Launch College Counseling Blog

Positive Change in College Admissions

Finally, an acknowledgement that character counts in the hyped up world of college admissions.   Harvard  recently released a report entitled "Turning the Tide Inspiring Concern for Others and the Common Good Through College Admissions".   In publishing the article, The authors acknowledge the intense pressure we place on our high school students to pad [...]

2018-09-13T17:00:12+00:00February 12th, 2016|College News|Comments Off on Positive Change in College Admissions

Understanding The New PSAT

The PSAT scores are finally out- well at least for some students.   Rolling out of the new SAT and the PSAT has been a debacle.  PSAT scores have been delayed and scoring is beyond confusing.   For a description of the scoring difficulties with the PSAT as well as advice about how to interpret the results [...]

2018-09-13T17:00:12+00:00January 22nd, 2016|College News|Comments Off on Understanding The New PSAT

FAFSA Application Season

It is that time of the year, that overwhelming time when we do not seem to have enough hours in the day to do everything we need to before the holidays and/or vacation.   And if you are not already overwhelmed, you can add completing the FAFSA ( Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application [...]

2018-09-13T17:00:12+00:00December 9th, 2015|College News|Comments Off on FAFSA Application Season

“Why Us?” College Essay Tips

Many applications ask for an essay about why the applicant wants to attend that particular school. While applicants can and should reuse portions of essays on multiple applications, the "why us" essay requires an original response.   Admissions readers do not like hearing about their school's ideal location or the beauty of the campus. Rather, [...]

2018-09-13T17:00:12+00:00September 12th, 2015|College News|Comments Off on “Why Us?” College Essay Tips

Great College Advice

Frank Bruni of the New York Times gives more great college advice.    Highly motivated students on a budget have plenty of options in addition to the Ivy League and highly selective liberal arts colleges.   Honors programs at public universities have a great deal to offer. To read his article click here.  Launch College Counseling [...]

2018-09-13T17:00:12+00:00August 16th, 2015|College News|Comments Off on Great College Advice

Cornell University & Ithaca College

I just returned from the spring break college road trip ritual. My reluctant travel companion was my 16- year old daughter who is quite frankly, tired of visiting colleges.   Despite her reluctance, she has terrific observations about schools and students and she allows me to truly see colleges through the eyes of a regular sixteen-year-old [...]

2018-09-13T17:00:12+00:00April 22nd, 2015|College Visits|Comments Off on Cornell University & Ithaca College

The “New” SAT vs. The “Old” SAT

With the new SAT making its debut soon, the testing options are increasingly complicated for this class of sophomores and juniors.  For a brief breakdown of the testing options, please read the following Huffington Post article. Please feel free to contact Launch College Counseling with any  further questions you may have regarding testing.

2018-09-13T17:00:12+00:00April 16th, 2015|College News|Comments Off on The “New” SAT vs. The “Old” SAT

And The Envelope Please…

The waiting game is almost over.     All that planning and hard work, the college admissions tests, AP tests and, finally, the college applications are behind you.   Within the next few weeks, colleges and universities are making their final decisions and will be letting you know whether you will be admitted, denied, or [...]

2018-09-13T17:00:12+00:00March 16th, 2015|College News|Comments Off on And The Envelope Please…

It’s FAFSA Time!

For any college applicant hoping to get any kind of financial aid including merit aid now is the time to complete the FAFSA form.   Time is of the essence especially in Illinois and eight other states because financial aid is given out on a "first-come, first-served" basis.   Since state funds run out quickly, [...]

2018-09-13T17:00:12+00:00January 21st, 2015|College News|Comments Off on It’s FAFSA Time!

Summer Planning For High School Students

Now that the first semester this academic year is either over or nearly over, it is time to start actively planning for next summer.   With so few summer vacations remaining until college, it is very important to use this block of time wisely.   Using summer vacation to play video games or watch Netflix [...]

2018-09-13T17:00:12+00:00January 11th, 2015|College News|Comments Off on Summer Planning For High School Students
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