer 2023! We know it may seem way too early to start thinking about what you’ll be doing in July. But believe it or not, there are many summer opportunities with winter deadlines. If you don’t start researching and applying now, you might miss out on a great internship, academic program, or volunteer experience.

the advantages of a summer opportunity

Discover new subjects…and maybe a potential college major: Summer programs are notorious for offering unique classes and subjects you might never get the chance to explore at your high school. For example, Brown’s Pre-College Program offers courses in nanotechnology, Netflix, and mood disorders. And Georgetown’s Summer Academies introduce students to subjects like national security, election campaigns, and AI. A summer program might just lead you to discover your college major or career path.

Demonstrate your interest in a specific subject: Colleges love to see students getting deeply involved in the areas about which they are most passionate. This is your chance to delve into a particular field of interest. In the past, our students have spent their summers publishing psychological research; designing major engineering projects; and producing short films. Don’t pass up the chance to invest in something you love! 

Develop soft skills: More than ever, universities and employers are looking for people who can work well with others. And in order to work well with others, you need to develop soft skills, such as communication, empathy, and problem solving. Because so many summer opportunities involve lots of hands-on activities and collaborative projects, they provide the perfect environment to improve your skills. Bonus: you show off these skills in your college applications and interviews!

Build your resume: A summer experience can be a great addition to your resume and college applications. Plus, it could end up being a topic for one of your admissions essays! 

Have fun: Do you imagine yourself bored in class all summer listening to lectures? Well, get that image out of your mind! Summer opportunities aren’t meant to be stressful or passive. Quite the opposite! Most programs are designed to give you real-world experiences: field trips, interactions with industry experts, hands-on projects, competitions, and more. We promise that you can have fun while learning. 

WHERE AND HOW TO APPLY

So have we convinced you to start applying for a summer experience? If so, take the next step and visit our database. We’ve curated extensive lists of local, national, and virtual opportunities for teens. Each week, we update the database with new programs and organizations. While many academic programs charge a fee, there are plenty of free courses and volunteer roles available. 

Here are just a few of the exciting opportunities you’ll find in our database:

• Intern at NASA

• Experience the financial world of Wall Street

• Work in a US Federal Agency office

• Become a published journalist or transform into a broadcaster at Northwestern University

• Learn how to make films with a social impact at Loyola Marymount University

• Conduct biomedical research at the National Institute of Health

• “Find your voice” at Emerson’s Politics, Activism, and Leadership Institute

When you are ready to apply for an opportunity, be sure to carefully and thoroughly complete your application materials. If you need support writing application essays, building your resume, or preparing for an interview, book a session with us. 

ADD AN OPPORTUNITY TO OUR DATABASE

If you are an employer or organization looking for teen interns or volunteers, we’d love to add your information to our database. Please email staci@dccollegecounseling.com with your information.

Weekly Update: January 9

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

SIX-YEAR OLD STUDENT SHOOTS TEACHER

Shocking news was reported from Newport News, Virginia, on Friday afternoon. A six-year old student at Richneck Elementary School was taken into police custody after shooting his teacher. According to reports, the shooting was not accidental. Fortunately, the teacher was able to receive immediate care and is in stable condition.

VARSITY BLUES MASTERMIND IS SENTENCED

On Wednesday January 4, William Singer–the mastermind behind the Varsity Blues admissions scandal– was sentenced. After pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to defraud the US and obstruction of justice, Singer was given 3.5 years in federal prison. Additionally, he was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit over $10 million. During the court proceeding, Singer issued an apology, admitting a loss of moral and “ethical values.” He is scheduled to report to prison on February 27.

VIRGINIA ATTORNEY GENERAL LAUNCHES CIVIL RIGHTS INVESTIGATIONS AT TJ HIGH SCHOOL

Last week Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares launched two civil rights investigations at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County, VA. These investigations are in response to recent claims that the school failed to recognize National Merit Award winners in the fall of 2022. Miyares’ team is also looking into recently revised admissions policies that many have deemed discriminatory. School officials referred to the National Merit notification as a one-time human error. However, emails have now surfaced showing similar patterns with award notifications from 2020, and two more schools (Langley and Westfield) have also indicated that they failed to notify students this year. More on our thoughts below…

NEW DETAILS EMERGE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO MURDER CASES

University of Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger appeared in court last week and was then transferred from Pennsylvania to Idaho. As Kohberger awaits a January 12 hearing, new details about the case are emerging. Court documents reveal information about Kohberger’s actions the night of the murder, including key details about his car and phone usage. Based on the information, investigators suspect that Kohberger may have planned the attack. However, police have not been able to determine a motive yet. 

PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL GETS A CONSERVATIVE OVERHAUL 

New College of Florida made headlines on Friday when Governor Ron DeSantis appointed six new members to its Board of Trustees. Many feel that DeSantis is seeking to “overhaul” the college, which has a reputation for being one of the most progressive schools in the state, with conservative leadership. This move comes after DeSantis recently asked all state colleges and universities to document the resources they use related to diversity, inclusion, and critical race theory initiatives. 

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Racial justice has been at the forefront of university initiatives over the past three years. In response to the killings of George Floyd, several colleges established new programs, buildings and research opportunities to promote racial justice. Penn State is one of those schools–or so it planned to be. However, plans for the formation of a Center for Racial Justice were halted after a change in school leadership. New president Neeli Bendapudi expressed concerns over budget and instead wants to direct funds to already-existing campus programs and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. Many are upset by the decision and feel that the “broken promise” undermines the transformative work so many within the Penn State community are trying to accomplish. 

Employers may no longer care where you went to college, according to analyst firm Gartner. The firm recently released a report predicting that the most successful companies in 2023 will be those that look at “nontraditional” employee candidates. As part of a growing trend, many organizations are dropping education requirements to attract new talent in a “tight labor market.”  Companies are encouraged to focus instead on soft skills and training opportunities for new employees. 

What’s in store for higher education in 2023? Last week, Higher Ed Dive released their list of trends to look out for this year, noting that for the first time in three years, we don’t have to examine everything through a pandemic lens. Very exciting! Instead, experts predict greater focus on financial aid and student loans, as well as efforts to address enrollment declines. Many are also watching the U.S. News & World Report rankings, which have long been a well-respected source of data for undergraduates and graduate students. This fall, Yale and Harvard law schools made headlines when they announced they would no longer cooperate with the rankings. Will other law schools follow in their footsteps? And what could this mean for undergraduate rankings moving forward? Time will tell! 

Ding, dong: the traditional participation grade is dead! For decades, college students have been awarded participation points for being physically present in the classroom and speaking up. However, the pandemic changed the very nature of participation. In online formats, teachers were forced to figure out a new way to define engagement. Many noticed that students who didn’t participate in a traditional classroom setting were thriving in Zoom thanks to chat boxes and breakout rooms. And for other undergrads, they successfully mastered the course content asynchronously. So what does that mean for the value of traditional participation? If and how should it be weighted? Well, educators aren’t quite sure yet. For now, many professors are experimenting with incentives and alternative ways for students to show their engagement with and understanding of course content. 

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

Last week I had the chance to speak with Aimee Cho of NBC4 about the National Merit controversy at TJ. I am at the 1:44-ish mark, but watch the whole video - it’s interesting! Especially the part from the TJ parent.

Having worked alongside TJ students for years, and having worked in multiple high school counseling offices, I truly do not think this was intentional in any way. That doesn’t make it okay - at all. But when I hear people saying that the administration purposely hid the awards to result in “equal outcomes for every student,” or even worse, to promote anti-Asian discrimination, I’m just floored.

Having been on the other side of this, I know how much paperwork these counselors and administrators get flooded with and how many similar delays happen at high schools all the time, everywhere. I also know how hard the TJ staff works to maximize opportunities for their students. They really do a lot behind the scenes, so much more than parents probably realize. Remember, the staff at the school are not responsible for the admissions changes at TJ or the greater equity issues happening in Fairfax County Public Schools right now. No matter where you fall on those issues, the hardworking staff isn’t responsible. They are just trying to do their jobs, and too few people are responsible for too many tasks. In those situations, things fall through the cracks. Again: not okay. At all. They need to do better. But I just don’t believe this was intentional.

(Side note: I think it’s incredibly important that we don’t throw baseless accusations of discrimination around. These kinds of allegations are very serious. When people start saying that everything is discriminatory, that dilutes the very real issues of discrimination that do exist. And there’s SO much anti-Asian bias in the college admissions process - I have written about it so many times.)

In my opinion, mistakes like this will continue to happen until we can ensure that the counselor: student ratios are lower in public schools. The counselors could have then taken this on (as many private school counselors do) to notify the students and take it off the principal’s plate.

And as I said on the segment - no TJ student will have their chances of college admissions success in jeopardy because their commended student status was not shared in a timely manner. This is the runner-up to a larger award - it pales in comparison to the typical awards that TJ students have. These are the best and brightest students out there.

I am actually much more concerned about the Langley and Westfield students who were also impacted, which we just learned about in the last day or two. If a student with generally average academic qualifications had failed to report this, that could have been more of a difference-maker.

20 New Year's Resolution Ideas For High Schoolers

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne…” (insert my terrible singing voice here). “Auld Lang Syne” has long been the anthem of the new year, as we reflect on times gone by and celebrate what’s to come. But even with a silly hat and a classic tune, no new year would be complete without a list of resolutions. We’ve already had time to think about some of our 2023 resolutions, which we shared on the blog last week, and now we’re encouraging high schoolers to do the same.

There’s no better time to create new goals and habits that can help set you up for future success. So today we’re offering 20 resolution ideas to help make 2023 your best year yet (and a great stepping stone to college).

1. Join a new activity: Do you secretly dream of taking center stage in the school musical? Are you curious to see what kind of golfer you could be? Whatever your interest or curiosity, try it out!  You never know. You could end up with a new hobby, a unique talent, or even a career path.

2. Master a skill: Ironing dress shirts, coding a robot, debating a current event: there are so many skills you can learn this year. Choose one that interests you- or might help you become more self-sufficient- and practice, practice, practice. 

