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Medical School Rankings/Ratings

Have any students that plan to go to medical school in the future? U.S. News & World Report has just released its annual Best Medical Schools rankings report. There were several changes made to the way they conducted their rankings this year (shout out to Robert Schaefer of FairTest for outlining each of these changes):

  • The weight of MCAT scores was increased in their methodology
  • Categorized the schools into 4 rating tiers rather than strict numerical ranking
  • Separate rankings for research and primary care programs
  • An end to the (mis)use of of imputed data from schools that refused to respond

Here is a link to the rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools

Here is a link to the methodology: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/medical-schools-methodology

Here are some of the best resources for finding Scholarships:

Finding college scholarships can be daunting, but there are several reliable resources your students can use to make the search more manageable:

  1. Scholarship Search Engines and Databases:
    • Fastweb: A comprehensive scholarship search engine that matches you with scholarships based on your profile.
    • Scholarships.com: Another extensive database that allows you to search for scholarships based on various criteria.
    • College Board’s Scholarship Search: Provides access to over 2,300 scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities.
    • Cappex: Offers a searchable database of scholarships along with college reviews and other resources.
  2. College Financial Aid Offices:
    • Check with the financial aid office of the colleges you are applying to. They often have information on scholarships specific to their institution.
  3. Community Organizations and Foundations:
    • Local community foundations, religious organizations, and other community groups often offer scholarships. Check with them directly or visit their websites.
  4. Professional Associations:
    • Many professional associations and organizations offer scholarships to students pursuing degrees in their field. For example, associations related to engineering, nursing, teaching, etc.
  5. Employers and Companies:
    • Some employers offer scholarships for employees’ children or for students pursuing degrees relevant to their business.
  6. Government and Nonprofit Organizations:
    • Governments at various levels (federal, state, local) may offer scholarships. Nonprofit organizations also frequently provide scholarship opportunities.
  7. Specialized Websites and Forums:
    • Websites like Chegg Scholarships, Niche, and Peterson’s offer scholarship search functionalities and resources.
    • Online forums and communities (such as Reddit’s r/scholarships) often share information about scholarships and tips for applying.
  8. High School Counselors and Teachers:
    • You may know about local scholarships or have resources to help your students find them.
  9. Social Media and Online Searches:
    • Follow scholarship providers and organizations on social media platforms for updates on new opportunities.
    • Regularly conduct online searches using specific keywords related to your background, interests, or field of study.
  10. Library Resources:
    • Libraries often have directories or books listing scholarships, especially local ones.

When searching for scholarships, remember to pay attention to eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application requirements. Applying for multiple scholarships can increase your students’ chances of securing financial aid for college.

Virtual Campus Tours

Do you have any students that aren’t sure which College they want to attend and don’t have the funds to visit any? They might consider spending some time to take virtual tours of campuses around the country.

There is a website (Campus Tours) which offers Interactive Maps and Virtual Tours of hundreds of campuses. They provide stats and interactive tours of many schools. It is an inexpensive way to get some good information on many great schools.

Another option to check out is The College Tour. They have a TV series on Amazon where they feature different Colleges each episode. They have featured 100’s so far and provide a quick overview of what each school has to offer.

So, your students shouldn’t despair if they don’t have the time or funds to visit all the campuses they would like to. These tools both can help them get good overviews of many of the great campuses that are available to them.

Fall 2024 LINK for Counselors – Here is what you can expect!

It’s our 10th anniversary issue and we have a great line up of articles planned for you. Here is a sneak peek on what you can expect:

First-Generation Students – By Jim Paterson, Former Counselor of the Year in Montgomery County, MD

Tips for Supporting Students with Physical Disabilities and Health Conditions in the College Search – By Annie Tulkin

The Hidden Barrier to College Access for Student Athletes – By Joyce Anderson

Helping Immigrant Families with their College Planning – By Rebecca VanderMeulen – Counselor in PA

Helping Struggling Students Achieve Academic Success – By Dawn Marie Barhyte

Implicit Bias and College Admission – Co-Authored by Kimberly Brown (SC HS Counselor) and Christy Conley (GA HS Counselor)

Your Most Important Meeting – By Sonja Montiel 

Writing the Letter of Recommendation for Your Student – How Do You Approach it and What do Colleges Value? – By Nina Berler

Meet the Greeks – The High School Version – By Sweety Patel, NJ HS Counselor

Removing the Sage from the Stage: Multisensory Teaching Techniques and College Programming for Juniors – By Marian Carpenter – Counselor in VA

