5 Tips for Academic Planning Success
While seniors are fighting back senioritis, other high school students are starting to think about what their class schedules will look like next year. If you’re a current freshman, sophomore, or junior here are five tips for academic planning success:
1.Consider your current major/career goals
Are you the next Freud? Then you may want to incorporate AP Psychology into your schedule. Do your plans involve majoring in business? If so, it may make sense to choose calculus over statistics. If a science-related degree is in your future, shoot for those rigorous science classes.
This allows colleges to see that you’re challenging yourself in areas related to your intended major. It also gives them a peek into how you handle the rigorous coursework. Your experiences in those major-related classes can often come in handy when it’s time to write supplemental essays too!
2.Consider your strengths
Maybe you’re planning to apply to college as an undecided major or are currently deciding between approximately 17 very different options - that’s totally understandable! In that case, I’d suggest thinking about your strengths: where are you currently seeing the highest grades? Which classes are you enjoying the most? It probably makes sense to try to challenge yourself by moving up a level in those areas.
3.Consider what your transcript looks like right now
When reviewing transcripts, admissions counselors often look at the student’s trajectory over the last few years. The goal is to show an upward trajectory in grades and rigor but that can be achieved in many different ways. It all depends on the student’s situation.
Are you a current sophomore with straight As that has only taken on-level classes? It sounds like it’s time to tackle a few honors and/or AP classes. Did you have a bumpy experience in ninth grade? Don’t be afraid to stick with on-level classes and aim for stronger grades sophomore year!
4.Consider options outside of the classes your high school offers
Every high school offers a different set of classes - the majority of the time students don’t need to go beyond what’s offered. However, don’t forget that it is an option!
Perhaps you’re a budding programmer outside the classroom but your school doesn’t offer AP Computer Science. Look into taking the class at accredited online high schools instead. Even if your high school doesn’t allow outside classes to be counted towards graduation requirements, it will still be seen on your college applications.
5.Consider what else you have on your plate
Academics is only one part of high school - when putting together your schedule think about what else you’ll have on your plate next year. Seniors, remember that writing colleges essays takes up time during the fall semester! Juniors, remember that you’ll likely be studying for the ACT/SAT during the school year. Make sure that your schoolwork won’t be overwhelming when added to your other responsibilities and that you leave time to have fun too!
This Winter Break Go For The Gold!
Simply Admissions’ career coach, Anne Shields, is guest blogging this month. While these recommendations are meant for current college students, it’s likely that high school students will find them helpful as well!
Do you strive for excellence? Cross all the Ts and dot all the Is? Would you settle for an “OK” performance? How about a “not bad?” No chance of that happening, right? If you have the rubric, you’ll check all the boxes for your best possible outcome.
All students treasure the downtime of winter break, and for good reasons. It is a time to sleep in, celebrate holidays with family, and hand out with friends. Nice, but pretty typical. If this is all you do, you’ll get an “average” outcome for your break from college.
But you aren’t a “bronze” medal kind of person. This December, consider investing some time in yourself, move beyond the crowd. Here’s the rubric to get you at a silver or gold medal. Show us what you’ve got!
Do all of these for silver medal:
__ Read for fun
__ Brainstorm summer experiences, work, or internships and come up with three viable options
__ Talk to three people about their work and how they picked their career field
__ Thank anyone who has provided any kind of recommendation for you this year
Don’t stop now! Do five more for the gold medal!
__ Make the world a bit better (walk a neighbor’s dog, pick up some trash, smile at a stranger, do
something to pay it forward)
__ Spend thirty minutes working on an unfamiliar computer skill
__ Research two fellowships/scholarships
__ Create or update your resume for a summer internship or part time job
__ Watch three YouTube videos on interviewing skills
__ Attend a local alumni event
__ Practice interviewing with a friend or family member
__ Apply to three summer experiences (jobs, academic programs, internships)
__ Create or update your LinkedIn profile
__ Talk to at least 2 more people about their work and how they picked their career field
Invest in yourself, you are worth it!
Career-opoly
Simply Admissions’ career coach, Anne Shields, is guest blogging this month with a fun exercise for current college students!
The skills and processes students learn and use for college exploration, decision making, and application will be used repeatedly during college as they explore, experiment, and finally choose one or more paths to follow post-college.
All learning, all trying, all choices made - whether or not the results are what was hoped for or expected - matter. Some paths, decided on early, don't lead to the place one imagined. Others, seemingly unlikely, lead to exciting options never previously considered. Remember this on your journey:
Experimenting is a good thing.
"Failure" can hold success within it.
Vicarious learning saves time and energy: talk to others who have adventured before you. Learn from alumni and others working in fields that interest you.
Work smarter, not harder.
This game board provides the year-to-year landmarks to pass from one fall semester to the next. Students using this map will learn more than can be imagined, enjoy the generosity of alumni mentors, and be confident that the path they follow will be the best ones for who they have grown to be as graduating seniors.
Enjoy the adventures!
Do I Need to Complete the CSS Profile?
While most families know about the FAFSA, many are surprised to learn they might have to complete the CSS Profile as well. In preparation for the 2022-2023 CSS Profile (and FAFSA) opening on October 1st, I’ll be answering some CSS Profile FAQs.
What is the CSS Profile?
CSS Profile stands for College Scholarship Service Profile. The information from the CSS Profile is used to award institutional need-based aid. Since the CSS Profile is administered by the College Board, students will use their College Board account to complete the CSS Profile.
Do I need to complete the CSS Profile?
That depends on which colleges are on your list! You can see the complete list colleges that require the CSS Profile here.
Just like the FAFSA, even if you do not believe that you are eligible for need-based aid, there is no harm in submitting it. Certain schools require the CSS Profile & FAFSA to be on file for merit aid purposes as well.
How do the CSS Profile & FAFSA vary?
The differences tend to impact students most when parents are divorced. That is because the CSS Profile typically requires the non-custodial parent’s financial information. Currently, the FAFSA only requires the custodial parent’s information.
The CSS Profile also goes into more detail about the family’s financial situation. For example, the CSS Profile asks for information regarding any businesses owned by the parent(s) and significant medical expenses. Depending on the student’s situation, additional details like this may help or hurt the student’s eligibility when it comes to need-based aid.
Lastly, while the FAFSA is free to submit there is a charge to submit the CSS Profile. It costs $25 to send to the first college and $16 for each additional college.
When should I complete the CSS Profile?
Every college is going to have its own priority deadline, which you can find on their website. Simply Admissions clients will also find those priority dates on their application trackers by October 1st.
