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HAPPY MAY!
HAPPY MAY!
May 1 is a big day in the college admissions world! It's the National Decision Day -- the deadline by which most high school seniors planning to attend 4-year colleges must commit to their chosen college or university. Fittingly, this week in college guidance class, we looked at a "30,000 ft view" of what the next 12 months look like for the rising seniors! Can you imagine that in exactly a year from now, your child will likely have chosen where they plan to pursue further education?!
May that fill you with great JOY, albeit bittersweet --- but certainly not dread, trepidation, nervousness, or fear! We're in this together!
The juniors (soon to be seniors!) were given their marching orders on what they're working on for the rest of the school year:
The juniors (soon to be seniors!) were given their marching orders on what they're working on for the rest of the school year:
ESTABLISHING THEIR PREFERENTIAL COLLEGE CRITERIA:
This week, students should have completed Corsava Card Sort -- an activity meant to help them process and prioritize what their "Must Haves" and "Deal Breakers" are for what they desire in their next potential educational endeavors! Campus size, student:faculty ratio, specific academic offerings, geographical location, setting (urban, suburban, town, rural, etc), demographics of the student body, and a host of other potential factors can help students think through what they want! You have important insight and opinions on these too, so encourage them to share their completed card sort with you as a springboard for more discussion!
BUILDING THEIR COLLEGE LIST:
They've been instructed to take those personal college criteria and apply them to multiple college search engines and lists to generate a list of 15-20 colleges. As they build their list, they're looking to find a balanced list that includes:
College(s) that will offer a great return on investment for their specific goals and priorities
College(s) that are appropriate for their academic profile -- some very likely to admit, some right on target, and some that may be more of a stretch.
College(s) that will be affordable for their academic profile (through merit aid) and/or financial situation (need-based aid).
As a joint effort between the student and their "team" (you, other trusted grownups, the college counselor, etc), we'll start to build, narrow, add, subtract, eliminate, and expand to a more final list of approximately 8-10!
As a joint effort between the student and their "team" (you, other trusted grownups, the college counselor, etc), we'll start to build, narrow, add, subtract, eliminate, and expand to a more final list of approximately 8-10!
DECIDING IF/WHEN THEY'LL TAKE THE SAT (or ACT)
Over 80% of colleges have opted to remain test-optional or even test-free (won't consider them) for the Class of 2026 after suspending the requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. However, some colleges are starting to return to requiring or recommending them -- if not for admission, for merit scholarship consideration. My guidance has been to consider taking an admissions test (SAT/ACT) at least once -- if only to have a set of scores "in pocket" to send if required, desired, or helpful. Test scores can be a tool that can be helpful in admissions if a student's scores are high enough, but may not be the most appropriate or accurate for another student. They need not be sent if they do not help an application, unless the school requires them. That said, every year we have a majority of students who are accepted to colleges of their choice without test scores. Visit our Standardized Testing page for more info!
BEFORE YOU GO AND REGISTER THOUGH, DO YOU....
QUALIFY FOR FEE WAIVERS? (Fill out the Form Here!)
With the June SAT registration deadline approaching AND as we aim to create a financially sound college list, now is a good time to find out if you're eligible for SAT/ACT and/or college application fee waivers! Please note: SAT fee waivers are strictly available with specific financial eligibility criteria, but college app fee waivers are often a bit more flexible. Please fill out the form appropriately for more information! Once your response has been received, you'll receive further communication from me (Mrs. Conde-Rodriguez) if needed. For adequate processing time, please complete ASAP prior to May 10 if your child plans to register for the June SAT (registration deadline May 22).
That's a lot for right now, but I'll be in touch soon for more to come!
Sincerely,
K. Conde-Rodriguez
College Counselor
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