Everyone knows that the college application process can be emotional for students.
But what about their parents? What hopes and fears do they have for their children?
NACAC member Brennan Barnard, director of college counseling at the Derryfield School (NH), recently asked moms and dads to share their outlook.
He published the answers in a recent Washington Post column.
Continue reading Parents of College-Bound Students Share Their Hopes and Fears
First Lady Michelle Obama used NACAC data Friday to help shine a spotlight on the importance of school counselors.
The comments were woven into Obama’s remarks honoring 2017 School Counselor of the Year Terri Tchorzynski.
“A recent study showed that students who met with a school counselor to talk about financial aid or college were three times more likely to attend college and they were nearly seven times more likely to apply for financial aid,” Obama said, referencing a NACAC report released last month. “Our school counselors are truly among the heroes of the Reach Higher story.”
Continue reading Michelle Obama Cites NACAC Data in White House Remarks
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
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
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
A group of 30 selective colleges has launched a new alliance aimed at expanding access to postsecondary education.
The American Talent Initiative (ATI) — whose founding members include several Ivy League and public flagship universities — seeks to bring a total of 50,000 low- and moderate-income students to universities with graduation rates of least 70 percent by 2025.
Continue reading New Alliance Formed to Address College Access
NACAC’s annual State of College Admission report features up-to-date information about the admission process for first-time freshmen, transfer, and international students in the US.
Delve into top findings Monday during a special Admissions Live episode. David Hawkins, NACAC’s executive director of educational content and policy, will share insights from the report and talk about trends in the college admission profession. The episode kicks off at 1 p.m. (ET).
Continue reading Learn More About NACAC’s State of College Admission Report