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Tell Your Students that a ROI isn’t necessarily about money

If your students and their families consider a return on investment (ROI) in purely financial terms, a degree from one of the top engineering schools, such as MIT or Cal Tech, or a private or public ivy (think Princeton and the University of Virginia), seem like the best bet. According to Payscale.com, these schools offer 20-year net ROIs approaching 20%.

Contributing factors include how much financial aid is available, how long it takes students to graduate – at these schools, 90% or more students finish in four years – and what kinds of salaries graduates earn.

And if your student qualifies for admission to those elite schools, that sounds great.

But let’s stop for a moment and consider that return on investment transcends money, and the way to learn what that means for your student and their family is to think about the destination.

If they want to go somewhere, they have to put a destination on the map (or, these days, in the GPS). Without a destination, the map is useless. College is the same way. It doesn’t do anything for you unless you have a destination in mind.

Let me tell you about James. His parents were insisting that he go to college, but James wanted to follow his father, a battalion chief, and become a firefighter, and he didn’t see the need for a degree. After discussing his interests, values and skills, I advised James that he could go to community college, become an EMT and then a firefighter, which can be a well paying job.

But how long do you want to do that, I asked him. In fact, James wanted to move up, manage people and budgets, run a department, make a better salary for the lifestyle he envisioned. And for that he would need a bachelor’s degree and maybe a master’s. At that point, he felt more motivated because I had shown him the roadmap and he knew where he wanted to go. Now he saw the value proposition. In the end, James opted to go to a four-year school and volunteer with a fire department for hands-on experience.

In other words, he found a destination aligned with his values, skills and interests; built a roadmap, and had the right vehicle. That will all contribute to the ROI of his education.

What are some other forms of return on investment when it comes to college?

Personal development: College leads to understanding that life is always about learning and becoming well-rounded. Or perhaps ROI is about getting away from home, transitioning to pre-adulthood and learning life lessons: You’re not always going to win, failure is feedback, and embracing failure is an important aspect of life.

Quality of the education: Families can spend $5,000 to $8,000 to have a child sit in their bedroom with a laptop to earn a piece of paper, if that’s what’s important. They will, however, be missing out on the other intangibles college provides.

Cultural accomplishment: For many families, such as one with a child who would be the first to attend college, a degree is a must no matter what.

Connections: Building connections is one of the most important returns on investment. Professors who have developed philosophies and written books in a particular field can connect a student to a career. Successful individuals who are brought in as guest lecturers or visiting professors have the potential to become mentors. Alumni who have gone on to success can be the doorways to internships.

Personal fulfillment: If a student likes working with kids and wants to be a teacher, they do it because it’s rewarding. If a student wants to go into scientific research and find ways to fight climate change, they do it because it makes them feel good that they were part of something greater than themselves.

Interests, values and skills are the three aspects of college and career fit. It takes time to build a skillset and interests can change quickly, but values don’t change much over time.

It’s those values that will tell you and your students where the ROI lies. Maybe it’s not going to a four-year school at all, but pursuing a technical or mechanical career for which there’s demand, such as renewable energy. And everyone needs a plumber, electrician or car mechanic at some point.

The three main things to consider on the college journey are academic fit, social fit and financial fit. Beyond that, give thought to the entire value proposition: What values drive your student, what are their potential career fits, and what lifestyle can they expect based on those careers? If all of those pieces seem to make up a complete picture, your students’ return on investment should be substantial.

Brian Safdari, who founded College Planning Experts in 2004, is a Certified College Planning Specialist™. He and his team have assisted more than 7,500 students nationwide on their college journey using their exclusive My College Fit System. For more information, call me at 818-201-4847 or visit collegeplanningexperts.com.

Mental Health: Parents & Counselors aren’t Powerless when it comes to helping Students

The young man, who had been successful academically and socially in high school, returned from college a changed kid.

His parents put it down to anxiety and exhaustion, but soon it became apparent something much more serious was going on. He was experiencing a mental health episode that, left unaddressed, could worsen. His terrified parents didn’t know what to do, so, hoping it would pass, they allowed him to remain at home.

This isn’t an uncommon occurrence. A child who functions well socially and academically can develop a mental illness as a young adult, generally between the ages of 18 and 25, possibly exacerbated by recreational drug and alcohol use.

Parents may be afraid to get involved because of the stigma associated with mental illness, or because they think it will magically go away. But rather than let a child in the midst of a mental health crisis retreat, parents must take action, no matter how frightening or difficult it may seem.