What should I do after I complete the CSS Profile?
Once you submit the CSS Profile, students should look at their dashboard to see if there are any next steps and/or further documentation required. Certain colleges may ask you to submit documents to the Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC) or through the college’s own applicant portal.
If you still have unanswered questions, Simply Admissions is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Career Coach
Simply Admissions’ career coach, Anne Shields, is guest blogging this month! Below are 12 helpful questions to ask when hiring a career coach (and Anne’s own responses to those questions).
How can my high school or college student benefit from working with a career coach? Your student will get personalized attention from a professional career coach trained to help young adults identify their strengths, interests, and self-perceived limitations. I will guide them through the overwhelming process of exploring a range of career options and the majors which will help prepare them for a successful launch from college. I’ll guide the discussion about how volunteering and interning build the on-the-job skills employers want. They will gain confidence in their decisions during college and beyond.
Do you offer a free 30-minute consultation/exploratory session before I commit? Yes. I believe it is essential that we both understand the student’s goals and how I will support their efforts. Chemistry and “fit” between us are vital to their short- and long-term success and satisfaction.
Will you individualize the coaching plan for my student’s specific needs? Absolutely yes! Together we’ll discuss a strategy that will move them steadily through an exploration and decision-making process. We will design it and the pace of its progress based on their needs.
Which assessments do you use in your coaching? Are you certified to use them? I am certified to use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Strong Interest Inventory, and the FIRO-B. I may also recommend other assessment tools if your student might find the insight helpful.
Are all fees involved stated in writing upfront, indicating which services I will receive? Yes. There are no hidden costs. Should you later want to explore other services, we will discuss any additional charges.
How long have you been a coach, and what did you do before going into career coaching? What were your training and education? I have been a career coach for over 30 years, working primarily within a college/university career center. My graduate degree is in higher education (administration, counseling, and adolescent development). I hold the Board-Certified Coach and Associate Certified Coach credentials.
Does this coach’s style fit well with my student’s? A level of trust and compatibility needs to exist to gain the maximum benefit from the coaching relationship. If, after our free exploratory session, your student is not comfortable, they may want to meet with other coaches to find someone with whom they“click.”
Will you write or rewrite my student’s cover letters and resume? No, I’ll provide instruction, guidance, and support, but I do not write these critical documents for clients. I believe that this is a “teach them to fish” opportunity—your student must learn to create these documents themselves as they will have many more job searches in their future! *
Will you provide me with references from clients who have used your coaching service? Certainly!
Do you guarantee he will find suitable employment within a specific timeframe? No, I do not provide any guarantees. Career development and job search are very personal endeavors. They can be influenced by factors both in and out of my control--time committed to skill-building, experiential learning, job market fluctuations, etc.
Do you belong to any professional associations, and do you adhere to their ethical guidelines for career coaching? I am a member of both IFC and the NCDA; both organizations require strict adherence to their ethical guidelines.
Do you regularly attend professional conferences or training workshops to keep up with coaching skills, the job market, and best practices for career development and job search? I am constantly learning through reading, training, webinars, and networking with colleagues. Because the world of work is in constant flux, it is essential to keep up with emerging trends.
*Research suggests that Americans of all ages change jobs every 4.2 years and may have 3-7 career changes over a working life.
Interested in working with a career coach? Schedule a complimentary consultation with Anne today!
College Admissions M&M
Fellow Grey’s Anatomy fans may remember the episode where the hospital conducted an “M&M” (morbidity & mortality conference) to discuss what happened in a patient’s case. With this unique admissions season finally behind us, I thought it may be helpful to do our own version of an M&M.
For optimal graph viewing, I wrote the blog post on Medium. Click here to view the complete post.
Summer Sanity Bucket List
We have another guest blog writer this month, Anne Shields! Anne is Simply Admission’s new career coach. You can learn more about her background here. We’re very excited to have Anne on our team!
You’ve worked HARD for four years. And, if you are taking AP tests, it’s still not over. The end is in sight though – take a couple of deep breaths and bask in your success!
So now what? It’s all done, right? You’ve paid the deposit, worn the t-shirt, and thanked your rec letter writers. Except…remember when summer seemed to last forever? This one will fly by as it’s packed with everything you want to do before heading to campus. Your life has been focused on getting into college. What follows is a checklist to prepare you for being in college. Consider it a pragmatic bucket list of summer to-do items that will smooth out the hectic first week on campus. Invest a bit of time on these and you’ll go a long way in preparing yourself for your future independence and responsibilities.
1. Create a Budget. You’ve figured out how the big college costs will be covered, but what about all the incidentals that crop up every time you turn around? Things like emergency computer repair, late-night pizza, or the weekend road trip to visit a friend at a nearby university? A budget will give you a better idea of the college lifestyle you can afford. If you’ve never had a budget, pilot one this summer to get a feel for tracking where the money goes.
2. Where does the money come from? Have the family conversation now about what extras they’ll cover, and which are up to you. If you run out of meal points before the semester ends, what happens? Who pays for a special concert? What happens if you lose your phone? And, if you were awarded a work-study grant, who makes up the difference if you don’t complete all the hours you are allotted?
3. Speaking of work-study…. Take 20 minutes to research applying for a campus job. Snap up an assignment that will help you advance your goals--best-paying, skill-building, researching, or built-in study time? Those who apply early get the best options.
4. Research clubs and leadership opportunities. What activities and clubs are available on campus? Most schools will hold an activities fair sometime in the first weeks. But if you have dreams of writing for the college paper, auditioning for an a cappella group, or serving on the “green team,” reach out to the student leaders and introduce yourself!
5. Clean your room. Yep, you read that right. Make room for the “new you” who will return to that house and that space. Clean up, pack up, and reorganize everything. Not so sure? Here are two good reasons: it will make packing for school much easier and if you need something sent to you, your family will be able to easily find it.
6. Keep your brain active. Whether it’s reading something you’ve put off for a long time, revisiting an old favorite, or catching up on favorite podcasts, do something that reminds you that learning for fun is pure enjoyment.
7. Buy new tech! But before you do, check the school’s IT website. There are typically some great sales at the start of the year with deep discounts for students!
8. Jump WAY ahead. As silly as it may sound, it is not too early to begin thinking about how to best use your winter and summer breaks. Go to the career center’s webpage and register for your school’s online services (Handshake is one that many schools use). Check for summer workshops to help you tweak your academic/college resume into shape for campus job applications. Start window shopping in the internship listings, too. Early applications make a big difference as many internships post the last day applications can be submitted. Consider this the early-decision version of scoring internship positions!
