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Pathways to College Success for Students with Learning Differences – Free Webinar

Join Estrela team members Alyson Campbell & Amber Gilsdorf as they highlight programs that are committed to post-secondary success for students with learning differences. Many students require different levels of support to be successful in college. This webinar will focus on what to look for when seeking support for your student. Joining them will be Travis Brown from Bowling Green State University’s FLY program and Leann DiAndreth-Elkins representing Muskingum University’s PLUS program. Both schools offer programs specializing in additional academic support services for students with learning differences.

Parents, students, school counselors, IECs and educators are encouraged to attend. There will be a Q & A at the end. The webinar will be live on October 26th and then archived and available to registrants free to watch any time after that date. Here is the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WHwaQJM9S12SAlXIgdMcQg

One for Two Education Foundation Scholarship

The 1 for 2 Education Foundation is seeking highly motivated applicants of accredited U.S. four-year
colleges and universities.

For the 2023 academic year, the Foundation selected a diverse group of four scholars who attended both
public and private high schools from four states. Grants of up to $20,000 per academic year were made
to attend both public and private colleges and universities across the U.S.

For the 2024 academic year, the Foundation intends to award at least two merit-based scholarships. The
size of the individual grants is determined on the basis of tuition remaining after considering all other
forms of tuition assistance obtained by the scholar.

Requirements to Apply:
• An up-to-date official transcript from the current school
• Indicate a commitment to the Foundation’s Pledge
• All required application questions must be answered and fields completed
• Applicant must be living in the United States but is not required to be a U.S. citizen or permanent
resident
• The college or university must be in the United States
• GPA must be at least 3.7 unweighted, 4.0 weighted


Application Deadline: February 1, 2024


The Foundation considers the applicant’s high school academic record, leadership and community
service activities, and letters of recommendation. Applicants are also assessed on the alignment of their
values with the Foundation’s values as it relates to their intention to fulfill their Pledge to the Foundation.
While receiving a scholarship from the Foundation, scholars are required to attend the Foundation’s
annual gathering. During this event, scholars will have a chance to meet other scholars, graduates, and
directors. They will also participate in personal development and learning sessions aimed at preparing
them for academic, career, and life goals. The 2024 Gathering is planned for August 1-5, 2024, in
Michigan. All reasonable costs to attend the Gathering are covered by the Foundation.
Applicants are required to make the following pledge:
In consideration of the 1 for 2 Education Foundation (“the Foundation”) making this scholarship grant I
pledge to support the mission of the Foundation by:
a) participating in the annual Foundation Gathering while receiving my scholarship,
b) supporting my fellow Foundation Scholars’ academic and career goals during my lifetime, and
c) paying for a comparable scholarship grant for two persons, who are not related to me by blood,
adoption, or marriage, during my lifetime.

Application link: Apply Now – 1 For 2 Education Foundation – https://www.1for2edu.com/scholarship/

College Planning Seminar – Honors and Activities: More Than Just a List – Free Webinar

The College Guidance Network is hosting a free webinar that covers the honors and activities section on the college application. What should your students do? Just list a bunch of stuff they have done. Well, actually there’s more to it than that. The webinar has an interactive Q&A that provides expert advice on: **Ways to emphasize the quality of your commitments over the quantity **What counts as an activity? (Spoiler alert: more than you might think) **How much weight admission offices put on this section.

Featuring Jeannine Lalonde, Associate Dean of Admission, University of Virginia and hosted by
Brennan Barnard, Director of College Counseling, Khan Schools Network

Here is a link to register/view the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Fa6MjPhuShi2iRAj1bP6gQ#/registration

Let’s Get Digital

It has been said (including by me) that the first time you do something it’s innovation, and the second time tradition.

The title of the previous post was a feeble attempt at humor, featuring a bad pun based on a line from a Barry Manilow song. The title of this post features a less bad pun based on a song by Olivia Newton-John. I assure you that this will not become a habit.

One of the joys of writing this blog is finding a community of readers and correspondents. When I started eleven years ago I was far from sure that I had anything worth saying (on many days that is still the case) and far less sure that anyone would want to read my musings. I am grateful for the ECA readers who send me emails about specific articles or who stop me at conferences (I don’t mention that because I’m looking for compliments and comments).

