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10 Amazon Gift Card Winners – Paramount Research Study Participants

LINK for Counselors recently conducted a survey on the readers of the Spring 2025 issue. Counselors around the country took the survey and we thank all who participated.

Vicki KapaunSchool District 622 (North St. Paul, MN)
Abby HerrimanSoutheastern Community College – Iowa
Megan McCamySt. Joseph School District – Missouri
Rhona PattersonMohawk Valley Community College – Utica, NY
Amy HuszarMohonasen School District – New York
Bridget KocurekPlymouth-Canton Community Schools – Michigan
Richie ChadwickTullahoma City Schools – Tennessee
Candace ReedCanfield Local School District – Ohio
Kristen SmithK12.com
Carolyn CrealTrinity Christian Academy – Texas
10 Winners of a $10 Amazon Gift Card

100 College Seniors Were Asked What Advice Would You Give Freshmen?

Study.com surveyed 100 college seniors and asked them to share the best advice for incoming freshmen. The results were both surprising and insightful. From their biggest mistakes and what they wish they’d done differently to how to thrive academically and socially, the advice these seniors offered will help you start college on the right foot and ease your first-year jitters.

Key Takeaways:

  • 72% of students said consistently attending class helped them stay on track academically
  • 63% worked part-time and 59% applied for scholarships to manage their college finances
  • 65% warned about overspending on non-essentials as a major financial mistake
  • Campus events and orientations helped 63% of students make friends during their first year
  • 63% said keeping a regular sleep schedule was key to managing burnout
  • 54% gained career experience through part-time jobs, and 52% through internships

Here is a link to the post with the complete results and summary: https://study.com/resources/100-college-seniors-advice-freshmen.html

College Essay Update: Which Topics Are Off Limits in 2025?

I love listening and learning new things. I am endlessly curious. Lately, I’ve had lots of
conversations with colleagues on the same topic: How will the current political environment
affect students as they apply to college? Can students write about race, gender, politics,
and other hot-button topics?
 
For better or worse, we won’t know how changes on campuses will affect our students till
they apply, weigh their options, and enter college.
 
When it comes to college essays, however, one thing hasn’t changed: Students really can
write about anything, if they focus on theme, not topic.
 
By theme I mean this: 1) What happened? (the anchor story) and 2) Why does it
matter (characteristics/what do we learn about the student from this anchor story).
 
Recruited athletes spend most of their time on athletics. Talented singers, chess wizards
and star debaters spend most of their time on those activities. That’s where their most
meaningful experiences occur. A student whose racial, gender, political, or cultural identity
is central to who they are might choose to write an essay that reflects on that identity. 
 
As long as the essay is genuine, shows some reflection, and responds to the prompt, it can
be effective.
 
No, a tennis player should not use the essay to brag about winning a tournament, but they
can use the essay to demonstrate their creativity while helping a less skilled player improve
their backhand.
 
No, a student should not use the essay to sneak in demographic information, but that
information is certainly not off limits. It’s part of who they are.
 
When the student understands the prompt and understands why they are writing about a
particular topic (it shows how resilient I am; it illustrates my creativity; etc.) any topic can
work.
Free College Essay Webinar

Join Me for a Free Webinar Wednesday, June 11 at 1 pm Eastern, when we’ll talk about
another hot topic: AI and college essays. Should students use it? Should counselors use it
to help generate topics and review essays? What are the ethical and practical issues we
should consider? Register here for free: https://wowwritingworkshop.com/register-pro-chat/


Susan Knoppow is CEO of Wow Writing Workshop. You can reach her at
Susan@wowwritingworkshop.com

Counselor & Student Fly-in Programs

Many Colleges’ & Universities offer fly-in programs where they will fully fund the cost of visiting their campus so you can see if it is a fit for your students and check out all that it has to offer. Here are some being offered for the summer of 2025. See each school’s individual websites below for specific details.

