Colleges must revamp the career services they offer students, according to a new Gallup study produced in conjunction with Purdue University.
Although more than half of college graduates surveyed reported visiting their school’s career services office at least once, only 16 percent said the trip was helpful.
Continue reading Report: Colleges Must Do More to Prepare Grads for Workplace
NACAC member Ann McDermott wants students to put their best foot forward in the application process.
During a recent NPR broadcast, McDermott — director of admissions at the College of the Holy Cross (MA) — offered three simple tips for applicants: engage, reflect, and make your essay count.
Visiting campus and crafting a thoughtful personal statement show college officials that students are seriously considering their school.
But before teens begin submitting applications, they should make time for personal reflection, McDermott said.
Continue reading Member View: Personal Reflection is Key in College Search
Looking for a meaningful way to share your expertise with college admission professionals from across the country?
Submit a proposal to present at NACAC’s 2017 National Conference, scheduled Sept. 14-16 in Boston.
Continue reading Submit a Proposal for NACAC’s 2017 National Conference
Enjoying winter break?
So are we. NACAC offices are closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 2.
Check back for a new post on Jan. 3. Until then, enjoy these top stories from 2016.
How much sway should a student’s extracurricular activities have on college admission?
It’s a question that has been posed with increasing frequency over the last few years, and one that will likely continue to prompt discussions among families and admission professionals in the months ahead.
In a recent profile of Richard Weissbourd published by The Atlantic, the Harvard University psychologist lays out his case for reimagining the admission process. Weissbourd helped write the Turning the Tide report published last year and has been a longtime proponent of educational and parenting practices that emphasize the importance of nurturing compassionate children.
Continue reading Debate Continues Over Extracurriculars and College Admission
Admission professionals who are diligently working to build a freshman class face increasing challenges, data suggests.
For the Fall 2016 cycle, only 37 percent of colleges reported meeting their enrollment goals by May 1, according to Inside Higher Ed’s annual Survey of College and University Admissions Directors.
The results stem from answers from 339 admission directors at both two- and four-year institutions, and suggest that it’s getting tougher for admission professionals to lock in their freshman class.
In the previous year, 41 percent of respondents had met their enrollment goals by May 1.
Continue reading Survey: Colleges Taking Longer to Meet Enrollment Targets
Transportation and law enforcement majors are seeing declining enrollments at America’s community colleges, while history and math programs remain popular among students at two-year schools.
Those findings are included in a new report released this week by the National Student Clearinghouse.
Continue reading New Report Highlights Popular Community College Majors
A growing number of states are using government and philanthropic funds to bring more counselors into public schools.
The trend is outlined in a recent Education Week article by reporter Catherine Gewertz.
“The counseling initiatives are far from the biggest-ticket items in states’ budgets,” she writes. “But they’re a significant sign of a renewed commitment to school counseling, which took particularly heavy hits in layoffs driven by the Great Recession eight years ago.”
Want to learn about findings from NACAC’s annual State of College Admission report?
David Hawkins, the association’s executive director of educational content and policy, shared insights from the report and talked about trends in the college admission profession this week on Admissions Live.
The hour-long episode is now available online.
Continue reading ICYMI: Learn More About NACAC’s State of College Admission Report
A new process will make it easier for students to receive accommodations on College Board exams.
Starting Jan. 1, students who are approved for testing accommodations through an Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan will automatically be cleared to have those same accommodations on College Board tests, including the SAT and Advanced Placement exams.
Officials say the move will reduce approval time and help students receive the support they need to do their best on the tests.
Continue reading College Board Streamlines Requests for Testing Accommodations