New School College Counseling

05/02/2026

https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/college-admissions-yield-rate-2fb30f42?st=JbNUwQ&reflink=article_imessage_share

Schools are pushing to get commitments from prospective students sooner, adding new early-admission rounds, and using wait lists aggressively.

04/14/2026

04/06/2026

Waitlisted… Now What? (For Parents)
If your child was waitlisted at a top-choice college, take a deep breath—this is not a rejection. It means the school believes your student is qualified… they just don’t have space right now.
Here are 4 simple steps to help your student navigate this:
👉 1. Send a Letter of Continued Interest
Encourage your student to share updates since applying—grades, activities, awards, jobs—and reaffirm their interest.
👉 2. Visit Campus (If You Can)
If possible, visit or revisit. Some schools give as little as 48 hours to accept a waitlist spot, so being prepared helps.
👉 3. Commit by May 1
Have your student choose a school where they’ve been accepted and submit their deposit. Attend admitted student events—you may be surprised how excited they become.
And remember the idea behind "Love the One You’re With" this school already believes in your child and their potential.
👉 4. Be Patient
Most waitlist movement happens after May 1, once colleges know how many students are enrolling.
Final thought:
Your student will land where they are meant to be—and they can thrive at more than one college. 💙

03/25/2026

At large flagship universities, one of the most important, and often overlooked, factors is "fit to major."
At many of these schools, you’re not just applying to the university, you’re applying directly to a specific college or major (think engineering, business, computer science, etc.). And here’s the reality: admission standards can vary dramatically between majors at the same university.
A student who might be admitted to the university overall could be denied from a more competitive major, or even the entire school, if their academic profile and experiences don’t align with that program.
That’s why “fit to major” matters so much:
✔️ Your coursework should reflect genuine preparation (rigor + relevance)
✔️ Your activities should show interest and exploration in that field
✔️ Your story should make sense — why this major, and why you?
This isn’t about having everything figured out at 16 or 17. It’s about showing direction and authentic curiosity.
At large flagships especially, strong applicants aren’t just high achievers — they’re students who have started to connect their academic choices, extracurriculars, and future goals into a cohesive narrative.
Bottom line: It’s not just “Can you get in?”
It’s “Can you get in for what you want to study?”
That distinction can make all the difference.

Deciding how to match your activities to your major is something I can help with. Whether it is recommending a community college class, summer program, internship or job shadowing, making those connections is important.

04/16/2025

🎓 Letters of Recommendation: What Students (and Parents) Should Know ✍️

College essays, test scores, transcripts... we talk about those all the time. But letters of recommendation? They’re one of the most important (and most overlooked!) parts of the application.

🔹 Why they matter:
A strong recommendation gives colleges insight into the real you—how you think, how you treat others, how you show up in class. It’s a chance for teachers to say, “This student made a difference.”

🔹 When to start:
Start thinking about who to ask in the spring of junior year. Keep showing up and participating—this is your time to leave a lasting impression.

🔹 Who to ask:
Pick 11th-grade teachers from core subjects who know you well. Someone who’s seen you grow, lead, or help others. Bonus if you’ve had real conversations outside of class.

🔹 How to ask:
Ask in person. Tell them why you’re asking them specifically. Mention something meaningful about your time in their class. And then ask, “Would you consider writing me a strong letter of recommendation for college?”

🔹 Pro tip:
If your school requires a brag sheet, resume, or form—get it done early. And don’t forget to say thank you. A handwritten note goes a long way!

✨ Recommendations give your application heart, context, and credibility. Choose wisely and ask thoughtfully—and they just might become your secret weapon in college admissions.

03/19/2025

How to Make Your Final College Decision: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

College decisions are coming in, and now it’s time to choose where to enroll. While this is an exciting moment, it can also feel overwhelming. The best college for you isn’t just about rankings—it’s about where you’ll thrive academically, socially, and financially.

If you're still deciding, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make a confident choice.

Step 1: Revisit Your Priorities

Ask yourself:
✅ Does the school offer strong programs in your major (or flexibility if undecided)?
✅ Do you prefer a large university or a smaller, close-knit campus?
✅ Is the location right for you—big city, college town, or close to home?
✅ Will the extracurriculars and student culture be a good fit?

Sometimes, your priorities change during the process, and that’s okay!

Step 2: Compare Costs

Beyond tuition, consider:
💰 Housing, meal plans, and personal expenses
📚 Books, supplies, and potential travel costs
🎓 Scholarships and grants—are they renewable?

If finances are a concern, reach out to financial aid offices—many offer additional scholarships or adjustments.

Step 3: Attend Admitted Student Events

These events help you:
✔️ Experience campus life firsthand
✔️ Meet future classmates and professors
✔️ Get insights from current students

If possible, visit campus again before deciding.

Step 4: Join Instagram & Social Media Groups

Most colleges have Class of 2029 Instagram groups where admitted students connect. Also, check out:
📲 Reddit, Discord, and TikTok for student perspectives
👥 Facebook groups for housing and roommate searches

Seeing how engaged and excited current students are can be a great indicator of fit.