Amherst College – https://www.amherst.edu/admission/diversity/a2a

Babson College – https://www.babson.edu/undergraduate/admission/visit-and-engage/access-babson/

Bates College – https://www.bates.edu/admission/prologue/

Bowdoin College – https://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/visit/explore-bowdoin/index.html

Bryn Mawr College – https://www.brynmawr.edu/admissions-aid/visit-bryn-mawr/lantern-scholars-fly-program

Bucknell University – https://www.bucknell.edu/admissions-aid/plan-visit/camps-conferences-visit-programs/journey-bucknell

Caltech – https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/visit/visit-campus/fall-fly-in-program-caltech-up-close

Carleton College – https://www.carleton.edu/admissions/visit/toc/

Claremont McKenna College – https://www.cmc.edu/admission/visit/diversityflyin

College of the Atlantic – https://www.coa.edu/admissions/admission-events/fall-fly-in/

College of Idaho – https://www.collegeofidaho.edu/admission-aid/visit/fly-in-reimbursement

College of Saint Benedict – https://www.csbsju.edu/admission/visit/flyininfo-x65038/

Colorado College – https://www.coloradocollege.edu/admission/for-students/explore-campus/open-house-opportunities/discover_colorado_college/discover-colorado-college.html

Connecticut College – https://www.conncoll.edu/admission/visits-virtuals-and-events/fly-in-programs//

Dartmouth College – https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/visit/visitation-programs/dartmouth-bound-summer-program

Dartmouth College – https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/visit/visitation-programs/indigenous-fly-program

Davidson College – https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/visit/access-davidson

Elon University – https://admissions.elon.edu/register/?id=7b76596f-16cc-4025-8407-7d372a485c30

Hamilton College – https://www.hamilton.edu/admission/home/home

Harvey Mudd College – https://www.hmc.edu/admission/fast/

Haverford College – https://www.haverford.edu/have-look

Marquette University – https://admissions.marquette.edu/register/?id=52adff6b-90e2-4ade-8966-742aa88d1da5

Miami University – MiamiOH.edu/bridges

Middlebury College – https://www.middlebury.edu/college/admissions/visit-us/special-visits

Olin College of Engineering – https://admission.olin.edu/register/Fly-InNom2025

Pitzer College – https://www.pitzer.edu/admission-aid/visit/preview-pitzer-program

Pomona College – https://www.pomona.edu/admissions/diversity/fall-fly-program-pop

Smith College – https://www.smith.edu/women-distinction-program

Swarthmore College – https://www.swarthmore.edu/admissions-aid/discover-swarthmore-fly-program

Temple University, Japan Campus – https://www.tuj.ac.jp/ug/tuj-cfip

Temple University, Rome Campus – https://rome.temple.edu/alumni-partners/partners/temple-rome-counselor-fly

Trinity College – https://www.trincoll.edu/admissions/bantam-bound/

Tufts University – https://admissions.tufts.edu/voices/

University of Evansville – https://www.evansville.edu/visit/flyinpolicy.cfm

University of Michigan Ross School of Business – https://michiganross.umich.edu/about/events/all-access-weekend

University of Rochester – https://admissions.rochester.edu/visit/mvp/

Washington and Lee University – https://www.wlu.edu/admissions/visit/path-fly-in-program

Whitman College – https://www.whitman.edu/admission-and-aid/visit-whitman/visit-scholarship-program

Williams College – https://www.williams.edu/admission-aid/wow/

Yale University https://admissions.yale.edu/Yale-in-MOHtion

How to Become a School Counselor: A Step-by-Step Guide

Russell Sage College recently published a blog regarding becoming a school counselor in New York. While their post is focused on New York state counselors their advice will be of interest to anyone considering pursuing this as a career.

Why Become a School Counselor? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school counselors “help students develop academic and social skills and plans for after graduation.” School counselors may work at the elementary, middle, or high school level in either public or private schools.  Becoming a school counselor not only means entering an in-demand profession but also being able to contribute to the development and success of thousands of students.

Becoming a School Counselor: Educational Requirements 

School counselors must earn a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field before becoming eligible for licensure, which also means completing the prerequisites for a graduate program.  

Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree 

Before becoming eligible for a master’s in school counseling, aspiring counselors must earn an undergraduate degree. Some of the most relevant degree programs that can help undergraduates complete their prerequisites include psychology, sociology, education, and social work. Most people can complete an undergraduate degree in four years if attending full time.  

Earn a Master’s Degree in School Counseling 

The next step toward meeting the educational school counselor requirements in New York is earning a master’s in school counseling or a related field. A master’s degree can typically be completed in two years, and many programs offer part-time options for working professionals.  

Becoming a School Counselor: Complete Required Field Experience 

Practical experience is essential for both learning the ropes and for meeting requirements for school counselor certification in New York. Practical experience allows aspiring counselors to engage in their new professions in a controlled and supervised environment. 

Impact of School Counselors on Student Development 

One study from the journal Professional School Counseling indicated that “Students who have greater access to school counselors and comprehensive school counseling programs are more likely to succeed academically and behaviorally in school.“ School counselors not only help students cope with and thrive in their current educational environment, but they have also been shown to be critical in helping students move on to collegiate postsecondary success. Low-income students and students of color have indicated that their school counselors were the most important support in pursuing college. Becoming a school counselor means devoting your career to helping kids succeed.  

See the entire blog post here from Russell Sage College which also includes information about Certification and licensing, degree requirements and typical salary ranges for Counselors here: https://www.sage.edu/blog/how-to-become-a-school-counselor-in-new-york/

Good Reminder to Have Graduating Students Switch Their E-mails to Personal Ones

If they’ve been using their school email for scholarships, college apps, or job searches, they could lose access after graduation—and miss out on key updates.

Below is a ready-to-send message courtesy of Going Merry ( http://www.goingmerry.com ) that you can forward or drop into Google Classroom to help your senior switch to a personal email. 👇

PS – Need to remind your juniors not to make this mistake? Here’s an email template for them, too! 

📩 Student Email Template (For Seniors):
Subject: Action Needed: Create a Personal Email Before Graduation

Hi [Student Name],

Have you used your school email to apply for scholarships, college, or jobs? If so, you’ll want to switch to a personal email address ASAP. Most school accounts get shut off after graduation, which means you could miss essential updates (or lose access entirely).

Here’s what to do:
 ✅ Create a professional personal email (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
 ✅ Update your email address on any accounts tied to your school email:

  • College application portals (like Common App or university logins)
  • Scholarship platforms (like Going Merry or others)
  • Job search accounts (Indeed, Handshake, etc.)
  • Any subscriptions or alerts (SAT/ACT, FAFSA, etc.)

It only takes a few minutes, but can save you a big headache later.
You’ve worked hard to get here—make sure you don’t miss your next opportunity. 🎓

Kind regards, 
Your Counselor

Survey Says! – Results of the Spring 2025 Paramount Research Study

Thanks again to all of you that participated in the survey regarding the Spring 2025 LINK for Counselors issue. The results help show us which content is of most interest to you and also help our advertisers gain valuable feedback about their messaging and school.

Here is a quick summary of the results:

  • 57 % of survey respondents were at a Public High School, 26% were at a Private High School, and 10% were Independent Counselors
  • The average counselor in the survey works with 227 students
  • 59% of survey responders were NOT members of NACAC
  • The typical readers spent an average of 40 minutes reading the Spring issue and one in six spent more than an hour
  • 45% of readers share their issue with another Counselor
  • 51% of readers read either the print issue or both the print and digital versions. The remainder read just the digital version
  • 91% of readers have taken some sort of action after seeing an advertisement or reading an article in LINK for Counselors (the highest is to visit an advertiser’s/school’s website – 48%)
  • 87% of magazine readers also receive the LINK for Counselors e-letter
  • 41% of magazine readers have visited linkforcounselors.com in the past 12 months

Want more information? You can see the entire study here: https://www.linkforcounselors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/LINK_Spring-2025_ProfileReport.pdf

A Counselor’s Guide to Fast-Track and Accelerated Degree Options

In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals are eager to advance their education and career prospects quickly. This has led to a surge in popularity for fast-track and accelerated degree programs, offering a compressed timeline for completing a degree. As counselors, understanding the landscape of these options is crucial to effectively advising students and helping them make informed decisions.

