Can’t figure out which college to commit to? 6 Tips for attending admitted student days

So you’ve been accepted into a number of colleges and universities. Now you need to decide which to attend. A great exercise to help you make the big decision is to attend Accepted Student Day events.

Here are my six tips on how to make the best of these events:

1. Talk to as many current students as possible. Ask them about campus life, courses, housing, meal plans and everything else.

2. Go on a campus tour and ask the student tour guide as many questions as possible. Read bulletin boards around campus during the tour as well. This will give you a feel for events held on campus.

3. Eat a meal in a dining hall. It is a great way to see a lot of current students and to check out the food.

4. Sit in on a class to get a sense of the faculty.

5. If offered, attend an activities/club fair. This will help you determine what activities are available to students.

6. Meet other accepted students. You can get a feel if you feel as though you socially ‘fit in’.
   

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College List Building 101

There are many factors to consider when creating a college list.

Here are some thoughts on what to focus on from the beginning.

1. During your junior year, you will meet with your school counselor in late winter or early spring to discuss your courses for senior year and to also discuss a potential college list. This list is the beginning of what you can call a ‘work in progress’ list. It will be a work in progress up until you actually apply the following fall.

2. There are many factors to consider and since every human is unique, these factors will vary in type, style and importance. Here’s a brief list of what to think about:

   1. Location: How far from home would you like to be? Urban, suburban, college town, rural, study abroad: These are the type of location categories you need to consider.

   2. Size of School: Under 1,000, or over 20,000? The size of school can help you determine which schools to consider.

   3. Academics: Is there a certain field of study that you are interested in or do you have no idea? Think about which type of school and which degree(s) you may want to pursue. Did you have an IEP in high school? Inquire about the Accessibility Resource Center at each school. This will help you decide where to consider applying to.

   4. Extracurriculars: Are you looking for a strong theatre department? A big rah-rah sports team to cheer for? Strong LGBTQ+ community? What about Greek life? Are you interested in pledging for a certain fraternity? It’s important to visit as many campuses as possible so you can determine what type of campus life fits your personality. Dive Deeper than just learning about a campus from TikTok. Social media never gives a full story of a campus life. See this page on my website for great resources about campus culture, hazing and athletics. https://www.suzannelagemann.com/campusresources

3. By the beginning of your senior year, you should have visited a few schools and made your list as final as possible as it’s time to apply. 12 schools is your target number. Visit a small, medium and large school to start so you can compare how different size campuses feel. Some students have a range of schools on their final list. There is no right or wrong list.

   Consider the following aspects while making the list:

   1. Your list should have a range of ‘safety’(likely)-’target’-’reach’ schools.

      1. Safety (likely) schools: An applicant falls well above the 50th percentile of all applicants.

      2. Target schools: An applicant falls in the middle of the 50th percentile of all applicants.

      3. Reach school: An applicant falls well below the 50th percentile of all applicants.

      4. Read online, follow colleges’ social media accounts and attend local college fairs. This will help you firm up your college list.

4. Diversify your list from where students at your high school apply to. Don’t add schools to your list ‘because everyone else’ applies there. Contact me if you want to know why. The reasons are unlimited.

5 Tips for High School Course Selection for Next Year.

During the winter months, I spend most of my time meeting with high school students reviewing their program of study. We discuss how and why they took the courses they have completed thus far and which courses they should potentially take next year.

Here are a few important factors to work through when deciding on which courses and level to request:

1. Academic rigor and grades are the two most important factors in today’s college admissions review. Advocate for yourself when talking with your current teachers who recommend you for next year’s course selection.

2. How have you done in the course level you are currently in? Typically, a school requires you to receive at least a B+/A- to be eligible to request asking to take a higher level course in that subject.

3. Should I focus on taking higher level courses in the core area I excel in? Yes! However, it also depends on each student. But if you are the type of student who excels in the language arts over STEM, then request being placed in a higher level class in that subject area.

4. What if my high school does not offer the course level I would want to take? This happens, typically, at smaller schools. Use your best judgement and go with the level you feel most comfortable yet challenged. And remember, your school profile will be sent along with your application so the admissions reader will see the limited choice you had in that subject.