Dealing with Difficult Parents – By Elizabeth Drucker

Charting a Path to an Engineering Major: How to Help High School Students Discover Their Talents and Prepare for College – by Gina Gerrato Greenhaus

Helping Overwhelmed Students – By Elizabeth Drucker

Four Tips to Help Students Prepare for Higher Education – By Samantha Jonas-Hain

How to Help Your Students Succeed Academically in College – By Louis E. Newman

Special Transfer Section to include:

How to Make an Easier Transfer from a Junior College to a Four-Year University – By Elizabeth Drucker

Unlocking Opportunities: The Many Advantages of Starting at a Community College and Transferring to a Four-Year University – By Samantha Bartek, My College Planning Team

Exploring the Benefits of a Liberal Arts Institution for Transfer Students – By Jessica A. Quintana Hess, MSED

Not a current subscriber: You can sign up here for a free subscription: https://www.linkforcounselors.com/link-magazine-subscribe/

Want to advertise in this issue? Contact Theresa Oschmann at Theresa@linkforcounselors.com

Are any of your Students Considering Medical School in Their Futures?

If the answer is yes, this blog published by Jon Boeckenstedt of Oregon State University on his Higher Ed Data Stories blog should be of interest.

He refreshed the 2018 visualization of Medical College Admission Data with the most recent (2023) information available. While much of this is helpful mostly for aspiring applicants to medical colleges (it breaks out results by MCAT and GPA, as well as by gender, ethnicity, and undergraduate major), there is information high school counselors and IECs might find helpful, like which institutions send the most applicants to medical school by the ethnicity of the student.

Here is a link to check it out and share with families that may be considering this path for their child: https://www.highereddatastories.com/2024/06/medical-college-admission-data-2023.html

How to start hosting free college-planning webinars at your school

The ratio of high school counselors to students averages 385 to 1 nationwide. If you’re a school counselor, that’s not news to you. But what if you could offer free webinars with valuable college planning advice to 80 or 100 families at a time?

Game changer!

 As a full-time employed counselor, you may be able to join an outreach team, like My College Planning Team (MCPT) and, using your established professional networks, help even more students and their families. This is a benefit not only to your students, families and school, but also to you.

By inviting them into your school, you make available webinars on different college planning topics, including financial preparations, how financial aid works, the importance of the FAFSA and how your child should get ready academically.

See current workshop offerings here.

These webinars are completely free of charge and free of obligation, so they’re available as community education, an important factor for school districts, principals and school directors. There are no “commercials.”

The webinars are created and presented by financial aid and academic experts. Counselors are usually advised to refer questions about financial aid to the colleges’ financial aid offices because we can’t be versed in all of the details about changes to the FAFSA, financial aid appeals and how to qualify for grants and scholarships. We all hope the FAFSA process will be smoother this year than it was last year, but there will likely continue to be bumps in the road.

Middle-income families probably get the most benefit from the webinars because they typically won’t qualify for Pell grants, nor are they usually able to freely fund their child’s education. In schools serving lower-income families, students may qualify for grants, but their parents may be unfamiliar with the FAFSA process. The information in the webinars is valuable to students and parents as early as eighth and ninth grade because the earlier they start planning for the FAFSA, the more prepared they’ll be, and it may improve their chances of receiving a financial aid package.

We want to make webinars available across the country and are looking to interest more high school counselors in our outreach team. “Outreach” doesn’t mean cold calling people you don’t know; it means reaching out to your established contacts to see if the webinars are of interest to them.

Counselors who want to present as part of the webinar are able to do so by joining the MCPT speaker team, which may open other doors and provide a bit of additional income.

Other opportunities include working with students and families as part of the student support team and, if you love to write, producing articles for publication on websites, in magazines and our blog.

If this sounds like an interesting opportunity, check with your principal or school director first to make sure they approve (my principal was all for it). And if you have questions, email us at workshops@collegeplanningteam.com.

Becky Martin is a high school educator in southeastern Minnesota and an advisor with www.mycollegeplanningteam.com . With almost 20 years of high school counseling experience, she has helped thousands of students and families navigate the college planning process from start to finish. Becky received her bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, her master’s degree in counseling and psychological services from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and her school counseling licensure credentials at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

10 Tips to Help Your Students Find an Internship

Internships play a crucial role in a student’s academic and professional journey. They provide practical experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. If you’re looking to guide your students toward securing valuable internships, here are ten tips to help them succeed:

1. Start Early

Encourage students to begin their internship search early, ideally several months before they intend to start. Many companies have specific deadlines for internship applications, and starting early ensures they don’t miss out on opportunities.

