D'Souza College Consulting

Davidson College, located in the quaint town of Davidson, NC, attracts top students to its challenging liberal arts curriculum. The school beautifully combines Southern tradition with academic prowess. It offers strong interdisciplinary, international, and pre professional programs; popular majors are political science, biology, economics, psychology, and English. However, students may also select to pursue one of several majors established by the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, which include bioinformatics, Arab studies, global literary theory, data science, neuroscience, among others. An engineering 3-2 dual degree is available with Columbia University and Washington University in St. Louis.

Davidson’s Honor Code is more than just academic. The college’s first formal honor system was in place by the end of the 19th century, and a student council to administer it was formed in 1910. The Honor Code upholds the overarching theme of communal trust. It allows students to take exams independently and to feel comfortable leaving doors unlocked. Through this sense of trust, students feel integrated into the fabric of the school and are able to grow intellectually.

The Davidson Wildcats participate in the Division 1 Atlantic 10 Conference with 19 varsity teams. The non scholarship football team plays in the Division 1 Pioneer Football League, while the wrestling team competes in the Southern Conference. One out of every four students is an athlete.

The social climate on campus is active and engaged. There are over 200 clubs and organizations, nine fraternities, three sororities, and four all-female eating houses (groups centered around social gatherings and shared meals). Students appreciate a robust living/learning environment; in fact, 95% of Davidson students live on campus all four years.

International experiences take the form of classwork, research, service, and travel. Davidson offers 10 faculty-led programs in countries such as France, German, England, Cyprus, and Zambia. The school also partners with more than 115 study abroad programs to help students find their best fit. Eighty percent of students graduate with some sort of foreign experience.

Davidson remains in a test-optional posture and offers three application rounds - Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. Applications are available through Common Application and Coalition. The college practices need-blind admissions and will meet 100 percent of demonstrated need. Prestigious merit scholarships such as the Belk scholarship provides funding for tuition, fees, room/board, and a special study stipend.

Catawba College (est. 1851) - a place where you "Transform. Inspire. Belong." This school felt like a family right from the start. Small classes, supportive faculty and staff, state-of-the-art facilities - all in historic Salisbury, NC.

Most popular majors include business, nursing, and environment & sustainability. One hidden gem is their digital media production major.

Catawba College is a Division II school (think athletic scholarships). 41% of their student population are athletes. Most well-known for women's soccer, men's baseball, and cross-country. They are also E-Sports national champions!

They offer an Honors Program for the most academically talented students. The program includes merit scholarships, special study abroad opportunities and honors courses, and reserved honors living spaces.

Check out Catawba College's most prestigious scholarships, the Socratic Scholarship and the Spirit of Catawba Scholarship - both full tuition scholarships. https://catawba.edu/about/offices/finaid/types-financial-aid/scholarships/merit-scholarships/

The college recently received a 200 million dollar gift for its endowment (the largest in the school's history).

They call it "Work Forest" for a reason. These students work hard, BUT they play hard too. Wake Forest is the perfect place to combine your intellectual pursuits with a robust student community.

With just about 5,400 undergrads, Wake Forest is the perfect size. Located within the "city of arts and innovation," the school beautifully encapsulates the vibe of Winston-Salem. The academics are cutting-edge. When visiting Wake Forest, be sure to check out Wake Downtown -- the locus of the university's three new academic programs in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Discovery, and Engineering. They have created an amazing space in an old Reynolds To***co building.

Study abroad in one of the school's university owned homes in Denmark, Austria, London, or Venice. Or, if you do not want to go international, choose to do study away in Washington DC or San Francisco - both Wake programs.

Wake Forest isn't new to the test optional scene; they've adopted this policy back in 2009. They offer both ED 1 (11/15) and ED 2 or RD (1/1) application rounds.

Did you know that Salem College is the oldest female educational establishment that is still a women's college (1772)? So neat!