3. Use a planner: Whether it’s a fancy Papier notebook or a simple calendar app on your phone, vow to take charge of your schedule. Track your activities, tests, and other commitments to help alleviate stress and better manage your time. 

4. Talk to your teachers: This year, trade in the quick hellos and ‘help me’ emails to your teachers for actual conversations. More face time can help you develop strong relationships, which is important for academic success. Plus, these connections can lead to much better recommendation letters when it’s time to apply to colleges.

5. Take on a passion project: You probably have plenty of school projects to complete, but what about your own passions? Think about the things that mean the most to you and design a project around your interests. We’ve been so inspired by some of our past students who’ve done everything from building boats to designing clothing to creating nonprofit organizations. Dream big in 2023! 

6. Step into a leadership role: Leadership skills are important for the future, so why not start practicing now? Look for opportunities to lead, whether you’re working on a group project in science class or helping teammates on the field. You don’t need an official title or role to be a great leader. You just need to be positive and motivated! 

7. Find a mentor: We’re usually so busy that we don’t stop to realize that there are a lot of great teachers around us. And no, we’re not just talking about those adults at the front of the classroom. Whether it’s an upperclassman in your Robotics Club, your volleyball coach, or a friend’s parent, look around for those who can teach you something. Be open to hearing their perspectives and asking for advice. You might be surprised by what you learn! 

8. Become a mentor: You don’t have to hit a certain age or join an official program to become a mentor. All you have to do is look for the person sitting alone in the cafeteria or the player struggling during practice. Recognize those in need of a confidence boost and be that positive force for them. 

9. Speak up in class: Did you spend 2022 hiding in the back of the classroom? Or feeling too intimidated to raise your hand? Well, don’t be so shy in 2023. Make it your goal to engage in class and take on more of an active role. We promise that you’ll end up learning more and maybe even having fun. 

10. Create an actual study space: Swap the kitchen counter or your bedroom floor for a dedicated study space. Design an area at home where you can work comfortably and without distractions. And don’t forget to decorate! 

11. Sleep more: Seriously! 

12. Drink water: According to studies, over 75% of people are chronically dehydrated, which can make us tired and affect our ability to learn. Luckily, though, there’s a simple fix: drink more water! If you’re someone who tends to forget about water intake throughout the day, invest in a water bottle with hours/ounces marks and sip away.

13. Switch on airplane mode: Have you ever checked to see how much time you spend on your phone each week? The numbers may shock you! This year, make better use of airplane mode. Consider ‘unplugging’ after 9pm or maybe even doing a digital detox once a month. We know it’s really hard to detach from your phone, but small changes could add up to better sleep and fewer wasted hours.

14. Create a cool summer plan: With thousands of summer academic and extracurricular opportunities for high school students, why not take advantage of one (or more) of them this year? Explore your options and start planning an unforgettable summer! 

15. Clean up: Now is the perfect time to get rid of the old! Whether it’s your locker, bedroom, or backpack, take some time to clean out and clean up. Refine your organizational system while you’re at it, and commit to spending 5 minutes everyday maintaining it.

16. Update an old routine: Are you sick of eating the same old breakfast every morning? Is your study schedule not working as well now that you’ve joined the track team? Reflect on your routines and revamp one that feels boring or inefficient. 

17. Do less: If you’re feeling overwhelmed and overcommitted, think about doing less in 2023. Take stock of your priorities and consider letting go of something to create more balance. Although you might feel like you’re losing, you actually might be gaining. Don’t underestimate the power of more rest. 

18. Fail: No, not your tests and classes! We’re encouraging you to overcome your fear of failure this year and take a risk. Audition for that play; try out for the varsity team; enter the competition; submit your creative writing sample. Whatever it is, take a chance! Even if you don’t make the team or win the award, you’ll feel good knowing you put yourself out there. 

19. Make a new friend: It’s easy to stick to the same routines AND the same friend group. But you could be missing out on some pretty awesome people. Let 2023 be the year where you sit at a different lunch table; talk to the new player on the team; and attend an event, even if your friends aren’t going. 

20. Choose your own adventure: Sure, it would be fun to backpack through Europe or hike the Appalachian Trail. But if you can’t get overseas or don’t love the idea of scaling mountains, you can still create your own adventures. This year, plan a fun road trip or explore a place you’ve never visited right in your hometown. Sign up for a cooking class or challenge your parents to a game of tennis at the local park. Exciting activities come in all shapes and sizes!

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!

Our 2022 Year in Review

Before we ring in a new year, we want to send off 2022 properly. After all, it’s been quite a year! The past twelve months have brought us many adventures, proud achievements, and some amazing milestones. So today we’re taking a look back at 2022 and sharing some of our favorite memories with all of you.

My year can be summed up in one word: Busy

A good habit I developed: I started getting consistent about vitamins - I take them every single morning now and managed to stay relatively healthy all year long. 

The best time management hack I discovered: using IGK “Good Behavior” spray on my hair before drying it - it is life changing and saves me so much time! Thank you, TikTok!

Memorable reads: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story by Michael Lewis and The Family Firm: A Data-Driven Guide to Better Decision Making in the Early School Years by Emily Oster.

Podcast favorites:  My daughter and I listen to podcasts together most nights and our long-time favorite is Curious Kid Podcast. We also got into Newsy Pooloozi and just finished Six Minutes, which one of her teachers recommended and it was such a hit! We are in the market for another ongoing one like that - sort of a kid-friendly version of Serial if anyone has any recommendations. 

When I am by myself I usually listen to business podcasts - some of my favorites are BizChix and the sister podcast Stacking Your Team; HBR IdeaCast; Pivot; and The Indicator from Planet Money. 

My new skills of 2022 include: Home maintenance tasks- I ordered a new part and repaired my dishwasher, identified and repaired some kind of blockage in my dryer, and even fixed an issue with my garage door with the help of YouTube and video chats with girlfriends! 

The best piece of advice I received: I am paraphrasing here but Robert Kennedy, my Goldman Sachs 10KSB lead faculty member, told my cohort of entrepreneurs that if you have even a tiny suspicion that something might be going “wrong” in your business, it’s likely that something actually IS wrong and you need to pay attention to your intuition. I think this advice can be applied to many different aspects of life, and it stuck with me. 

Favorite moments: Finding out in an Uber one night that I was en route to a Billy Joel concert at Madison Square Garden. I had mentioned a year earlier that seeing him there was on my bucket list and never said anything about it again, so I was blown away at the surprise! The concert was amazing but the thoughtfulness was even better. My runner-up would be when my kids and I decided at the last minute to fly down to see Miami play UVA and ended up courtside. So much fun! 

My big achievement: Hitting submit on my 10KSB final growth plan on December 4, which represented the end of the intensive part of the program. Balancing that commitment with our busy season at work while still being an involved and engaged parent was the hardest thing I have ever done by a long shot! 

New Year's resolutions: My perpetual resolution for at least the last decade - learning how to put contacts in my eyes. I want to make them work so badly and have had all the help you can imagine, but nothing works - my instinct to blink is just too strong, and I can’t get the contact in. Free college counseling to anyone who can help me overcome this!

In 2023, I’m looking forward to: I have some fun travel planned, and this may sound lame but I am actually super excited to introduce a new type of application status chart for our Class of 2024 students. I had an epiphany about how to improve the tracking process, which continues to become more complex by the year, and I think it’s going to be a big hit that will make our students’ lives easier!

My year can be summed up in one word: Hectic

A good habit I developed: This sounds boring, but I have been struggling with a back injury for over a year now and making an effort to slow down and focus on healing (rather than throwing myself into all my favorite workouts!). 

The best efficiency tool I discovered: “Open” and “Closed” to-do lists! I use an “open” list as a brain dump to get down literally everything I have to do, and then the “closed” list is limited to 3-4 items I will focus on. The key is that I can’t move anything from my open list to the closed list until I complete something that is on it! I’ve enjoyed this method because it lets me do the all-important brain dump to make sure I know what needs to happen, but also helps me prioritize (since I can’t do 100 things in a day, no matter how hard I try :)) 

Memorable reads: Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari; Move: How the New Science of Body Movement Can Set Your Mind Free by Caroline Williams (P.S:  I’d recommend this book for any juniors hoping to study something like kinesiology or psychology - great to mention in an essay or interview!). 

Podcast favorites: If Books Could Kill - a new podcast from one of my favorite podcasters this year that debunks some of the most popular ideas from books like Freakonomics, Outliers, and more!

I gained confidence in: Flying! I struggle to sleep on airplanes and was always afraid of long flights, but this year I took a couple 18-hour-plus flights with no problem. 

The best piece of advice I received: Let other people help you when you need it (they want to!).

Favorite memories: I traveled to India this December for my cousin’s wedding. It was such a wonderful experience both to see a part of the world I’ve never visited before and to spend time with my extended family. 

My big achievement: I dove into getting my 500-hour yoga certification this year, which is something I’ve considered for a long time. I’ll graduate in March!

New Year's resolutions: I want to start taking piano lessons. I LOVE music, but I have never played a musical instrument. 

In 2023, I’m looking forward to: Continuing to travel and spend time with family and friends. Being able to do this post-pandemic is something that I will really never take for granted :) 

My year can be summed up in one word: Active

A good habit I developed: Not checking my phone immediately when I wake up in the morning. It’s part of the morning routine I created after reading The 5am Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life by Robin Sharma. I still haven’t mastered the 5am workout or hearty breakfast, but I’m getting there! 

The best time management hack l I discovered: Allison Bornstein’s TikTok series on closet editing and organization. Her system has saved me so much time and money.  Bonus: I finally found the jeans I’ve been missing since 2019!

Memorable reads:  By far my favorite book this year was The Watermen: The Birth of American Swimming and One Young Man's Fight to Capture Olympic Gold by Michael Loynd. I love a good underdog story! Honorable mentions go to Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus- a fun, easy read- and The Motivation Code by Todd Henry - a dense book but an interesting take on what it takes to get motivated.  

