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

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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

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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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Taking A Gap Year Between High School and College: Six Reasons to Defer Admission after Acceptance to College and Two Reasons to Think Twice

/ The College Spy, LLC/
Taking A Gap Year Between High School and College: Six Reasons to Defer Admission after Acceptance to College and Two Reasons to Think Twice

It is possible to accept admission to a college and then request postponement of the start date for a semester or a year. Consider these factors when deciding whether deferral of admission is right for you.

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HELPING YOUR CHILD TUNE OUT THE NOISE

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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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10 Things Your High School Senior Should Do Before School Starts

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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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Extracurricular Activities During COVID-19

/ The College Spy/
Extracurricular Activities During COVID-19

Summer activities feature prominently in the “activities” section of college applications and help college admissions staff determine which students will be a good fit for their campus. Unfortunately, COVID-19 will likely alter teens’ summer plans, leaving many parents and students worried about missing opportunities to showcase their skills, interests and talents. Think of the quarantine as an opportunity to do something unique that will set your application apart from others in the pile.

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Three Myths About College Visits…Debunked!

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Three Myths About College Visits…Debunked!

The College Spy debunks three myths about the college tour that might keep you from taking advantage of this key element of your college search.

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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 High School Students Should Think About When Searching for Summer Jobs

/ The College Spy/
3 Things High School Students Should Think About When Searching for Summer Jobs

The key to getting the most out of a summer job is to think ahead about what the job will do for you aside from providing you with spending money. A summer job can also boost your self-esteem, introduce you to a potential future career and help you get into college. Before you run out and take the first job you can find, here are some things to consider when choosing your summer job.

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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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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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