Nestled within the historic streets of Old Salem, the young women of Salem College collaborate and create! Some of the most popular majors are interior design (they have a chair museum on campus), history, English, and communication. I also heard that the Race and Ethnicity Studies major is truly a hidden gem.

Salem College is also committed to elevating and expanding the role of women in health leadership. Through this initiative, three new health majors have emerged: health sciences, health humanities, and health advocacy and humanitarian systems. They even offer a new scholarship program, the Salem Scholars. Through this program, 25 incoming first year students who meet the academic requirements and have an interest in health, will receive 100% of tuition and fees for four years along with special internships and study abroad opportunities.

Although they do not formally have a mascot, they call themselves the Salem Spirits (and for good reason). Legend has it that it is one of the most haunted campuses in the nation. But...I wouldn't take that one too seriously. No one looked scared on campus:)

Salem College accepts applications on a rolling basis. However, be sure to submit by November 1st to be eligible for merit scholarships. The school continues to be test optional.

Elon University in Elon, NC did not disappoint! I was blown away by their commitment to experiential education. Also, their amenities are top-notch! Be sure to check out the tv news room and live stock trading room when you visit. The School of Communication, School of Education, and School of Business are worth the trip.

Most popular majors: finance and strategic communications

Accelerated Pathways programs: Elon offers undergrads a distinctive pathway to the school's highly selective MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (PT) programs. Students complete undergrad courses in 3.5 yrs with opportunity for enrollment in the PA or DPT programs in final semester of their 4th year. They also offer accelerated 3+1 business dual-degree programs in accounting and business analytics

Recent accolades: Elon is ranked #1 in study abroad and #1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching.

Athletics: Elon's 17 athletic teams participate in the NCAA Division 1 Colonial Athletic Association.

Did you know?: Elon graduates will actually graduate with 2 transcripts - an undergraduate transcript and an experiential education transcript that reflects a student's work in 2 of the 5 Elon Experience areas (study abroad, internship, research, service learning, or leadership)

Test Optional?: Yes! Elon is currently in year 2 of a 3 year test optional pilot program. Note - some majors, like nursing, will require submission of standardized scores.

How can I afford an Elon education? Elon is committed to honoring the most exceptional students through a variety of fellows and scholars programs (merit scholarships vary). Scholarship application deadline is Jan 17.

Early Action/Early Decision deadline - Nov 1
Regular Decision deadline - Jan 10

Belmont Abbey College is such a neat school! Founded in 1876 by Benedictine monks, the small liberal arts institution is nestled in Belmont, NC. The Abbey is the only Catholic college between northern VA and FL, but you do not have to be Catholic to attend. In fact, only 50% of the student body is Catholic.

Honors College: The school offers an amazing opportunity for top students with its Honors College option. The Honors College is centered upon textual analysis of the Great Books. Wonderful scholarship opportunities for the most academically gifted applicants!

Hidden gem of a major: Belmont Abbey is only 1 of 2 schools in NC to offer a Motorsports Management major.

Most popular majors: business, biology, and theology

What's new at the Abbey?: A new hospital is being constructed on school land. The health system will enter into a long-term agreement to lease the land and support Belmont Abbey College’s future plans to establish health sciences programs. Specifically, CaroMont Health plans to support Belmont Abbey’s health sciences programs through clinical rotation opportunities.

Athletics: Belmont Abbey offers Division II (Conference Carolinas) athletic scholarships.

Admissions intel: Rolling admissions, Common Application accepted, test optional

It was a great day to visit to UNCW in Wilmington, NC! With a total undergraduate population of 14,785, UNCW is not too big and not too small...it's just right! At NC's premier coastal university, students can become involved in just about anything from intensive marine biology research within the College of Arts and Sciences to innovative entrepreneurial projects through the Cameron School of Business.