Podcast favorites: Currently hooked on Betty in the Sky With a Suitcase! - a great mix of funny travel tips and stories from a long-time flight attendant. Runners- up include Stuff You Missed in History Class and You’re Wrong About.

I gained confidence in: my French language proficiency and my grilling skills.

The best piece of advice I received: “Make the day. Don’t let it make you.” - from a very wise Instagram post I stumbled upon. 

Favorite memories: Hiking along the coast of southern California; reuniting with one of my best friends after three long COVID years; welcoming a new niece; watching one of my former students star on Broadway. 

My big achievement: Surviving a 2-day, 17 mile winter hike in Shenandoah and earning my personal training certification.

New Year's resolutions: I am determined to keep up with my French lessons and read one fun book per month. 

In 2023, I’m looking forward to: Traveling to Spain for my best friend’s wedding.

Happy New Year to all of you!

We wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2023, and we look forward to a new year and new cycle of college admissions!

Weekly Update: December 27

biggest college-related news of the week

EARLY DECISION RESULTS CONTINUE TO SHATTER RECORDS

More early decision results have been released, and the numbers are continuing to shatter records! Across the country, colleges and universities are reporting historic increases in early decision applications. JMU announced they are “rewrit[ing] the record books” with a 30% increase in ED applicants this cycle, while Brown and Williams also released staggering data. Unfortunately for many hopeful seniors, what goes up must come down. With ED applications at an all-time high, acceptance rates are at an all-time low.

STUDENTS PROTEST ANTISEMITIC ACTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD 

A “Jews Not Welcome” sign at the entrance to a high school in Montgomery County, Maryland, has created outrage. Students at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda organized a walkout last week in protest of the sign, as well as other antisemitic acts. According to data, there’s been a recent surge in antisemitic incidents in Montgomery County (and nationwide), prompting students to ask: “why is this happening?” Students are encouraging school officials to ask the same question and generate solutions. Meanwhile, Whitman’s Jewish Student Union has responded to the incident with an action plan. They’re meeting with school administrators to plan community educational events, and they’ve already hung a new sign over the school entryway: “Everyone is welcome here.”

STUDENT DATA IS KIDNAPPED FOR RANSOM 

Students at Knox College received an unexpected email recently. After breaking into the school’s systems, a group of hackers emailed students to let them know about the breach. The group is holding important information for ransom, in the hopes that the school will pay for the safe return of students’ confidential data. This is the first known case where hackers have contacted students directly, and the school community is hoping that administrators can resolve the issue promptly. Currently, the hackers’ website lists an entry for Knox College data, but the entry point doesn’t lead users to any actual information…for now.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

California has found a creative, new way to help students afford college! This year the state developed the California College Corps, a program that provides undergraduates from low-income backgrounds with financial assistance in exchange for community service. Program participants complete 450 hours of community service, supporting a variety of organizations, and then receive $10,000 for tuition and living expenses. The goal is to reduce the burdens of college loans while promoting meaningful civic engagement and possible career pathways. Over 500 students have participated in the program thus far, many of whom are first-generation college students and students of color. Governor Newsom is particularly proud of the program, and many are hopeful that the Corps will create a hopeful future for thousands of students. 

“Stanford University has lost its mind” this past week, according to Fox News contributor Sarah Carter. Thousands took to Twitter and other social media platforms, criticizing and mocking Stanford’s Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative - a multi-year project aimed at eliminating harmful language from the school’s website and codes. The 'naughty list’ of phrases - which is organized into ten distinct categories - includes “users,” “survivor,” “American,” and “Karen.”

In response to the negative press, Stanford representatives insist that the glossary of terms does NOT reflect university policy. Furthermore, there is no ban on these words. Rather, the discussion surrounding such phrases is meant to “support an inclusive community.” PS: If you are curious to view the glossary of terms, you’re out of luck! The university has locked the list behind a passcode after receiving so much backlash. But my family was able to get it before it got locked down and we have all been laughing about it for the last week!

How are we going to afford college tuition? That’s the question hundreds of Maryland families thought they answered years ago when they invested in the state’s 529 college pre-paid savings accounts. This type of plan allows families to lock in future tuition payments at the current price. What seemed like a secure investment in a child’s future is now anything but!

After discovering a calculation error in the spring, the Maryland Prepaid College Trust suspended interest payments on accounts. Not only did families lose access to interest they were counting on; many say they no longer have access to their principle amount either. Parent groups have formed to fight against the frozen accounts, as hundreds are scrambling to pay spring tuition bills.

Imagine getting a B on an English essay just for turning it in! Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s actually a growing reality for undergraduates enrolled in first year composition courses. Many universities are turning to a labor-based grading model for writing classes. This alternative approach seeks to deemphasize the focus on numeric scores and alleviate the pressures to produce “perfect” essays. Instead, professors outline expectations for effort, which typically include class participation, writing conferences, and multiple drafts. Proponents of the labor-based model believe this approach will help solve problems with grading biases and uplift students from marginalized backgrounds, as well as those with learning disabilities. Others worry that it will be difficult to measure the effectiveness of such a model and may promote student “laziness.” For now, undergrads are largely praising labor-based grading, insisting they are more confident communicators thanks to a new take on the traditional writing process. 

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We hope everyone is enjoying the holiday and taking time to relax with friends and family! My kids and I spent the week in Hilton Head which was fun and relaxing but cold!

BUT if you are a senior who can’t relax because you have looming college deadlines or last-minute essays to write, let us bring you some holiday cheer. We still have some appointments available between now and the new year. Book your session today!

5 Steps to Take After Being Deferred or Denied Early Admission

Last week was the one that so many high school seniors were waiting for–early decision releases! The news came flooding in, and we were anxious all week long! If you’re still waiting, remember that you can check this website to see the official list of release dates and times. It’s updated almost daily!). 

We are absolutely thrilled to see that so many students have been accepted into their first choice schools. Thanks to all of our families who emailed us to share the news! If you were admitted early decision, make sure you carefully read our recent blog post for ED admits. We outlined 5 crucial steps you need to take now that you’ve been accepted. 

But what happens if you didn’t receive the decision you were hoping for? Well, first of all, don’t get down on yourself. There's been a HUGE increase in applications over the past two years, and it looks like that trend will continue. As of November 1, college applications for Fall 2023 were up 41% from the 2019-2020 cycle. All of these numbers add up to inevitable disappointment for some students. 

If you didn’t get the news you wanted or were expecting, don’t panic! This is NOT the end of your college admissions journey. Take a look at these 5 steps for managing deferrals and denials.

Do you need help navigating a deferral or denial?

Book a session with us by clicking here. We offer strategy sessions and writing support.

For More Information:

If you are looking for more information on details we mentioned above, we encourage you to read some of our blog posts from past cycles:

How to Turn a Deferral into an Acceptance

Writing an Effective Letter of Continued Interest: Instructions and Samples

Weekly Update: December 19

if you’re one of our long-time readers, you might notice something different this week. We’re posting on Monday! Yes, we are going to try moving our weekly updates to Mondays from here on out, and you’ll see additional content later in the week. Would love to hear any thoughts or comments!

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

RUTGERS MOVES TO THE COMMON APP

In an email to counselors on 12/12, Rutgers announced that they will be moving to the Common App for the HS Class of 2024. Great news!

EARLY DECISION ACCEPTANCES ARE AT RECORD LOW

Data is starting to emerge as colleges release their early decision/ restrictive early action news this month. Several schools received a record number of early applicants, including Duke, Dartmouth, and Yale, and once again this has driven acceptance rates to record lows. We will continue to track the data as more early decision data is shared. So far, we were fortunate to have our students accepted ED to a lot of great schools - Tufts, Barnard, Northwestern, Emory, Syracuse, Villanova, Elon and of course a number to UVA! We also had more students than ever choose to opt out of ED because their favorite schools only offered EA (or REA). Still waiting on some of those decisions, but Clemson and UGA came in really strong.

MISSING COLLEGE STUDENT IS FOUND

A missing college student will make it home for Christmas after all. In late November, St. John Fisher University senior Kenny Deland Jr., disappeared from University of Grenoble Alpes, where he had been studying abroad. Friends reported him missing, and investigators undertook a multinational search. Last week Deland was found safe in Spain, but no further details have been released. For now, the mystery of why and how Deland ended up in Spain remains. 

INVESTIGATORS SEARCH 22,000 CARS IN EFFORT TO SOLVE IDAHO MURDER CASE

As we reported last week, investigators in the horrific University of Idaho murders finally got a lead in the case. A white Hyundai Elantra was spotted near the crime scene, and police have been trying to identify the individual(s) in the car. They are currently searching over 22,000 vehicles that match the description. Meanwhile, investigators continue to scour surveillance footage and encourage community members to be on the lookout for the white Elantra as well.

LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL OFFICIALS ARE INDICTED

Loudoun County’s school system has made headlines over the past year for high profile sexual assault cases. Last week two school officials, Scott Ziegler and Wayde Byard, were indicted as part of the investigation into how the district has handled sexual assault reports. Ziegler has been accused of publishing false statements related to a sexual assault in a school bathroom that took place in 2021. He is also indicted on unlawfully firing a teacher who filed sexual assault complaints about one of her students. At this time the reason for Byard’s indictment is unclear. Several local area parent groups have responded to the news, expressing gratitude for the investigation and the efforts to address these problems within the school system. 

best articles of the week

If you are struggling to make sense of a college decision, check out Jon Boeckenstedt’s Why You Were Denied. The bullet-point list is on point, and while some of them are more obvious than others (i.e. we all know that recruited athletes are likely to be in a better position than the rest of us), so rarely do we consider the role that sheer randomness can play.

There’s a surprising new class appearing on high school students’ schedules across the country: Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (otherwise known as JROTC). For over a century, JROTC has been a volunteer program for young adults potentially interested in a military career. However, this class may not be optional anymore. Recent data indicates a rising trend in automatic and/or mandatory enrollment at several high schools, especially those in predominantly non-white, low income areas.