9. Become a shadow. If your summer job/internship search left you empty-handed, use some of the time you would have spent working becoming more knowledgeable of the career fields you are considering. Ask family, friends, and friends of the family for help meeting professionals who do what you hope to do. Ask them if it is possible for you to shadow for a day, or three!
10. Become less lost or confused. If you are undecided about a major or career direction your summer research efforts will produce huge dividends. Can’t decide between physics and biomed? Between creative writing and advertising? English or political science? Maybe you really want to study anthropology but are worried that “no one hires anthropology majors.” Take some personality and career assessments to help you narrow in on your options. Use shadowing to investigate fields that spark your curiosity. Use LinkedIn, or ask the career center, to point you to local alumni with the majors you are considering. See for yourself what people do with a major in whatever you are most curious about!
11. Plan a family-only gathering. Graduation parties are great to mark the milestone and spend time with friends. But, sometimes, family members get lost in the excitement of larger gatherings. Consider a late summer casual dinner or party with any grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in the area. You might also consider inviting close family friends to share your success and wish you well in your new endeavors.
12. Have an adult talk with your parents. It’s no secret - you will grow and change dramatically this coming year, especially if you go away to college. Your parents will also experience a seismic shift. Begin the conversation now about how often you’ll visit home, how often you plan to speak (not text) with them, and (this could be the toughest) how might “house rules” loosen up when you come back home. You may not settle everything, but now is the time to get onto the same page.
13. Carve out you time. The pressure and anxiety of senior year take a toll - mentally and physically; now, add on the flurry of grad parties and last goodbyes to this chapter of your life. You need, yes really need, downtime—to reflect on the closing of one chapter of your life and the opening of the next. Do this however you want - journaling, making art, having long conversations with a close friend. Check-in with yourself about who you are, what you believe in, how you want to grow, and what kind of person you want to become. The coming year will bring uncountable new challenges and possibilities. How can you prepare yourself to be more open and ready?
As you work through this list and find that you could use some guidance with career assessments, shadowing, resume tweaking, or internship searches, please know that Simply Admissions and I can help. I’ve coached thousands of college students and I’m certain I can help you gain the information, confidence, clarity, and experiences that will lead to your next big accomplishments!
Once again, congratulations and best wishes!
Tips from the Other Side of the Desk
This month we have a guest blog writer, Alexandra Hartmann! Alexandra is Simply Admissions’ newest educational consultant. You can learn more about Alexandra’s background here. We’re very excited to have her on our team!
It has officially been three months since I joined the Simply Admissions team in the hopes of helping and guiding international students and their families through the USA college admissions process. As a former international college student myself and a current higher education professional who has worked in the realm of international admissions for eight years, I want to share some insight I have acquired from my professional and personal experience.
I have traveled to 34 different countries and worked with students from five continents, visited over 100 international schools, collaborated with several international recruiting agents, and attended over 100 college fairs and each journey has brought me new knowledge. For students living and attending school abroad, choosing to apply to colleges in the USA can be quite overwhelming and feel like an unreachable goal especially if you don't know anyone who has been through it. I look forward to working with each student individually but until then here are some great takeaways I want to share as you embark upon this journey.
The Myth of US News and World Rankings
One of the most popular websites where international students have a tendency to start their college search is the famous US New and World Report list. It's a great search engine with amazing information and data; however, it should be used as a tool, not as a decision-maker for your future college attendance. There are so many more important aspects to consider when choosing a college other than a ranking. The methodology behind school rankings is broad and takes into consideration factors like alumni giving, which does not affect the students’ daily life. It's understandable that one will look for a school that is highly ranked for its academic rigor and reputation, but that does not mean other schools aren't amazing as well and maybe even better for a specific student. There are over 4000 colleges in the USA and realistically not everyone can go to a top 50 school, nor do they need to in order to succeed. Can it be part of your goal during the college search process? Absolutely! But let's stay open-minded and consider other colleges as well to make sure you find the right fit academically, culturally, and financially.
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo? That is the Question.
Every American university will require proof of English proficiency, especially from students who have been educated at a school where the medium of instruction is not English. Today there are three commonly administered English proficiency tests available: IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo. It is important to consider three things when choosing a test: tests available in your country, university admissions requirements, and price. TOEFL and IELTS include reading, writing, speaking, and listening sections. Upon initial review, admissions staff will focus more on reading and writing sections since they understand that verbal skills can only be ameliorated once immersed in the language. Several universities do superscore so it's perfectly fine to take the test more than once. Duolingo and InitialView are up and coming options, as well as they are at the forefront of technology thanks to their fully online platform. This lets students take the test from the comfort of their own home and gives universities a real insight into the applicant through their video section. InitialView is a non-scripted virtual interview service which, although not considered an English proficiency test, can be a great addition to your application as it's another way to showcase your skills and give universities a deeper insight as to who you are as an applicant.
International Financial Assistance Exists!
It's true - college in the USA is expensive and comes to quite a shock for international families especially since university options in their countries are much more affordable. Cost is the number one concern for families all around the world when considering colleges. USA citizens do have certain advantages when it comes to federal funding and aid certainly, but there are several other financial aid options for our F1 students as well. There are three major sources of financial aid available for non-U.S. citizens: academic merit scholarships, external scholarships, and need-based financial aid awarded by the college. Some universities do offer need-based aid to eligible students. I highly recommend researching the individual university’s financial aid webpages for details on how to apply. Academic merit aid is solely based on the student's academic performance and many universities offer merit awards to international students. External scholarships are harder to find as it takes long hours of online search, application forms, and essays to complete. There are several websites available listing these scholarships and their criteria to apply such as International Education Financial Aid or International Scholarships.
There are so many steps to go through, but I promise they are worth it. Higher education in the USA is unparalleled and if you are willing to go on this adventure you will not regret it.
5 Lessons After 5 Years
In March 2016, I took a huge leap of faith and nervously started Simply Admissions. I am extremely thankful to still be doing what I love five years later; making the college admissions process less stressful. Throughout this time, I have learned a tremendous amount about both the college admissions industry and working with families. Here are my five biggest takeaways after five years:
1. I am not just a college advisor. When I started the Independent Educational Consultant Certificate Program through UC Irvine I thought I was simply learning how to help students find colleges that are a good fit for them. However, as I started working more closely with families I realized that’s only part of what I do.
