Final Blog from The College Solution (Lynn O’Shaughnessy)

A few times over the years I have featured blogs from Lynn O’Shaughnessy. She was the founder and owner of the College Solution which helped students find the right college for them by working with them and their families. Her blogs were great and recently she sent out the below note letting her readers know she was closing up shop. She sent one final post which had some great information. I’ve shared that here and wanted to thank her for all those years of putting out fantastic information for students, their parents and of course for Counselors. Here is her final farewell and blog. Enjoy!

I’m closing up shop at The College Solution, but I’m not going to leave you empty-handed.    You may have noticed that I stopped sending out my newsletter awhile ago. I simply lost interest and became passionate about other things.   Since it would be lame to simply say goodbye (and of no use to anyone), I’m leaving you with some relevant tips to find your own college solution!

No. 1. Check out College ROI

Families often fixate on the brand names of colleges rather than other factors such as what a major’s return on investment (ROI) will be at a specific school. It’s untrue that getting into a prestigious institution will guarantee an enviable lifetime of earnings no matter the major.   At the University of Chicago, for instance, an economics degree holder enjoys a lifetime ROI of $3.6 million versus an English literature major who earns a NEGATIVE $197,000!   Wide ROI variations not only exist within any university, but also across institutions for any major whether it’s biology, business administration, psychology or something else.   You can track ROI figures for tens of thousands of degrees via an invaluable tool from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. Below is a sampling of undergraduate ROIs for San Diego State University, which is about a five-minute drive from my house.   Salaries aren’t everything when picking a college, but they are worth checking out.

No. 2. Make the most out of those four years

Getting into college isn’t that hard, but what is challenging is exploiting all the amazing resources and opportunities that a college offers.   Research from Gallup/Purdue shows that what you do in college, including finding a mentor, studying abroad and getting involved in extracurriculars, is hugely influential in whether you ultimately end up living a fulfilling and happy life and career.   I started writing posts for The College Solution in 2008 and one of my all-time favorites was about my daughter Caitlin Bigelow’s uncanny ability to squeeze every last drop out of her liberal arts education. Caitlin, who is now the global marketing director of an international modular construction company, did what Gallup/Purdue said only three percent of undergrads do – make the absolute most out of their four-year college experience.    How My Daughter Made the Most Out of College

No. 3. Improve math skills

Fewer than a third of students from K-12 grades are proficient in math! Boosting math skills in grade school and beyond can not only ultimately lead to more college choices and greater awards, but a wider choice of realistic majors – and often higher paying ones.   Tutoring is an obvious way to boost students math abilities, but it can also be a wise idea for children who want to advance beyond their grade level. What’s more, if your child wants to attend a highly prestigious school, taking and doing well in Calculus is often a must. And that’s true even if a school doesn’t acknowledge it.   The online tutor who I’d highly recommend checking out is my son, Ben Bigelow, who graduated with a mathematics degree and a master’s in curriculum and instruction. Those credentials, however, pale in comparison to the fact that Ben is an innately gifted teacher, who is not only patient, but has the ability to draw the absolute most out of his students. Parents love him!

No. 4. Use this college software

Many parents will find that covering their college costs is a struggle if they don’t find schools that will generously discount the price through need-based aid or merit awards.   To make the hunt MUCH easier, I suggest using an inexpensive and invaluable consumer software offered by College Aid Pro. CAP started out years ago offering college software to financial advisors and I was thrilled when CAP rolled out easy-to-navigate college software for families.   Once you input information about the family, including finances and the student’s academic profile into the MyCAP software, it will instantly identify colleges that will charge you the price you are hoping to pay or close to it. If you don’t like that list, you can tweak what you are looking for in a variety of ways to find schools that will work financially and academically.   This software is just $149 for the year. (By the way, I get no financial payment from CAP for this recommendation!)

No. 5. Read my blog posts

While I stopped writing blog posts a while ago, a lot of solid advice remains on The College Solution to make you an educated college consumer. It exhausts me just thinking of the 1,489 blog posts that I wrote over the years!   Spend some time poking around on my website and you’ll be smarter about your college choices.

Thank you so much and good bye!

The best part of my mission was hearing from so many parents, students, high school counselors and college consultants, who benefited from my college advice. You have no idea how much that has meant to me! I want to THANK all of you who believed in my passionate aim of guiding people to finding their own college solution. I wish all of you the very best in your college journey! Fondly, Lynn O’Shaughnessy  TheCollegeSolution.com  Lynn@TheCollegeSolution.com

Some Great Blogs for Counselors

There are a lot of great blogs out there which contain information for Counselors. Here is a list of some great ones:

Corner on Character

Counselor Up

The Middle School Counselor

Pawsitive School Counseling

For High School Counselors

College Choice

Counselor Accents

Counselor Clique

Counselors’ Corner

Savvy School Counselor

Know of any that should be added? Send them my way – Jason@linkforcounselors.com

Equal Access: Universal Design of Recruitment and Undergraduate Admissions

A checklist for making recruitment and admissions activities welcoming and accessible to everyone is now available free.