These numbers have created a great deal of controversy, and not just from teens who oppose an additional class. While the program has the potential to provide students with discipline and direction, many insist that it takes advantage of vulnerable young adults. Some are worried that JROTC pressures students into a military career and prevents them from considering other pathways. A number of families have successfully challenged required enrollments, and community debates continue to unfold about the nature and direction of the JROTC program. 

What’s the best way to relieve student debt? For months, there’s been a national debate centered on debt cancellation programs, which are meant to support those with limited means. Specifically, President Biden’s proposals focus on people earning five-figure salaries whose debt far outweighs their earnings. But what many don’t know is that there are also programs in place to help even the wealthiest of families better manage the steep price of higher education. Most of us have 529 college saving plans for our children - but “dynasty” 529s allow those with “hundreds of thousands of dollars to spare” to create hefty savings accounts that avoid taxation- provided that future generations use the money for college tuition. These “dynasty” plans have come under attack, as many view these accounts as just another advantage for the economically advantaged.

Speaking of college savings, there’s a great deal going on at Colby-Sawyer College: half off tuition! As part of the great “tuition reset,” several small, private colleges have recently cut tuition prices in an effort to fill their classes. How can they manage such a financial hit? Well, for years many schools have used hefty price tags to denote status and align themselves with the most elite institutions in the country. Here’s a secret, though: the majority of students don’t actually pay the steep price, thanks to scholarships, loans and grants. This financial “game,” as some in the education world label it, has worked for years but hasn’t been so successful in the economically conscious climate of late. Many applicants are now being deterred by sticker shock and opting to apply to schools seen as a “better deal.” In response, schools have begun to lower their prices, which could be a big gamble. Those who are part of the great tuition reset will need to carefully watch the data and see what story the numbers will tell in upcoming admissions cycles. 

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

As you might have seen from my social media posts, I made an appearance on CNN last week discussing private versus public schools. We are so fortunate to have lots of great options here in Fairfax County- both of my kids attend amazing schools with incredibly dedicated teachers and administrators.

I personally believe that strong public school systems breed strong private school alternatives, and that healthy competition in the educational marketplace promotes accountability and a culture of excellence across the board. If you’d like to see a clip of the CNN segment, head over to our Facebook page. 

As mentioned above, decision notifications continue to roll in, and we are thrilled that so many of our students have been admitted to their first choice schools! If you’re a current client and haven’t shared your news with us yet, please send us a quick email! 

For those who may not have received the ED news they were hoping for, we can help! If you’re NOT a current client, book an emergency strategy session ASAP, so we can begin planning your next steps. We also have essay coaching meeting times available for students who need to write a letter of continued interest. If you ARE a current client, email us to figure out your next step!

And lastly - it’s hard to believe that we are right in the middle of the holidays already! Hanukkah started last night and Christmas is in just a few days. We hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday with family and friends. But try to keep the college admissions talk to a minimum with extended family! This article is a few years old, but it still rings true!

Weekly Update: December 9

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

A NEW TOOL FOR COMPARING SAT AND ACT SCORES

Students who received their PSAT scores this week should take a few minutes to check out the concordance widget. Compass Prep released this new tool that makes it easy for students to convert their scores from SAT to ACT and use the comparisons to make important decisions about future test prep.

CONTRACEPTIVES BOOST COLLEGE GRADUATION RATES

There’s good news this week for young women in Colorado. Researchers have found that the state’s Title X Family Planning Initiative (CFPI) - which increased access to low and no-cost contraceptives in 2009- has also increased college graduation rates for women over the past decade by up to 12%. Additionally, the data shows improvements in high school graduation rates, as well as the number of women in Colorado who earn their bachelor’s degree by the age of 24. Researchers feel these numbers are significant because they emphasize the importance of Title X policies and programs, as well as the impact contraceptive access can have upon a woman’s future. 

HIGHEST PAYING COLLEGE MAJORS OF 2022

What is your college major worth? Payscale released their annual list of highest-paying majors, so check them out. As many might expect, a majority of the top spots are held by engineering industries, computer science, and math. However, there are a few surprises on the list this year, especially for those preparing to become dental hygienists or physician assistants. And if you’re still in search of a well-paid career path, you might want to look into marine transport management! Aspiring entrepreneurs should check out this recent Forbes piece - a lot of interesting data here about small business ownership.

A NEW LEAD EMERGES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO MURDER CASE

After receiving over 6,000 tips, investigators in the University of Idaho student murders have a new lead. On Wednesday, police announced that a white Hyundai Elantra was spotted near the off-campus house during the time of the attacks. They believe the person(s) in the vehicle could have critical information into the case. Meanwhile, the two surviving roommates - who are believed to have slept through the attacks- opened up for the first time since the tragedy. During a memorial service last weekend, they shared memories of their friends and spoke about the impact of the tragic event.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

With affirmative action at the forefront of college admissions over the past several months, many are taking a fresh look at disparities in higher education. For decades, experts have cited a long list of factors that create a system of imbalances for students: athletic recruitment, legacy admissions, elite prep school education, to name a few. And now, in the words of Taylor Swift..

via GIPHY

Well, according to Evan Mandery, anyway. In his article for Time Magazine this week, he looks closely at the rise of private college counselors like us, which he calls the “gatekeepers.” He writes that we take “disparities between rich and poor, which diverge from birth, and explode them exponentially.” Yes, because college admissions have become increasingly competitive and complex, many families are turning to expert counselors like us at DC College Counseling for one-on-one support. I can’t deny that he’s correct about the advantages of working with us, but it’s not accurate to say that we only work with wealthy families. We also work with quite a few middle-income families as well as an increasing number of low-income families through our pro-bono program. We also do not charge anywhere near the amounts mentioned in that article - wow.

Can race impact your chances of college admissions? That’s the question many Asian-American students are asking in the wake of Harvard’s discrimination lawsuit. While students highlight their racial backgrounds on college applications, that doesn’t seem to be the case for a lot Asian-American students. In fact, many say they prefer not to disclose their race and even avoid “stereotypical” activities out of fear of bias. I can understand the stereotypical activities part - it’s awful that this has to happen, but I can understand why a student would make that choice given this landscape.

But my personal opinion - which I understand others may not agree with - is that there’s rarely a point to opting out of race disclosure. It’s almost always pretty clear whether a student is Asian based on other information in the application, so I don’t think it’s effective, and a student who chooses not to disclose when it’s obvious can instead give off the impression they are trying to hide something. Again, just my personal opinion, and of course these concerns extend far beyond college admissions. Many experts believe that heightened self-consciousness over race can have detrimental effects on students’ mental health.

The college essay is dead! This bold statement might leave essay-averse undergrads cheering, but our office of English majors was devastated to see the headline. And it’s not referring to the admissions essay, by the way! According to Stephen Marche in The Atlantic, growing AI technologies are changing the face of humanities. Students are now relying on auto-generated programs to write “original” works, from analytical essays to poetry. Some argue that the use of AI technologies isn’t actually cheating, but the issue certainly raises important questions about the role of technology in the study of humanities. Will the art of writing be relevant in the future? What value will natural language hold? Marche believes that academia will need to work hard to answer these questions and create a new vision for the future–one where humanities and technology won’t be at odds. I think writing will always be an essential skill for success in any career field and life in general!

Financial aid letters are in desperate need of revision, according to researchers at the U.S. Government Accountability Office. A recent report revealed significant problems with the ways in which schools present financial aid packages to admitted students. These letters can be confusing and misleading for families, who struggle to make sense of the numbers and compare offers across multiple schools. That’s why researchers are calling for standardization of information in financial aid packages, as well as legal disclosures, so that students can avoid costly mistakes.

Computer science may be one of the highest paying majors of 2022 (as we mentioned above), but recent undergrads could have trouble finding a lucrative job in the industry. Over the past decade, the number of students majoring in computer science has tripled, as undergrads are lured by dreams of six-figure salaries and office napping pods. However, a weakening economy has led to recent cuts within major tech companies, such as Meta and Amazon. But don’t panic yet, computer science majors! Recent data shows that there’s an increasing demand for computer science majors in the automotive and finance industries. Job seekers may just have to give up their dreams of working for Twitter and imagine a future at Toyota instead. 

If you like kids and want to earn a six-figure job within a few years out of college, we've got a school for you! Norland College, located in Bath, England, has been the premiere educational center for nannies for 130 years. The school is known for its rigorous curriculum - a mix of early childhood development studies and training in martial arts, evasive driving, and even cybersecurity. Who knew?! Graduates are in high demand and often go on to work for elite households, from the house of Windsor to ​​the house of Mick Jagger. Just don’t tell anyone if you’re admitted. Privacy is one of the hallmarks of Norland College! 

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We have a lot of students hearing back from their ED schools both tonight and over the next few days. I feel so anxious! For our current students, please let us know as soon as you find out. We are crossing our fingers.

If you watch CNN, look for me early next week on a segment with Don Lemon about public vs. private school and which is better. I’m not sure which day yet, but I’ll post it when it comes online. Spoiler alert: it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, in my opinion. I have children at both! They are fortunate to go to amazing schools and have incredibly dedicated, hard-working teachers. As I listened to the other panelists, I could not help but reflect on how beyond fortunate we are in the D.C. area to have so many diverse school choices. This is definitely not the case in other parts of the country!

On another note, while you’re busy making plans for winter break, don’t forget to start planning for summer as well! Several summer pre-college programs and internships have been announced recently, and deadlines are approaching fast (we know it seems early, but many applications close by mid-January!).

To see a list of summer academic, internship, and volunteer opportunities, visit our database. We update the listings weekly. And if you need help with summer applications or your resume, we can help. Book a session with us here (scroll down to the bottom) if you aren’t a current client and here if you are.

5 Steps To Take After Being Admitted Early Decision

What now? That’s the question thousands of families will be asking this month, as colleges and universities begin to release their early decision notifications. 

