While most seniors are happily done (or almost happily done) with completing and submitting their college applications, now it’s time for juniors to get engaged. Below is a checklist of some of the things that juniors and their families should be thinking about, discussing and doing over the next few months. Start talking! If you haven't already, now is the time to start conversations about the next steps after high school. It is important … [Read more...]
High School Seniors College Checklist for Spring
The last two years have been spent getting students ready for college admissions. Applications, essays, financial aid documents all done. Your child got college acceptance letters and after careful evaluation, finally picked the college he or she will be attending! Yay! But wait, the work is not done yet, here is our college checklist for seniors: The college application process is a long and arduous one. Once the final acceptance decision has … [Read more...]
Does the PSAT Matter? Should You Prepare?
The PSAT will be given to area high school juniors (and younger students in some districts) on Wednesday, October 16. But does this test really matter? Should you take it seriously? Is it something students should prepare for so that you do well? Do Colleges Care About the PSAT? The PSAT is not used directly by colleges and universities when they make their college admissions decisions. Your acceptance or rejection into college is much more … [Read more...]
Five Things to Know About Scholarships
As the cost of attending some the nation’s colleges exceed $60,000 a year, many families start looking for scholarships to help cover the cost. However, too many people don’t understand the basics of college scholarships including the source and average amounts. Fortunately, educating yourself about these facts will help you find scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of a college education. 1. The largest source of scholarships … [Read more...]
PSAT Scores Release Dates
What to Do When Your PSAT Scores Come In Have you gotten your PSAT scores back? Scores from the October 2019 PSAT will be released on different days, depending on the area of the country. Texas students should get their scores on December 11, while Florida students will get their scores on December 9. No matter what your scores are, now is not the time to gloat, panic, or feel indifferent. Your scores can give you an insight into potential SAT … [Read more...]
After College Applications
Congratulations! You're done submitting your college applications! Now what? Unfortunately, the upcoming time period of waiting for admissions decisions can be stressful. But you can't just sit back and wait! Here are a few things to work on while waiting.... Create College Portal Accounts Many colleges offer student applicants an account online to check their application status. Often called Application Information Systems or … [Read more...]
Is your high school counselor an expert on college admissions?
Is your teenager’s high school counselor an expert on college? Probably not. In fact, the odds are high that your high school counselor’s knowledge about college admission strategies, standardized testing and scholarships, and financial aid is limited. Ironically, during this period of increasing college costs, financial aid is often the subject that high school counselors know the least about. Many high school counselors are unfortunately … [Read more...]
Conversations for Families with College Kids
For most families with a kid away at college, Thanksgiving is the first time they will return home. This can be a great time to relax, see family and friends, and a great opportunity to have some important conversations. After letting your college kid catch up on sleep and get in touch with old friends, here are some topics to bring up before the whole family arrives for Thanksgiving dinner: 1. Academics By this time into the semester, students … [Read more...]
Do I have to include the essay on the SAT or ACT?
The essay portion on the SAT and ACT is confusing for many students and families. It is optional and can be added while registering for a test date. So the question I hear a lot is: Do I have to do the essay on the SAT or ACT? Unfortunately, the answer is 'it depends'. Only a small number of colleges require or recommend the writing score from the SAT or ACT test, so most students do not need to include the optional writing on the tests. The … [Read more...]
How to File the FAFSA
8 Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA Form Need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form but don’t know where to start? I’m here to help. Let’s walk through the process step by step. 1. Create an account (FSA ID). Student: An FSA ID is a username and password you need to sign the FAFSA form online. If you don’t have an FSA ID, get an FSA ID here. It takes about 10 minutes to create an FSA ID. If this will be your … [Read more...]
Steps for the FAFSA Before October 1st
The FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, opens Octber 1st for students currently in their senior year of high school. Using 2018 tax information, students and parents will complete the FAFSA for their first year of college (2020-2021). To get ready, there are a few things you can complete BEFORE October 1st. Decide Who Needs to Complete the FAFSA Traditional married couples- If you are part of a traditional family — married husband, … [Read more...]
National College Fairs Scheduled for 2020
National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) released its list of dates and cities for National College Fairs. These College Fairs are free to the public and designed for information-seeking college-bound students and parents. 2020 National College Fairs: Houston: April 14 Austin: April 16 Dallas/FT Worth: April 19 Related Articles: College Fair Tips by eCampusTours Joining the Crowd at a College Fair on New York Times … [Read more...]
Quiz! Is Your Teen Ready for College?
Is your teenager ready for college? Success at college requires many skills for emotional, social, and academic tasks. Students will need to be academically prepared for college, which can be measured by reviewing grades, test scores, motivation, and college choice. Students also need to be emotionally prepared for leaving their family and leaving independently for the first time. Emotionally preparedness can typically be measured by … [Read more...]
Open House Days at Texas Colleges
Open houses, like campus tours, provide students with a unique opportunity to get information so they can decide whether or not to apply to the school. A college open house is an event where visitors are allowed access to a campus in order to learn more about it. During open houses, you can expect to see a number of important and knowledgeable people associated with a college. Deans, professors, coaches, admissions counselors, safety … [Read more...]
7 Tips to Start the High School Year Off Right
All high school students, from anxious new freshman to confident seniors, set their minds to making the most of the year. Four years may sound like a lot, but it's a short time considering you're setting the groundwork for the rest of your life. Goal: College! Here are 7 ways to ensure this school year provides the best support for your future choices and opportunities: 1. School course choices Consider your courses and teachers and decide … [Read more...]