Here are five things’ parents and counselors can and should do:

1. Start a discussion about mental health before a crisis sets in.

It’s  important to remember that a young adult’s brain is still developing. The prefrontal cortex – which is responsible for higher executive functions such as thinking, reasoning, memory, impulse control and emotional stability  – isn’t fully formed until around the age of 27.

The good news is that mental health and mental illness are out in the open as topics of discussion. There is more awareness among middle- and high-schoolers, who are more able to identify mental health challenges in themselves and their friends and more willing to ask for help.  A high school counselor might be the first place the child might go, so they should be aware of some of the signs to look out for.

Also, having a mental or emotional challenge doesn’t carry the stigma it used to, although social stigma is still out there. When Simone Biles withdrew from the 2020 Olympics because of her mental health, she received a lot of kudos and support, but also blistering condemnation for “weakness.”

2. Don’t ignore the role marijuana is playing in a child’s mental health.

Just because pot is legal in a lot of states doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone to use. This is not the weed parents used when they were in college. The potency of THC in cannabis has increased from an average of 3 percent in the 1980s to an average of 25 percent today, and some strains can contain as much as 90 percent THC.

It’s understandable that anxious teens and young adults seek to self-medicate. After all, they have been through a lot of trauma, including the shutdown of schools during COVID, bullying, school shootings, social media addiction, campus protests and violence and more.

The National Institutes of Health reports that cannabis use is likely to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses. Anyone with a pre-existing mental health condition are at greater risk for a serious mental illness. Heavy users are more likely to report thoughts of suicide, and regular use is thought to increase the risk of social anxiety disorder.

A young adult still needs guardrails. A parent can have conversations with their child that sound like this: “Look, your brain is still developing. Here are the facts about pot today and why it may not be safe for you to use.”

3. If the child does exhibit signs of a mental illness, don’t let them retreat.

Parents end up doing everything for their adult child because the child appears helpless and they want to do whatever they can to keep them safe. There are ways parents can intervene, by saying, “We are not accepting you living this way” and exerting financial leverage.

A young adult should be able to accept adult responsibilities to have structure in their lives. If they want to eat, they need to grocery shop and prepare their own food. If they want cleanliness, they need to take showers and wash their own clothes. If they want spending money, they need to find a job – any job. If they take meds, they need to manage them.

If they can’t, the parent can see the child needs help. It’s irresponsible to allow it to go on: “I see you’re trying, but you can’t manage the activities of daily living. Let’s get you help.”

And that’s when it’s time to…

4. Seek support.

If a child has an intellectual or physical disability, it’s usually apparent at a young age and families can begin to seek resources. When a previously successful young adult child begins exhibiting troubling signs of mental illness, it comes as a shock to parents. It’s important to find correct resources in a timely manner.

And the resources are out there. You’re not the only family who’s going through this, so it’s OK to ask around, “Do you know any good therapists or psychiatrists?” Start googling and you will find webinars, books and names of family support services.

If the child won’t sign a HIPAA release allowing the parents to speak to health-care providers, that’s no reason why the parents can’t speak with the providers and tell them what they see – even if the provider can’t speak to them. Providers can only work with the information they’re given.

5. Prepare for the future.

With the proper care and resources, most mental illness challenges can be managed, allowing the child to live the life they deserve.

But the fact is that many parents will need to provide some measure of support to the child for years into the future. It’s also a fact that one day, the parents won’t be there anymore and the child’s care, by default, may fall to siblings who have jobs, families and concerns of their own.

Parents should share all of what’s going on with the child’s siblings – what therapies and meds are working or not working, what doctors have been seen, what supports are in place. Parents also need to prepare for the care of the child by establishing a Special Needs Trust, powers of attorney, advance directives for health care and mental health care, and supportive housing. It may be necessary to petition for guardianship.

While you’re bubble-wrapping your child in services and support, get support for yourself, too, by working with a mental health coach or family therapist.

An adult child with a mental illness is not the child the parents thought they would have. It’s not easy to raise a mentally ill young adult – in fact, it’s downright scary. No one expects you to have all of the answers, but help is out there.