Step 5: Think About Fit and Feel

Beyond academics, consider:
🏡 Campus environment—can you see yourself living there?
🍽️ Dorm life and dining options—are they comfortable and appealing?
📍 Social and extracurricular scene—does it match your interests?

If you’re still torn, trust your gut—sometimes, the right choice just feels right.

Step 6: Consider Career and Academic Opportunities

It’s never too early to think about your career! Look into:
🎓 Internship and job placement rates
🌍 Study abroad and research opportunities
🤝 Alumni network—how strong is the school’s industry connection?

If grad school is in your future, think about which school best sets you up for that path.

Step 7: Make a Pros and Cons List

If you're undecided, writing things down can bring clarity. Also, talk to:
👩‍🏫 School counselors
👨‍👩‍👧 Parents and mentors
📞 Current students

Step 8: Make Your Decision and Celebrate!

🎉 Submit your deposit by May 1
📩 Let other colleges know you’re declining their offer
🏡 Start preparing for this exciting next chapter!

Remember, there’s no one “perfect” college—only the best one for you. Trust yourself, and embrace the journey ahead!

03/12/2025

Attention High School Juniors! 🎓✨ If you're planning on applying to college, now is the time to focus! Here are 6 things you should be doing right now to stay on track:

1. Keep Up Your Grades 📚 – These are the last grades that will go on your college applications, so finish strong! Every semester counts.

2. Take the SAT/ACT (or Plan Accordingly) ✍️ – If you haven’t already, register for a spring or summer test date. Even if a school is test-optional, strong scores can set you apart.

3. Build Your College List 🏫 – Research schools that fit your academic and personal preferences. Think about size, location, programs, and campus vibe!

4. Visit Colleges (Virtually or In-Person) 🚗💻 – Spring and summer are great times to visit campuses and get a feel for different schools. If you can’t visit, check out virtual tours.

5. Plan Your Summer ☀️ – Whether it’s a job, internship, volunteer work, travel, or taking a class, make your summer productive and meaningful. Colleges love to see how you spend your time!

6. Bonus Tip: Ask teachers for letters of recommendation before the school year ends. The earlier, the better!

Tag a junior who needs to see this! 💡💙

02/13/2025

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdailytrojan.com%2F2025%2F02%2F12%2F227041%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0-XN6ioMp6INH_TtV1rZgD08UeA882RD3eMxnc479uLJIhCtdcuqYH3lQ_aem_FlqEGCHxHoJIcDxvlhhnYw&h=AT3Cw95t8XmzQebd-7oyAg34lb94xLqVpC94xMNrNABQ_Db-m8ohtVxOkqQ1XzqW6jEpWgJw1hBf_CLgncC__pLqR1H2H5MqnFEw70dx2ina5fr9JllkPcBUmd4-&s=1

The University received about 83,000 applicants for the incoming freshman class.

01/15/2025

What to Do if You are Deferred by a College

Receiving a deferral from a college where a senior applied early action or early decision can be discouraging. Here are some steps to take:

Stay Positive and Reflect: Understand that a deferral signifies that the college sees potential in your application. Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments and maintain a positive mindset as you move forward.

Read the Deferral Letter Carefully:
Pay close attention to the details of their instructions and follow any guidance they provide to the letter:

* Does the college require mid-year grades to be submitted? If so, do they want an official transcript sent by your high school counselor? Or will they accept an unofficial transcript from you by email or through their portal?

* Do they offer an opportunity to provide an update or “letter of continued interest (LOCI)?” Do they instruct that this should be submitted on their portal? Is there a word count or space limit?

Or do they encourage an email? Do they specify a timeframe or deadline for this update? (I usually recommend the third or fourth week of January.) Do they limit the topics of the update to purely academic accomplishments and test scores, or do they invite information about other developments or achievements?

Submit New Test Scores:
If you took a standardized test after your initial application submission and raised your score, submit that information through the portal or by requesting an official score submission from the testing company, whichever the college prefers.
Write an Update or Letter of Continued Interest if Permitted:
Compose a concise and sincere message reiterating your enthusiasm for attending the college. Mention any updates or recent achievements in your academic or extracurricular life. Did your robotics or soccer team win or medal in a tournament? Did your club complete a fundraising effort? Did you publish an article in your local newspaper? Were you selected or elected to a new leadership role? Share about the progress you are making on an academic or personal project or in an extracurricular activity. Where possible, quantify your achievements.

Strengthen Your Academic Performance:
Demonstrating an upward trend or sustained achievement in your grades will strengthen your application. If you have midterms coming up, they are an opportunity to solidify or improve your semester grades!

Seek Additional Recommendations:
If appropriate and permitted by the college, consider asking for an additional letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor who can provide *new* insights into your qualifications and character.

Continue Exploring Other College Options:
While it's important to remain hopeful about your deferred school, also continue to explore and apply to other colleges that interest you. Keeping your options open ensures that you'll have choices when decision time arrives.

Remember, a deferral is just one step in the admissions process. By taking proactive measures and staying optimistic, you can improve your chances of a favorable outcome in the regular decision round.