I often say that I’m ⅓ college advisor, ⅓ project manager, and ⅓ support system. Oddly, I truly am excited by each piece of the position. My Type-A side really enjoys managing deadlines for students (my seniors know how much I love my color-coded spreadsheets!). Additionally, I first moved on from the investment management industry because I wanted to help people. I am always happy to provide support and a listening ear for both parents and students. This process is long, stressful, and exhausting - that’s why I’m here!
2. There’s a college for everyone. Over the years, I’ve visited more than 120 colleges throughout the world. It’s one of my favorite aspects of the job and I’m itching to start traveling again. Part of the reason I love visiting colleges so much is that it always reminds me that there’s a college for everyone.
When people hear that I’ve visited so many colleges, they often ask me which college is my favorite. I find that question very difficult to answer because I’m not visiting for myself. While I wouldn’t personally do well at a school like Colorado College, whose Block Plan means that students only take one class for eighteen days, I can think of several students who would thrive in that learning environment. That’s why I visit so many colleges; to be able to easily recommend schools that are a fit for each individual student.
3. Visiting campus is so important in determining fit. I thought I already knew this but COVID reinforced the concept even more. Colleges might seem too small or not rigorous enough on paper but after walking through campus and visiting with the honors college, you may feel differently. As you sit in the student union observing the student body, can you see yourself there? That’s the ultimate test!
While COVID has obviously made visiting colleges in-person essentially impossible at times, the good news is that there are plenty of ways for students to still visit colleges on their lists. Depending on the school, that may mean taking a self-guided tour on campus or participating in a virtual visit. There certainly is no replacement for the real thing though and I am very hopeful we’ll get students back on all campuses soon!
4. Higher education is changing. Whether we’re talking about more students applying without test scores or Colgate seeing a 102% increase in applications this year, the college admissions landscape is changing rapidly. Many of these changes were bound to happen eventually, although I do believe that COVID accelerated the pace. While the unknown is always scary, students should not worry. With some colleges considering residential hybrid experiences or re-thinking the traditional academic calendar, it’s likely there will actually be more options for students to choose from soon!
5. There is always more to learn. College admissions is constantly changing, which means that I am constantly learning. I remember the day I learned this lesson very clearly. I was sitting in an NYU information session in 2017. I had toured NYU nine years earlier when I was a high school junior myself. At first, I didn’t think that it was necessary for me to visit again because how much could have changed in that short amount of time? I received the answer to my question within the first few minutes of the admission counselor’s presentation. NYU now offered two more degree-granting campuses (in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai), along with 12 other international locations. I never underestimated how quickly a college can evolve again!
That is why I attend at least two continuing education events each year, even during COVID, on top of visiting college campuses. I love hearing the newest updates from college admission counselors, school counselors, and other educational consultants, before bringing that information back to my families
The last five years have been a blast and I can’t wait to see what the next five years hold!
Should I Care About the Changes to the FAFSA?
At the end of 2020, Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act, which will change many aspects of the FAFSA starting with the 2023-2024 school year. That means that current high school sophomores will be the first class of incoming freshmen to utilize this new FAFSA.
As the title implies, the goal was to simplify the FAFSA. However, some changes may actually complicate the financial aid process for many families. Let’s break down what the biggest changes actually are and who they will impact:
The Good
The FAFSA itself will be much shorter.
Currently, the FAFSA can have up to 108 questions. It will be shortened to approximately 36 questions. This should make the FAFSA much less intimidating, especially for first-generation families!
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be replaced by the Student Aid Index (SAI).
Unfortunately, this change will not actually impact many families because in many ways the SAI is just the EFC in disguise. On the bright side, it may make the process a bit less confusing for families. People often incorrectly believe that the Expected Family Contribution is the maximum amount that a family would have to pay. Hopefully, the new name will help avoid that misunderstanding.
The rules surrounding financial aid appeals are changing.
As of the 2023-2024 school year, the following changes will be in place (along with many others):
Colleges can no longer have a blanket policy of denying all appeals
Special circumstances may include an unexpected amount of business, investment, and/or real estate losses
Documentation proving unemployement can be used to set income to zero during qualifying emergencies (such as COVID-19)
Hopefully, families will see more positive outcomes from their financial aid appeals after these changes are in place.
The Bad
When parents are divorced, the parent that provides the most financial support will need to complete the FAFSA.
Today, whichever parent the student lives with the majority of the year is responsible for completing the FAFSA. The non-custodial parent’s information is not taken into account at all if a college only uses federal methodology (meaning, they do not require the CSS Profile as well as the FAFSA). This will be a huge change that may potentially impact students whose non-custodial parent is financially well off but does not intend to fund the child’s college education.
The Ugly
If a family has more than one student in college at the same time, the family’s contribution will not be divided accordingly.
This is the change that will most likely negatively impact the largest number of Simply Admissions clients. Right now, a family’s EFC is split according to the number of family members in college at the same time. For example, let’s say a family’s EFC is $120,000 but they have three children all attending college at one time. Each sibling’s EFC will be lowered to $40,000 that year. If a college’s total cost of attendance is above $40,000 per year it potentially allows the student to be eligible for more financial aid. With the new FAFSA rules, the same family’s EFC (now SAI) will be $120,000 for each child. That can significantly lower the amount of financial aid the family receives total.
In the end, the new FAFSA will likely impact every family differently. Simply Admissions is happy to review your family’s specific situation and provide personalized advice. If you have students who will be attending college in the 2023-2024 school year please feel free to contact us.
Forming Relationships Remotely for Letters of Recommendations
Let’s face it: virtual school stinks. However, it looks like it’s going to be a reality for at least a few more months in many parts of the US. That means that it is important for juniors to think strategically this semester when it comes to college prep.
While some schools do not require students to officially ask for letters of recommendation until the fall of their senior year, most students end up asking their junior year teachers. That is why at Simply Admissions, we suggest that you at least “unofficially” ask your teachers at the end of your junior year. This way, they have the opportunity to write down a few anecdotes to use in the letter while they’re fresh in their minds.
So, the question is how can students form relationships with their teachers while in virtual school? Teachers need to know their students well in order to write a strong letter of recommendation. While we can all admit this is far from an ideal situation, here are some tips to help make that happen this semester:
Turn on your camera during virtual classes. You wouldn’t want to teach to a black box, either! Turning on your camera not only helps you form a connection to your teacher, but it can also help you stay focused and participate more in class.
Participate in class. Even though it can be difficult, keep answering questions during class or engaging in (approved) chat conversations. The teacher will appreciate the effort and it might even allow you to learn the material better as well!
Find other ways to engage with the teacher. An example of this would be emailing your teacher a news article you saw or a podcast you found that’s related to what you learned about in class. Just make sure this engagement is genuine and not too frequent - teachers certainly have quite a bit on their plates already!