5. I often hear feedback from students who tell me that they are advised that they do not need to take their five core courses through high school. I advise that you do. Contact me for more in-depth advice and good luck!

   If you would like to learn more about high school courses and college admissions, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

Hey Juniors, here are 11 tips to prepare to apply to college later this year!

This is your year to apply to college. Here is a short list of items to either keep working on or to get started on.

 1.     Junior year grades: This year is the most important for grades. If your transcript shows from 9/10 grades(s) to 11th grade, it will be looked upon highly. Keep up your studies.

2. Extracurricular Activities: Do what create a sparks in you. For so many reasons, get involved in activities that you enjoy, feel a sense of purpose and that you enjoy. You will then have an easy job writing those supplemental essays!

3. Time management and taking ownership of understanding course content is the student’s responsibility. Make sure to stay on top of both of these items by using a planner or app, meeting with teachers before or after school hours, lunchtime or during ‘drop’ class sessions to make sure you understand what will be asked of you on the next test or quiz.

4. ASK QUESTIONS if you are struggling in a course. Show initiative. It builds character and good interpersonal skills too.

5.     Teacher Letters of Recommendation:

In April or May, you will need to ask 2 teachers for letters of recommendation.

a.     Ask in person

b.     Say thank you

c.      Share with them why you are asking

d.     Ask a teacher that has had you in their class preferably during junior year ( if not, try sophomore year. They may ask you for a resume or to fill out their own brag sheet or google form for them to use to write a great recommendation.

6. Brag Sheet: Brag Sheet is a form used by your school counselor to help them write their letter of recommendation. Typcially the student writes one and the parent/guardian writes one as well.

7. What software does your high school use to support your application process? Scoir, Naviance? Know which one, if any, and how to log in to it. This is how your school counselor submits specific application materials on behalf of the student, such as official high school transcript, letters of recommendation, school profile.

8. Standardized Tests: Do you know which test you are taking? SAT or ACT? Create a plan on when to take it and either take a prep class or hire a tutor to help you prepare. Test strategy is KEY to succeeding on either test. (And by all means, do not register for the June ACT if your Junior Prom is the night before.)

9.   Campus Visits:  Also plan time to visit campuses and research schools with your parents. Spring break is a great time in April as colleges are still in session. Many offer open houses on the weekends too.

10. Social Media: Follow colleges’ TikTok and Instagram accounts. You will learn a lot about the school through their social media accounts!

11. Summer plans: Working, going to camp, going on a big vacation? Regardless, please plan on writing your common app essay during the summer months. You will not regret this.  

If you would like to learn more about the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

Hey 9th and 10th Graders, here are some tips for the second half of the school year!

As you near the latter half of the school year, here are a few topics to keep in mind and to work on going forward.

1.     Choosing Courses for next school year:

During the winter months, you will most likely meet with your school counselor. You will talk through your remaining required courses and how best to complete them before the end of senior year.

For sophomores, as you move into your upperclassmen years, you will have more selection and electives to chose from. Read your high school course catalog and program of studies before choosing junior year courses.

 Trying to determine if you should take a CP, Honors or AP/IB level course? A good indicator is to determine if you are struggling at the current course level. If you are receiving a ‘B’ or better, you are most likely at the right level. If you are struggling, it may be good to speak with your school counselor to move into a better fit next year. And if you are sailing through and are bored, try a higher-level course next year.

2. Ask questions if you are struggling in a course. The only person who should be accountable for their studies is you.

3. Time management and taking ownership of understanding course content is the student’s responsibility. Make sure to stay on top of both of these items by using a planner or app, meeting with teachers after school hours, during lunchtime or during ‘drop’ class sessions to make sure you understand what will be asked of you on the next test or quiz. 

4.Standardized Tests: If you have taken the PSAT already, you may want to take a practice ACT next in order to assess which test you will focus on preparing for. Students should not take both but should choose and prep for one of them. Reach out to me for advice on how to hire a test prep tutor or service. There are practice tests on www.suzannelagemann.com/helpfulinks and they are free!

5. Summer Plans: Are you traveling, working, or attending camp during the summer months? It’s time to start to think about applying to jobs, registering for camps and discussing with your parents what you would like to do over the summer break.