New majors: business analytics, coastal engineering, digital arts, respiratory therapy (the newest degree program - will launch fall 2021)

For those interested in engineering: UNCW offers a 2+2 transfer program with NCSU. This dynamic program offers students an opportunity to complete the first two years of an undergraduate engineering degree at UNCW and then qualify to transfer to NCSU to complete the degree in one of 16 degree programs. Why 2+2? Students in this program received targeted academic advising from the start! They are more prepared to transfer to NCSU (65-80% acceptance rate each fall) than the overall acceptance rate to NCSU engineering (around 20%).

Honors College: The most academically talented students will have exciting opportunities through UNCW's Honors College. Honors College classes are smaller than average (about 20 students) and students will receive personal attention with the opportunity to engage in graduate-level research with faculty. Are you motivated and creative? Looking for a challenge? If so, the Honors College is for you!

Admissions Intel: UNCW is on the Common Application. Test optional for fall 2022. Early Action deadline - November 1 (notification around January 20). Regular Decision deadline - February 1 (notification around March 15).

It's officially my favorite time of the year...essay writing season! This week marked the start of the essay writing process for many of my students. I feel honored to be part of this experience with so many creative and inspiring young adults. These students have STORIES! They are showing who they are - industrious, perseverant, curious, collaborative, independent, responsible, empathetic, kind...the list of characteristics goes on and on. We all have a story - I'm lucky enough to hear so many:)

High Point University in High Point, NC is truly the "Premier Life Skills University." These students are READY for life after college! The school has invested a tremendous amount of resources to internship and career prep with special attention paid to resume writing, LinkedIn design, and interviewing skills. They even have a learning lab designed within a steakhouse to prepare students for business dinners and fine etiquette, AND it's included in the meal plan!!! If you haven't seen the dorms at HPU, you have missed out. They are among the best nationally ranked residential facilities in the nation and it shows...granite countertops in the bathrooms and full-size beds.

Popular majors at HPU: communications-related majors, business-related majors, and interior design (they are near the nation's furniture-making hub)

Hidden gem of a major: social media and digital communication

Financing an education at HPU: merit-based scholarships are awarded (between 10-25k)

Admissions intel: test-optional (although tests are needed to be reviewed for highest-level merit scholarships), Early Decision 1&2, Early Action, and Regular Decision rounds offered

Big news for NC!

UNC System schools won’t require SAT/ACT test scores for students applying in fall 2022 The Board of Governors weren’t united on the issue. Some say the waiver is needed because of COVID disruptions. Others fear it may lower standards.

Located in Greensboro, NC, Guilford College is a hub for students looking to connect their education with social concerns. Service and community echo the values of the school's Quaker roots. The peaceful 350-acre campus is dotted with redbrick, Georgian style buildings and open grassy areas. Guilford is the oldest coed institution in the South and was also an embarkation point on the Underground Railroad.

Signature academic program: The justice and policy studies department offers majors in community and justice studies and criminal justice.

Experiential learning: Faculty-mentored research is common at Guilford. Students can take advantage of the school's organic farm and lake for more hands-on learning. The art department also hosts an outdoor ceramics kiln and woodworking studio.

Affording a Guilford education: Students can expect that their tuition will not change for 4 years, guaranteed. Merit scholarships are offered up to $25k.

Admissions intel: Test-optional. Rolling admissions.

Continuing my tour of the SAC Conference schools with a visit to Wingate University in Wingate, NC. I was impressed by the pristine campus and friendly admissions staff. Also, the outdoor pool outside of the residence halls looked so inviting!

If you like stats and rankings...Wingate is the fastest-growing university in the NC and 8th fastest-growing in the US among private doctoral-granting institutions. #1 most academic All-Americas in NCAA Division II since 2000 - and more than any school in NC (including Duke and UNC).

Popular majors: Healthcare-related majors are popular at Wingate. The pharmacy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and nursing programs make Wingate the leading healthcare educator in western NC.

Hidden gem of a major: Wingate is introducing public health as an undergraduate major in fall 2021!

Can I afford a private education at Wingate?: The school offers a wide variety of merit scholarships up to $25k/year.

