- lesscollegestress
- May 4
I’m excited for a busy week ahead! Starting Monday, I'll be joining colleagues at the Annual IECA Conference, entitled “Breaking Barriers, Empowering Change” this year. There will be a huge college fair, many networking events, talks from Jeff Selingo, author of “Who Gets in and Why,” Amy Blankson, “The Future of Happiness," author, and Zach Rausch, Associate Research Scientist at NYU Stern School of Business, lead researcher to social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, and a researcher for the Center for Humane Technology.
The conference brings together a blend of professional networking and institutional exploration. The panels and workshops will provide valuable insights into current trends and future directions in higher education that I can pass on to my families. The nightime receptions are not just fun, but give me a chance to bond with admissions reps in a relaxed environment. I'm looking forward to engaging with fellow professionals who share my passion for helping families while connecting with representatives not only from the midwest, but all over the US and international institutions.
Following the Detroit events, my journey continues with an ambitious tour. After working in this field for 10+ years and touring roughly 150 colleges, I am thrilled to finally visit Michigan State University and the University of Michigan before heading to Indiana for Notre Dame. My tour continues with stops at Purdue University, the University of Illinois, Indiana University, and finally, Purdue's new Indianapolis campus. Taking this trip will allow me to advise students and families about the communities around these popular colleges as well as the schools themselves. If you are curious about what particular schools are seeking, let me know!
While I will not have availability for appointments next week, please contact me to schedule meetings for the week of May 12th and afterwards. I can’t wait to share what I learn with you!
- lesscollegestress
- Apr 28
Though many of my families choose not to apply for financial aid, I talk to everyone about “financial fit.” This often has little to do with net worth. Paying nearly $100,000 per year for an undergraduate education requires a conversation. Perhaps the money saved will be used for graduate school or a younger child’s education–or something else. Every year, I see families opting for value without compromising on the quality of an institution.
A top student who had been admitted to several highly-competitive colleges chose an Honors College at a popular state university that offered her significant merit aid. Earlier, I had an Ivy admit choose a full ride at a small liberal arts college that felt like home to her. She knew she would have a great experience and be successful, and the money she saved went towards dental school.
Today’s volatile financial climate is driving several of my families to consider generous colleges rather than the highest-priced institutions. Think NJIT Honors instead of NYU, Indiana University rather than Syracuse, Rutgers over Lehigh. Choosing between Rensselaer PoIytechnic and Villanova? Saving $35,000 per year can simplify that decision, especially for a Computer Science major.
The most selective colleges do not give much, or any, merit awards to students who do not qualify for need-based financial aid. However, many competitive colleges, the ones Jeff Selingo calls “buyers,” do reach out with merit aid offers. They use these awards strategically in order to yield high-performing students who have been admitted to even more selective schools. Many savvy families realize that their motivated, academically-curious, creative students will maximize the college experience wherever they go. It’s a win for the colleges and the families.
That’s one reason there are bright students at every college.
I am still waiting for four students to decide on a college by May 1st! When all the decisions and merit awards are in, I will share the results!
- lesscollegestress
- Apr 21
This has been a record-breaking year for deferrals and waitlists. Why? The rise in number of applications overwhelms colleges..for example, the University of Michigan received 90,000 applications last year (already a huge increase) and 109,000 in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. Keep your stress level down by not overthinking your waitlist options. Make a thoughtful decision about whether staying on any waitlist makes sense for you. Consider factors like:
How much you genuinely prefer this school over your confirmed options
Your financial situation if aid packages differ significantly
The waitlist admission statistics from previous years
Your willingness to potentially make quick decisions (sometimes just 24 hours) late in the process
Remove yourself from a waitlist if the uncertainty becomes too taxing!
Accept What You Cannot Control
The waitlist process is largely out of your hands. Admissions offices make decisions based on numerous factors that you cannot influence. Accepting this reality can be empowering and immediately reduce your stress level. Focus your energy on what you can control.
Have a Solid Plan B
Commit to another college you feel good about. Pay the deposit, go on social media to meet other incoming students, and start envisioning yourself on that campus. Getting excited about a concrete alternative distracts from the waitlist pressure.
Set a Mental Timeline
Give yourself a date when you'll mentally "move on" completely. This doesn't mean you won't accept a surprise offer if it comes, even as late as August, but it allows you to psychologically close this chapter if needed.
Reframe the Situation
Remember that your worth isn't determined by a college's decision. Many successful people attended their second or third-choice schools, or transferred later. Your college experience is what you make of it, regardless of where you land.
By implementing these strategies, you can transform the waitlist experience from an anxiety-inducing limbo into a valuable lesson in patience, resilience, and embracing uncertainty—skills that will serve you well throughout college and beyond.