Good News, Parents: Lessons to Ease the Transition to College Can be Taught!

/ The College Spy, LLC/
Good News, Parents: Lessons to Ease the Transition to College Can be Taught!

High school students who not only understand why it’s important to be self-sufficient in college but also know how to become independent decision-makers set themselves up to thrive in their first year of college. In this guest blog, Andrea Malkin Brenner, PhD discusses three areas where high school students can begin to build the adulting competencies that collegiate life requires, and suggestions for parents who want to help with skill-building.

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7 Things Every College Bound High School Junior Should Be Doing Right Now

/ The College Spy LLC/
7 Things Every College Bound High School Junior Should Be Doing Right Now

In addition to planning for junior prom and learning to parallel park, high school juniors should be doing these 7 things right now.

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Types of Federal Student Loans…Explained

/ The College Spy, LLC/
Types of Federal Student Loans…Explained

College students who apply for financial aid are likely to receive an aid package that includes at least some federal student loans. There are three types of federal loans that could be listed on the financial aid award: Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS loans. It is important to understand the differences between these three types of loans in order to decide if you want to accept them.

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Infographic: How to Research Colleges When You Can't Visit

/ The College Spy/
Infographic: How to Research Colleges When You Can't Visit

The best way to decide if a college is right for your student is to visit the campus, listen to the information session, take the tour and ask questions. Unfortunately, visiting colleges is not always an option. This infographic explains other ways to research colleges.

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Answer These 3 Questions BEFORE Starting Your College Search

/ The College Spy/
Answer These 3 Questions BEFORE Starting Your College Search

College is likely the first experience in which students have the opportunity to choose their learning and living environment. Taking time for reflection in order to understand their preferences will lead to better choices and happier college students.

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HELPING YOUR CHILD TUNE OUT THE NOISE

/ The College Spy, LLC/
HELPING YOUR CHILD TUNE OUT THE NOISE

As a college admissions consultant, I share my enthusiasm and genuine excitement about the college process with my students. Sometimes, I am greeted with an equal level of engagement and interest. Other times, I am met with disengaged students who are feeling stressed, frustrated or even angry. Why is this the case?

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Breaking Down the Common Application

/ The College Spy, LLC/
Breaking Down the Common Application

The Common Application is a single application that students can use to apply to over 900 colleges and universities. This is The College Spy’s description of the sections of the Common Application and tips on how to effectively response to each one.

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10 Things Your High School Senior Should Do Before School Starts

/ The College Spy, LLC/
10 Things Your High School Senior Should Do Before School Starts

Give your high school senior this checklist of college admissions tasks to complete before the school year begins. Completing these tasks early will reduce stress and help your family enjoy your child’s last year of high school.

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The Role of the Essay in Your College Application

/ The College Spy LLC/
The Role of the Essay in Your College Application

Writing a college application essay can be a stressful and time-consuming task. The writing process, including choosing a topic, will be easier if you start with a full understanding of how the college essay is used by college admissions officers.

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4 Things to Do When Your Daughter Gets Rejected by Her First-Choice College

/ The College Spy LLC/
4 Things to Do When Your Daughter Gets Rejected by Her First-Choice College

Your daughter is hoping for acceptance to her first-choice college, one that was chosen carefully after an exhausting college search. Here is what you should do if a rejection letter arrives.

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The Truth About Extracurricular Activities and Highly Selective Colleges

/ The College Spy/
The Truth About Extracurricular Activities and Highly Selective Colleges

Today’s well-rounded applicants are welcome at many colleges but the most selective schools prefer a different shape. They are prioritizing “pointy” students, those who have participated in several activities centered around a theme rather than a variety of disconnected activities. Elite colleges want students whose activities demonstrate commitment to a core interest, belief or pursuit.

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6 Things Every College Bound High School Junior Should Be Doing Right Now

/ The College Spy LLC/
6 Things Every College Bound High School Junior Should Be Doing Right Now

In addition to planning for junior prom and learning to parallel park, high school juniors should be doing these things right now.

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3 Things Your Student Should Do If They Receive A Letter Suggesting They Change Their College Application Status To Early Decision.

/ The College Spy/
3 Things Your Student Should Do If They Receive A Letter Suggesting They Change Their College Application Status To Early Decision.

Colleges are increasingly and strategically sending letters to students who have applied regular decision suggesting that they consider converting their application to early decision or “ED” status. Your student should do these 3 things if they receive one of those letters.

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Finding Your Student’s Best Fit College – How the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Can Help.

/ The College Spy/
Finding Your Student’s Best Fit College – How the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Can Help.

With over 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States, creating a short list of just 8-10 schools can be quite a challenge. The most effective tool I have found to aid students in understanding their personal preferences is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

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The College Tour: Never Too Early

/ The College Spy/
The College Tour: Never Too Early

I started my day in second grade. Then I went to college. Tomorrow, I am going to work -- The College Spy’s top reasons to visit colleges before junior year of high school.

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Long Drive. Short Flight.

/ The College Spy/
Long Drive. Short Flight.

When setting up the “guardrails” around your student’s college search, consider that a short flight, rather than a long drive could result in your student finding the college match of his or her dreams.

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The College Visit: Is The Chemistry Right?

/ The College Spy/
The College Visit: Is The Chemistry Right?

Choosing a college is about finding the right chemistry, feeling comfortable on campus and excited about the programs and opportunities offered. When you are there, you just know.

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My College Admissions Story

/ The College Spy/
My College Admissions Story

My college admissions story starts in 1992. I am a junior sitting in the high school auditorium with 400 fellow students. Six guidance counselors take turns telling us what we need to do to apply to college.

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