If you are a student, you are counting down the days until the end of the school year so you can take a break from academics, catch up on your sleep and hang out with your friends. If you are the parents of a student, you are concerned that your student will sleep until noon, then spend the rest of their day on some device, either playing video games or watching Netflix wasting valuable time that could be spent doing something that can go on a college application.

A balanced college list means that you have SAFETY schools, TARGET schools, and REACH schools on your list in the appropriate proportions. You can read more about that in this month’s blog.

One of the most important, if not THE MOST IMPORTANT, aspects of the college application process is finding a school that is a good fit for the student. We are going to focus only on the academic fit, and that begins with understanding the Academic Profile - of the student and the institution.

As students return from their holiday break, the conversations regarding course selections will quickly begin. This might possibly be one of the most stressful and contentious discussions between parents, students, and counselors that happens each year. It is often driven by fear and misinformation, and even with the best intentions doesn’t always have the intended results. These tips will address the most common questions parents and students voice concerning academic planning.

If you are a student, you are counting down the days until the end of the school year so you can take a break from academics, catch up on your sleep and hang out with your friends. If you are the parents of a student, you are concerned that your student will sleep until noon, then spend the rest of their day on some device, either playing video games or watching Netflix wasting valuable time that could be spent doing something that can go on a college application.

May 1. Decision Day. You have spent the better part of the last year pouring your heart and soul into your college applications. You have focused on getting good grades, challenged yourself with rigorous coursework, did your very best of standardized tests, put together compelling resumes, crafted authentic essays and did your very best to show admission officers why they should admit you to their institution.

Some did admit you, and now you are in a great position - YOU GET TO CHOOSE WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!