Rooted College Planning

The Class of 2024 decisions are finalized! Students are headed to these schools in the fall.

They accomplished so much during this admissions cycle:
🌟92% of students were finished with applications before Thanksgiving
🌟 21% of students were admitted to every college they applied to (and in their major of choice)
🌟 71% of students were admitted to their first choice college
🌟 Of students who did not apply Early Decision, 92% of students had five or more colleges to choose from

Congratulations to the Class of 2024! 🤍

…aaand that’s almost a wrap for the Class of 2024!

Decisions are made, deposits are paid, and graduation ceremonies are already happening. 🎓

It has been a joy to work with another class of incredible humans!

May 1 is officially College Decision Day - but it looks a little different this year!

While many students have decided on their final choice, some students have barely received (or haven’t yet received!) financial aid information from colleges due to the FAFSA delays this year.

Reminder: check the deadlines of your final few choices and, if you need more time, ensure they’ve extended their enrollment deadline! When in doubt, reach out to your admissions counselor with questions. 🤍

Seniors:
With all decisions now out, some of the outcomes might still sting. Take your time to sit in that feeling.

Then, after eating your comfort meal, review your list of choices - the colleges you were excited to apply to and the ones that were excited to admit you! Write a pros and cons list for your top three options by category - academics, social life, cost, and geography, for example. Ultimately, where are your people?

Remember: Your future is not defined by the college you attend. It’s defined by your character, your choices, and the opportunities you take at that college. You are going places! (I promise!)

Feeling like you don’t have any choices? Let me know - I can help you find schools that are still accepting applications and would love to have you!

Thank you Sharon 🥹 I am SO proud of the work I get to do every day supporting students on their path!

Me, wondering you why you haven’t completed and submitted your FAFSA, silly goose!

The US Department of Education has shared they will begin distributing information from the FAFSA to colleges in the first half of March. (Spoiler alert - it’s March!)

Don’t miss out on some financial opportunities by submitting. And yes, I do recommend that all families submit the FAFSA.

The major implications of the FAFSA delay(s) will hopefully be behind us soon.

The US Department of Education has said they will send FAFSA eligibility information to schools and states in the first half of March. Spoiler alert - that’s now!

Here’s some information from their website, word-for-word (with additions from me in parentheses):
💰Until schools and states receive the FAFSA information, they won’t be able to answer questions about aid eligibility or status.
💰Once schools receive students’ FAFSA information, they will need additional time to provide personal financial aid award information. (Colleges’ financial aid folks need time to put together your financial aid offer. They are working as quickly as possible!)
💰Students can review their application status on StudentAid.gov.
💰The Department will follow-up in the coming weeks with an email notifying students that their form has been processed and their information has been sent to their schools and state.
💰Students with contributors without a Social Security Number will be able to submit their FAFSA application the first half of March.
💰Students who need to make corrections to their form will be able to do so later in March. (If you need to make changes, keep an eye out for this announcement!)

I’m finalizing my spring college visits and I’m excited to get back on college campuses! This is one of my favorite parts of my job. The more I can be on campuses, the more knowledge I have to bring back and share with my students.

My favorite is when I’m visiting a school and a student comes to mind who I know would really enjoy learning about that school!

Are you visiting any colleges in the next few months?

For many students, it’s the time of year to choose high school classes for next year! 🌟

As you work with your school counselor to plan your classes, keep in mind the importance of selecting courses that resonate with your interests and future aspirations. Each class is a chance to dive into what excites you and to cultivate vital skills. Opt for subjects that spark curiosity and contribute to both your personal and academic development.

Your classes play a significant role in shaping your transcript—the foundation of your future college applications! 🎓

I know it feels early, but let's talk about summer plans.

Summer isn’t just downtime; it's a chance to grow and learn. There are so many options when it comes to how you spend your time over the summer! You can participate in a program focused on career, service, travel, or research, or you can focus on work, DIY projects, internships, or job shadowing—they’re just as valuable!

These experiences open doors, build connections, and fuel personal growth. They teach independence, time management, and skills beyond the classroom.

Start thinking about your summer moves now. Take some time to do a little research on the opportunities in your area, or what options resonate with you. There's no wrong answer, as long as you do something! 🌟📚

Juniors: don’t wait on the college admissions process. Your first step is starting the college search!

With literally thousands of colleges and universities in the United States, it’s important - no, necessary - that you know exactly what you’re looking for in a school. Big or small, warm or cold weather? What’s the campus culture like? What is there to do around campus?