I occasionally get emails from readers suggesting topics for me to address. I remember flying into San Diego for the NACAC Conference a few years back. While I was in the air with my phone in airplane mode, the announcement came out about the introduction of the Coalition Application. By the time I landed I had an email from now-retired loyal ECA reader Jon Reider with the message, “Someone needs to do something about this.” I quickly inferred that “someone” meant me. In 2019 when the Operation Varsity Blues scandal hit and the media insisted on calling it an “admissions” scandal, legendary Georgetown Dean of Admissions Charlie Deacon contacted me to suggest that I point out that none of those charged were admissions or counseling professionals (unless you consider mastermind Rick Singer an independent educational consultant rather than a con man masquerading as one).

Last week ECA reader Tim Gallen reached out to ask that I write about the fiasco regarding the October 11 administration of the new digital PSAT. That day lots of schools and lots of students attempted to administer or take the PSAT only to instead get a message on the College Board test day website, “Sorry! There is something wrong on our end and we’re working hard to fix it. Come back later and try again.” Social media erupted with messages from frustrated counselors.

It is important to stop here and recognize that the failures of the College Board to deliver its product are a minor inconvenience compared with what the people of Israel went through four days before with the terrorist attack, murders, and hostage taking on the part of Hamas. The events in the Middle East quickly put college admissions issues into perspective.

Nevertheless, the digital PSAT failure was beyond annoying for many counselors. Tim recounted his frustrations. “For me, part of the frustration was how little guidance we got from College Board. It seemed like I could never find the answers on their web site that I needed, I spent hours on hold without being able to get through to anyone on the phone before the test, and the emails came very late in the process…I also spent many extra hours going into the exam trying to figure out who had completed their exam setup and who had not because the dashboard forces us to check each student individually.  I provided more free labor for this exam than any other in my 21 years administering the PSAT.” He added that the College Board never reached out to PSAT coordinators to acknowledge the problem or to let them know that the Test Day Toolkit app was back online.

Should the College Board have anticipated that things would go wrong and been more prepared? This is not the first time that technology has failed during a College Board exam, including at least one Advanced Placement exam last spring.

I am willing to give the CB a pass on the tech problems. We all know that technology will fail at inopportune times. I remember the technology administrator at my school doing a presentation about technology as a transformative teaching tool during faculty work week. In the midst of his presentation the internet connection failed, confirming the suspicions of his skeptics. On the very first day of school after we moved to post student schedules on the Student Information System, the SIS went down in the first hour of the day, and when a student who was late to school because of a doctor’s appointment wanted to know where he should go to class, no one could tell him.

I am less gracious about the College Board’s response to the screw-up. I went on the College Board website the morning after the fiasco. There was nothing in the College Board newsroom. The only acknowledgement that there had been an issue was a box at the top of the SAT suite help center with a green check mark and the words “The earlier issue with Test Day Toolkit has been resolved. You can proceed with testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.”

I’m not sure that’s sufficient. Apologizing for the “inconvenience” sounds corporate, the kind of apology you get when an airline cancels your flight. It’s not far from the classic non-apology, “I’m sorry if anyone was offended.”  There’s no responsibility taken and no acknowledgement that the screw-up upended school days all over the country, wasting time and generating stress for both students and counselors.

There is a bigger issue here. Why should schools provide free labor for the College Board? Why should counselors do the work while the CB collects the revenue? It’s not like the College Board is poor. In 2021 (the most recent year for which a Form 990 is available), it made $112 million in profit. That’s a pretty profitable non-profit.

It’s a question worth considering. A College Board presentation at the recent NACAC conference in Baltimore indicated that 60 percent of SAT administrations are now done through school day testing rather than at test centers. School day testing and the digital test will place more burden on schools and school counselors. When we administer the PSAT or SAT in school, are we acting as agents of our school or for the benefit of the College Board? It’s mostly for the College Board. So where is the compensation?

Is administering the PSAT still necessary in a test-optional college admissions world? And is it time for school counselors who administer College Board tests to join Hollywood writers and auto workers and go on strike for better pay and better working conditions, i.e. technology that works?   