Bonnie Lane, M.S., is principal consultant with Family Support Services in Northbrook, specializing in supporting families whose loved ones suffer from severe mental illness or substance addiction. Bonnie offers Daily Herald readers a free consultation at 847-651-1554 or bonnielane@thefamilysupportservices.com

Tip you can pass on to your Teachers and Administrators: Avoid tariffs and help your schools dollars go further

Companies that import manufactured goods from overseas are likely to be saddled with much higher tariffs going forward. This can include anything from school supplies to toys to maintenance supplies.

So classroom teachers have more motivation than ever to consider obtaining goods from a gifts-in-kind organization. Why?

Because the merchandise available from a gifts-in-kind organization is already in the U.S., donated by a manufacturer, distributor or retailer that is looking to clear out overstocks and excess inventory. If tariffs had been assessed, they will have already been paid by the company, not the consumer.

There are several of these organizations across the U.S., and one of the oldest and largest is NAEIR, the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources. It’s based in Galesburg, Illinois, but has national reach thanks to its ability to receive donations at its 300,000-square-foot warehouse and distribute them through its online catalog and established delivery systems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, community organizations and social service agencies, along with teachers in public and private schools, are eligible for membership in NAEIR. That membership entitles them to receive merchandise at no cost, aside from a nominal handling fee. The online catalog makes ordering simple.

Gifts-in-kind merchandise can be used to meet any need – for example, making sure a student has a warm sweatshirt for school or filling care packages for domestic and international mission trips. However, the  merchandise must be used to fulfill the organization’s mission or supplement classroom supplies. It may not be sold, traded or bartered.

Membership in NAEIR’s Teacher Program is free and helps stretch out-of-pocket expenses by providing materials such as arts and crafts items, pens and pencils, highlighters, scissors, incentive items like stickers and so much more. In most cases, participants in this program pay less than a third of what the products would cost even at the lowest prices available at deep discount stores

Donations to NAEIR come from dozens of companies as diverse as Crayola, McMaster-Carr, Avery Products, Newell Brands, and Cutter & Buck. Whatever a nonprofit or teacher needs, they’re likely to find it in the NAEIR catalog.

 What motivates companies to donate to gifts-in-kind organizations? It may be to reduce storage costs, clear up space in their warehouse, keep unsold merchandise out of landfills or fulfill their philanthropic missions to give back to their communities. It’s also a way for companies to streamline their donation process. They can receive a tax deduction for donated items without having to tie up their own employees’ time searching for worthy groups or shipping items to multiple locations.

On average, NAEIR members acquire more than $18,000 worth of free products per year for their organizations. With gifts-in-kind organizations, nonprofits and teachers can both spend less on items they need while also providing more help to the communities and students they serve.

Gary C. Smith is the president and chief executive officer of the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources (NAEIR), the oldest, largest gifts-in-kind organization in the U.S. NAEIR receives donations of excess inventory from American corporations and distributes merchandise to a membership base of more than 13,000. It has collected and redistributed more than $3 billion worth of new, donated supplies and equipment since its founding in 1977. Visit www.NAEIR.org or call 800-562-0955.

Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) Designated Schools for 2025

This year, 190 schools in 29 states received the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation. These schools will be honored during a special ceremony at the ASCA Annual Conference in Long Beach, Calif., in July for making an exemplary commitment to their school counseling programs.


The RAMP award, celebrating its 21st year, recognizes schools committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-informed school counseling program and a topnotch educational environment. Since its inception, more than 1,600 schools have been designated as RAMP recipients.


RAMP schools are now in 47 states across the country. The RAMP designation is valid for five years. To maintain RAMP status, this year’s RAMP recipients must submit a successful application by Oct. 15, 2029, to maintain their RAMP status. This year 38 schools earned Re-RAMP status.


“This year’s RAMP honorees have shown their commitment to students and the school counseling profession,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “These schools used data to inform their program development and implementation so all students can achieve success. RAMP designation distinguishes these schools and encourages school counselors nationwide to strive for excellence.”

