High School Counselor Week
Weekly stories, facts, trends, and other information from around the country
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March 19, 2026
The 90/10 Gap: Research Shows Struggling Students Falling Behind Since 2005
The 74 – March 16, 2026
Inequalities in learning between high-achieving students and their lower-performing classmates have grown dramatically, a new study finds.
3 Things to Know About This Year’s Application Data
Inside Higher Ed – March 13, 2026
The number of students submitting standardized test scores is up, international students are submitting fewer applications than last year, and the share of first-generation, Black and Southern students continues to climb.
42 states allot smaller portion of funds to K-12 compared to 20 years ago, report says
K-12 Dive – March 12, 2026
This represents a loss of nearly $600 billion in state and local funds between 2016 and 2023 alone, Roughly 66% of students enrolled in chronically underfunded districts are disproportionately concentrated in just 10 states, and Black students were three times more likely to be in chronically underfunded districts.
Misconceptions about Financial AidPost – March 11, 2026
College Advice & Timely Tips with Lee Bierer
NCAN Survey: To Serve Students Well, Advisors Need Better Workforce Training Data
National College Attainment Network – March 17, 2026
In February and March 2026, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) surveyed its members to understand how college access and success advisors are currently engaging with students around short-term credential and workforce training programs, and how prepared the field is for the rollout of Workforce Pell. Most respondents work with high school and postsecondary students. The findings paint a picture of a field that is seeing real student interest in short-term credentials, but is still building the knowledge, tools, and frameworks needed to advise students well.
Differences Between High School and Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities
National Technical Assistance Center on Transition – March 1, 2026
Students with disabilities transitioning from high school to college will find that they receive different levels of support at college than they did in high school. Use this chart for a brief overview of what support will look like in college compared to high school. Share with students and anyone involved in supporting students make successful transition from high school to postsecondary education, including college, employment training programs, and trade schools. (downloadable PDF available here)
Bracing for Disappointment … Preparing for Delight
U.S. News & World Report – March 12, 2026
College rejections are not the end of the world.
4 Reasons to Consider Community College
U.S. News & World Report – March 13, 2026
Flexible class times and hands-on workforce training are a few benefits of attending community college.
How Should High School Freshmen Prepare for College Applications?
U.S. News & World Report – March 12, 2026
Q: I saw the recent column about what sophomores should be doing for college admissions. But what about freshmen? Anything they should be doing now?
Faster, thinner: Colleges are swiftly trimming a B.A. degree to three years
The Hechinger Report – March 11, 2026
An entirely new kind of bachelor’s degree is muscling into the space between the traditional four-year version and the two-year associate degree. Three-year degrees have existed, but they simply jammed those 120 credits into fewer semesters. However, a new kind of reduced-credit 3-year bachelor’s is appearing rapidly, with nearly 60 universities and colleges planning, considering or having already launched them in some disciplines.
6 Best Student Loan Options in 2026
NerdWallet – March 18, 2026
Recent and planned policy changes have led to much uncertainty within the federal student loan environment. As many of these changes take effect, it’s likely more borrowers will need private student loans, at least in part, to cover their full college expenses. To help borrowers choose the best student loan for their needs, our team analyzed and scored numerous private student lenders and the loans they offer. We’ve compiled a list of the lenders that scored highest in several categories and overall.
What Will It Take to Address the Pell Shortfall?
Inside Higher Ed – March 17, 2026
Most experts say the primary goal should be finding the funds needed to plug an immediate $17 billion gap. But it remains undecided where those funds would come from or how to resolve the larger $100 billion deficit over the next 10 years.
Key oversight helping keep student loan records accurate has stopped, a watchdog says
NPR – March 11, 2026
GAO investigators found that, in February 2025, the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) stopped reviewing the accuracy of loan servicers’ records. FSA also stopped reviewing recordings of calls with borrowers to make sure they’re being given accurate information. Without this oversight, the report warns, borrowers could feel the consequences.
The Dumbing Down of Advanced Placement Tests
Education Next – March 1, 2026
The College Board, the agency in charge of the AP program, admits its questions are easier and passing scores have been lowered on key tests like the English Language exam. They justify the easier tests as an adjustment to a less demanding curriculum in high school and lowered expectations by colleges and universities. In other words, AP is simply adapting to a broad decline in educational standards. But high school grade inflation imposes long-term harms, new research shows.
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I’m Waitlisted…Now What? How to Improve Your Chances of Waitlist Acceptance
University of Richmond Admission Blog – March 10, 2026
First let’s be clear: a waitlist decision is not a “never.” It’s simply a “not now.” It means there’s something compelling we identified in your application that put you somewhere between a full offer of acceptance and a call that you’re perhaps best suited to another school of your choice. So why have a waitlist at all?
Why Old-Fashioned ‘Grandma’ Hobbies Are So Good for Teen Mental Health
Parents – March 15, 2026
It’s debatable whether the popularity of “grandma” hobbies is just a passing trend, or if we’re seeing a true shift toward more authentic offline activities. Either way, these hobbies can have some tangible benefits for teens and young adults. Here’s what the experts say.
Teenagers Have Easy Access to Cannabis. Science Says It’s Bad for Them.
Wall Street Journal – March 14, 2026
New research shows even infrequent marijuana use during adolescence is linked to increased risk of mental-health disorders and poor performance in school
A blueprint for easing the transition between education and career
Fordham Institute – March 16, 2026
The Commission on Purposeful Pathways is a national initiative aiming to help young people successfully transition from high school to careers. Launched in 2025 and facilitated by Education First, the commission consists of national experts—leaders, practitioners, and researchers from K–12, higher education, and workforce—as well as young adults. For the past year, the group has been developing an agenda-setting report that synthesizes existing research and identifies how to provide students with the experiences they need to be successful after high school. The finalized report was published in early March and does a commendable job explaining why this work is necessary.
Beyond the Classroom: How School Districts Are Building Real-World Career Pathways
EdSurge – March 16, 2026
Increasingly, schools are building career learning pathways that connect students directly with professional challenges, industry mentors and, in some cases, a paycheck. The urgency behind these efforts is hard to ignore.