Check out the resources page in my bio link and view the free guide library for the college search handout. It’s packed with gems to help you kickstart this exciting phase!

Step into 2024 with purpose!

What are your goals for the new year? Think of goal setting as your compass guiding you to college. The goals you set now will keep you on track, help you navigate through challenges, and turn your aspirations into reality. ✨

Ever hear about how there's "millions of dollars in unclaimed scholarship money every year" and students are just leaving money on the table? Well... do you think the people who say that have heard of stacking policies?

"Stacking" is the method of combing scholarships, often from multiple sources, to cover college costs. The kicker is that not all colleges allow it, and some have rules on how much you can stack or which scholarships can be stacked.

Before you spend hours applying to private scholarships, its important you check the policies of the top few colleges on your list (or you can start with the ones you've already been admitted to). Sometimes, they'll decrease the amount of merit aid they've awarded you to account for the private scholarship money you bring it - making the time you spent applying for that private scholarship a complete waste.

For some schools, it's totally fine and even encouraged! But it's best to check first.

Read the fine print, talk to financial aid offices, and clarify stacking policies. Get the most bang for your scholarship buck!

🎓 This might surprise you: your experience at a public college vs. your experience at a private college may not look too different!

The biggest difference between private and public colleges is the way they are funded and governed. Public colleges are funded by the government and are usually managed by state or local governments. Their boards/trustees are typically appointed by the government. Private colleges are funded - you guessed it - privately, and are governed by independent boards. Their operations are not directly controlled by the government.

While it’s not always the case, private colleges are often smaller and have fewer students than public colleges. They may also foster a unique community or culture, sometimes emphasizing specific values or disciplines. Private colleges can start with a higher price tag, but sometimes have more flexibility in offering merit scholarships - and many private schools meet financial need, making them a great fit for many students!

Ultimately, your choice in college should come down to academic fit (do they have the program(s) you’re looking for?), financial fit (can you afford this school?) and social fit (will you jive with the campus culture and community?) - NOT if it’s a private or public school. Many of my students apply to both public and private colleges, and they make their final decision based on those best fit factors!

🚨 FAFSA Update 🚨: The Department of Education recently announced more information in the release of the revamped FAFSA. The Federal Student Aid office says the form will open no later than December 31 (though some experts aren't too sure about that!). This year's delay in transmitting FAFSA data to colleges could disrupt aid offers, leading to complications in the enrollment process for applicants, counselors, and institutions.

While the streamlined FAFSA is intended to benefit millions, these delays pose challenges and raise alarms about the availability of timely aid information for crucial college decisions. Despite anticipated improvements in accessibility, these disruptions might impact FAFSA completion rates and, subsequently, enrollment figures for colleges and aid for students.

College counselors and aid administrators are facing a compressed timeline, hindering their ability to provide personalized assistance and distribute aid until colleges receive the crucial FAFSA data. 📊

To prepare for its debut, students and families should have their tax forms ready and, if you're extra excited, you can create a StudentAid.gov account along with a Federal Student Aid ID, which is needed to input and access your information online. I will share when the new FAFSA is up and running!

Let's talk about the power of starting your college admissions journey early. It's not just about getting a head start; it's about laying down the groundwork for a process that's overall less stressful and more rewarding! 🌟 Here's why diving in early is the key to success:

🔍 Explore Your Options: Early engagement means ample time to dive deep into researching colleges, their programs, cultures, and offerings. Starting early allows you the chance to find your perfect fit.
📝 Preparation for Standardized Tests: Taking the SAT or ACT? Need the time to figure out which one you're taking, or if you're testing at all? Give yourself the time to approach these exams with confidence and achieve your best possible score.
📄 Essay Writing: Depending on your college list, you may have anywhere from zero essays to 30+ essays and short responses (yes, really!). Crafting compelling essays takes time.
🎓 Build a Standout Application: From drafting essays to gathering recommendation letters and prepping any supplementary materials like portfolios or creative projects, early work means you can iterate, polish, and present your best self on paper.
📈 Time for Growth: Starting early isn't just about ticking off tasks - it's about growth. Whether it's improving grades, exploring new interests, or taking on leadership roles, the extra time allows you to showcase consistent development and commitment.
🗓️ Meeting Deadlines: Colleges have strict application deadlines. Starting early ensures you're not rushing to meet them, giving you a buffer to submit all materials well ahead of time.
💰 Securing Financial Aid: Financial aid and scholarships often have early deadlines. Allow yourself the chance to explore options, apply for aid, and avoid missing out on opportunities due to rushed decisions.

