How to Reduce the “Yuck” in Preparing for the SAT & ACT

The SAT and ACT are unlike tests students see in high school.  First, teenagers will need to be awake at 7:45 am on a Saturday morning, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, knowing the score will play a role (although how large is unknown) in determining their competitiveness for admissions to colleges of their choice.  Second, teenagers…

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“Demonstrated Interest” & College Admissions

Parents know from experience that relationships and networks can create opportunities in the job world.  Often, moms and dads will apply this same “build a relationship” thinking to the college admissions process, to try and gain an advantage for their rising Senior student.  The theory is that the more the kid makes himself/herself known to…

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“Study Abroad” May Not Mean What You Think

“Study abroad” in college can have multiple definitions.  Not every student will immerse themselves for a year at a foreign university, studying concepts in a foreign language.   Universities are expanding the range of opportunities to travel and study abroad, as well as varying the duration of programs.  Summers, spring breaks, semesters-long, month long trips between…

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The Waiting Game

I sometimes wonder what’s more stressful for Seniors and their families–applying to college or the months long wait for responses from the colleges.   At least with applying, there’s a deadline, a definite end point to the frenzied energy.  Plus, the activity of writing essays and collecting letters of recommendation, completing the application keeps one…

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The California State University System Changes Graduation Requirements

The California State University (CSU) trustees recently voted at their last meeting to cap the number of units needed for graduation to 120 for campuses with semesters and 180 for colleges using academic quarters.  For students, this may mean reduced number of years to complete general education and major requirements for graduation.  Be sure to…

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College Admissions Can Test Even Your Last Nerve

Colleges that don’t have early admissions deadlines sometimes review applications in batches and send out acceptances AND denials in groups, starting in the fall and winter, even though the admissions office website says that admissions decisions will be sent in March or April.   There may be no particular rhyme or reason why some applications…

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No Free Lunch: A Student Loan Borrower’s Tale

My student loans were just paid-off this year–13 years after I first assumed them**.  I originally borrowed $18,500 to pay for graduate school, plus a $740 loan origination fee.  I ended up repaying about $29,500, which includes interest and principal–approximately $10,260 was paid in interest alone. I’m not particularly attentive to my expenses or money…

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