January 1 Deadlines: A Simple Guide for Counselors and Seniors
January 1 deadlines can be challenging since most counselors are on break. This post gives seniors a simple, self guided checklist to review applications, set up portals, and stay on track even when schools and colleges are operating on holiday schedules.
Regular Decision: Helping Seniors Finish Strong Without Burning Out
Regular Decision still offers real opportunity for seniors. This guide helps counselors support students with list building, stronger applications, midyear grades, and portal management. Practical talking points and a student ready checklist make January less stressful for everyone.
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.
When the Decisions Come In: Helping Students Understand the Four Types of College Admissions Outcomes (and Themselves)
One of the most important parts of my job—especially this time of year—is helping students make sense of the decisions they’re getting from colleges. But I’ve found that the real work often starts long before those emails hit their inboxes. Over the years, I’ve realized how crucial it is to guide students toward healthy expectations. […]