AUGUST ROUNDUP NEWS, TIPS, & RESOURCES FROM BRIGHT FUTURES COLLEGE CONSULTING

Welcome back to school (or your kitchen table) after a very non-traditional summer!  Families have told us they're feeling overwhelmed with ever-changing information and burned out on screen-time: Zoom, webinars, Skype, and apps. It's a lot!   Let us cut through all the noise and simplify your college planning and application process.  We will guide you each step of the way. Working with a Bright Futures College Counselor means that you'll have an expert on your team advising you through the high school years, college application process, and transition into college.

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CLASS OF 2020

COLLEGE FRESHMAN We've heard that you are making the most of a very unusual start to college! We applaud you and your families for pioneering this journey. It's not always smooth sailing, so prioritize your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.  Visit your professors during office hours and utilize programs like fitness classes, tutoring, religious orgs, and counseling to ensure your well-being.   Please keep in touch – we love to hear from you!  Parents, here is some solid advice from Dr. Dennard.

CLASS OF 2021

SENIORS Take a breath :) You've made incredible progress on your essays and applications this summer! A few of you already have letters of admission arriving in your mailbox!  Continue to engage with your colleges… Read their emails, attend virtual information sessions, visit virtual college fairs, and go on virtual school visits. This is crucial to demonstrate interest and increase your chances of admission.  Check the colleges' websites for a list of their virtual events, and/or click here to register for the NACAC Virtual College Fair on Sept. 13, Oct. 12, Oct. 18, or Nov. 8.  The SAT and ACT have been cancelled for many locations, and you may be wondering if you should even take the test now. Colleges have their own policies on testing this year (some more flexible than others). Learn the policies of your colleges, and discuss this decision with your Bright Futures Counselor.   For those of you choosing not to submit an SAT or ACT score, we've compiled these tips to help your application stand-out in the holistic review process.  Weighing the decision to apply “Early Decision” or “Early Action” is one of our favorite resources. We know there are a lot of "moving parts" in this process, especially this year. Your application strategy and timeline is tailored to you, so it's vital that you stay connected with your Bright Futures Counselor and follow through on your tasks. Remember the PSAT? Well, the PSAT National Merit Semifinalist Cutoffs were leaked early this year (official press release on 9/9). Here is the early data rolling in. Check to see if your score qualifies you for this competition (which means some serious scholarship opportunities!)

Know A Senior Who Could Use Some Help? We offer "hourly services" to ensure applications and essays are error-free and that students are strategizing to increase chances of admission. Pricing and more information, click here or respond directly to this email for more information.

CLASS OF 2022

JUNIORS This is an important year (you already know that). While you are adjusting to a new learning environment, don’t neglect your college search! Attend virtual information sessions offered through college websites or your high school and attend virtual college fairs. Stay open-minded and identify your “fit factors”.  Many parents and students alike think that to cultivate a successful future, they need to attend a prestigious, highly ranked school. Sometimes an Ivy League College is a good fit academically, financially, and socially for a student. But only a mere 5% of Ivy league university applicants are admitted. Therefore, every Ivy League applicant needs a backup plan. Learn what we suggest our students use for their backup plan (hint: it’s often more affordable than Ivy Leagues). You can listen to Dr. Dennard dive more in depth about this topic here. Pro tip: Zoom-brain is real, so don’t do more than 1 or 2 college info sessions a week and take notes! Attendance at these “events” demonstrate interest, which increases your chances of admission. Check the colleges' websites for a list of their virtual events, and/or click here to register for the NACAC Virtual College Fair on Sept. 13, Oct. 12, Oct. 18, or Nov. 8.  Fall SAT/ACT questions? Here is a great article with detailed information.

CLASS OF 2023

SOPHOMORES Take initiative in creative ways and find opportunities to learn more about careers that interest you. Start a dog-walking business, volunteer regularly at the foodbank, write a blog, start a club, but most importantly… Document it all on your resume! Soph Parents: start thinking about your 2021 financial moves! Believe it or not, but Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 will be the year that colleges will use to assess your need for financial assistance (through the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile). Make any changes in 2020 in order to position yourself for maximum aid. Click here for more tips on preparing financially for college.

CLASS OF 2024

FRESHMEN What do your choices this year mean for college admissions 3 years from now?  We recommend working backwards and start setting goals and establishing study habits now. Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of our goal setting series over on the Self-Accepted podcast.

*NEW EPISODE* SELF-ACCEPTED PODCAST Students and families all over the world covet acceptance into Ivy League Colleges. But will a highly-ranked school really lead to your student’s brightest future?  In this episode, we’ll uncover whether highly selective universities and colleges in the prestigious Ivy League are really worth their weight in gold. We’ll also consider how to get an Ivy League equivalent education on a public university budget.

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