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing tips to help parents and students navigate early decision news, whether it’s great, disappointing, or downright shocking. 

And if you’re an ED applicant wondering when you’re going to hear, don’t forget to check out College Kickstart’s compilation of Class of 2027 Early Decision and Early Action Notification Dates , which we shared in a recent weekly update. Most students have another week or so to wait, although one of our seniors found out last night that she got into Boston College - yay!

We’ll keep our focus on the good news for new - check out the five steps to take after you’ve been admitted early decision:

Coming Up…

Stay tuned for future blog posts where we’ll help you strategize next steps for early decision deferrals and rejections.

Weekly Update: December 2

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

EARLY ACTION/EARLY DECISION RELEASE DATES

It’s officially December and that means thousands of seniors are eagerly awaiting early decision and early action news. Luckily, College Kickstart can help ease the anxiety of the “waiting game.” Their comprehensive list of EA and ED decision release dates is updated almost daily. We encourage early applicants to bookmark this page AND monitor their applicant portal for each school. As you can see from College Kickstart’s list, some schools are notorious for releasing decisions earlier (and sometimes later) than anticipated. The applicant portal is the only way to ensure you don’t miss important updates.

PURDUE UNIVERSITY REINSTATES SAT/ACT TESTING REQUIREMENTS 

High school juniors, get ready to crack open those study guides! This week Purdue University announced the return of SAT/ACT testing requirements. Since 2020, the university has been “test flexible” - like thousands of other schools responding to the pandemic. But those who plan to apply to Purdue in 2023 must also plan to take the SAT or ACT. Purdue’s decision is significant and may represent a much bigger shift in testing requirements across the US. 

NEW DETAILS CALL UVA SHOOTING INVESTIGATION INTO QUESTION

This week more details emerged as police continued investigating Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., the man accused of killing three UVA students in a deadly shooting last month. It was revealed that Jones had left “a trail of warning signs” over the past few years, including murder-themed rap songs and video, which Jones published online; a concealed weapons violation; and a misdemeanor charge. In the months leading up the shooting, UVA officials had begun investigating Jones after a student reported that Jones mentioned having a gun. However, Jones did not cooperate with the investigation. Now officials are conducting a review of the events leading up to the murders. 

CONTROVERSY AND CONFUSION OVER UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO MURDERS

One word became the “target” of controversy this week, as officials continued their investigation into the murders of four University of Idaho students. After a local prosecutor made claims that the students’ house - where the murders took place - was “targeted,” police officials sought to clarify the remarks. At this time, investigator believe the attacks were targeted but are unsure of the killer targeted this particular area or these particular students. What may seem like a matter of semantics for some is much more for local residents. The college campus and surrounding town have been overcome with fear and confusion as many wonder if the killer will strike again. In response, the University of Idaho has increased its security measures and is giving students the option to finish the semester remotely.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

After a two year investigation, the US Department of Education has determined that Fairfax County Public Schools did not provide adequate support for students with disabilities during the pandemic. The department’s Office for Civil Rights found that the county significantly reduced special education services during the height of COVID-19 and neglected to offer “compensatory services” when restrictions lifted. The Fairfax County school district has signed a resolution with the Department of Education and will offer compensatory services for those students impacted. Current or former FCPS families whose students had IEPs and 504 plans during this time frame should definitely look into this. I am particularly interested in learning about reimbursement for supplementary services or private school tuition! 

Mount Holyoke alumna Annabella Rockwell made headlines this week after revealing her “cult-like” college experience on Tucker Carlson Tonight. During the brief interview, Rockwell claimed that she was “brainwashed” by “woke” ideologies while attending the small women’s liberal arts college. In particular, Rockwell feels that she was made to believe she was victimized and oppressed. In the years since graduation, Rockwell explained that she has undergone a “deprogramming process,” which include lifestyle changes and educational videos made by her current employer. Rockwell’s claims have sparked controversy, inciting several online debates about the culture of college campuses.

Is a college degree essential in the current job market? According to the Wall Street Journal, it might not be! The tight labor market has prompted employers to reconsider college degrees as a condition of employment. Instead, many companies are focusing on skills and experiences. Such a move will not only help the labor market; some argue that this shift might also address racial and economic disparities often seen in higher education, as well as in the workforce. However, there are still many industries where a college degree is essential, and data shows that college graduates have significantly greater lifetime earnings potential. Our take? We don't anticipate this trend continuing for much longer, as the labor market will likely catch up with recent economic shifts

The 48,000 researchers and teaching assistants still on strike at the University of California are calling more than salaries into question. What began as a stand against “unfair labor practices” and demand for livable wages has transformed into a critique of the higher education system. For years, there have been disparities in job security and earnings between full-time tenured professors and part-time employees. However, these gaps have only grown as colleges and universities experience greater financial pressures. The massive strike at UC has highlighted the important roles part-time staff play in an educational institution and the need to better support all employees. As one employee commented, “This is really a fight for the future of public education.”

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

I was recently interviewed by U.S. News and World Report and shared my take on gap years and the college admissions process. You can read more about my tips and advice here. 

As we mentioned earlier in the blog, ED and EA decisions will be released over the next few week. Current clients, please email me when you receive the news. And if the decision wasn’t what you were hoping for, don’t worry! We can help you strategize your next steps. 

If you are not a current client but would like help navigating your early decision news, we have appointments available in December. Book a meeting now!

Trend Watch: The Rise of Metaversities

This week Morehouse College made headlines when it announced its new Black History course, set to launch in Spring 2023. Why all of the hype, you might ask? Well, this isn’t a case of a controversial curriculum. It’s an innovative leap into the future of higher education. 

Students who enroll in “History of the African Diaspora Since 1800” will have the opportunity to attend the March on Washington with Martin Luther King, Jr. and visit soldiers on the civil war battlefields. That’s because the course takes place in the metaverse–an immersive online environment that defies all limits of time and space. With the aid of virtual reality headsets and avatars, students will transport themselves into key historical events, gaining a perspective like never before. 

This is just one of the courses Morehouse offers in the metaverse. There are currently nine others, spanning across several academic departments. And Morehouse isn’t the only college where undergraduates can strap on a headset and experience an entirely new kind of learning. Currently ten schools across the country are experimenting with metaverse courses, and many are predicting that such classes- and even “metaversitites”- will be the future of higher education.

Understanding the metaverse

Last year when Facebook rebranded itself as Meta, the term “metaverse” began popping up all over the internet. If you conduct a quick Google search, you’ll find that there is no standard definition of the term. In fact, most admit that we don’t know exactly what the metaverse entails just yet; there are still many unknown possibilities. But in simple terms, the metaverse is a network of 3D interactive environments where users can work, socialize, and yes, even go to school. 

The metaverse is still in early stages of experimentation, and colleges like Morehouse are acting as case studies for how the metaverse can enhance students’ educational experiences.

The birth of metaversities 

This past April, virtual reality specialists VictoryXR and EngageXR teamed up to create a virtual university pilot program for ten participating schools, including West Virginia University and University of Maryland Global Campus. These “metaversities” are digital campuses that replicate the exact look and feel of the physical school setting. With the aid of a headset, undergrads can do just about everything they’d do if they were right on campus: walk through the quad; engage in class discussions; work on group projects. But the technology also allows students to experience a type of learning that just wouldn’t be feasible IRL (in real life). For example, students dissecting a heart in a biology lab can shrink their avatars and walk through the ventricles. And those studying astronomy can get up close and personal with the stars. 

potential advantages and drawbacks of metaversities

Not only do metaverse courses eliminate the barriers of time and space; they can also address other educational challenges. The metaverse does away with the traditional classroom structure, creating a more exciting and personalized learning experience for students. Proponents of metaversities believe that such courses will increase student retention, especially for those who struggle in a typical classroom environment.  And for students with learning differences, the metaverse could be a real game-changer. 

Additionally, several have commented on the potential for metaverse classes to improve student engagement. Forget boring lectures! Classes in the metaverse rely on student-centered learning experiences where participants are constantly exploring, creating, and building. And because the metaverse takes students outside the constraints of geography and time, there are endless possibilities for constructing and connecting.

Of course, no new technology is without its critics. Logistical concerns are at the forefront of the metaversity debate. After all, the metaverse can get expensive! Schools not only have to purchase virtual reality headsets for all students, which can cost anywhere from $400-1,500 per pair, but they spend thousands in metaverse platform subscriptions each year. Plus, universities will have to expand their IT departments to maintain the technology and invest in extensive professor training.  Students themselves can accrue unexpected costs as well. Metaverse courses put a big strain on internet services, requiring some to ‘up’ their internet packages. And what about those who don’t have access to high-speed connections? Who knows? 

Furthermore, many are concerned about the psychological and social ramifications of virtual education. This is our biggest concern, too. Will students have difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy? How will they develop healthy relationship-building habits and socialization skills? How will they .. have fun? And how will the metaverse prepare them to succeed in real life? What impact could this shift have upon future generations and the world as we know it? Only time will tell. 

Looking into the future

Given that metaversities are in their infancy, it is difficult to predict where these worlds will ultimately steer higher education. For now colleges experimenting with metaversities can continue collecting and assessing data. The numbers on course enrollments, student attendance, and assessments will hopefully start to tell us more about the risks and rewards and the world of possibilities for the future. 

Weekly Update: November 25

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

A SHUTTLE BUS CRASHES AT BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY

On Saturday night, tragedy struck at Brandeis University when a shuttle bus full of students crashed into a tree. One student was killed, and twenty-six others were injured. The cause of the accident is unknown at this time, but an investigation has been launched. Meanwhile, the university canceled classes on Monday and Tuesday, allowing students to leave early for Thanksgiving break. Additional opportunities for support were offered to those still remaining on campus.

UVA SHOOTING VICTIM IS RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL

There is some good news to share in the aftermath of the UVA shooting. After undergoing two surgeries, UVA football player Mike Hollins was released from the hospital this week and is recovering at home. Hollins told investigators that he was one of the first students to escape from the bus during the deadly shooting where Christopher Darnell Jones, Jr., opened fire on classmates, killing three. However, he returned to the bus to help other students escape. Hollins was shot in the back but is walking again.