Take advantage of “office hours.” Many teachers have set virtual office hours on a regular basis. It’s a great opportunity to get extra help and allows you to display your work ethic, which is something the teacher can mention in the letter of recommendation. Note: I’m sure many of you are thinking that you don’t need extra help. You can still stop by, just come prepared! Perhaps ask about an upcoming project or review a recent test.
While it can be awkward approaching your teachers outside of class, especially virtually, it’s worth the effort and time. You’ll be thanking your junior year self a year from now!
Virtual Visit Tips & Tricks
Building a college list is looking quite different for juniors these days! Instead of jumping on a plane and touring eight colleges in a five day period, families are instead taking advantage of the wonderful virtual visit opportunities schools are now offering. To help students adjust to their new normal and fully take advantage of these opportunities, here is a list of tips and tricks.
Prepare as if you’ll be turning your camera on. Colleges may utilize webinar-style programs for these virtual visits, meaning that your camera and microphone will be automatically turned off. If you do have the option to turn on your camera, it is recommended you do so. Admission counselors appreciate seeing who they’re speaking to, instead of just black boxes. However, you should always have your microphone turned off unless you’re given the opportunity to ask a question.
While you certainly don’t have to dress up for virtual visits, make sure you still look presentable, your background is appropriate, and you’re not wearing a sweatshirt with another college’s mascot on it!
Feel free to make it a family affair. One benefit of these virtual visits is that the entire family can easily join.
If you register, make sure you attend. It’s much easier to forget to attend a virtual visit than an in-person one. However, it’s just as important to make sure you show up. Many colleges limit how many students they allow to register for each event and you want to make sure a spot doesn’t go to waste. Additionally, colleges that track demonstrated interest may also record if you register and participate in a virtual visit.
Take notes. These virtual visits can blend together easily. Take notes about what you like and/or dislike about each college in terms of academics, social opportunities, location, and financial aid. After the virtual visit, be sure to store your notes all in one place so that you can easily reference them later. We recommend that Simply Admissions clients use the provided college visit worksheet and store their notes on their portal.
Now’s the time to ask questions! No matter the format of the virtual visit, colleges will give you time to ask them questions. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, that’s completely fine - no pressure! Here are some examples of some questions you may want to ask, if interested:
How has XYZ University adjusted to COVID?
What type of student do you feel is the best fit for XYZ University?
What’s a typical weeknight/weekend on campus look like?
[For pre-med students] Does the school have an affiliation with a local hospital?
[For engineering students] What types of projects have engineering students created recently?
Do you have a question about virtual visits that is not addressed here? Feel free to contact us!
Navigating Post-COVID Admissions: Test Optional Policies
It’s no secret that COVID has created plenty of upheavals, especially in college admissions. Over the next few months, we’ll discuss how students should navigate these changes. This month, we’ll go over post-COVID standardized testing changes and FAQs.
The majority of colleges have changed their testing requirements recently, which seems like it’s only caused more confusion! Below is a handy cheat sheet I’ve created that summarizes the different testing policies.
How do I find out a college’s current test policy?
That information should be on the college’s website (check under the admissions page). Unfortunately, every college is not great about specifying whether they fall under the “Test Optional with Caveats” category. If a college on your list does not explicitly state in their website and/or in official emails that they are completely test optional, I would recommend reaching out to your geographic region’s admission counselor to confirm that there are no caveats that would affect you.
If I don’t submit test scores for a test blind or test optional school, how will the admissions counselors evaluate my application?
Don’t forget that there are many other pieces of your application besides test scores! That can include your transcript, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and even interviews. Admission counselors are trained to use the information they have in front of them. If that information doesn’t happen to include test scores, the other pieces of the application will just hold a little bit more weight during the review process.
It is important to note that many test optional colleges are requiring students to submit additional essays or portfolios if they choose not to submit test scores. That provides the admission counselors with even more information as they evaluate applications. Any additional requirements should be listed on the college’s website and/or their application.
I still haven’t taken an ACT or SAT and all the colleges I’m applying to are completely test optional. Should I still sign up for an ACT/SAT?
In that case, I would recommend that you take a timed full-length diagnostic ACT and SAT. If your results are at least close to the average scores for the colleges on your list (meaning that with just a little test prep you could presumably meet or exceed that average), I would sign up for at least one exam. If you are able to meet or exceed that average, it can only help your application! However, if your diagnostic scores are not close to the average (or you simply don’t want to worry about taking the ACT/SAT right now), don’t worry about it! You should not be disadvantaged at completely test optional schools for not sending in test scores.
What if I’m not able to take the ACT or SAT until after the deadlines have passed?
Discuss this with the admission counselors at the colleges you’re applying to! Certain colleges that are still requiring test scores have announced they are allowing students to submit their applications and receive a “conditional acceptance,” which will become unconditional once the student submits test scores anytime before May 1st.
It can be very confusing to keep track of all these different policies, which is even more of a reason to stay in touch with your admission counselors as needed over the next few months. I expect communication will be more important than ever during this year’s application season. At the end of the day, admission counselors are humans and will hopefully want to work with you as much as possible.
I’m a current junior. Should I take the ACT/SAT?
At this point, I am still having my current juniors take a diagnostic ACT and SAT. We are using those results to decide which test they will be focusing on and come up with a loose testing plan. Generally, I am not recommending that my juniors take the ACT or SAT until early 2021 to ensure that there are enough seats for seniors. However, I am having my juniors plan to take the tests at some point because many of these test optional policies are currently temporary. Not to mention that the public colleges and state scholarship programs in Georgia and Florida are still requiring test scores. Since we’re not sure what the future will bring, I try to have my students prepared for anything!
Do you have a specific question about testing requirements or college admissions? Contact us today!
COVID-19 & College Admissions
Simply Admissions hopes that everyone is staying safe during these crazy times! Now that everyone has had some time to regroup, I wanted to answer a few questions about how COVID-19 is impacting college admissions.
First, it’s important to point out that this is a rapidly changing situation I'm sure everyone has many questions, but those questions may not have an answer for the next month, or they may have several answers before the month is out. The answers I’m providing below may soon be outdated, but will hopefully be helpful for the time being. Second, while I understand how frustrating this situation can be for current seniors and juniors, it’s important to try and keep in mind that this will all work out! Every student is dealing with the same situation and the colleges are overall trying to be as adaptive as possible.
Exam FAQs:
With AP exams moving to an online 45-minute format & IB exams being canceled this year, will this impact how colleges view these credits?
