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The Insider: Your Expert Guide to College Admissions -
College Admissions Consulting

Juniors: Are You Cultivating Strong Recommendation Letters?

female student online learning

by Lauren Randle, former admissions officer at Georgetown University

This year, perhaps more than ever, words matter. Your teacher’s words. About you. I’m talking about letters of recommendation, and the reason I am discussing this with high school juniors earlier than usual, is that this year presents a unique set of challenges (understatement of the century?). But it’s not just about recommendation letters. It’s about human connection—even in our current virtual world—and why college campuses may particularly appreciate this in prospective students. To the juniors out there, know that your current teachers have unique insight on how you conduct yourself and your learning in a challenging time, and colleges will be listening.

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March 11, 2021by Lauren Randle
College Applications

The Rise in College Applications and Avoiding the Panic

stamp-114438_1280

by Elizabeth Heaton, former admissions officer at University of Pennsylvania

The news on college applications can feel a little scary this year—applications are up in huge year-over-year numbers at Brown (26%), Oregon State (40%), UC Berkeley (28%), University of Pennsylvania (34%) and Colgate (100%!). How to account for these increases?

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February 16, 2021by Elizabeth Heaton
Applying for Financial Aid

COVID Relief Bill Changes How You’ll Pay for College

COVID Relief Bill Changes How You’ll Pay for College

by Shannon Vasconcelos, former financial aid officer at Tufts University

If you’ve been within shouting distance of a TV, computer, tablet, phone, or newspaper today, you’ve likely heard that Congress passed an omnibus spending bill last night, including a COVID relief package. What you may not have heard much about yet is a number of significant changes to federal financial aid programs included in the legislation.  More details will be forthcoming, and the bill is still pending President Trump’s signature, but, for now, here are the major provisions in the bill that may directly or indirectly affect how students and parents pay for college:

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December 22, 2020by Shannon Vasconcelos
College Loan Advice

Good News for Student Loan Borrowers!

Breaking News graphic

by Shannon Vasconcelos, former financial aid officer at Tufts University

Important news for student loan borrowers coming out of the Department of Education this weekend!

Secretary of Education Betsy Devos announced the extension of the automatic loan forbearance for federal student loan borrowers through January 31, 2021.  This forbearance was originally granted by the CARES Act and was scheduled to end September 30, 2020. President Trump later extended the forbearance by executive action through December 31, 2020, and Devos’ latest action ensures that struggling borrowers will not need to make payments prior to the new administration taking office in late January.

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December 7, 2020by Shannon Vasconcelos
College Visits

How to Check Out a College When You Can’t Visit

Campus visits are an invaluable way to learn about colleges—but they’re simply not an option right now at the majority of schools. So, how can you figure out if a college is a fit even if you can’t experience it in person?

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November 3, 2020by Emily Toffelmire
College Admissions Consulting

How Do Online and In-Person College Costs Compare?

taking notes

A guest post from Sabrina Manville, Co-founder and COO of Edmit

This fall, students of all ages have transitioned to virtual online learning in some format as a result of the global COVID pandemic—some by choice, and some not. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, which is tracking college reopening plans, 44% of colleges are fully or primarily online whereas only 27% are operating fully or primarily in-person (as of the time of writing). The remaining colleges are offering a mix of hybrid or blended options.

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October 22, 2020by Sabrina Manville
College Admissions Consulting

Declining College Enrollment? Initial Numbers are In!

empty college classroom

by Mary Sue Youn, former admissions officer at Barnard College

In July, I wrote in a blog post about a question we get often from current senior families:

“What will happen if a higher percentage of the class of 2020 takes a gap year? Won’t that mean that there will be fewer spots for the class of 2021?”

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September 30, 2020by Mary Sue Youn
College Admissions Consulting

Demystifying Test Optional During COVID-19

cancelled letterboard

by Sara Calvert-Kubrom, former admissions officer at Lewis & Clark College

As we field calls from high school seniors and their parents, we have noticed that there is substantial confusion and uncertainty about what “test optional” is, and how to navigate the college admission process during this time of extensive SAT and ACT exam cancellations. Here are some tips and insights to demystify the landscape of standardized testing and college admission for this year’s seniors and to empower you to make informed decisions:

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September 29, 2020by Sara Calvert-Kubrom
College Admissions Consulting

Supplemental Essays & Why This College Prompts; COVID’s Impact on College Finance; Goals for Juniors

In theory, college applications like the Common App, The Universal Application, and the Coalition App allow students to write one essay for all colleges. In practice, many colleges also require supplemental essays. We’ll tell you what these are and how to find them, and offer tips on writing the most common prompt—Why This College? We’re also discussing COVID-19’s impact on college finance based on what we are hearing from colleges and families. Finally, we’ll set some goals for juniors returning to high school.

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September 9, 2020by College Coach
College Admissions Consulting

Fall Standardized Testing Update; Listener Q&A

In terms of the college application process, almost nothing has been impacted quite as significantly by COVID-19 as standardized testing. A testing expert joins us to share her insights into what to expect when it comes to these evaluations this fall. In our second and third segments, we’re answering your questions related to college finance and admissions.

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September 2, 2020by College Coach
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The Insider: College Admissions Advice from the Experts is where College Coach experts weigh in on the latest college admissions topics. We cover everything from application timelines and strategies to tips on financing your child's education.

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