college counseling experts, educational consultant, college application processThat time is finally here.  High school seniors all over the country are being inundated with college acceptances, denials and notifications of being wait-listed.   It is a crazy, stressful time.  For those students who end up unhappy with their choices or are even lacking any real choices, their are still some excellent options for next year.   More and more recent high school graduates are taking advantage of gap years to gain some maturity before settling down and committing to four more rigorous years of school. Another option is to check out NACAC’s list on May 1 of all the colleges and universities that still have room in next fall’s class.  Many of these schools still offer financial aid packages and have available housing.  Last year, there were at least 210 colleges on that list.  To see the list, beginning May 1, go to www.nacac.net.org/space.  Another option many students are taking advantage of is to take building block courses at local community classes because they are so much cheaper and may be less competitive as well.   Many students who choose this route, reapply to colleges next fall, having a better idea of what schools may be a better fit for them and saving a lot of money in the process.