This is still unclear. As of now, I have not heard of any colleges that are changing how they’re assessing AP exam scores when it comes to awarding college credit. For IB students attending colleges that awarded college credit based on IB exam scores in the past, they most likely will feel more of an effect.
As a junior, I’m concerned that the ACT & SAT spring exam dates have been canceled. How will I be ready to apply to colleges in the fall now?
There is no need to worry! Tons of students are in the same exact situation and colleges are adjusting accordingly. Within the past week, Case Western Reserve University, Tufts University, Scripps College, and others have announced either temporary or permanent test-optional policies starting next fall. I expect many more colleges to adopt the same policy, at least temporarily.
If you’re interested in taking the June SAT or ACT, I would encourage you to register now, to ensure that you have a spot. Since the students that were originally signed up for the spring dates are being encouraged to sit for the June dates instead, they will be popular. If the June dates are later canceled, you should be able to receive a refund or sit for another test date without an additional fee, which means there is no harm in registering now.
The 2020-2021 school year exam dates for the ACT & SAT have already been released. Students will be able to register for those dates beginning around June. While it is a possibility that there will be additional ACT and/or SAT exams added, I would not currently plan on that for now and simply go by the exam dates that have been released.
In the end, what this all means for most juniors is to create an adjusted test schedule and continue your test prep (while keeping an eye out for additional test-optional policy updates).
Senior FAQs:
I’m a senior that was accepted to multiple schools but all of the admitted student days were canceled. How can I make a decision now?
On the bright side, congratulations on your acceptances! I wouldn’t want all of your hard work and achievements to be forgotten in the chaos. At the same time, I can only imagine how disappointing it is to no longer be able to thoroughly research your options before making a final decision.
Many colleges quickly put together virtual admitted student events after the in-person options were canceled. Within the next few weeks, I expect most colleges to begin offering virtual events. Keep an eye on your email and the colleges’ websites for more information!
Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to your admission counselor if you had any specific questions about academic life, student experience, campus culture, or anything else that you were hoping would be answered during the admitted student event. If you feel like it would be helpful for you to speak directly with a member of the faculty or current student, that is appropriate for you to request when speaking with the admission counselor as well (understanding, of course, that it may not be possible for every college to fulfill that request for various reasons). If you would prefer, feel free to let me know that you’re interested in speaking with a current student at a specific college you are considering. I can see who I may be able to connect you with through my networks.
Lastly, as of today, over 250 colleges have already agreed to push their enrollment deposit deadline from May 1st to June 1st. This will give you more time to make a decision without losing your spot in the freshman class at these schools. To find out if a college you’re considering has moved their deposit deadline you can look at their website or check your email. You can also use the newly formed NACAC database.
My family’s financial situation has changed since COVID-19. Should I tell the colleges I was accepted to?
Yes! You should reach out to your admission counselor at each school as soon as possible and ask for a financial aid appeal due to the change in circumstances. While there are no guarantees, it’s important to still communicate that these changes occurred and may impact your ability to attend their school with your current financial aid package.
Junior FAQs:
I was planning to visit colleges during my spring break. How else can I find out of those schools are a good fit for me without visiting?
Although you may not be able to visit in person, plenty of colleges are already offering virtual info sessions & tours and other colleges are not far behind. I would definitely recommend still spending your spring break researching colleges; the only difference is that you’ll be “visiting” virtually rather than in person. If the college does not have an official virtual tour listed on their website you can use YouVisit and CampusReel.
Besides the virtual prospective student events and tours, your best resource is the college’s website. Look through what majors, programs, student organizations, and clubs are offered, along with the college’s mission statement. Are you interested in what you see?
It’s important not to forget about demonstrated interest as well. Colleges will not hold the fact that you were not able to visit against you, but it’s still in your best interest to work through the tips mentioned in this blog post that are still applicable. The additional benefit is that by following the school on social media, signing up for their mailing list, or using the other DI suggestions you’re also learning about the school’s culture and community.
General FAQs
I’m concerned that my summer programs will be canceled during COVID-19. How should I spend my time then?
I think this is an excellent opportunity to be productive but truly explore your interests! Depending on your interests, this may mean reading classic novels, take an online course, or start a woodworking project. My only advice would be to write down which novels you read, the courses you take, and/or the projects you work on. This way you can incorporate them into your extracurricular resume and your college applications.
I’m a sophomore. Will this negatively impact me?
Probably not. The only piece that may impact you is the increased number of colleges offering test-optional admissions, which is a good thing!
Simply College Visits: Florida College Tours
Last month, Lindsay spent about two weeks participating in the Florida Sunshine Tour and other college counselor events. This month, she’s highlighting a few of the colleges she visited:
Stetson University
Location: DeLand, FL
Test Optional? Yes
General Notes:
Stetson Promise helps ensure that students graduate in four years or less and are able able to access experiential opportunities
Football team was reinstated in 2013 and now compete in the Pioneer Football League (NCAA Division I)
Students are required to live on campus for at least three years
Programs of Note:
School of Business
Business school students are required to participate in at least two experiential learning experiences before graduation
Professional sales
Stetson has a very unique sales program, which is open to students as both a major or minor
School of Music
Stetson has a strong, but flexible, music program with majors including “Music Combined with Business,” “Music with an Outside Field,” and “Music Technology”
Jacksonville University
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Test Optional? Yes
General Notes:
Most popular sports teams are baseball, lacrosse, and sailing
Average merit-based aid is approximately $20,000 annually (you’ll also currently receive a one-year $1,000 scholarship if you participate in an official campus tour and then end up enrolling!)
Students are required to live on campus for at least three years
Programs of Note:
Marine Science
Campus is on the water & JU has a 48 ft barge that acts as a floating classroom
Nursing
NCLEX pass rate for the past six consecutive quarters was 100%
Aviation
Partner with JetBlue, United, and Delta
Florida Southern University
Location: Lakeland, FL
Test Optional? No
General Notes:
Offer a Four-Year Graduation Guarantee, if students follow the guidelines.
Students are required to attend events that fit into these 6 categories annually: fine arts, health & wellness, service & diversity, founders day convocation, learning beyond the classroom, and school pride.
Certain majors require an internship and any student is guaranteed an internship if they have above a 2.0 GPA.