Admissions intel: Test optional. Rolling admissions. Application is free. No supplemental essays!

Lessons From the Sandbox: What You Can Do to Prepare Your Child for College - Stephanie D'Souza

“What should I be DOING during this process?” This is a common question I hear from parents right about now, especially parents of rising juniors and seniors. I sense their anxiety. They feel like they should be "doing" something to prepare for the next big event in their child’s life - college. Although most of the work in the college application process rests in the laps of the students, there are a few things I think parents can do to help prepare themselves (and their child) for life after high school.

As I think about this period during a parent’s life, I realize that it mimics much of the same “preparation” that we planned for during our child’s life before kindergarten. It’s pretty basic and I like that. I’ve narrowed it down to six points because I also like even numbers.

1. Encourage creativity/expose them to new things.

I remember when my children were in preschool and I signed them up for a variety of new activities. Swim lessons, karate, art school, soccer teams, dance, science camp… the list goes on and on. I worried about the need to expose them to new experiences. I wanted them to grow and learn about the world outside of their bubble.

You can probably relate. Parents view their young children as malleable little beings. Their brains are like sponges and the world is their playground. Then, somewhere around early middle school, we tend to fall into a groove and we stop encouraging new experiences. We sense that we know who our child is and what they enjoy doing. We assign them labels (athlete, science nerd, theatre kid, musician) and our push for growth somehow wanes.

Bring back this spirit of creativity and wonderment. Encourage your child to TINKER! Push them to explore an academic subject outside of class through summer camps, online courses, shadowing experiences, internships, volunteer opportunities, etc.. The emphasis here is not to focus on what they want to be when they “grow up.” Instead, cultivate curiosity. Help your child to open their eyes and look at the world as they once did when you encouraged them to try new things.

2. Review their work. Don’t DO their work.

I remember the days when I was able to understand my son’s math homework - now, not so much. I was able to help him when he needed me and guide him until he achieved his academic goals. I understood what he was doing in school and that made me feel in control (if just a bit).

The days of helping your child with their homework quickly fades by the time they leave elementary school. However, I guarantee you will find yourself in a situation where your teen will come to you for help with their college essay - the dreaded “personal statement” (aka their testimonial of who they are summed up in 650 words or less). Trust me, this is scary stuff for a 17 or 18 year-old. They are questioning their worth and wondering what it all means.

Here’s where you, the parent, come in. READ their essay(s). Review what they have written and see if it illuminates their voice. Does it reflect their strengths? Is it authentic? Does it highlight something not found anywhere else on their application? Please do not use this opportunity to rewrite their work. We know when essays are written by parents (I’m looking at you Mr. Double-Spacer after a period.)

3. Expand your library/read to them.

As a new parent, I gobbled up every piece of new information about parenting. Books like What to Expect Before You’re Expecting and What to Expect the Toddler Years were frequent fliers on my nightstand. I was hungry for direction and nervous that I would make a misstep.

As a parent of a high schooler, I encourage you to read and expand your learning library. Don’t focus on the quick fix books geared toward how to get your child into college. Instead, read about the developmental stage they are in right now. Read about the process of college admissions and how you can prepare them for how their application will be read. Educate yourself like you once did as a young parent and share your newly acquired insights with your student. Here are just a few of my favorites:

The Years That Matter Most: How College Makes or Breaks Us (Tough, Paul)
Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions (Selingo, Jeffrey)
Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be (Bruni, Frank)
How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success (Lythcott-Haims, Julie)
Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the College Years (Coburn, Karen L. and Treeger, Madge L.)

4. Talk with them not AT them.

Some of my most treasured memories as a parent are the times I took “nature hikes” with my children. Hand-in-hand we roamed the trails of a county or city park, no destination in mind. Our only goal was to enjoy the journey. During these walks we sparked up easy conversation. We looked at the birds and the trees and we talked. Sometimes, we REALLY talked. Difficult questions seem to come easier when you are side by side, no straight-on stares. I knew what was going on at school, what was plaguing their young minds, and what their hopes were for the upcoming week. I felt “in-tune.”