2. Utilize Career Services

Most educational institutions have dedicated career services departments that offer resources like resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events. Encourage students to leverage these services for guidance tailored to their field of study.

3. Network Effectively

Networking is crucial for finding internships. Encourage students to attend career fairs, industry conferences, and alumni events. LinkedIn is also a powerful tool for connecting with professionals in their desired field.

4. Tailor Resumes and Cover Letters

Each internship application should be accompanied by a tailored resume and cover letter. Teach students the importance of highlighting relevant skills, coursework, and experiences that align with the internship role.

5. Research Companies

Encourage students to research companies they’re interested in. Understanding a company’s culture, values, and recent projects will not only help in crafting personalized applications but also during interviews.

6. Prepare for Interviews

Practice mock interviews with students to help them articulate their skills and experiences confidently. Teach them to anticipate common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses.

7. Leverage Social Media

Advise students to use social media platforms strategically. Following companies of interest, engaging with their content, and showcasing their professional interests can enhance visibility and networking opportunities.

8. Consider Remote Opportunities

In today’s digital age, remote internships are increasingly common. Encourage students to explore remote opportunities, which can broaden their options and provide flexibility.

9. Seek Feedback

Encourage students to seek feedback on their internship applications and interview performance. Constructive criticism helps them refine their approach and increase their chances of securing an internship.

10. Stay Persistent and Positive

Finding the right internship can be challenging, and rejection is a part of the process. Encourage students to stay persistent, learn from setbacks, and maintain a positive attitude throughout their internship search.

Conclusion

Helping students find internships requires a combination of proactive planning, networking, and skill development. By guiding them through these ten tips, you can empower students to navigate the internship search process effectively, ultimately enhancing their academic and professional growth.

College Admissions Glossary of Terms

Do you have students and parents constantly asking you what specific admissions related terms mean? Alexandra Beaumont, who is with Admissions Village, has put together a very comprehensive list of admissions terms and what they mean that might help. She covers College/University terms, Admissions/Application Language, Financial Aid, and Standardizing Testing and Exam Terms. More than 90 terms are covered.

Check them out here and share this link with your parents and students: https://www.admissionsvillage.com/blog/9p6kt0f3393icsuy05679lz0vlom34

Find the Free Money — Merit Scholarship Money Makes Cents!

Securing Merit Scholarships for College: Your Guide to Safe and Successful Applications

Navigating the college admissions process can be daunting, but securing merit scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden. Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic, athletic, artistic, or other abilities, and do not need to be repaid. Here’s how to safely and effectively obtain merit scholarship money for college.

1. Start Early and Research Thoroughly

Begin your search early: Ideally, start looking for scholarships during your junior year of high school. This allows ample time to meet deadlines and gather necessary materials.

Use reputable sources: Focus on trustworthy scholarship databases like those listed below. Check with your high school counselor and the financial aid office at prospective colleges for additional opportunities.

Understand eligibility criteria: Each scholarship has specific requirements. Ensure you meet these before applying to avoid wasting time on ineligible opportunities.

2. Stay Organized

Create a spreadsheet: Track application deadlines, required materials, and submission statuses. This helps prevent missed opportunities and keeps your application process streamlined.

Set reminders: Use calendar alerts for important deadlines. Staying ahead of due dates ensures you have ample time to craft quality applications.

3. Prepare Strong Applications

Personalize your essays: Tailor each application essay to the specific scholarship. Highlight your unique strengths, achievements, and how they align with the scholarship’s goals.

Request recommendations early: Ask teachers, coaches, or mentors well in advance. Provide them with your resume and any specific points you’d like them to mention, ensuring strong, personalized recommendations.

Proofread thoroughly: Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from your application. Proofread your essays and have a trusted adult review them as well.

4. Avoid Scholarship Scams

Be wary of fees: Legitimate scholarships do not require an application fee. Avoid any opportunities that ask for money upfront.

Check the source: Verify the legitimacy of the scholarship provider. Research their website, look for reviews, and contact them directly if necessary.

Guard your personal information: Never provide sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, unless you are sure of the scholarship’s authenticity.

5. Leverage Institutional Scholarships

Research college-specific scholarships: Many colleges offer their own merit scholarships. Check the financial aid section of each college’s website for details.