Programs of Note:
Computer Science
Offer concentrations in artificial intelligence & machine learning, cybersecurity, and web & cloud computing
Citrus & Horticultural Science
Citrus studies program has a 99% job placement rate
Art History & Museum Studies
On-campus art museum serves as a perfect hands-on learning environment
Saint Leo University
Location: Saint Leo, FL
Test Optional? Yes
General Notes:
Students come from 100 countries and all 50 states
Classes are capped at 25 students
Two religion classes are part of the required curriculum
Programs of Note:
Criminal Justice
Have a house dedicated to this program where “crime scenes” are set up, allowing students to learn hands-on
Education
Use avatars and other technology to fully prepare the students before they even begin their student teaching
Computer Science 3+1 Accelerated Program
Students in this program will receive their B.S. in Computer Science and M.S. in Cybersecurity after four years
2020 Vision
Welcome to 2020! As we start a new year and decade, Lindsay started thinking about what changes we might see in college admissions over the next ten years. Here are her predictions:
1. Self-reported grades & test scores becoming standard practice
This year saw a big jump in colleges allowing students to self-report their test scores and/or grades. With this policy, official test score reports and transcripts are not required unless a student chooses to enroll at that university. Over the next several years I expect this to become the norm, instead of the exception.
Why does this matter?
Accessibility: Sending score reports (and sometimes even transcripts) means paying fees. While there are fee waivers for low-income students, it’s still a barrier for many families. Removing this hurdle will help underrepresented students, further increasing diversity in higher education.
Time saver: At many schools, counselors are responsible for sending the official transcripts along with all of their other duties. With an average ratio of 1 counselor to 464 students in the U.S., that’s a substantial project. If school counselors only need to send one final transcript per student that would remove a lot from their plate. Additionally, admission counselors would no longer need to wait for the extra materials to arrive if they are self-reported. This would help the application review process move along more efficiently.
2. More colleges adding an Early Decision admission plan
Recently, there has been an increase in students applying Early Decision. Colleges noticed the peak in interest and some responded by adding their own Early Decision options this year. Then, under pressure from the Department of Justice, NACAC chose to change its Code of Ethics and Professional Practices. Colleges can now offer incentives in an effort to recruit students to apply Early Decision. While the change just occurred in September, a few colleges were quick to entice students with added benefits such as priority housing and parking options if they became Early Decision applicants. Unfortunately, I expect this to become even more of a common occurrence in the future once colleges have time to strategize.
Why does this matter?
Creates Barriers: Early Decision deadlines tend to be earlier in the school year, months before Regular Decision deadlines. Many students in underrepresented communities tend to start their college search later. This, combined with the financial commitment, means that they often don’t consider Early Decision an option. If universities start filling a larger percentage of their freshman class with Early Decision applicants, it may negatively impact these students.
Risky: While Early Decision is a great choice for certain students, it is binding and you’re essentially committing before you receive your financial aid package. If a student does not have a very clear first choice or is uncomfortable with tuition, Early Decision may not be worth the risk. These perks may be too enticing for some to keep a clear head.
3. An increase in schools offering a test-optional policy
What started as a slowly growing trend saw a huge uptick, as more colleges than ever became test-optional in 2019. Then the year ended with the University of California being sued over their use of test scores as part of the admissions process. I think that the result of the UC lawsuit and/or the UC school system’s decision about if they will use test scores during next year’s admission cycle will be an important predictor of the SAT & ACT’s future.
Why does this matter?
Accessibility: Just like the self-reporting trend, fewer colleges requiring standardized test scores will help underrepresented students broaden their college search.
Options: This trend will also impact students that simply do not test well but have an otherwise strong application. As grades become an even more important piece of the application, those students will have more options. That being said, it’s important to fully understand each college’s testing policy before committing to applying test-optional.
Testing My Patience: Breaking Down the PSATs
Since the 2019 PSAT scores were released last week, it seemed timely to go over what the results truly mean. While there are multiple versions of the PSAT, we’ll be talking about the PSAT/NMSQT or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
What scores should I be looking at?
First, make sure you download the full score report from your College Board account. Then focus on the following:
Total score: This is the sum of your two section scores (ranging from 320 - 1520). You can see how you compare to your peers by looking at the associated percentile.
Section scores: You’ll see two different sections scores - one for the Reading section and one for the Math section. Each score ranges from 160 - 760. This helps you understand what section may be your strength or weakness.
Selection Index: This is the number that is used to ultimately determine if a student is named a National Merit Semi-Finalist after taking the PSAT junior year. It’s calculated by doubling the sum of your three test scores. Students need to meet or exceed the Selection Index cutoff in order to be named a semi-finalist. The cutoff number is determined for each individual state and reevaluated every year. The cutoff for the class of 2021 will be released in September. You can find the historical cutoffs here. (2022 note: this link has been updated for the Class of 2024!)
What is a good PSAT score?
A "good" score is very subjective and depends on the student. In general, any score is helpful because it allows you to understand what areas you need to work on before taking the SAT (or ACT). Use them as a benchmark and a way to see what areas you need to work on. If you’re a freshman or sophomore, reference this score report next year to ensure you’re seeing an increase in the scores and/or percentiles.
Should I study for the PSAT?
Nope, at least not your freshman or sophomore year. Depending on your score in 10th grade, you may want to study for junior year PSAT. Since that is the test used to determine National Merit Scholarship Program eligibility, it may be worth completing a PSAT prep course over the summer. Otherwise, just get a good night's sleep and a big breakfast!
How does the PSAT differ from the SAT?
While the PSAT can provide an estimate of future SAT scores, they are not the same test.
Common App: Optimizing the Activities Section
We have made it to September and seniors are knee-deep in the college admissions process. It’s important to keep an eye out for ways to optimize your applications and on the Common App, one way to do that is through the activities section.
Here are some tips to help your activities shine. Note that the majority of this advice applies to other applications as well.
Think outside the box! The Common App has a broad definition of what it considers extracurricular activities. It does not have to be an organized activity. Do you cook 4-5 days a week, whether it’s due to family responsibility or just a hobby? Do you babysit your younger siblings while your parents work? Do you fix computers for your friends and family? These are all considered activities by the Common App.
Choose your activities wisely. The Common App allows students to add up to 10 activities. While many students haven’t participated in that many activities (which is totally fine!), others have trouble narrowing their options down. When deciding which activities to include consider the following:
The application also asks for the approximate number of weeks/year and hours/week you spend on that activity. This means that you’ll want to first add more time-consuming options before moving to any one-off volunteer days or projects. Admission counselors tend to value loyalty, so if you’ve been part of a tournament all 4 years of high school that should also take priority, even if it’s only once a year.
This section is a great way for the admission counselors to learn about who you are outside of the classroom. Keep the activities that you’re most excited by towards the top of the list, as it helps convey your interests.
