Understanding Admissions Decisions – Fall Edition
Students receive all kinds of decisions in December and early January, from admits to referrals to incomplete applications. This guide gives counselors clear, calm language and practical steps to help students understand each outcome and plan their next moves.
Test Optional in 2025
Since the pandemic, test-optional policies have reshaped how students approach college applications. While some colleges have returned to requiring scores and others remain flexible or test blind, counselors still face the same question from students every year: “Should I send my SAT or ACT scores?” This post breaks down how to evaluate that decision in 2025 with practical advice you can share right away.
After Applying: The College Portal
After students hit “submit,” their work is not over. This post helps counselors teach seniors how to use college portals to confirm materials, track missing items, and take responsibility for their applications after submission.
Supporting Students Who Haven’t Started Yet
Every counselor has a few seniors who reach late October and still haven’t started. This post offers an empathetic, realistic plan to help those students get moving… with reminders that Regular Decision is still a strong option and that it’s better to submit one thoughtful, complete application than several rushed ones.
The Counselor’s Quick Application Check
As November deadlines approach, counselors are flooded with “can you take one last look?” requests. This five-minute application checklist helps you spot weak spots quickly — from missing transcripts to last-minute essay issues — so students can submit with confidence.
The Power of 150 Characters in the Activities List Week 2 Application Season Series
The Activities List may be short, but it’s one of the most revealing parts of a college application. In just 150 characters per line, students can show initiative, responsibility, and impact. This post helps counselors teach students how to make every word count—and uncover the power hidden in this small section.
The Myth of “Apply Early or Miss Out”: Application Series Week 1
Early deadlines create pressure for students and families, but “apply early” isn’t always the best move. This post helps counselors guide seniors through Early Action and Early Decision wisely, clarifying when it truly helps, when to wait, and how to protect students from financial and emotional stress.
Week 10: Final Checklist before Application Deadlines
As early deadlines approach, it’s the small details that often get missed. This pre-deadline checklist helps seniors stay on track with essays, recommendations, applications, and more.
Week 9: Providing(Basic) FAFSA Guidance
FAFSA season can be overwhelming, but early preparation helps. This post offers a simple checklist and guidance to help families get ready with confidence.
Fall Series Week 8: Parent Communication Tools
Parents and guardians play a big role in supporting students, but the applications should remain student-led. These templates make communication easier and clearer.