High School Counselor Week

Administration threatens federal funds over mental health screenings
K-12 Dive – October 6, 2026
The administration is escalating its crackdown on mental health screenings for students, stressing that the practice is noncompliant with parental rights laws if school officials administer them without first notifying parents and obtaining written consent from them. The latest warning was sent to state attorneys general on Monday by the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice. The latest warning was sent to state attorneys general on Monday by the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice. The administration said that forms, surveys or “anything else that can be used to evaluate the student’s mental health” need written parental consent. Opting out, the administration said, is “not sufficient.”

Only One In Three Public Four-Year Colleges Is Affordable For Low-Income Students, NCAN Finds
The College Investor – October 6, 2026
NCAN counts a school as affordable only when its total in-state price, plus $300 for emergencies, is covered by grant aid, federal student loans, Federal Work-Study, an estimated family contribution similar to the Student Aid Index, and three months of minimum-wage summer earnings. How affordable is college in your state? It may depend on whether you’re considering a 4-year or community college. Use the map to see affordability percentages for each state.

EdWeek’s Guide to the 2026 Elections: Where Education Is on the Ballot
Education Week – September 24, 2026
Education Week reviewed what is on the ballot in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and assembled this guide to highlight the statewide races and ballot initiatives of greatest consequence. A map and chart offer an at-a-glance view of the statewide races on November ballots with the greatest implications for schools. There is also a state-by-state ballot guide and an overview of the key education issues on state ballots.

Working With the Mystery Student
Post – October 7, 2026
Counselors’ Corner with Patrick O’Connor, Ph.D.

Don’t make these applications mistakes
Post – October 8, 2026
College Advice & Timely Tips with Lee Bierer

When A Student Reports Harm, Most Schools Fail
Forbes – October 3, 2026
Every school knows what to do when the fire alarm sounds. Does it know what to do when a student says, “I don’t feel safe”? I’ve spent 45 years working with young people in public and private high schools and at a college. That experience taught me that managing an incident and managing its effect on students are two different jobs. The attention on Cornell gives every school and college a reason to look harder at how it protects students. Here is where to start, and how to go further.

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation: Counselor’s Guide + Samples
College Essay Guy – September 9, 2026
We know these letters take time and energy, and can sometimes feel thankless. But writing a well-crafted letter of recommendation can truly make a difference for your student. Recommendation letters have some serious clout in the admissions process. And for students who have especially tough circumstances, it’s the opportunity to advocate on their behalf. We’ll show you why, and while we’re at it, we’ll also walk you through how your letters of recommendation differ from a teacher’s letter; then, we’ll offer you two different ways to write yours. Both approaches work well, so we’ll show you how each is done – with examples for your reading pleasure.

A College Admissions Game Plan for ADHD Students
ADDitude Magazine – October 2, 2026
There are more than 2,400 four-year colleges in the United States. As an admissions officer with 30 years of experience, I can say with certainty that there is a college for everyone. From Ivy Leagues to state universities to community colleges to trade schools, there is a universe of opportunities out there after high school. Use this guide to help your bright, capable teen shine in the college admissions process or confidently pursue other paths after high school

Your No-Cram Guide to College Admissions
MNPLS St Paul – October 2, 2026
It might feel like there’s a lot to do between the start of high school and graduation to prep for your postsecondary education. But planning your future is a marathon, not a sprint. Local experts from public and private schools break down goals for each grade to ensure students are ready for what’s next.

This conservative-backed test is gaining traction as an alternative to the SAT
NBC News – September 15, 2026
The Classic Learning Test has been praised by Trump administration officials as a “gold standard” for standardized testing. Researchers at Arizona State University independently examined the test’s rigor and raised concerns about its use. NBC News’ Yamiche Alcindor breaks down how the test works and how it was created.

 

 

What you need to fill out the FAFSA
The Week – October 5, 2026
This year the FAFSA may be a little bit less of a headache. Instead of it taking hours or even days to fill out, it takes 15 minutes on average, according to the Department of Education. To make the process even easier, here is what to know ahead of time.

Myth vs. reality: 13 student loan misconceptions
KRDO (CO) – October 2, 2026
Student loans can be confusing, especially with all the misinformation floating around. Recent changes to federal student loans, including new repayment plans and borrowing limits, have only made things more complicated. Some advice you come across might be outdated, while other advice is just completely inaccurate. College Ave shares common myths around student loans to help you separate fact from fiction and make more informed choices about your student debt.

FAFSA Myths and Mistakes to Avoid
U.S. News & World Report – September 30, 2026
Avoid costly financial aid mistakes with these expert tips on navigating income rules, myths and common filing pitfalls on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Administration reverses stance on integration of people with disabilities
NPR – October 1, 2026
For nearly 50 years, the federal government has said people with disabilities should live, work and learn in the most integrated setting possible rather than be segregated in institutions like nursing homes. The administration just took its most concrete step yet to reverse that position. Last week, a federal judge agreed to strip out mentions of “integration” from federal regulations tied to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a landmark civil rights law that prohibits disability discrimination. The judge did so after the Justice Department declined to defend its own rules in a lawsuit brought by several states challenging the legality of those rules.

Best Colleges: Resource Guide for Students with Psychiatric Disabilities
BestColleges.com – September 25, 2026
For students with mental health conditions, successfully transitioning to college rests on a number of factors. Learn how to succeed. In this article we discuss what to consider when choosing a college, as well as what academic accommodations may be available and how to request them. Tips and resource links are also provided, as well as a list of frequently asked questions.