If you would like to learn more about the college planning and the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

Campus Culture Questions

Social Scene/Hazing/Campus Safety

The culture and climate of college campuses today are discussed more recently. The social scene and hazing are issues that students and parents want to learn more about.

Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind when going through the college admissions journey.

• Social Scene:

  Think Deeper: Most of what you see on social media is glamor. Period. Bama rush, etc makes college look like a party 24/7, while I am not condoning partying in college, students and parents need to look beyond the surface, and social media reels, to see if the social scene at a certain school is right for them.

  TO DO: Visit different size schools starting in junior year, narrow down the list and read up on the school before your feet hit campus.

  Once you have identified what type of school, large public flagship, small liberal arts, engineering program, look into the specific social scene- beyond TikTok- and what your BFFs older sister who attends there says.

  TO DO: Visit campuses and sit in on a class, meet with a club or professor and attend an open house so that you can talk with as many current students as possible.

  Hazing/Greek Life: Is Greek life the entire social scene? What type of hazing goes on? And when do students rush? I am not a fan of first term, freshman rushing. It should be seond semester freshman year at the earliest, but you can ask and inquire about the expectation of rush. I’ve seen students’ grades plummet during rush and it’s really hard to raise a low average from a tough semester from rushing. Here is a good resource on my website. Keep in mind that only about 50% of colleges report hazing incidents.

• Campus Safety:

  Many parents, nowadays, ask me about campus safety. Go to this link and you will find helpful information about campus safety. Every college and university has a campus police or security system. Therefore, you can easily go to their page on the college’s website for this information.

  Some schools are more forthcoming with incidents than others but there are two great places to see what’s the culture on a campus:

  1. Read the student newspaper.

  2. Ready the campus police blotter (weekly).

• Want to work with Suzanne to gain more insight to college? Click here for a free consultation.

Understanding Financial Aid Letters

Typically, in late winter/early spring, a student will receive financial aid letters from the schools where they were accepted. What to do now? Here are a few tips:

1. Determine the Cost of Attendance. If this is not listed in your letter, call the college and ask. The COA includes all costs: Tuition, fees, room & board, books, supplies, etc.

2. Subtract Grant and Scholarship amounts, if applicable, from your aid offer and from the COA. You can then subtract any college savings so you can see the actual amount you will need to pay out-of-pocket.

3. Each financial aid letter will differ per college. Read and review each and compare what your Net Price will be at each school. Net Price is what you are expected to pay by using income and loans.

4. If your situation has changed, for example, you decided to commute instead of living on campus or your financial circumstances have changed since you completed the FAFSA or from what your tax information shows, call each college’s financial aid office to discuss.

5. Local scholarships opportunities are a chance to help assist in your net cost. Apply! When your high school releases its annual scholarship book, take the time to scroll through and apply to as many applicable scholarships as you can. It’s worth the time to write any required essays for FREE money.

6. Make sure to line up a summer job, now. A few saved dollars leading up to your first year in school can help!

This website has more tips and valuable information.

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/next-steps/comparing-aid-offers

If you would like to learn more about Financial Aid and the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

Three different possible results from the Early Rounds of Admissions: Class of 2026

Early round admission decisions will continue to be released through February 2026. Here is some important information and advice on what to do next.

1. Accepted: Congrats you gained acceptance through either an early action (non binding) or early decision (binding) round of admission.

   Note: Some acceptances may have curve balls, like you will need to do your first semester abroad or at a satellite campus. They still consider this an offer/acceptance.

   TO DO: Plan to attend an accepted student day event in early 2026.

2. Deferred: When a student gets deferred from either applying early decision or early action, your application gets moved to regular decision. *If you applied early decision and your application gets moved to regular decision, your admission is no longer binding.*

   You are still in the running for admission. There are many reasons why a student’s application may be deferred to regular admission.

   The admissions committee may want to see the student’s mid-semester grades, review most recent standardized test scores, compare the applicant to the regular decision applicant pool, or they ran out of time and did not have the chance to review every application that was submitted in the early round so they needed to defer some to the Regular round.