The 2025 RAMP schools (listed alpha by state) are:
Alabama
Auburn High School
Baker High School
Booker T. Washington Middle School
Burns Middle School
C.F. Vigor High School
Castlen Elementary School
Citronelle High School
Davis Elementary School
Grand Bay Middle School
Green Acres Middle School
Hemphill Elementary School
Hewitt-Trussville Middle School
Homewood Middle School (Re-RAMP)
Jemison Intermediate School
LeFlore Magnet High School
Leinkauf Elementary School
New Market School
Scarborough Model Middle School (Re-RAMP)
Sheffield High School
Straughn High School
Walnut Grove Elementary School
West Point Elementary School


Alaska
Service High School (Re-RAMP)


Arkansas
Chaffin Middle School


California
Anaverde Hills School
Bay Laurel Elementary School
Bernardo Heights Middle School
Beverly Hills High School
Boulder Ridge Elementary School
Bryn Mawr Elementary School
California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley
Clovis High School
Coachella Valley High School
Compass Charter Schools of San Diego
Dos Caminos Dual Immersion School
Edison High School
George A. Buljan Middle School (Re-RAMP)
Golden Springs Elementary School
Indian Springs High School
John Marshall Elementary School
La Mesa Junior High School
Las Flores TK–8 School (Re-RAMP)
Madison Elementary School
McKinley Elementary School
Norwalk High School (Re-RAMP)
Pantera Elementary School
Quartz Hill Elementary School
San Jacinto Leadership Academy
Santa Maria High School
Shadow Hills Engineering and Design Magnet Academy (Re-RAMP)
Shasta Montessori Elementary School
Stella Elementary Charter Academy
Upland Junior High School
Valley View Elementary School
Washington Elementary School
Westview High School


Colorado
Cherokee Trail Elementary School
Legacy High School


Delaware
Anna P. Mote Elementary School
Lake Forest Central Elementary School
Milton Elementary School
POLYTECH High School
Sarah Pyle Academy


Georgia
Annette Winn Elementary School
Buford Elementary School
Creek View Elementary School
McDonough Middle School
Meadowcreek Elementary School
Moore Middle School
New Hope Elementary School
Norcross Elementary School (Re-RAMP)
Roberts Elementary School (Re-RAMP)
Sycamore Elementary School (Re-RAMP)
Unity Grove Elementary School
White Oak Elementary School (Re-RAMP)


Illinois
Arthur A. Libby Elementary School
Benito Juarez Community Academy (Re-RAMP)
Chicago World Language Academy
Eric Solorio Academy High School (Re-RAMP)
John W. Cook Academy
José de Diego Community Academy
Lane Tech College Prep High School
Niles West High School (Re-RAMP)
North-Grand High School (Re-RAMP)
Oak Lawn Community High School
Rock Island Academy
Salmon P. Chase Elementary School (Re-RAMP)


Indiana
Brookview Elementary School
Chesterton High School (Re-RAMP)
Creston Intermediate & Middle School
Discovery Middle School
Eastridge Elementary School
Glenwood Leadership Academy
Grassy Creek Elementary School
Hamilton Heights Elementary School
Hamilton Heights High School
Hamilton Heights Middle School (Re-RAMP)
Hawthorne Elementary School
James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy High School
Jane Ball Elementary School
Lakeside Elementary School
Liberty Park Elementary
Lincoln Elementary School (Re-RAMP)
Lowell Elementary School
Perry Meridian High School
Pierre Moran Middle School
Pleasant Run Elementary School
Raymond Park Intermediate and Middle School
River Birch Elementary School
South Newton High School (Re-RAMP)
South Newton Middle School
Southport High School (Re-RAMP)
Stonybrook Intermediate and Middle School
Sunny Heights Elementary School
Warren Central High School
Warren Online Academy


Iowa
Goodrell Middle School
Herbert Hoover High School
Wright Elementary School


Kentucky
Campbell County High School (Re-RAMP)


Maine
Alfred Elementary School
George B. Weatherbee School (Re-RAMP)


Michigan
Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect Campus


Minnesota
Adams Spanish Immersion Elementary School (Re-RAMP)
Global Arts Plus Upper Campus
Horace Mann Elementary School
Maxfield Elementary School
Nokomis Montessori South
Osseo Middle School
Palmer Lake Elementary School
Park Brook Elementary


Mississippi
East Central Upper Elementary School


Missouri
Belton High School
Donald Siegrist Elementary School
Knob Noster Middle School
Warrensburg High School


Nevada
Advanced Technologies Academy
Richard C. Priest Elementary School (Re-RAMP)


New Jersey
Mountain View Middle School


New Mexico
Vista Grande Elementary School


North Carolina
Alston Ridge Elementary School
Barnette Elementary School
Barton Pond Elementary School
Cabarrus Early College of Technology (Re-RAMP)
Carnage Magnet Middle School
Charles E. Boger Elementary School
Middle Creek High School (Re-RAMP)
Mills Park Middle School (Re-RAMP)
Perry W. Harrison Elementary School
Powell Magnet Elementary School
Pumpkin Center Primary School
Rolesville High School
Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School (Re-RAMP)
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy (Re-RAMP)
Walker-Spivey Elementary School
West Lake Elementary School (Re-RAMP)
Wildwood Forest Magnet Elementary School (Re-RAMP)
Willow Spring High School