The prior post mentioned and all of James Jump’s prior posts can be found on his blog at the Thoughtful College Search. Here is a link – http://www.thoughtfulcollegesearch.com/

Senior Checklist for 4-Year College Pathway

The Counselors at Gowanda High School have put together a nice checklist you can use with your students that are looking to attend a 4-Year College next year:

They also have checklists for students that plan to join the workforce right after high school, those that are considering embarking in a military path and those that want to attend a junior/community college after they graduate. here is a link to their document: Senior Pathway Checklist

Organizations That Provide Support for Students With Disabilities

Many organizations provide advocates, resources, and empowerment for students with physical and sensory disabilities. If you’d like to learn more, check out the following.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

With an audiologist network of more than 228,000 members and affiliates, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) supports individuals with speech, language, and hearing disorders. Its goal is to improve communication and accessibility for people with hearing impairments by providing timely resources.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is dedicated to promoting and supporting the rights of those with autism as well as boosting their self-advocacy and inclusion. It focuses on community-building, public policy advocacy, and educational initiatives to ensure that individuals with autism have a voice in decision-making.

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) is a leading national civil rights law and policy center dedicated to advancing the rights of people with disabilities. To ensure equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, it provides legal advocacy, education, and resources.

Learning Disabilities Association of America

The Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) provides support and resources for individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and professionals. By providing information and advocacy, it claims to be “the voice for individuals with learning disabilities of all ages.”

National Center for Learning Disabilities

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) focuses on education and research to empower students with learning challenges. This organization believes that students with learning disabilities often fail in school because of a lack of support from their peers, not because they are less capable. Specifically, NCLD works to improve outcomes for people with learning and attention issues.

This information was compiled from a blog post made at Architectural Digest. It included other great information such as how college students can support students with disabilities, how to design a dorm room to be more comfortable for students with disabilities and more. Check it out here: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/reviews/moving/accessible-college-dorm

FAFSA Made Simple: What You Need to Know – Free Archived Webinar

There continue to be a lot of questions pertaining to the changes to the FAFSA particularly due to the delay of its implementation. In an archived webinar sponsored by Polygence, Mark Kantrowitz, President of Cerebly, Inc. covers all the new changes to the 2024-2025 FAFSA, Mark noted these key consequences for families. For example, the new net price calculators will not be accurate until mid-winter for families. Access the webinar here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yW8DDOMjj8H3YQq1bpIn9t9wQKpUox3d/view?_hsmi=0&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_35XNqv1l6TEE3qXI2_fejNxaUpYeqwQf49TtAB5fxLG6MVvx2iBtfIjTuzeGUwT3-Qtf3eWEIfOsQYdimTxlxJPw1nA

8 Reasons a Student Should Work a Part-Time Job During College

College is a thrilling and transformative period for young adults. It’s a time when students are not only expanding their knowledge, but also developing crucial life skills and figuring out who they are and where they may fit career-wise upon graduation.

An excellent way to enhance this experience is by obtaining part-time employment while pursuing a college degree. Though balancing academics and work may seem daunting, the benefits of employment during college are vast and can significantly impact one’s future success.

Below are some of the most notable benefits to working while in college.

Financial independence and responsibility

College is expensive. Besides tuition, textbooks and living expenses, there are “extras” like laptops and study abroad. Employment provides students with a steady source of income, reducing the financial burden on themselves and their families and, ultimately, their reliance on student loans. In other words, they have “skin in the game.”

It also teaches financial responsibility and budgeting, skills that are invaluable in adulthood. Students who become more responsible with their money are less likely to accrue excessive debt or fall into financial traps that may hinder their post-college lives.

Improved Time Management

Juggling multiple responsibilities forces a student to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and make efficient use of their time. These skills are not only beneficial in college, but also in future careers.

Real-World Experience

While classroom learning is vital, real-world experience is equally important. A part-time job offers students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in their coursework to practical, everyday situations, whether that’s customer service, problem-solving, communication or teamwork. These skills are transferable and highly valued by future employers, giving employed students a competitive edge.