Understand the renewal criteria: Some scholarships require maintaining a certain GPA or participating in specific activities. Make sure you understand these requirements to retain your scholarship.

6. Stay Persistent and Apply Widely

Apply to multiple scholarships: Increase your chances by applying to as many scholarships as you qualify for. Even smaller amounts can add up and significantly reduce your financial burden.

Stay motivated: The process can be time-consuming, but persistence pays off. Regularly check for new opportunities and keep applying.

Securing merit scholarships requires effort, organization, and vigilance. By starting early, researching thoroughly, and preparing strong applications, you can safely and successfully obtain the financial support needed for your college education. Avoiding scams and staying persistent will further enhance your chances of securing valuable scholarships. With dedication and the right approach, merit scholarships can make your college dreams more affordable and attainable.

Merit Scholarship Resources

1. Fastweb

Fastweb is one of the most comprehensive scholarship search engines available. It matches you with scholarships based on your profile, making it easier to find opportunities that fit your qualifications. Website: Fastweb

2. Scholarships.com

Scholarships.com offers a large database of scholarships and grants. It provides personalized matches based on your profile, helping you find relevant scholarships. Website: Scholarships.com

3. Appily

The popular site Cappex is now Appily. In addition to scholarship info,  you can find college reviews, and admissions advice. It allows you to search for scholarships and provides tools to help you with the application process. Website: Cappex

4. College Board Scholarship Search

The College Board’s Scholarship Search tool offers a database of over 2,200 programs that provide scholarships, internships, and other financial aid opportunities. Website: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/bigfuture-scholarships

5. Niche

Niche provides a variety of scholarship opportunities based on your interests, talents, and achievements. It also offers college reviews and rankings to help with your college search. Website: www.niche.com

6. Scholarship America

Scholarship America is a nonprofit organization that provides information on scholarships and offers its own scholarship programs. It also manages several corporate and foundation scholarships. Website: Scholarship America

7. Peterson’s

Peterson’s offers a comprehensive scholarship database, along with test prep resources and college planning tools. It allows you to search for scholarships based on various criteria. Website: https://www.petersons.com/scholarship-search.aspx

8. Chegg Scholarships

Chegg Scholarships provides a large database of scholarships and allows you to search for opportunities that match your profile. It also offers other resources for college planning and studying. Website: https://www.chegg.com/advice/admissions/scholarships-financial-aid-admissions/

9. Unigo

Unigo offers a scholarship search engine with thousands of scholarships. It also provides college reviews, internships, and other student resources. Website: www.unigo.com

10. RaiseMe

RaiseMe allows high school students to earn micro-scholarships from colleges for achievements such as good grades, extracurricular activities, and community service. Website: RaiseMe

11. Going Merry

Going Merry simplifies the scholarship search process by matching you with scholarships and allowing you to apply directly on the platform. It also offers financial aid and FAFSA assistance. Website: Going Merry

12. U.S. News Scholarship Finder

U.S. News provides a scholarship finder tool that allows you to search for scholarships by criteria such as major, location, and ethnicity. It also offers advice on the scholarship application process. Website: https://www.usnews.com/education/scholarships/search

13. Scholarship Owl 

Scholarship Owl is an up-to-date library of a variety of scholarship opportunities. Website: https://scholarshipowl.com/

These resources offer a wide range of scholarship opportunities and tools to help you successfully navigate the application process. Utilize these platforms to maximize your chances of securing merit scholarships and making your college education more affordable.

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

The Art of Being a School Counselor – New Book Available

Looking to brush up on some great tips from someone who has been a School Counselor for years? Nancy Regas, a retired School Counselor, has published a great award-winning book, “The Art of Being a School Counselor”. She says, “My book is pithy, practical, poignant, personal, passionate, and positive. I believe that passion is so vital when being a school counselor. It doesn’t replace theory, yet, without the passion, the theory is often empty. Passion builds relationships with students. I wrote the book as a tribute to all my students who shared their lives with me and as my legacy to my daughters, granddaughters and to the career I loved.”

The book should be of interest to someone thinking about going into school counseling as a profession or someone just starting out. For established Counselors (most of LINK for Counselors audience) the book can be a great primer if you are feeling stuck, lost or frustrated in your current position. This book can serve to provide a personal and professional reawakening.

Here is a link to the website with more information on the book, how to order, and a brief video snippet from the author – https://outskirtspress.com/TheArtofBeingaSchoolCounselor

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