Starting early isn't just a tip; it's a strategy for success. It's about empowering yourself to make informed decisions, present your best self, and embark on your college journey feeling prepared and confident! ✨

High school seniors: checking your email and your college admissions portals regularly is a MUST! Your portals are a direct line to crucial updates on applications, interview invitations, scholarship opportunities, and those long-awaited admissions decisions.

The colleges you applied to want to communicate with you, and some of that communication is time sensitive. Don't let opportunities slip by; make it a habit to check in regularly and stay in the know. 📩✨

Hey parents and family members: Let's create a Thanksgiving space free from college chatter! 🦃🚫

As our college seniors navigate the complexity of applications and decisions, they're in a time of immense stress and uncertainty. Rather than diving into a college conversation, let's dive into their passions outside the classroom! What hobbies light up their days? What exciting plans do they have for the upcoming winter break? If they knew their college plans at this point, they'd eagerly share!

Follow their lead - and let's make this holiday about celebrating their individuality and dreams beyond academics. 🌟💭

Hi Seniors! 🎓 It's time to begin wrapping up those college applications! Finish your essays and give yourself enough time to hit submit with confidence. Even for those schools that don't have deadlines for a few weeks or months, there are often benefits to submitting sooner than later, including better consideration for scholarships, more availability for dorm selection, and of course, the sigh of relief when you are DONE with applications! ✨

Thinking about college encompasses more than just choosing classes; it's about planning for the costs too! Navigating college expenses is a crucial part of the college process, and thinking ahead can prepare you for the financial aspect of college.

Tools like the Net Price Calculator play a pivotal role by showing potential expenses, providing guidance for informed decisions, and ensuring a smoother path toward understanding what colleges you can afford. Exploring this tool for a variety of schools - an in-state public college, an out-of-state public college, and a private college - gives you a clearer picture of what to expect financially.

Google "[school name] net price calculator" to find a particular college’s calculator and begin planning for a smarter, well-prepared future!

Application season can be spooky, seniors 👻 but don’t be scared! You have one more day to submit your November 1 early action and/or early decision applications.

Applying early is a great way to show interest to a college (AND you'll hear back sooner!). If your apps are ready, get them in!

Building your college list is a crucial step in the college admissions process. It's like crafting your roadmap to the future, filled with institutions that match your goals, values, and aspirations.

A college should be more than academics; it should resonate with your values, ensuring that your education aligns with your principles and passions. Take the time to consider what matters most to you, explore your options, and create a list that sets you up for success. ✨

Freshmen, it's that time of year when you get to shape your academic path for next semester. 🌟

While planning your classes with your school counselor, remember to choose courses that truly align with your interests and long-term goals. Each class is an opportunity to explore your passions and develop essential skills so dive into subjects that ignite your curiosity and support your personal and academic growth.

Your freshman year classes are a big part of your transcript, which is the foundation for your college applications! 🎓

Hi - you're capable of amazing things.

(That's it. That's the post.)

It's officially crunch time, and for seniors, October can be an incredibly overwhelming month! With early deadlines coming up soon on October 15 and November 1, the essays, applications, and recommendation requests can seem like a mountain to climb.

Take it one day at a time, one step at a time. Break your tasks into manageable steps so you can cross a few tasks off your list each day. Trust in your abilities - before you know it, your applications will be complete!

Important FAFSA update! 📅 This year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens in December, not October, due to changes mandated by the FAFSA Simplification Act. While these changes aim to streamline the process in the long run, the new timeline means you'll have a shorter window to complete it. 🕒

The form typically opens on October 1, but as of right now, we don't have a precise open date yet. Experts are expecting an opening date in late December.

There may be confusion with priority deadlines listed on college websites and the timing of the FAFSA opening. Colleges are well aware of the changes and are working hard to adjust on their end. With the information I know now, it is my recommendation that students and their families fill out the FAFSA in early January - but more to come! 💰

Let's talk travel! 🛩💫 Did you know that visiting college campuses is an essential part of what I do as a counselor? (Lucky me, because I love to travel!) 🌟

For college consultants like me, jet-setting isn't just a passion; it's professional development! Exploring different colleges, meeting admissions counselors, and soaking in campus vibes is how I stay informed and provide YOU with the best guidance. ✈️🎓

I'm thinking about 2024... where do you think I should visit next?