The admissions office is the gateway to two-year colleges, vocational technical institutes, and universities, and it plays a central role in informing students and parents about campus programs and services. People with disabilities represent a significant and visible portion of those seeking information and admission. This publication identifies:

• key access issues for recruitment and admissions offices,
• disability-related issues with respect to admission policies and activities, and
• resources for additional information.

Here is a link to the free complete resource: https://www.washington.edu/doit/equal-access-universal-design-recruitment-and-undergraduate-admissions

Ignite Your Ignite: FREE Conference for Educators

Calling all educators ready to glow and grow in 2025! Join us for a free virtual conference on January 10th-12th, featuring 90-minute workshops with actionable strategies to address burnout, improve student behavior, and boost engagement. Prep for a successful second semester with Ignite Your Light.

P.S. Can’t make it live? No worries – register now, and we’ll send you the recordings to keep the spark alive!

A Bright Path Ahead:
The Complete Schedule

Discover powerful strategies to reenergize and illuminate the way to a strong second semester.

Resilient Educators: From Burnout to Breakthrough

Day 1 | Friday, January 10 | 4-5:30pm PT, 7-8:30pm ET

Educators are the light guiding the future, but burnout can dim even the brightest flame. This empowering keynote by Special Guest Lasada Pippen will reignite your energy and equip you to overcome challenges with resilience and purpose. Through inspiring stories, classroom secrets, and practical tips, you’ll move from Burnout to Breakthrough.

In this keynote, you’ll gain:

+ Practical Strategies: Known, simple science hacks to increase energy and productivity.
+ Motivation: One research-based discovery on how to remain motivated, passionate, and energized.
+ Self-Care: Learn how LP’s “P.O.P.” tip improves overall health.
+ Balance: Improve “TLB” and reconnect personally and professionally.
+ Culture: Learn four culture-transforming keys
+ Empowered: To achieve your breakthrough.

You will emerge with tools to practice self-care, connect with your purpose, and focus on the precious moments instead of the pressure moments.

(Note: PD certificates are issued to people who attend live.)

The Brain in Balance: Understanding Dysregulation and How to Address It In Your Classroom

Day 2 | Saturday, January 11 | 9-10:30am PT, 12-1:30pm ET

Behavioral challenges in the classroom can feel overwhelming, but understanding the science of dysregulation can help you bring balance back. Join Dr. Ilana Nankin and Adriana Robertson for an enlightening workshop that dives into the neuroscience of dysregulation and how it impacts students and educators. This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create balance and foster a thriving learning environment.

In this workshop, you will learn:

+ The Science of Dysregulation: Understand how the brain responds to stress and imbalance.
+ How to Recognize the Signs: Identify indicators of dysregulation in yourself and your students.
+ Practical Strategies: Explore tools and techniques to restore regulation and foster resilience.
+ Building Connection: Learn how to create a supportive and balanced classroom environment.
+ PLUS a live Q&A at the end to get all your questions answered!

Walk away with actionable insights to help your students (and yourself) find calm, focus, and connection.

(Note: PD certificates are issued to people who attend live.)

Engaging Hearts and Minds: Wellness-Centered Strategies for Student Engagement

Day 3 | Sunday, January 12 | 9-10:30am PT, 12-1:30pm ET

Inspire students to shine their brightest by creating a classroom environment that prioritizes wellness and social-emotional learning. This session focuses on creating meaningful connections, fostering emotional resilience, and integrating SEL practices to inspire students to show up as their best selves.

In this workshop you will learn…

✓ The Connection Between Wellness and Engagement: Explore how emotional well-being impacts students’ ability to focus and participate.
✓ SEL-Driven Relationship Building: Develop trust and connection with students through empathy and active listening.
✓ Mindful Engagement Techniques: Use mindfulness and reflection practices to spark curiosity and intrinsic motivation.
✓ Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment: Design classroom activities and routines that nurture emotional safety and encourage active participation.
✓ Learn from experts in the field and get your questions answered!

Equip yourself with wellness-centered strategies that engage students’ hearts and minds, empowering them to thrive academically and emotionally.

(Note: PD certificates are issued to people who attend live.)

Register using this link: https://breatheforchange.com/ignite-your-light-2025/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1f_7iHSSwmCD2ryX5K6lk-P6HxX_6yUAF0N3iuZ7lmo2N1fTloFaaM-hU_aem_Nsku3YLw5lOwp7l-xqRX6A#register

Research Dissertation Study: Preparation and Training of School Counselors for Roles in Virtual K-12 Settings

Investigators Name:   
The principal investigator for this study is Tricia Woodliff, Ph.D., CPC, NCC, ACS

Student investigator: Cindy Black, Doctoral Candidate, M.Ed.

