High School Counselor Week

Opinion: Parents and students need more information about pathways to college and careers
The Hechinger Report – November 7, 2022
Sharing more data about career and technical education would open up choices and opportunities, Combined with information on college enrollment and persistence, it could help families understand how well a school is preparing students for life after high school. For some students, the plan could be college; for others, it could be high-quality technical education, the military or another skill-based vocation.

What’s behind the sky-high cost of a college education — and are there any solutions?
CBS News – November 5, 2022
In the 1963-1964 academic year, the average annual published cost of in-state tuition and fees was $243 at public four-year institutions, and $1,011 at private four-year institutions…That excludes room and board. If the published cost of college remained in line with inflation, annual tuition and fees would have been $2,076 at four-year public universities and $8,624 at private institutions for the 2020-2021 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics

Will COVID-19 vaccine be required for school attendance?
K-12 Dive – November 3, 2022
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel has recommended that COVID-19 vaccinations be added to childrens’ regular schedule of immunizations, but it’s states and localities that will decide whether to require the shots for school attendance. And it doesn’t appear as though those decisions will be made anytime soon.

Common application mistakes – 5 big ones and more to come…
Post – November 9, 2022
College Advice & Timely Tips with Lee Bierer

Everyone needs a Zen Zone
NJEA – November 1, 2022
In 2019, Warren Hills Middle School teacher Heather Garcia and school counselor Hope Ranalli each approached their principal with some ideas about introducing mindfulness practices to students. While Ranalli hadn’t yet had any formal training, Garcia held an SEL mindfulness certification. They started with a small group of students who had been diagnosed with anxiety or school phobia or who had reported feelings of anxiety. They converted a room in the school basement into an inviting space and began working with the students on meditation, mindfulness and basic yoga. Their initial feedback was fantastic. And then the global pandemic changed everything. 

These 3 strategies could help avert school-based violence
K-12 Dive – November 2, 2022
Behavioral threat assessments, tiplines to report safety concerns, and wraparound mental health services are all suggested to help prevent violence. But no one tool or hardening security measure can ensure violence is avoided — it’s going to take multiple strategies, experts at the National School Safety Summit said. Here are 3 best practices they suggested to help prevent violence in schools.

Families can get Pell Grants of up to $6,895 to help with college costs. Here’s what you need to know
CNBC – November 2, 2022
Many undergraduate students who are eligible for Pell Grants don’t apply for them. Here’s what to know about the aid, which can make college more affordable.

Managing High School Stress
U.S. News & World Report – November 1, 2022
Here are some ways to help your teen stay balanced.

Increase in college applications for Early Action deadline as pandemic wanes
CBS San Francisco – November 2, 2022
College counselors are noticing an increase in interest among high school seniors applying to college for the Early Action deadline as the process returns to a more familiar routine from before the pandemic and more universities add the option for freshman admission.

Shedding Daylight On Control In College Admission
Forbes – November 6, 2022
Believe it or not, you have more agency in this experience than you think. You have control over 75% of the process. You decide, for example, why, where, when, and how you apply. You tell the story in your application that best represents you, your strengths, interests, and hopes. You choose who you listen to, take guidance from, and consult with about your search and application. You also determine the mindset with which you approach the experience.

How Does Affirmative Action Affect College Admissions?
UW Medicine (WA) – November 3, 2022
Race is among factors intentionally considered in the admissions process at colleges with affirmative action policies.

FAFSA Deadlines You Should Know
U.S. News & World Report – November 7, 2022
The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, but college and state deadlines are often much sooner.

Filling Out the FAFSA Behind Bars
Vera Institute of Justice – November 1, 2022
Next year—for the first time in nearly three decades—all incarcerated people who are academically eligible will be able to apply for Pell Grants to help fund their college education. For most prospective students seeking federal financial aid, completing the FAFSA form is a tedious process. It’s far more onerous for incarcerated students. Advocates have requested that the form be tailored to incarcerated students, but those changes are unlikely, at least until the general FAFSA form is shortened. Even then, it is still unclear how much the burdens on incarcerated applicants will be eased.

Understanding Financial Aid for College: A Guide
U.S. News & World Report – November 3, 2022
Many families are shocked by a college’s sticker price. While the cost of tuition can be overwhelming, financial aid can make higher education affordable. Here are a few answers to common financial aid questions.