Middle and high school can get messy and I sometimes find myself talking at my children and not with them. Pointed questions about school and extracurriculars leave no room for elaboration. I wonder if I really “know” what’s going on.

As your child reaches their junior year, you will want to talk about college. However, you may want to talk about it TOO much. Conversations about testing, course scheduling, summer activities, and essays may fill up your dinner hour. Try to reserve a day of the week as your “college conversation day.” This will be the day that you and your student discuss colleges and applications - all other days should be focused on family time. This will help alleviate any possible tension around the house and shift the mood to a more encouraging environment. Get back to the basics - take a nature walk and talk about the birds.


5. Go for a drive.

The toddler years were TOUGH. I remember times when I was so stressed that I would load the kid(s) into the car and just drive with no destination in mind. Partly for my sanity and partly because the kids loved the ride. Sometimes the vibration of the drive would entice a much-needed nap and sometimes the new sights would simply inspire a better mood for everyone.

Get out there and load them up for a drive. Carve out a day and explore a nearby college or university. This does not need to be a school worthy of a spot on your child’s coveted list. Think of it as a field trip. Walk the campus and talk about what life will be like when they are out of the house. What do they like about the campus? Do they envision themselves somewhere with a large student body or do they want to be in classes with ten students or less? Do they see themselves close to home or are they excited about exploring a different state?

Once you have a better idea of which colleges your child will apply to, you will want to schedule a proper campus tour (in-person or virtually). In the meantime, take a few “field trips” and just drive.

6. Love on them.

This one doesn’t need much explanation. Our child’s basic needs for love and support will not change much from toddlerhood to adulthood. They will look for our approval and our encouragement. They will experience failure and self-doubt. They will want us to share in their joy and accomplishments.

Just as we felt when they fell from the swing or suffered a squabble with a best friend, we will want to make it all better. Unfortunately, we cannot take their pain away. We can, however, sit with them and listen. We can validate their feelings and encourage them to learn from their experiences. What went wrong and how will they redirect their efforts next time? In the end, we will love on them and let them know that we will be forever proud. It is a feeling that is unconditional; it is not contingent on their college acceptances. We love them through all of the ups and downs - merit scholarships, waitlists, deferrals, and rejections - scraped knees and all.

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What a beautiful day to explore Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC! This campus screams tight-knit community.

Most popular majors: Business and Nursing

Hidden gem of a major: Criminal Justice

Most beautiful spot on campus: Grace Chapel (Constructed in 2014...it's stunning!)

Can I finance an education at LR?: The school offers a variety of merit and need-based aid. The LR Promise rewards any North Carolina resident who is a first-year undergraduate student and has a minimum 3.5 high school GPA at the time of admission with a financial aid package worth at least 50 percent of the cost of tuition.

Admissions intel: LR offers a test-optional policy. EA and RD (rolling) admissions cycles.

Great visit at Queens University in Charlotte. Truly the best of both worlds - small college, large city. They embrace the motto "Yes. And." because they see no limit to what a student can be involved with on campus and in the classroom.

Hidden gem of a major: Music Therapy (think combo of music and psychology)

Did you know?: Queens has 3 canine companions you can "check out" from the Health and Wellness Center to take for walks or just cuddle with. What a great stress reliever!

Most popular majors: Nursing (they offer direct admit), Business, and Education

Campus improvements: They just added a brand new Center for Arts and Civic Engagement in 2020 - it's beautiful!

Can I finance a private education at Queens?: The "Queens Commitment" offers an automatic $10k to any accepted student from Mecklenburg Country. They also have a wide range of merit scholarships available.

Admissions intel: They chose to go test optional before Covid and will continue to offer a test optional choice for their upcoming application cycles. They offer ED, EA 1, EA 2, and RD application rounds.

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