Email Contact Information: cindyblack@unr.edu

Informed Consent:
You are invited to participate in a qualitative research dissertation study. This study is conducted by Cindy Black who is enrolled in the Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D program at the University of Nevada-Reno under the guidance of Dr. Tricia Woodliff.  

The potential impacts of this study are first, to give you as the participant an opportunity to share your story, your struggles, victories, and celebrations. It will also be an opportunity to contribute to best practices and continued professional development opportunities for virtual school counselors and to continue to grow as professionals.

For school counselors, it will inform best practices, and add to the literature on virtual school counselors. Finally it will inform counselor education on the need to train school counselors for work in a virtual setting and outline that training.

To participate in this study, you must meet the following criteria:    
– Be employed as a school counselor in a virtual K-12 setting

-The virtual setting is defined as one that is fully online or a hybrid or blended program

-Work in a setting that is in the United States

This Demographic Survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. If you meet the inclusion criteria (employed as a school counselor in a virtual or hybrid setting; employed in the United States) and are willing to be interviewed, you will be contacted to schedule an interview that will last up to 60 minutes. This interview will be held virtually via Google Meet. All interviews will be recorded using the audio only and transcribed for the study.  

Google Form Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdubCRFs8jewyzJAzdSNnAMV1ABfF-_506BKBo9zKn0vSrrnA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Use of Data:   
The data collected will be used in a dissertation study that is exploring the preparation and training of school counselors for roles in the virtual K-12 setting. The results will be reported and discussed at length in the dissertation. No personal identifiable information will be presented or reported in the study. 

   
Risks/Benefits/Confidentiality of Data:   
Although participants will be submitting their name, phone number, and email address, there are no known risks for participating in this study. Personal identifiable information will only be used to contact participants and schedule an interview. Once the interview is complete, the participants’ information will be removed and assigned a pseudonym. Only the student researcher and advisor will have access to the data during the data collection and analysis phase to limit breach of information and maintain confidentiality. No personal identifiable information will be included in the presentation or report of the study.  

Participation or Withdrawal:   
Your decision to participate or decline participation in this study is voluntary. You may decline to answer any questions and you have the right to withdraw from participation. Withdrawal will not affect your relationship with your respective program in any way. 

 
Contacts:  
If you have any questions about the study or are interested in participating, please contact: Cindy Black; cindyblack@unr.edu

Questions about your rights as a research participant:   
If you have questions about your rights or are dissatisfied at any time with any part of the study, you can contact, anonymously if you wish, the Office of Research Integrity and Security by phone at 775-327-2368 or by email IRB@UNR.edu. UNR’s campus address is 1664 North Virginia Street, Ross Hall 217, Mailstop: 0331, Reno, NV 89557. IRB reference number: 2262120-1.

Thank you in advance for your time and participation. By clicking on the Google Form link, you are indicating that you have read the Informed Consent and are consenting to participate in this study. All participants will have access to the study results.

Introducing the Muslim College Guide

College counselors play a crucial role in guiding students towards higher education institutions where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally. As we strive for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education, it’s essential to consider the unique needs of students from various religious backgrounds, including Muslim students. Many Muslim students face unique challenges in the U.S. higher education landscape, from navigating their cultural and religious identity to finding campuses where they feel a sense of belonging.

To assist in this important work, we’d like to highlight a valuable resource: the Muslim College Guide. The Muslim College Guide is an excellent tool for school and college counselors working with Muslim high school students who are navigating the college selection process. It is a completely free resource that includes advice from college admissions experts, Muslim chaplains serving on college campuses, and Muslim higher education staff who work in various roles across higher education.

The Muslim College Guide can help counselors:

1. Deepen your understanding of Muslim students’ unique considerations
2. Facilitate meaningful conversations about factors that contribute to a positive college experience for Muslim students
3. Equip Muslim students to make well-informed higher education choices
4. Empower Muslim students to make informed decisions about their higher education journey

By providing students with the Muslim College Guide, counselors can better support Muslim students in finding institutions that align with both their academic goals and religious needs. We encourage all school counselors to familiarize themselves with this resource and incorporate it into their practice when working with Muslim students. By sharing the guide with students, you will be taking an important step towards ensuring that all students, regardless of their religious background, have the opportunity to find a college where they can succeed and feel at home.

Here is a link to the guide: https://www.muslimcampuslife.com/muslim-college-guide/

If you have any questions about this resource or would like to learn more, please contact them at info@muslimcampuslife.com.