Oklahoma
Wilson Elementary School


Oregon
Caldera High School
Obsidian Middle School
Sage Elementary School
Sisters Elementary School
Sisters Middle School
Tom McCall Upper Elementary School


Pennsylvania
Mifflin County Middle School


South Carolina
Kings Town Elementary School
Richland Northeast High School (Re-RAMP)
Sevier Middle School (Re-RAMP)


South Dakota
Jefferson High School


Texas
Col. John O. Ensor Middle School
SSG. Manuel R. Puentes Middle School
W.D. Surratt Elementary School


Virginia
Churchland Academy Elementary School
Churchland Middle School
Forest Park High School (Re-RAMP)
Garland R. Quarles Elementary School
Independence High School
John Handley High School
John Rolfe Middle School (Re-RAMP)
Mary G. Porter Traditional School
Parkside Middle School
Rachel Carson Middle School
Ressie Jeffries Elementary School
River Bend Middle School (Re-RAMP)
Ronald Reagan Middle School
Stone Hill Middle School (Re-RAMP)


Washington
Spanaway Lake High School


Wisconsin
Little Chute High School
Mound View Elementary School


RAMP applications are reviewed once a year by a panel of school counseling professionals, who assess the school counseling programs in 10 different areas of expertise. The next submission deadline is Oct. 15, 2025. For more information on the program, visit www.schoolcounselor.org/ramp

School Counselor Salaries by State

How much do School Counselors make? The median salary nationwide is $61,710 in 2025. Expected job growth is 4.5%.

Here are the average Counselor salaries by state (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent data):

StateMedian SalaryBottom 10%Top 10%
Alabama$61,160$38,220$81,070
Alaska$66,650$50,520$97,460
Arizona$52,280$42,100$77,150
Arkansas$57,780$38,490$76,820
California$77,640$47,650$133,510
Colorado$60,660$46,470$85,680
Connecticut$65,400$36,710$106,210
Delaware$72,240$42,490$95,120
District of Columbia$70,590$41,830$107,710
Florida$50,950$38,180$81,250
Georgia$60,930$39,510$100,570
Hawaii$61,660$46,350$87,900
Idaho$51,410$40,300$76,830
Illinois$59,970$39,820$101,220
Indiana$50,670$38,420$77,450
Iowa$53,470$38,930$79,290
Kansas$51,220$37,810$68,370
Kentucky$58,490$36,510$81,770
Louisiana$64,440$45,650$81,220
Maine$56,780$40,340$78,360
Maryland$73,040$50,380$109,070
Massachusetts$76,880$48,760$110,180
Michigan$58,670$38,770$86,550
Minnesota$60,660$46,890$88,350
Mississippi$54,210$35,310$73,450
Missouri$49,460$35,480$79,400
Montana$59,860$38,260$79,710
Nebraska$64,150$46,080$88,210
Nevada$60,880$42,960$88,360
New Hampshire$57,990$41,140$87,770
New Jersey$76,270$56,550$107,530
New Mexico$66,960$38,730$105,890
New York$64,540$39,880$125,410
North Carolina$51,920$35,620$70,920
North Dakota$59,470$43,560$79,910
Ohio$63,000$41,590$100,540
Oklahoma$49,520$35,650$76,930
Oregon$68,340$45,420$117,750
Pennsylvania$64,300$43,870$98,240
Rhode Island$65,040$45,910$95,670
South Carolina$52,330$36,840$79,560
South Dakota$48,640$39,600$64,620
Tennessee$52,850$37,500$75,720
Texas$64,750$39,730$82,770
Utah$51,420$39,460$92,400
Vermont$58,800$46,450$82,610
Virginia$61,930$42,350$95,140
Washington$80,260$50,160$116,390
West Virginia$50,630$36,980$69,990
Wisconsin$60,460$41,480$81,470
Wyoming$63,490$42,920$83,350

Antisemitism on Campus – Free Guide for Your Students

Jewish college students are facing soaring levels of antisemitism and marginalization. The Anti-Defamation League has created a guide that you can share with your students that is designed to address the historic rise in antisemitic activity and to help Jewish students and allies feel safe on campus. If you have Jewish students that are considering which college to attend and this is a concern for them this guide should be of inerest.