UVA CANCELS GAME AGAINST VIRGINIA TECH

Last weekend UVA canceled its football game against Coastal Carolina and instead held a memorial service for victims of the tragedy. The Cavaliers were also scheduled to play Virginia Tech tomorrow, but have decided to cancel this game as well and bring their season to a close.

GOVERNOR YOUNGKIN RESPONDS TO UVA SHOOTING WITH NEW PROPOSAL

In response to the UVA shooting, Governor Youngkin announced his plans to propose new mental health legislation in the state of Virginia. His agenda includes addressing mental health staffing shortages, which were recently highlighted in the Joint Legislative and Audit Review Commission study on K-12 publication education, and improving access to “day of” treatment. 

IDAHO STRAGEDY CONTINUES TO BAFFLE INVESTIGATORS

As we reported last week, four University of Idaho students were found murdered in a home off campus. Two roommates in the same house were not harmed. Investigators have been working around-the-clock to identify a suspect, vowing to work through the holiday weekend to find answers. This is the first murder the town has had in seven years, and residents have been trying to help police, calling in over 1,000 tips and leads. While the case is still largely shrouded in mystery, officials have pieced together a timeline of events leading up to the murders and are following up on rumors of stalking. For a more detailed account of events and evidence, click here. And if you are a true crime junkie like me, all the theories on Reddit will keep you busy!

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“How does that happen?” That’s the question many are asking administrators at Fairfield University. The school has recently come under scrutiny for its sharp decline in Pell Grants, which support students from low income families. Over the past four years, Pell Grant recipients at Fairfield have dropped by 44%. The 7.5% of Fairfield students who now receive these grants is the lowest of any college in the country. Some argue that the stark decline is the result of Fairfield’s increasing reputation and rising selectivity. Others believe that low income applicants may be finding better fits and more inclusive communities elsewhere. In the meantime, the university has put forth initiatives to support underrepresented students, including the Company Scholars and Fairfield Bellarmine Scholarship. Both programs are designed to create affordable and accessible opportunities to a Jesuit education.

Online gambling is the newest extracurricular activity offered at several universities, The New York Times reports. Gambling companies have begun targeting colleges and universities for sports betting partnerships. Especially for universities that have strong sports cultures and loyal fanbases of students and alumni, these deals can be lucrative. In fact, some claim that sports betting is helping colleges recuperate from pandemic losses and bolster their athletic programs. However, the ethical implications of gambling in higher education has been called into question. Many are particularly concerned with the effects such behaviors may have upon students. Not only could betting lead to gambling disorders among such a young population; some are concerned about the pressure and impact this could have upon student athletes. Only time will tell how big of a gamble these partnerships will actually be.

In his newsletter this week, Jeff Selingo takes a close look into the state of test optional admissions: year three. While some schools are continuing to make year-to-year decisions on testing requirements, other institutions have finally “close[d] the book on testing,” most notably the University of California. UC’s decision raises a host of questions about the future of testing and the overall admissions process. Will other schools follow in UC’s footsteps? Will students continue to sit for the ACT or SAT? And what impact will a lack of testing have upon yield models and student success long term? For now, many schools are delaying announcements regarding testing, as they wait for more data to emerge.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we are offering our ONLY deal of the year!

Whether you’re a 9th-10th grade family wanting help with next year’s summer plans or course registration; an 11th grade family ready to jump right into the admissions process; or a college student wanting to learn about transfer or graduate admissions options… we’ll help you get started before it's too late!

Take advantage of 50% off Meet & Greets OR 50% off Class of 2025-2027 Strategy Sessions now through Cyber Monday.

To book a Meet & Greet: https://zcu.io/r8BI

To book a Class of 2025-2027 Strategy Session: https://zcu.io/MseA

Thanksgiving Traditions: College Campus Style

This week, college students headed home for Thanksgiving. While many families have their own holiday traditions- from grandma’s homemade apple pie to post-dinner naps with dad- we can’t forget that colleges and universities have some important Thanksgiving traditions of their own.

Here are some of our favorite ways colleges across the country are giving thanks and celebrating the spirit of the holiday. 

Host a family gathering

We often think of Thanksgiving as the ultimate family gathering, but there are plenty of college students and faculty who can’t make it home for the holidays. But who wants to spend Thanksgiving on an empty campus? That’s why many colleges and universities provide a “family” style gathering for members of their school community. 

At Eckerd College, for example, the Dean of Students hosts a formal meal for students and staff who remain on campus. After dinner, there are games, crafts, and of course football. As for the 1600 Buckeyes remaining at Ohio State, they’re all at the university’s annual Thanksgiving dinner. This free event is put on by several campus offices and has become a favorite tradition. Things look a bit different at Yale, though. Students, faculty, and staff can be found at the Omni Hotel feasting on an elaborate lunch buffet. This is the second year the event is being held, and by all accounts, the spread of traditional fixings is delicious!

Finally, several schools have created unique programs to support their international students during this quintessential American holiday. Prior to the pandemic, schools such as Smith, Temple, and Northwestern called upon the campus and local communities to host international students over the break. Unfortunately, the majority of these programs were suspended in 2020 and 2021, but we’re hoping families can begin to open their doors once again.

Give back to the community in creative ways

During the holiday season, there’s a bigger demand than ever for volunteers and donations at nonprofit organizations across the country. Colleges and universities offer a lot of community support thanks to creative charity events. 

The Campus Kitchen at Washington and Lee hosts Turkeypalooza every year- a series of events to help fight against food insecurity. Our favorites include the quirky “Bring Your Turkey to Work Day” for staff and faculty, as well as the punny Pumpkin Pieve 5k fundraiser. 

Students at University of Maryland School of Medicine have been supporting the community of West Baltimore for 33 years! Project Feast- a student run organization- organizes an annual meal to feed those in need. In addition to food, the organization also connects people to community resources and distributes clothing and toiletries when available. 

But Project Feast isn’t the only group giving back at the University of Maryland. Each year student-athletes take part in Terpsgiving, a month-long donation drive. Sports teams compete to see who can collect the most donations to support a particular cause. This year, the teams were in a race to decrease food insecurity on campus and in the local area. 

Sullivan University put a creative spin on traditional food donations and serving. Their Culinary Arts Program has partnered with the Salvation Army to prepare and distribute holiday meals. Throughout the semester, students learn the essential skills to cook a Thanksgiving feast. We’re sure recipients appreciate their curriculum!

Play Some Football!

College football became synonymous with Thanksgiving in 1876 when Yale and Princeton played in the first major Thanksgiving football game. It was one of the few days of the year when most people were off from work and could actually watch the game! Since then, Thanksgiving bowls and classic rivalries have become an essential part of the holiday weekend. 

If you’re looking to watch a game this weekend, tune into the Iron Bowl and witness the classic rivalry between Auburn and Alabama. This rivalry actually dates back to the late 1800s when the schools first played one another. But as with many intense rivalries, things got a little too heated. Rumors swirled about strategy debates and game violence after the 1907 game. Unbelievably, the two teams didn’t meet again until forty-some years later. However, since then the game has been an annual tradition (even during the pandemic). Last year’s meeting was a real nailbiter, with Alabama claiming their win in overtime. Let’s see what excitement this year’s game brings! 

However, we can’t forget that there’s another major November rivalry, a rivalry so infamous it’s referred to simply as “the game.” For 118 years, the Michigan-Ohio State game has garnered attention for its intensity of competition, passionate fans, and high-stakes results. Interestingly, the teams are close in terms of overall wins over the past century, but Ohio has beat out Michigan in 17 of the past 20 games. Michigan picked up momentum once again in 2021, and we can’t wait to see what happens this year!

Weekly Update: November 18

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

ACADEMIC WORKERS AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA GO ON STRIKE

This week, workers at the University of California staged the largest academic strike in the history of US higher education. Representing over 48,000 researchers, graders, and post-doctoral fellows, the academic staff union has been trying to negotiate higher wages and increased benefits with university administrators for over a year. However, the union believes that administrators have not been bargaining in “good faith.” UC officials have denied this claim and hope to reach an agreement as soon as possible. In the meantime, professors at UC institutions are planning for class disruptions.

EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS OF UVA SHOOTING

Details of the deadly UVA shooting on Sunday night continue to emerge. Just as a group of students returned from a class trip to Washington, D.C., suspect Christopher Darnell Jones, Jr. opened fire on the bus, killing three fellow students and injuring others. The rest of the group fled into nearby campus buildings, and the university went into lockdown until Jones was apprehended. Eyewitnesses are now trying to piece together their last conversations with the victims and offering their observations of the suspect, who some claim was targeting specific students on the bus. We will continue tracking this story as the investigation proceeds.

MYSTERIOUS MURDERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO

As Virginians reel from the devastating events at UVA this week, it’s important to remember that another tragedy occurred at the University of Idaho as well. Four students were found dead near campus on Sunday in an apparent homicide. The case is being investigated in what police describe as a “crime of passion,” but no further details have been released. 

VIRGINIA’S UPDATED HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS COME UNDER FIRE

Every seven years, the Virginia Department of Education is required to redevelop standards of learning - otherwise known as SOLs - for each subject area and garner approval from the state board of education. Typically this process is routine, but not this year! In August, the board called for an extensive revision of the history and social studies standards proposal. The several hundred page document was streamlined into just 53 pages and submitted for another review this week. While the latest version may be easier to digest, many feel that the standards overlook important areas of history and “minimize diverse perspectives.” Yesterday, the Board of Education voted to push back their review, advising the Department of Education to revise the proposal once again.