Don’t worry if you have more than 10 activities you want the admission counselors to know about. Many colleges allow you to upload a full extracurricular resume as part of your application. Alternatively, you may be able to find ways to reference additional extracurriculars in your supplemental essays.
Be strategic when describing your activities. You only have 150 characters to describe each activity. Focus on the following to use your limited space wisely:
Instead of explaining what the organization does, emphasize what you achieved in this role.
Be as specific as possible; instead of “fundraised for XYZ charity” write “raised over $1,000 for XYZ charity.”
Vary the descriptions, even if the activities are similar. For example, if you tutored students through two different organizations you might say “raised students’ test scores an average of 10 points” for the first activity and “helped students learn their multiplication tables” for the second activity.
Make sure your description is easily understood by the reader, even if they’re not familiar with all of your activities. Let’s say you’re a member of a political club and were chosen to meet with a local representative. Instead of using just his/her name, be sure to also include a title in case the reader is unaware who “Karen Smith” is.
Don’t worry about using formal sentence structure. Feel free to use incomplete sentences, lists, and small abbreviations (such as “HS” for high school) as needed. The admission counselors are aware you’re working with a very limited word count.
Now’s not the time to be humble. It can be hard to talk frankly about your achievements without feeling like you’re bragging. However, your college applications require you to boast about yourself in a way. Don’t downgrade your success whether it’s how many hours you’ve spent participating in a certain activity, your title/position, or the description. Just be sure you’re not lying or stretching the truth.
Looking for a bit more help optimizing your Common App activities? Check out our Common App Activities Worksheet.
Simply College Visits: New Jersey & Montana College Tours
Hope everyone’s enjoying these final days of summer! Lindsay spent the last few weeks attending tours specifically designed for college counselors in New Jersey & Montana, learning about 13 schools total. Instead of our normal “Simply College Visits,” here are some highlights from the tours.
Princeton University
Location: Princeton, NJ
All students have to complete a senior thesis, with most completing independent research starting their junior year.
In each residence hall, there is academic advising and support staff.
Along with the FAFSA, Princeton requires the Princeton Financial Aid Application to be completed instead of the CSS Profile.
Majors of Note: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology; Operations Research & Financial Engineering
The College of New Jersey
Location: Ewing Township, NJ
95% of classes have fewer than 30 students, with the business school having the largest class average of 27 students.
TCNJ tracks demonstrated interest and encourages students to interact with them before applying.
Art & music programs are test optional.
Majors of Note: Integrative-STEM Education; Journalism & Professional Writing
Caldwell University
Location: Caldwell, NJ
Offer a direct admit nursing program, with a 100% NCLEX pass rate for their traditional students & 100% job placement.
On-campus housing is available all 4 years, but the student body tends to be split 50/50 between commuter and residential students.
While students come from a variety of religious backgrounds, all classes are taught through a Catholic lens.
Majors of Note: E-Sports Management; Public Health Education
Montclair State University
Location: Montclair, NJ
Out-of-state students with a 3.0+ GPA & performing arts students are eligible for in-state tuition.
Test optional, even for BSN students.
Recently partnered with Sony to build a state of the art production facility for the School of Communication & Media.
Majors of Note: Medical Humanities; Sports Media & Journalism
Drew University
Location: Madison, NJ
Drew’s new “Launch” program will require students to integrate practical experiences (internships, mentorships, etc.) with their liberal arts education.
Drew is committed to affordability: 2 years ago they lowered their tuition 20% and the average freshman scholarship is about $21,000.
The RISE program recruits retired researchers & scientists to work individually with undergrad students on research projects.
Majors of Note: Environmental Management; Pan-African Studies
University of Montana
Location: Missoula, MT
Emphasize cross-training students in multiple disciplines to prepare them for post-graduate life.
“Four Bear”, an opt-in program that helps ensure students graduate in 4 years, is available to everyone.
Freshmen are required to live on campus.
Majors of Note: Forestry; Parks, Tourism, & Recreation Management
Montana State University
Location: Bozeman, MT
Approximately 53% of freshmen and 40% of transfers are from out of state.
The architecture program does not require a portfolio.
Students from any major can use the entrepreneurship center.
Majors of Note: Environmental Design; Sustainable Food & Bioenergy Systems
Is there a topic you would like us to cover in a future blog post? Let us know!
Simply College Visits: Rice University
While you may want to wait until the temperature cools down before actually visiting campus, this month we’re talking about Rice University in Houston, Texas. The leading research university tends to be known for its STEM programs. However, there are plenty of amazing opportunities for students with other interests, as majors range from Cello Performance to Sports Management. Social life for Rice students tends to be campus-focused, but they still take advantage of everything Houston has to offer!
Eat:
Rice Coffeehouse (6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005): Located inside the Memorial Center on campus, this is the perfect spot to sip a cup of coffee and observe the student body. It’s also completely student-run, making it a great future extracurricular for a prospective business school student. The coffeehouse is actually one of three student-run establishments on Rice’s campus.
Guad Texas Chef Mex (2925 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77098): You can’t visit Texas without getting Tex-Mex. While you’ll find all the basics here, you can also try uncommon dishes such as chorizo hash browns.
Local Foods (2424 Dunstan Rd, Houston, TX 77005): Craving a killer sandwich? Look no further than Local Foods. Using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, it’s obvious why they were featured on Eater’s “11 Essential Sandwich Shops in Houston.”
Stay:
Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District (6580 Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030): Not only is this hotel essentially across the street from Rice, but it’s also by the METRORail red line, making it very easy to visit downtown Houston.
Hotel ZaZa Museum District (5701 Main St, Houston, TX 77005): This boutique hotel offers beautiful rooms and views. It’s also conveniently located less than a mile from Rice University, the Houston Zoo, and close to many museums.
The Sam Houston, Curio Collection by Hilton (1117 Prairie St, Houston, TX 77002): The historic hotel in downtown Houston may be a good choice if you’re going to see other colleges in the area. It’s also only half a mile from the Minute Maid Stadium.
Play:
Space Center Houston (1601 NASA Pkwy, Houston, Texas): Since NASA oftentimes works with Rice in various capacities, it only makes sense to check out the Space Center while you’re in town.
The Health Museum (1515 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004): Houston’s Museum District boasts 19 museums and arguably, the most unique is the Health Museum. This interactive museum provides opportunities to ride a bike with a skeleton and see a 4D movie.
Houston Zoo (6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030): Did you know that the Houston Zoo is the 2nd most visited zoo in the country? With activities such as a Texas Wetlands Exhibit and Silent Discos, it’s definitely not a surprise!