This guide provides an overview of fast-track and accelerated degrees, their benefits and drawbacks, and key considerations for guiding students through this pathway.

Understanding Fast-Track and Accelerated Degrees

While often used interchangeably, “fast-track” and “accelerated” programs— such as an  Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) — generally refer to degrees that are completed in a shorter timeframe than traditional programs. They achieve this compression through various methods:

  • Shorter Semesters/Terms: Instead of the standard 15-16 week semester, courses may be offered in 5-8 week terms.
  • Year-Round Enrollment: Programs often forgo the traditional summer break, allowing students to consistently take courses throughout the year.
  • Intensive Coursework: Course content might be the same, but delivery is compressed, requiring more focused and dedicated study time.
  • Credit for Prior Learning (CPL): Allowing students to earn credit for previous coursework, professional experience, or standardized tests can significantly reduce the time needed to complete a degree.
  • Online Learning: Online formats offer flexibility and often allow students to work at their own pace, potentially accelerating their learning.

The specific structure and duration of accelerated programs vary significantly depending on the institution and program. For example, a traditional bachelor’s degree might take four years to complete, while an accelerated program could condense this into three years or even less. Master’s degrees, like that of a master degree in social work,  typically requiring two years, can sometimes be completed in as little as one year through accelerated pathways.

Benefits of Accelerated Degree Programs

For the right student, accelerated degree programs offer several compelling advantages:

  • Faster Career Advancement: Completing a degree quickly allows individuals to enter or advance in their chosen field sooner, potentially leading to earlier salary increases and promotions.
  • Reduced Tuition Costs: While the intensity might be higher, the overall cost of tuition can be lower due to the shorter program duration. Students may also be able to minimize living expenses and forego lost wages that would otherwise accrue during a longer program.
  • Increased Focus and Motivation: The intensive nature of accelerated programs can foster a heightened sense of focus and motivation, leading to improved academic performance for some students.
  • Opportunity for Skill Development: The demanding pace requires students to develop strong time management, organizational, and self-discipline skills, valuable assets in any career.
  • Early Return on Investment: Graduates can start earning a return on their educational investment more quickly, reducing the financial burden of student loans.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Despite the advantages, accelerated programs are not suitable for everyone. Counselors should discuss the following potential drawbacks with students:

  • Intense Workload and Time Commitment: Accelerated programs demand a significant time commitment and require students to dedicate a considerable amount of time to studying outside of class.
  • Limited Social Life: Balancing academics with personal and social commitments can be challenging, potentially leading to social isolation.
  • Cost Concerns: While overall tuition may be reduced, the financial pressure of paying for tuition, living expenses, and potentially forgoing full-time employment can be significant.
  • Program Accreditation and Quality: It’s crucial to verify the accreditation and reputation of the program. Some accelerated programs may lack the rigor and quality of traditional programs.
  • Transferability Issues: Credits earned in accelerated programs may not always transfer to other institutions, particularly if the program is not fully accredited.

Counseling Strategies for Guiding Students

When advising students considering accelerated degree programs, counselors should:

  • Assess Student Readiness: Evaluate the student’s academic strengths, time management skills, learning style, and motivation levels. Determine if they possess the self-discipline and organizational skills necessary for success in an accelerated environment.
  • Explore Career Goals: Discuss the student’s career aspirations and whether an accelerated degree aligns with their long-term goals. Consider whether employers in their desired field value accelerated degrees.
  • Research Program Options: Help students research and compare different accelerated programs, focusing on factors such as program reputation, curriculum, faculty qualifications, accreditation, and student support services.
  • Address Financial Implications: Discuss the cost of tuition, fees, living expenses, and potential loan repayments. Explore financial aid options, scholarships, and grants.
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