SCHOOLS REJECT COLLEGE RANKINGS

In a shocking move, Yale Law School and Harvard Law School announced this week that they will no longer participate in the annual U.S. News and World Report’s College Rankings. Although these institutions typically take top spots on the list, officials at both schools are calling the ranking’s methodology into question. Deans at Harvard and Yale claim the rankings are driven by “misguided formulas” that undermine student choice. They are concerned with what they believe is an over-emphasis on LSAT scores and GPAs and skewed calculations of student debt loads. Many wonder how this move will affect the ranking’s reputation and if other institutions will follow in Yale and Harvard’s footsteps.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Did you know that international students contribute over thirty billion dollars to the US economy? Inside Higher Ed took a close look at the impact of international student enrollment losses in the United States over the past two years. Although international enrollment is rebounding, experts are still concerned. In fact, some policy makers are calling for a national strategy to promote international enrollment, which they note was declining even before the pandemic. Other factors include cost, concerns of gun violence in America, and increased xenophobia. 

Selecting a major is one of the most important decisions an undergraduate will make. So how do you choose a degree that you won’t regret later? According to CNBC, the answer lies in value. Recent surveys indicate that the least-regretted majors are those that yield direct career pathways and high salaries. While these findings aren’t necessarily surprising, the list of top ten most regretted majors may be to some. Take a look for yourself! 

Walk into a dorm room, and you just might find yourself face-to-face with a snake–well at least in the state of Indiana. Recent data has shown a surge in the number of emotional support animals (ESAs) across Indiana’s colleges and universities. Under the Fair Housing Act, students can house emotional support animals as part of their mental health accommodations. Although cats and dogs are the most popular ESAs, Indiana campuses are now housing support hamsters, guinea pigs, and even snakes. Officials have drawn the line, though, at exotic pets and farm animals. Personally, I am not sure how snakes aren’t considered to be exotic pets…?

Parents, you’ll be happy to know that your teenagers do, in fact, trust you! According to recent EAB surveys, nearly half of teenagers polled consider parents to be one of the most trusted sources of college information - an 11% increase from a similar survey conducted just two years ago. According to Robert Alexander, Dean of Admissions at the University of Rochester, parental involvement in the college admissions process is continuing to rise. And while the support may be a welcome relief to stressed-out college applicants, parental overinvolvement is a real danger. Alexander offers a list of dos and don’ts to help parents navigate the process in a way that empowers their children. We especially like his suggestion to schedule a weekly family meeting time. That way, parents don’t run the risk of turning every conversation into an application meeting.

Lastly, Forbes published an article that released some interesting Common Application statistics relating to the current application cycle. Applications are way up, and the highest increase in apps can be found in the group of most selective schools. Trends have also emerged relating to geography - applications to schools in South Carolina, Texas, and Alabama have increased more than they have any other states (this aligns with the viral article from Town & Country that we posted in October - check this out if you haven’t yet!).

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time for teens to get involved in the community! There are a variety of unique volunteer opportunities in northern Virginia and DC, especially for expert gingerbread house makers and light-stringers. Visit our database to see an up-to-date list.

If you’re a junior staying in town during Thanksgiving week, consider checking out some local schools to gain an initial sense of your college preferences. Even if you have zero interest in attending any D.C. area schools, it’s easy to spend some time exploring the campuses of Georgetown, GW, American, Catholic and/or George Mason, and the experience can be a really valuable opportunity to learn which factors appeal to you. We can use your observations to help make recommendations for other schools - and also tell you which to skip.

And p.s. - does it even count as a visit to Georgetown if you don’t stop by Call Your Mother for bagels?

I was there this morning and grabbed a Sun City with Bacon, YUM!!! Highly recommend and it’s always packed full of Georgetown students. Make sure to pre-order if you are going on a weekend. I also picked up some treats for my kids while I was there :)

Have a fantastic weekend!

Responding to Campus Emergencies: How to Prepare and Empower Yourself

This week we were devastated to learn of a campus shooting at UVA. We have worked with so many students who attend UVA, and this incident just hits way too close to home. Although we absolutely hate thinking about this topic, we feel it’s important to share active shooter tips this week.

Knowledge is power, and it is better to know what to do if you find yourself in a situation like this someday.

Familiarize yourself with the Run Hide Fight model

The majority of colleges (and many high schools) across the country employ the Run Hide Fight model as part of their emergency protocols. Learning these steps can help you better assess an active shooter situation and make potentially life-saving decisions.

RUN:

• Assess the scene and determine possible escape routes

• If there is a safe path, run

• Leave belongings behind and do not attempt to move those who are seriously injured

HIDE:

• If escape is not possible, hide out of sight

• Lock doors, block entryways, and turn off lights

• Silence your phone and stay in place

FIGHT:

• As a last resort, fight against the threat 

• Mobilize the people around you

• Use surrounding objects for attack and self-defense

Not sure you’ll remember these steps during an emergency? That’s okay! You can print or download a pocket card from the US Department of Homeland Security to keep with you. 

Learn about your school’s emergency protocols

Although the Run, Hide, Fight model is widely used, there may be additional procedures that your school employs in emergency situations. That’s why it’s important to visit your school’s campus safety website. Look for information on these topics:

• How to report suspicious activities and emergency situations

• Emergency communication channels and phone numbers

• Evacuation plans

• Emergency preparedness training courses and workshops offered on campus

Get connected

While looking at your school’s campus safety website, take a few minutes to program important numbers in your phone. Typically colleges have a campus safety office number, as well as an emergency line. Add both to your contacts! It’s also good practice to create one other new contact in your phone: ICE (in case of emergency). This may just be a copy of a family member’s number, but it will signal to officials who they should call if you’re not able to communicate. 

And don’t put your phone away just yet! Check to see if your school has a mobile safety app or texting system for campus alerts. If they do, get connected. That way you’ll be notified of emergency situations right away.

Take a preparation class

Your school’s campus safety office may provide valuable training courses in first aid and emergency preparedness. Take a look at their offerings and sign up for a class. 

Students can also earn their CPR/AED and First Aid certifications through the Red Cross. Visit their website to see a comprehensive list of courses and training dates. 

For those who reside in northern Virginia, Fairfax County CERT offers emergency preparedness training throughout the year. Their Stop the Bleed and Basic Training classes are open to students ages 13 and up. 

Finally, The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services offers a free Zoom course on Civilian Response and Casualty Care. The next class is on November 29. You can register here.

Share a tip

If you would like to share an active shooter tip or resource for students, please comment below.

Weekly Update: November 11

We want to thank all of our veterans for their service 🇺🇸

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

LEARN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AT SIX FLAGS

Every year, over 100 first year students in biomedical engineering and physics at Johns Hopkins have a unique learning experience - riding roller coasters at Six Flags. The program - really an experiment - has been running for 20 years, with students measuring acceleration, heart rate, altitude, and other metrics on the amusement park rides. It also serves as a bonding experience for these future biomedical engineering majors. 

ABA VOTES ON TEST SCORES IN LAW SCHOOL ACCREDITATION

In one week, the ABA’s Council of the Section of Legal Education will vote on whether to continue to require standardized testing be used in law school admissions in order for law schools to remain accredited by the organization. Currently, law schools must use a “valid and reliable” test for admissions - a category that grew to include the GRE in November 2021. 

Even if the measure passes next Friday, it will still need to go before the ABA’s House of Delegates in February for final approval. In a 2018 attempt to eliminate the requirement, the measure was withdrawn before that approval process began. 

“VARSITY BLUES” YALE COACH SENTENCED TO FIVE MONTHS

The former Yale women’s soccer coach, who pled guilty to a charge of wire fraud in 2019 for his involvement in the Varsity Blues scandal, was sentenced to five months in prison on Wednesday. The coach, Rudy Meredith, was the first to tell authorities about Rick Singer, after Meredith was caught soliciting a $450,000 bribe from a father in April 2018.

SENATOR BEN SASSE APPROVED AS UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA PRESIDENT

Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) will leave the Senate in January in order to assume his new position as the President of the University of Florida on February 6, 2023. The Board of Governors approved Sasse’s appointment during a regular meeting on Wednesday despite the ongoing controversy related to his selection.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

A group of college students move into a convent… It may sound like the beginning of a punchline, but this is what happened at Neumann University in Pennsylvania. Neumann, a Catholic university, wanted more housing for students - and the convent on the edge of campus, once home to 1,600 nuns and now with a population of only about 300, had some extra bedrooms. While the nuns and students have separate entrances to the building and eat in separate dining halls, they have bonded over dorm pizza parties, painting pumpkins, and even learning a TikTok dance. Neumann anticipates moving even more students into the sisters’ home in the future. 

What does buying tickets to Taylor Swift’s tour have to do with college admissions? According to Jeff Selingo, buying concert tickets and applying to college have a few similarities. In his latest newsletter, Selingo explores the impact of early admissions, particularly early decision, on college admissions. At some schools, it is basically impossible to be admitted without applying early - and this phenomenon is only increasing. With ED becoming the new RD, we expect this trend will only be exacerbated by an economic downturn. During the Great Recession, colleges relied heavily on ED, so there is precedent to this increase. 

Lastly, don’t miss the Washington Post’s concerning expose about Yale’s handling of students with mental health challenges. I know that dealing with these struggles is sort of a lose-lose situation from an institutional standpoint- the colleges are of course very concerned about the students’ welfare, but still need to minimize their own liability. Still, this does not feel like a good solution to me at all - there has to be a better way.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

I just finished the 2nd to last week of the intensive part of my Goldman Sachs 10KSB program! (we will still meet during 2023 and have our “graduation” in May but the commitment will be substantially smaller than the 20+ hour weekly time commitment this past fall).

Anyway, we were working on operations and processes this past week (which I am truly passionate about) and had a fun exercise in which we had to work with our groups to provide instructions to build a PBJ sandwich. I led my group and it turned out we were only the 7th in the entire history of the program to wind up with an actual sandwich at the end! The other groups wound up with a peanut butter jar on the bread and so forth, but I helped my group create a detailed standard operating procedure to ensure a consistent product with no room for error.