Career Exploration

Jobs in college can provide a lot of insight into potential career paths. By working in a field related to their major or interests, students can gain first-hand experience and a clearer understanding of their future career goals, which in turn, leads to making more informed decisions when it comes to academic and career choices.

Networking Opportunities

Employment exposes students to a diverse range of people, including coworkers, supervisors and customers. Networking is a powerful tool for future job opportunities, forming connections that can one day provide valuable references and recommendations when entering the job market upon graduation.

Resume Enhancement

Being employed during college adds substance to your student’s resume. Employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate the ability to balance work and academics. It showcases a strong work ethic, responsibility and dedication, all of which are desirable qualities in potential employees.

Personal Growth

The challenges that come with balancing academics and work can lead to immense personal growth and ultimately, increased self-confidence. Overcoming obstacles and achieving success in both areas can boost your student’s self-esteem and resilience.

Higher Earnings Later On

Research shows that students who were employed throughout college earned more immediately upon graduation, and still up to 15 years later. A 2019 study completed by researchers at Rutgers University and the City University of New York (CUNY) found that those who held a paying job throughout their college careers earned up to $20,000 more than their classmates who did not work during college.

Keep in mind that research also shows that working more than 15 hours a week can keep a student from graduating on time, so it’s important to not become over-invested in work and lose sight of that diploma.

Still, being gainfully employed during college offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the financial. Students obtain important real-world experience, enhance their skills and prepare themselves for the challenges of the future job market. While it may require diligent time management and effort, the long-term rewards make it a valuable investment in one’s education and future career.

Samantha Bartek is community outreach director for My College Planning Team, which helps families plan and pay for college. As a National Certified Counselor (NCC), she has worked in both public and charter schools with a focus on college and career readiness for 11th and 12th graders. She lives in New Jersey.  www.collegeplanningteam.com

Is the new FAFSA as frightening as we imagine?

Ghouls and goblins aren’t the only thing lurking around the corner this season. Big changes are coming to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and they may be just as frightening!

The FAFSA Simplification Act has resulted in many changes meant to make it easier for students to file. The application is being streamlined to reduce the number of questions from 108 down to 46, and depending on a student’s answers, some questions may not be asked at all. How this simplification will change the landscape of federal student aid remains to be seen and is giving some the shivers.

One of the most significant changes will be a transition from the previously used Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to the Student Aid Index (SAI). Those already attending college are familiar with the EFC, and some are convinced it doesn’t quite hit the mark on what families can afford. The SAI will result from a different evaluation, one that changes who and what contributes to a family’s ability to pay for college.

One change affects which parent or parents file the FAFSA. For example, if a student’s parents are divorced and not remarried, the parent whose information is included on the FAFSA will be the parent who provided the most financial support, not the one the student lived with more, as it has been in past years.

Applicants will now be required to use the Direct Data Exchange with the IRS to pull their tax information into the application. This mechanism is different from the optional Data Retrieval Tool previously available to applicants. The number of people in the household will no longer be a consideration in determining the SAI, though the question will still exist. There is also the possibility that the SAI could be minus-1,500, whereas the EFC didn’t go below zero.

The way these results are used to determine a student’s aid offer has always been a bit shadowy, but these changes will require financial aid offices to rethink how they determine awards and interpret a family’s ability to pay. The new application is anticipated to be live sometime in December, later than previous years when the FAFSA became available October 1.

Income information will come from a family’s 2022 tax return. If the current financial situation is different from what was reported then, students and families may consider appealing their financial aid application. Administrators can exercise professional judgment that may impact eligibility, so families shouldn’t feel they have no recourse.

The impact of these momentous changes remains to be seen and will be like emptying your bag of Halloween candy to see what you get. For me, I’m just hoping for more candy bars than black licorice or toothbrushes!

Jennifer Harpham is a client services manager with My College Planning Team, www.collegeplanningteam.com . A financial aid professional with more than 30 years of experience, Jennifer is passionately committed to helping students and their families afford the dream of a college education. She is an active member of both national and state financial aid associations. Jennifer holds an MBA from the University of Findlay and a bachelor’s in business administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Navigating Early Decision and Early Action Deadlines

As the college application season kicks into high gear, parents of college-bound students may find themselves trying to figure out which of the various deadline options are best for their student. Two of the most common application deadlines are Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA).

