The transition from high school to college, often billed as a pivotal chapter in an individual's life, is more than just a mere change in the institutional hierarchy—it's a journey freighted with myriad questions, uncertainties, and intense aspirations. As someone who has navigated this path, I have long pondered the role of high school administrators in preparing their students for the challenges of higher education. Below, I chart my views on the issue, but I actually want to hear yours. I am emailing you today to learn more about how we can collaborate to best support your school’s college counseling office and, ultimately, your students.

As they stand on the cusp of adulthood, the...

Today, let's delve into a crucial aspect of the college search process: discovering your high school teen's possible college major.

Understanding the Four Pillars:

As we've discussed before, the college search process at Strategic Admissions Advice revolves around four key pillars. While cost and location are essential considerations, today, we focus on the third pillar: possible major.

Why Your Teen's Major Matters:

Do you know your teen's true strengths and academic interests? It's crucial for students to approach college with intentionality, understanding why they want to attend and, ideally, what they want to study. At Strategic Admissions, we utilize assessments to help identify strengths and...

Welcome back, parents! In our ongoing series on building a college list for your high school student, we delve into one of the crucial pillars: location. Last week, we discussed the four key pillars – location, possible major, understanding strengths and interests, and career choice. Today, let's focus on why location plays a pivotal role in shaping your teen's college experience.

Understanding the Energy of a Campus

Choosing a college isn't just about academic fit; it's about finding a community where your teen feels a sense of belonging. Whether virtually or in person, experiencing the energy of a campus is vital. We explore the importance of your teen feeling emotionally and...

Parents play a pivotal role in guiding their teen toward a successful future, and it all begins with understanding the fundamental pillars of college list building: cost, location, possible major, and possible career. In this blog post, we'll delve into the first pillar: cost. Remember, this is just one part of the larger college search process, and we'll cover the other pillars in subsequent posts.

Cost: The Cornerstone of College List Building:

In the realm of college search, cost stands tall as the number one pillar. The reality is, no matter your financial background, it's crucial to consider how much it will cost to educate your teen. The landscape of college expenses has evolved, and it's...

Welcome, parents of the Class of 2025! As your teen inches closer to the exciting journey of college admissions, it's crucial to shift gears and establish a strong partnership with your school counselor. 

Understanding the Role of Your School Counselor:

Your school counselor plays a pivotal role in guiding your teen through the college admissions process. As a former school counselor and college admissions officer, I always emphasize the importance of appreciating the procedures and protocols followed by the school's college counseling office. It's essential to view your school counselor as a valuable ally rather than pointing fingers for perceived shortcomings.

Building a Connection:

To make...

Today, I want to address the parents of current juniors – the class of 2025 – about a crucial aspect of their high school experience: academic planning.

Do you know what classes your teen is set to take next year? This seemingly simple question holds immense importance. Understanding your teen's academic path and its implications for the college process is a pivotal step in ensuring their future success. Join me as I share insights into why academic planning during junior year is vital and how it can significantly impact your teen's college applications.

The Reverse Evaluation Process: Understanding the College Perspective

Colleges often begin their evaluation process by looking...

Hello and Happy New Year to all the parents out there! 

As we usher in the new year, I want to extend my warm wishes, especially to parents of high school seniors. With graduation on the horizon, it's crucial to ensure that your child's college application journey is on the right track. 

In this week’s blog post, we'll discuss the importance of checking application portals and delve into the revamped Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Let's make 2024 a year of informed decisions and financial planning for your child's higher education.

The Application Portal Check

As parents, it's essential to play an active role in your child's college application process. Many...

As the holiday season wraps up and we bid farewell to the seniors of 2024 who have made their early decisions or early action applications, it's time for the junior class of 2025 to step into the spotlight. 

Today, I want to share with you why thinking about and planning for your high school junior's summer activities is crucial for their college applications.

Why Summer Matters

I understand that summer seems distant, almost six months away, but how your high school junior spends this time can significantly impact their college application. The pressure isn't on to enroll in an academic program or secure a high-profile internship. A traditional job or a refreshing, rejuvenating experience can...

 December marks a pivotal moment for high school seniors as Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) application decisions start rolling in. I'm Shereem Herndon-Brown, President CEO of Strategic Admissions Advice, and I understand the mix of excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty this season brings.  

Today let’s delve into the intricacies of deferrals and denials, providing clarity for parents navigating this crucial phase with their high school students.

The Rollercoaster of EA and ED Decisions

As the notifications flood in – the triumphant cheers of acceptance, the disappointing sting of denial, and the perplexing realm of deferral – it's easy to feel...

Happy holiday season! 

As we enter this festive season, it's also a crucial time for the junior class of 2025 as they receive their PSAT scores. In this blog post, we'll delve into the intricacies of these scores, shed light on the changing landscape of standardized testing, and guide you through the next steps.

The Digital Transformation of Standardized Testing

Your student, likely part of the first class to experience the digital PSAT, is witnessing a significant shift in testing dynamics. The SAT, a landmark test in our educational journey, is making the leap to digital formats starting in March 2024. While the PSAT was an introduction to this change, it's essential to understand that these...