This is exactly how I run DC College Counseling, and I have to say I am very proud of what a great job we do from an operations standpoint. We are not figuring things out on the fly - from college essays to proofreading applications to course registration - even for providing reminders and updating status charts - we have a well-thought-out system for every single thing we do. This gives us the opportunity to provide a consistently amazing client experience that reduces stress for our families and yields the positive outcomes they want.

(Ok - done bragging - now I will go back to struggling through financial statements, which are 100% NOT my superpower).

In other news - our juniors are really focused on the college search process right now, and we are so excited to get their feedback! It really is like a puzzle, finding a great list for each individual student, and we have so much fun working with our students to find their perfect fit(s)

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the choices or unsure how to research schools, book a Meet & Greet to learn more about how we can help!

Lastly, if you’re a high school student who loves to read, or is looking for a volunteer opportunity, become a member of the Fairfax Library’s Teen Advisory Board. The position will allow students in grades 7-12 to share ideas to improve teen programming at the libraries, as well as gain volunteer hours. Email alisha.hasson@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information or to apply. 

Enjoy the weekend!

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5 Questions to Ask Your Ninth Grader Right Now

Do you know what you’ll be doing 1200 days from now? Well, if you’re the parent of a current ninth grader, you’ll probably be sitting at your child’s high school graduation. Although thoughts of caps and gowns and college may seem light years away, it’s never too early to start planning for the future. In fact, ninth grade is a critical time to set your student up for college success. 

But how do you know if your ninth grader is on the path to success? Ask! Today we’re sharing 5 questions that will help you ‘check in’ with your freshman and create important college-building conversations. 

1. How are you feeling about your classes?

What did you get on that test? Did you do your homework? Well, have you asked your teacher for help? Let’s face it, sometimes parenting can feel more like project management. You may find yourself inquiring into due dates and scores just to stay ‘in the know.’ While this information is certainly handy, it might not tell you the whole academic story about your ninth grader.

Rather than framing questions that only result in a yes, no or eye roll, try a more open-ended framework. “How are you feeling about x…” is a great way to create a conversation and help your child reflect on the academic transition to high school. For example, a simple “how are you feeling about your homework load” could lead to productive discussions about time management, the need for a math tutor, or changes to after-school commitments.

2. What’s sparking your interest?

Ninth grade is a discovery year, as students begin to take new electives and get involved with activities that may not have been available to them in middle school. Check in with your child to see which subjects, clubs, and causes are engaging them. And then encourage them to explore these areas even more! For example, if your child enjoys talking about politics in their government class, suggest that they try out the debate team or attend a Model U.N. meeting.

3. How are you getting to know your teachers?

We know, we know. Some teenagers don’t even like having conversations with their parents, let alone with adults at school. However, establishing strong relationships with teachers is extremely important. Not only are these relationships proven to increase a student’s academic performance, they can be downright inspirational. We hear stories all the time from students who credit particular high school teachers for their career paths and leadership skills. 

Building connections is a great skill for students to develop early on in high school. Talk to your ninth grader about habits that can make for strong teacher relationships: participating in class, asking questions, reaching out for help, visiting teachers during study halls and free periods. These small efforts to engage go a long way!

4. What’s on your high school bucket list?

Ask a ninth grader about their goals for the next three and half years, and you’ll probably get a bewildered look in return--or an abrupt reply concerning grades. But there’s much more to the high school experience than just GPAs. Help your child start to think about the ways in which they want to get involved in the community. Have they always wanted to take center stage in a school play or learn how to play lacrosse? Can they see themselves running for student council or maybe creating a fundraiser to help their favorite cause? We love the bucket list question because it can help students get out of their comfort zones and picture the many possibilities for their high school experience.

5. What would you like to do this summer?

This may seem like a strange question to ask when we are just coming up on Thanksgiving, but hear us out. Summer is an ideal time for rising sophomores to explore their interests and begin developing the skills they’ll need for college. Luckily, there are hundreds of opportunities for 15 year olds to choose from: international excursions, enrichment courses, volunteer projects, and yes, even some internships. 

Start exploring options with your child now. Many summer programs will begin accepting applications as early as December. If you’re not sure where to look, check out the DC College Counseling Database. We regularly update our site with exciting summer experience opportunities. 

Weekly Update: November 4

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT

Like many in the higher education world, we were glued to Monday’s arguments in the Supreme Court! After the arguments, it seems likely that the Court will decide to eliminate race-consciousness in college admissions at the end of this term. This is likely going to have a reverberating impact on many aspects of the process, so we’ll be keeping a close watch on this one!

VIRGINIA’S FIRST COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH

The school itself has been around for a while, but George Mason recently announced it will be renaming its College of Health and Human Services, instituting the George Mason College of Public Health as the first college of public health in Virginia. The College, which houses several schools at GMU including the School of Nursing, will offer both online and in person classes to graduate and undergraduate students.

FORDHAM INSTITUTES BOOSTER SHOT REQUIREMENT

On Tuesday, Fordham University’s policy requiring a mandatory fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine went into effect. This vaccine mandate, one of the strictest in the country, sparked backlash - with a group of Fordham Law School students announcing that they will file a lawsuit in the Bronx Supreme Court against the mandate. 

STRUGGLING ECONOMY IMPACTS UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENTS

Many schools are seeing the largest dip in their endowments since 2009 as assets continue to decline. Wash U, for example, lost over 10% of its endowment this fiscal year - slightly more than the average 7.8% loss across schools. For wealthier colleges, however, the impact has been less intense - with Princeton and Harvard losing just over 1% of their endowments. A continued decrease could impact faculty salaries and hiring, new projects on campuses, and more. 

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

The affirmative action case in the Supreme Court is generating a lot of articles around college admissions this week. We were especially intrigued by this article from The Atlantic, which explores the multitude of factors that go into the admissions process (as we always tell families, at a certain level, it doesn’t actually have much to do with how wonderful the student is!). And CNN dives into the specific relationship between Asian-American students and affirmative action - a particular issue as the cases currently before the Court allege that UNC and Harvard are discriminating against Asian-American students. 

Plus, yet more evidence of gaps in learning for students who attended high school virtually during the pandemic - particularly in classes like math, where foundational concepts clearly affect mastery of more complex material down the line. Math professors are faced with the dilemma of giving out more poor grades and failing more students, or changing their curricula and focusing more on fundamentals (we’re in favor of the latter!). 

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

Shannon got back from a trip to Richmond recently to see VCU and the University of Richmond. Here’s what she had to say:

After visiting both schools at the same time, I was reminded of what a great microcosm of college variety they are! For sophomores or juniors just beginning their college search, Richmond is a great trip to take. Students will be able to experience and figure out whether they prefer an urban or suburban school; a big or small school; a public or private school… having two schools so close together that are such opposites is a really wonderful opportunity to start to figure out what works for you. 

November 1 deadlines may have passed, but things are still busy over here! We are focusing on wrapping up applications for our late-start seniors, as well as law school applications. We’re also getting started on military academy applications (remember to start these early!) and brainstorming college lists with our Class of 2024 juniors. Finally, we are continuing to finalize course selection as well as scholarship applications with our college experience coaching students. Phew! One of these days we will take a vacation ;)

Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!

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Weekly Update: October 28

Happy Halloween!

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

HALF OF STAFFORD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OUT SICK

1,000 students at Stafford High School in Fredericksburg, nearly half of the student body, were out sick today with “flu-like and gastrointestinal symptoms.” The school is investigating the cause of the illness, and currently plans to be open on Monday. 

ELI LILLY CREATES NEW PURDUE SCHOLARSHIP

Eli Lilly has committed a $92.5 million gift to Purdue University, nearly half of which will fund a new pharmaceutical manufacturing scholarship program. The 75-100 students who receive the scholarship each year will receive full tuition, in addition to guaranteed internships or co-ops with Eli Lilly. The school expects to award the first of these scholarships next fall.

The remaining $50 million will go towards extending the established research partnership between Eli Lilly and Purdue. 

UMD MAKES NEW “TERRAPIN COMMITMENT”

UMD pledged this week to invest $20 million in need-based aid. The program will help fill in the gaps for low-income students who receive federal Pell Grants, to make tuition and fees more affordable for these students and families. The “Terrapin Commitment” joins programs such as UNC’s “Carolina Covenant” and Michigan’s “Go Blue Guarantee” in making it easier for low-income students to attend public universities. 

NC STATE COPES WITH STUDENT DEATH BY SUICIDE

This week, NC State suffered the third reported death by suicide of a student in the last two months. With 1,100 deaths on college campuses per year, suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students, and this is another harsh reminder of the mental health crisis that all schools continue to face. 

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

This article from The Atlantic explores the income gap at colleges and universities, in light of the affirmative action case coming before the Supreme Court. The author, Richard D. Kahlenberg, is serving as an expert witness for Students for Fair Admissions, the plaintiff in the case. He argues that striking down affirmative action is a progressive move, because it will require universities to give an “admissions boost” to economically disadvantaged applicants, rather than doing so along racial lines. Kahlenberg notes that while Harvard’s classes reflect America in racial diversity, the school has 15 times as many students from the top quintile of wealth distribution as from the bottom quintile. Likewise, UNC has 16 times as many students from the top fifth as the bottom fifth. He argues that a more authentic way to achieve racial diversity, after affirmative action is struck down, will be by admitting more economically disadvantaged students, noting that this is the case at schools like UC Berkeley and UCLA, which do not use race in admissions. 

Penn’s doctoral program in higher education management - a class for aspiring professionals hoping to become top-level administrators and university presidents - dedicated an entire weekend to discussing college sports and the NCAA. The importance of this subject matter is a clear sign of the impact that athletics have at the top levels of college administration. Students were asked questions about various aspects of athletic policy and budgeting - for example, if they were presidents of Big Ten schools, what would they do with the income from the conference’s new media rights deal? These types of questions are becoming increasingly more important for college presidents to answer as college sports continue to grow in popularity and revenue.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

Those November 1 deadlines are right around the corner - good luck to those submitting this weekend and CONGRATULATIONS to all of our seniors who have submitted their early applications! We are so proud of all of you. Enjoy the Halloween weekend!

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