Here is a link to the guide: https://www.adl.org/antisemitism-campus

Eavesdrop On Admissions Leaders: How They’re Thinking About Student Search – Free Podcast

Live Video Podcast Event Wednesday, April 16, 1:00 (est) – Note this podcast will be archived for later listening
The way colleges currently manage search may be encouraging students to think of
colleges as interchangeable commodities. As a long-time admissions leader, I was
thrilled when my high school sophomore started receiving mail from colleges.

To my dismay – the first five pieces were quite literally – the same.

The same physical structure.

The same paper.

The same platitudes.

The same “offer” – the same qr code – the same off-site url.

This one-time video podcast conversation was inspired by that moment.

I’ll be bringing in one of the search consultants I worked with when I was on campus
to discuss what’s going wrong with student search today, and how colleges can do it better.

As a counselor, this is an opportunity to listen in to how admissions leaders are thinking
about marketing to and recruiting your students.

Teege

The podcast will be co-hosted by Teege Mettille Founder and Director Leading
Colleges/Director of Enrollment Services, enroll ml and Shawn Stewart VP of Enrollment
Services at Stewart 360

Register to attend here – https://ay7nd6ebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001E7L2Qk5xM8oqOhatazprlz7VHlMG4A0-R53HR-8_xZhXZL_Eq4NQCCK9Y6KPyptKpZrgOKTy2mbCygYLrvR1iBFxrt_pfHNGaafvYPyIeOnoYzr49xWTtRwLaTcb7r1jiU6PC-d3kOZyfwWg_k5MjKVUflifzJhzW8u1fSwtd2M=&c=WzNUEEj016eUijbnQkvCmRb3gB5BWz86aXS391_zjQgttv-w84_lNw==&ch=5hEMHkgZbDAxxTWs-UN-EDz0cHKM3svo2Q6F3WBnqouJqVPXzL_grw==

Typical mistakes parents make during campus visits, and how to avoid them

A campus visit is an exciting milestone in the college search process, but it’s easy for parents to make missteps that could lead to unnecessary stress or missed opportunities. Whether you’re visiting a state school or a private university, here are some common mistakes parents often make during campus visits—and how to avoid them.

1. Taking the Lead When You Should Be Following

If you truly want to empower your child to take the college admissions process seriously, you can’t do all the work. Allow them to get involved and make decisions, not only about which colleges to visit, but also what else to do when they are on campus. Do they want to meet a professor, sit in on a class, grab a cup of coffee with current students, explore the area. Let the student drive the day.

How to avoid it: Be deliberate about your role in the planning. Ask your students to make the big decisions so they have a sense of ownership of the process. Hold back your commentary and always ask them for their impressions first.

2. Overwhelming the Student with Questions

It’s natural for parents to want to gather as much information as possible during a campus visit, but bombarding the student with a constant stream of questions can create pressure and frustration. While parents are invested in the decision-making process, it’s important to allow the student to take the lead. After all, they are the ones who will ultimately be spending the next four years there.

How to avoid it: Before the visit, discuss the types of questions you’d like to ask but agree on a structure that gives the student space to explore and form their own impressions. Focus on areas where the student might not feel comfortable asking questions, like dorm life or academics, while letting them express their thoughts on campus culture and their general feelings.

3. Focusing Too Much on Academics

While academics are undoubtedly a major factor in choosing a college, some parents make the mistake of focusing solely on them during the campus visit. They zero in on questions about the curriculum, majors, or prestige, overlooking the importance of campus culture, extracurriculars, and overall fit.

How to avoid it: Remember that college is about more than just the classroom experience. Encourage your student to explore the social aspects of campus life as well. Look for opportunities to check out clubs, student activities, and the overall atmosphere. A college might have a stellar academic program, but if it doesn’t match the student’s social or emotional needs, it might not be the right fit.

4. Rushing the Visit

Many parents schedule multiple campus visits in a short amount of time, which can lead to exhaustion and overwhelm. Rushing from one school to the next without enough time to absorb details or really experience what each campus has to offer can hinder your ability to make a well-informed decision.

How to avoid it: Plan your campus visits with ample time between stops. Aim for a balanced approach: a couple of visits per day, leaving enough time for a relaxed lunch or walk around the campus afterward. If your schedule is tight, consider limiting the number of visits you make in a day or over the course of the week.

