High School Counselor Week

Measles Has Come Back in Force. Is Your School Ready?
Education Week – October 20, 2026
Public health officials say there are simple steps districts can take to respond to an outbreak

For undocumented students, the path from high school to college is shrinking
Chalkbeat – October 19, 2026
While children have a right to a public K-12 education in the U.S. regardless of their immigration status, undocumented students’ access to higher education is shrinking due to actions by states and the federal government. The consequences extend beyond college campuses.

Words Matter
ACCIS AdmitAll Blog – October 15, 2026
Words matter. Isn’t that what we’re telling our students when we encourage draft after draft of their Common App essays and supplements? We implore students to use vibrant language, to search for that one right word that perfectly encapsulates a mood or an event in order to make their essay the best it can be. So, why then, are we as college counselors carelessly throwing around words and phrases without really thinking about what they mean and how they impact students? We have the privilege of holding an outsized amount of influence on some of our students and we need to think deeply about how we show up and present ourselves to them in difficult moments…they are always listening, watching, and taking in what we do.

5 Gratitude Activities to Use in Your School Counseling Program
Bright Futures Counseling – October 7, 2026
Somehow, Thanksgiving is already around the corner. One of the things I love most about this season is that, amid all the busyness, we’re reminded to pause and be grateful for what we have. As school counselors, we get to bring that same practice to our students. Gratitude activities fit beautifully into class lessons, small groups, and individual sessions. If you’re looking for Thanksgiving counseling activities that are meaningful and low prep, these 5 gratitude activities for students are a great place to start. Each one is simple to implement, adaptable to all ages, and most can be used well beyond November.

Does It Matter Which AP Courses You Take?
Inside Higher Ed – October 21, 2026
Six AP courses correlated with an admissions advantage, according to data from a college counseling company. It’s unclear whether those courses led to the boost or if confounding variables played a role.

The best college admissions essay is one only you can write
Poynter – October 21, 2026
For more than 40 years, I have coached high school students and their teachers on the craft of the personal essay. Admissions officers have told me that, with the exception of the most competitive universities, they are looking for reasons to accept, not reject. They say a small percentage of essays are awful and another small percentage are outstanding. But the great majority are so average you can’t distinguish one from another. From a strong opening to the elusive ‘It Factor,’ here are 10 ways to stand out from the stack

Choosing Between an In-State, Out-of-State College
U.S. News & World Report – October 8, 2026
As students build their college lists, they will find themselves weighing where to attend college, including whether to stay in their home state or head to another part of the U.S. Geography, however, is just one part of the equation. When choosing a college, it’s important to focus on what fits you financially, socially, academically and personally

College Living Cost Estimates Vary Widely
Inside Higher Ed – October 20, 2026
A new study of over 5,000 colleges finds wide disparities in how institutions estimate the cost of attendance, raising questions about affordability and financial aid.

The best student loans for bad credit of October 2026
CNBC – October 17, 2026
Federal borrowing limits for college have been reduced, forcing more borrowers to turn to private student loans to bridge the financing gap. But most college students have a thin or nonexistent credit file. Here are the best private student loans for applicants with bad or no credit, focusing on rates, eligibility requirements, terms, repayment options and other criteria (link to methodology provided)

How to Complete the CSS Profile
U.S. News & World Report – September 30, 2026
Here’s a step-by-step guide to filling out the CSS Profile for college financial aid, which offers opportunities for families to describe special circumstances that affect their ability to pay.

Parental Guidance: How to Handle the College ‘Ick’
U.S. News & World Report – October 20, 2026
If your teen instantly rejects a college they loved on paper, learn how to separate fleeting first impressions from legitimate deal-breakers.

Two Nonprofits Bring Career Education to Students With an Eye Toward the Future
The 74 – October 17, 2026
Career-connected learning is moving quickly into the mainstream. States and districts are expanding internships, apprenticeships, work-based learning and career pathways. Employers want stronger connections to future workers, while schools are looking for ways to make learning more relevant. The question is no longer whether career-connected learning will grow, but what kind of experiences that growth will create. Two examples show different approaches.