Scott Anderson, the Senior Director for Access and Education at The Common Application, wrote this advice in November 2015. Each year, these words become more important as the pressure of the college admission process grows for families.
“This week, as you gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, be mindful of the high school seniors seated at the table. Odds are they don't want to talk about their college applications any more than you want to talk about work.
Questions about college aren't inherently bad. In fact, most of them come from a place of caring. What people really want to know is how the kids are doing, what's going on in their lives, how they are managing stress, what they are thinking about their future.
Teens are thinking about college but don't necessarily want to talk about it over mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. It's infinitely more supportive to ask them about the things they love to do and the challenges and ideas that intrigue them than it is to inquire about what they plan to major in, how they intend to make a career of it, and what that career will be. It also invites them to ask you the same kinds of questions, which creates a space for real conversation, not one-directional interrogation--or the perception of it.
So please do the high school seniors in your life a favor. Help make the Thanksgiving table a college-free zone. Redirect the conversation. Ask questions that show you are interested in them, not their applications. Share stories about your own path. They are going to be fine.”
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Pamela
Dear College Freshmen and Parents:
As the application season is in full swing for high school seniors and I am busy helping students wrap up their applications and essays (remember those days?), I am thinking about my seniors from last year and wondering how each of you are faring at college.
Students: How are you doing? Are you happy and adjusting? The first semester can be a tough transition, but hang in there: college life typically improves as the year goes on. I would love to hear about your experience and if the college you chose is what you expected. Would you recommend your school to high school students? I may ask you to connect with my juniors or seniors students so they can get an insider’s view of your school.
Parents: How are you adjusting to having _______away at school? I know from experience that there is no simple answer to this question! Have you been happy with your student’s experience so far? Is your freshman your oldest child? You too may be experiencing a tough transition. If you have older children who went off to college earlier, how is this time different for you? If it's your first taste of being an "empty nester," it may be bittersweet.
Whether you worked with me last year or three years ago, I would love to hear about your journey (parents, too)!
Best,
Pamela
The ACT is undergoing some significant changes, what they call “enhancements.” Here's a breakdown:
:
Online Testing: Starting in April 2025, the new, shorter ACT will be offered in an online format. The current paper version will still be available until September 2025. Switching formts requires an additional fee.
Optional Science Section: The Science section will become optional, similar to the Writing section.
Shorter Math Section: The Math section will be shortened by 10 minutes and 15 questions. However, the last 15 problems will continue to be more challenging.
Shorter English Section: The English section will also be shorter, with 50 questions instead of 75.
More Time for Reading: The Reading section will have the same number of questions but students will be given 5 minutes more.
New Scoring: For tests taken before September 2025, the English, Math, and Reading scores will be averaged to calculate a composite score. A STEM score will also be calculated based on the Math and Science scores (if the Science section is taken).
Key Takeaways for Students:
Consider Your Strengths: If math is not your strength, you may want to consider taking the SAT instead, as the ACT's Math section contains some more advanced questions.
Practice Online: If you plan to take the ACT online, be sure to practice using the online testing format.
Additional Tips:
Use Free Official ACT Prep Materials: The best way to prepare for the ACT is to use official ACT practice tests and study guides. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/free-act-test-prep.html
The ACT website is a great resource for staying up-to-date on the latest changes. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/k12-educators-and-administrators/administrator-newsletter.html
Accommodations: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html
Stay in touch with questions!