5. Ignoring the ‘Gut Feeling’

Parents can sometimes get so focused on rankings, statistics, and other concrete details that they forget to consider the intangible elements that influence their child’s happiness and success at a particular school. The “gut feeling” about a campus is just as important as academics or finances.

How to avoid it: While data is crucial, make sure to trust the emotional responses you and your student experience during the visit. Does the student feel comfortable and energized on the campus? Does it feel welcoming? These emotional cues are often just as valuable as academic information.

6. Not Considering Practical Factors

Parents may focus so much on the aesthetics of the campus and the general feel of the college that they overlook practical concerns. These can include the cost of living in the area, access to local resources, or the availability of transportation. It’s easy to be swept away by picturesque views, but these details matter in the long run.

How to avoid it: Pay attention to the surrounding community, safety, and logistical considerations like commute times, transportation options, and off-campus living. Factor in your family’s budget for non-tuition expenses such as food, transportation, and entertainment.

7. Not Asking About the Financial Aid Process

It’s easy to assume that financial aid will work itself out later, but ignoring the financial aid office during the campus visit can result in missed opportunities. Learning about scholarship options, the financial aid process, and any special resources for families can be a game-changer in the decision-making process.

How to avoid it: During your campus visit, make it a point to stop by the financial aid office or schedule an appointment with a counselor. They can offer insight into the school’s aid process, application deadlines, and any school-specific financial programs.

By avoiding these common mistakes, parents can help their students make the most of their campus visits, ensuring that both academics and overall fit are considered in the decision-making process. With thoughtful preparation and an open mind, a campus visit can be a valuable experience for both parent and student.

Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte. Send questions to: lee@bierercollegeconsulting.comwww.bierercollegeconsulting.com 

Top 50 School Counselor Blogs

Feedspot recently did an analysis of all blogs focused on the Counselor market. They looked at content, traffic, quality of posts, frequency of posts, etc. We are happy to share that LINK for Counselors blog was chosen as one of the top blogs (in fact we came in at #3 and the top one focused specifically on High School Counselors).

There are some other great blogs you might enjoy here as well. Here is the link to the list: https://bloggers.feedspot.com/school_counselor_blogs/?feedid=4779041&_src=f1_featured_email

Talking About Gap Years

As high school graduation approaches, many students face the daunting task of deciding their next steps. For some, the traditional path of immediately enrolling in college may not feel like the right fit. In recent years, taking a gap year has gained popularity as a way for students to explore their interests, gain valuable experiences, and mature before diving into higher education.

A gap year, typically taken between high school and college, offers a unique opportunity for students to step off the academic treadmill and engage in meaningful activities that contribute to personal and professional growth. Here are some key considerations and benefits of taking a gap year:

Personal Growth – During a gap year, students have the chance to discover more about themselves, their passions, and their values. Whether traveling, volunteering, interning, or working, these experiences can lead to increased self-awareness and confidence.

Skill Development – Gap year experiences often involve hands-on learning and skill-building opportunities that may not be available in a traditional classroom setting. From learning a new language to gaining practical work skills, students can develop a diverse range of competencies.

Cultural Exploration – Traveling or living in different regions or countries exposes students to diverse cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. This exposure fosters cultural competency, empathy, and a broader understanding of the world.

Clarifying Goals – For students unsure about their college major or career path, a gap year can provide clarity and direction. It allows time for reflection, exploration of interests, and conversations with mentors or professionals in various fields.

Building Resilience – Navigating new environments, challenges, and responsibilities during a gap year cultivates resilience and adaptability, essential skills for success in college and beyond.

Counselors play a crucial role in guiding students through the gap year decision-making process. By discussing the potential benefits, exploring various gap year program options, and helping students create a plan that aligns with their goals, counselors can support students in making informed choices about their educational journey.

Ultimately, a gap year can be a transformative experience that enhances a student’s readiness for college, enriches their perspective, and sets the stage for future success. It’s not a detour from education but rather a purposeful pathway to growth and discovery.

Teege Mettille is the founder of Leading Colleges. He brings over two decades of experience in enrollment management, higher education leadership, and consulting. Having held roles ranging from admissions counselor to vice president of enrollment, He combines hands-on expertise with a forward-thinking approach. His work with institutions of all sizes, coupled with a passion for ethical recruiting and social justice, ensures that every solution is tailored to meet the unique needs of your campus. Check out his other blog posts here: https://leadingcolleges.org/insights/

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