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College campuses across the nation are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Do not worry if your Spring Break campus tour trip was canceled, preventing you from visiting a college campus. Here are some things you can do while taking an “E-Learning” break to experience a college campus. Research College Websites Research majors that might… Continue reading 3 Ways to (Virtually) Visit a College Campus

An Independent Educational Counselor (IEC) is an individual who is independent of high schools or colleges and are hired privately to provide expert college counseling assistance, working in the best interest of families.Professional OrganizationsReputable IEC’s belong to professional organizations such as Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and/or Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA). IECs must meet… Continue reading What is an Independent Educational Consultant?

May 1st is around the corner and that means high school seniors must send their housing deposit to the college of their choice. If a student fails to inform a school by this date, colleges will no longer guarantee their admission. Here are a few tips for a high school senior to make a proper… Continue reading How To Make a Final College Selection

As colleges begin to send out financial aid award letters, now is as a great time to discuss financial aid. Listed below are four types of ‘awards’ typically found on a financial aid letter. Scholarships A scholarship is merit based, meaning, students have accomplished something. This may include: Academics Standardized Test Score (ACT/SAT) Unique Talent… Continue reading What Goes Into a Financial Aid Award Package?

The term gap year came into America’s mainstream vocabulary last year with Malia Obama’s announcement that she will delay her entrance into Harvard until Fall 2017. An Australian and European mainstay, the gap year means an academic year spent between high school and the start of college to pursue enrichment opportunities. GAP YEAR EXAMPLES: Work… Continue reading Options to Delay College

The most frequently asked question I receive as an Independent College Counselor is, “Do you help with scholarships?” While 85% of all scholarships will be awarded from the colleges themselves, this does not mean students should not seek to win the estimated $3.3 billion awarded from private sources. With all that potential money available, along… Continue reading 4 College Scholarship Questions

Last September, President Obama announced his plan for earlier college financial aid. This means that families can now begin the FAFSA on October 1st. What is the FAFSA? It is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a government form that determines a family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and is used by colleges… Continue reading The New FAFSA

This Memorial Day weekend will mark the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. In honor of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” I felt it was only appropriate to write about Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, located just outside Terre Haute, Indiana. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin How many colleges can boast they have a saint on their campus?… Continue reading A College, a Roman Catholic Saint and the Indy 500

Showing a college you are smitten with them. Having no contact with a college until you apply for admission. That is the difference between Demonstrated Interest and a Stealth Applicant. What does it mean to demonstrate interest to ensure one is not a stealth applicant? Campus Visit The best way to demonstrate interest in a… Continue reading What is Demonstrated Interest?