Understanding these options, their differences, benefits and important deadlines is crucial to helping your student make informed decisions about their college journey. In this article, we’ll break down the distinctions between Early Decision and Early Action and provide you with the key dates to keep in mind.

Early Decision (ED): The Binding Commitment

Early Decision is a college application process that offers a unique advantage and, at the same time, requires a significant commitment. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Binding Commitment: When your student applies ED, they are making a binding commitment to attend that college if accepted, regardless of other offers. This means they can apply to only one college under the Early Decision option and must apply to all other colleges under the regular admission schedule.

2. Application Deadline: The ED deadline at most schools is November 1. However, this can vary from school to school, so it is always best to have your student check in with their admission counselor at the school they are applying to. Some schools may have two ED deadlines, ED1 and ED2, so be sure to pay attention to the options, requirements and deadlines.

3. Advantages: Applying ED can boost your student’s chances of acceptance since colleges often admit a higher percentage of their incoming class through this route. It also demonstrates strong interest, which some colleges consider in the admission process.

4. Financial Considerations: ED applicants receive their admission decision earlier, often in December. However, it’s crucial to be aware that financial aid offers may not be finalized before this date. Ensure that you can meet the financial obligations if your student is accepted. My College Planning Team can help you figure out the best way to pay for college based on your family’s unique circumstances.

Early Action (EA): The Non-Binding Option

Early Action provides some of the advantages of Early Decision without the binding commitment. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Non-Binding: Students applying EA are not obligated to attend the college if accepted. They can apply to multiple colleges under EA. If your student is struggling to finalize their college list or complete their application, schedule a call with My College Planning team as soon as possible to see if working with a private counselor will help your student meet these deadlines on time.

2. Application Deadline: EA deadlines typically align with ED deadlines, with November 1 being the most common. However, EA applications are non-binding and some schools also have two deadlines for applying Early Action. The EA1 deadline is often November 1st, but just like with ED, this can vary from school to school. The EA2 deadline is typically in December. Your student can confirm these dates by checking in with their admissions counselors or on the college admissions website.

3. Advantages: Many colleges also admit a higher percentage of students during their Early Action round. EA applicants receive their admission decisions early, often in December or January. This allows your student to have more time to consider their options and compare financial aid packages.

4. Flexibility: EA provides flexibility, as students can apply to a range of colleges all under EA and still have plenty of time to make an informed decision.

Single Choice or Restrictive Early Action is an additional application plan offered by some colleges. This plan is typically non-binding like other EA plans, but restricts students from applying ED or EA to other schools.

Key Dates to Keep in Mind

Here are some essential dates to remember as you and your student navigate the Early Decision and Early Action process:

November 1 is the most common deadline for both Early Decision and Early Action. It’s important to research deadlines for each college as some may be as early as October 15.

Notification Dates: Most colleges notify ED and EA applicants of their admission decisions in December or January. Be prepared for the possibility of some decisions arriving before the winter holidays.

Regular Decision (RD) Deadlines: For colleges that offer Regular Decision, these deadlines are typically in January. Students applying RD will receive their admission decisions in the spring. This is slightly different from Rolling Admission, in which there is not a deadline.

Both Early Decision and Early Action can be beneficial for college-bound students, depending on their preferences and circumstances. Early Decision offers a binding commitment and, even though it is a more competitive process, it can still increase the chances of acceptance. Early Action provides the advantage of early notification without the binding agreement. It’s essential to research each college’s policies and deadlines carefully, considering your student’s academic and financial situation, to determine which option is best for them. By staying informed and engaged in the process, you can help your student make the right decision for their future.

Amanda Gohl is director of Student Services for My College Planning Team. A high school counselor for 12 years, she is a member of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), Michigan School Counselor Association (MSCA), Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling (MACAC) and Oakland Counseling Association (OCA). She is the current vice president of OCA and MCAN School Counselor Fellow.  Amanda holds a master’s in school counseling from the University of Detroit Mercy and a bachelor’s in psychology from Michigan State University.  www.CollegePlanningTeam.com

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