   TO DO: If the college or university allows, accept being deferred to regular admissions in your portal. I highly recommend that you write a letter of continued interest (LOCI) if the school is your first choice and if they accept a LOCI.

   This will communicate to the college that you intend to attend if granted admission. In the LOCI, you should express a deep interest in the college. Describe your visit to the college, mention a club or activity you would get involved in upon matriculating, discuss your intended major or delve into an area of study you’d like to pursue while attending this university. Make sure you clearly state that you will attend if granted admission to the college or university so there is no doubt that you will attend.

3. Denied: The magic word here is pivot. No student is admitted into every school they apply to. Focus on the ones you are admitted to.

   TO DO: Make a plan to attend admitted student days in early 2026 for the schools you were admitted to.

Regular admission round decisions are typically released in March/April each Spring. Continue to check your portals, keep up your grades and above all else, enjoy your senior year and be true to yourself.

If you would like to learn more about the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

Important Information about Admit Rates

There are many characteristics to consider when determining where to apply to a college or university. Quality of education, on-campus housing, scholarships, career services and communication are some of the more important traits I hold to a high standard.

Admit rates, which is loosely used is something that not many people really understand. Let me break down some hard truths about what some schools do to make their admit rates seem more competitive than they really are.

1. The Effect of Early Decision: If a school uses Early Decision (especially more than one round of it), this can inflate their admit rate. For example, a very selective liberal arts college may very well bring in over half their class through their early decision rounds but then only admit a small number through their regular decision round. When a college averages them together- the average seems very selective- when in fact, it really depends on WHICH round you apply through. (Note: Regardless, you still need to have the student profile- grades, rigor and scores- that matches what is the type of candidate they are looking for).

   In other words, the admit rate may be twice as high in their ED rounds than in their Regular rounds.

   TO DO: Research and ask the school what is their admit rates for each different type of admission rounds.

2. Reporting Admit Rates: There is no set standard in how a university reports their admit rate. Therefore, self-reporting can be skewed and the public has no idea. For example, if a university starts students at an off-campus site, like at an international location, they do not count these commits in their admit rate for that incoming class.

   TO DO: Ask each school you apply to if they omit sections of their incoming class from their admit rates.

3. Difference between out-of-state vs in-state admit rates: With the soaring popularity in public flagships, it’s important to educate yourself about what percentage of the incoming class is out-of-state students. Keep in mind, a public flagship or any public college or university, their mission is to educate the public of that particular state. Therefore, many states cap how many out-of-state students can be admitted and enrolled.

   This has resulted in soaring competition to get in as an out-of-state student to many public flagship universities.

   TO DO: Research the admit rate for the public colleges and universities you want to apply to as an out-of-state applicant.

4. Leveraging connections: I have seen (first hand) Admissions offices that do not count in their admit rate students that were admitted in their ED rounds but who had originally applied Early Action but decided to switch to (usually) Early Decision II. Whether, through a phone call with a student to help them change their mind to apply ED, or an athlete is told that if they commit to play for that school, they must apply ED, they are not counted in their admit rate.

   TO DO: If you are unsure of whether you want to ED to a school, know that most if not all schools that offer ED rounds will allow you to switch to ED, after you submit via EA, if it is not too late. Ask your admissions rep.

5. Tips: Googling an admit rate is not accurate. If you google or use AI and get a %, it is wrong and probably a few years outdated.

   Write out the top 5 traits that are most important to you other than admit rate. Focus on those 5.

Want to learn more about college admissions and higher education trends, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

Understanding AP Scholar Award Criteria

AP Scholar Awards

Every fall, the AP Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP Exams.

AP Scholar Awards come in different levels and types.

Here is the Criteria from the College Board Website:

AwardCriteria: AP Scholar is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. AP Scholar with Honor is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. AP Scholar with Distinction is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Qualification Details

• There are two steps to determining award winners:

1. The student’s average AP Exam score is calculated based on all exams taken this year and in previous years.

2. The student’s AP Exam scores are checked to see which ones count toward the various AP Scholar Awards.

• A student must meet all criteria to be eligible. For example, a student who has a 3.25 AP Exam score average but only received a 3 or higher on 3 exams will not receive the AP Scholar with Honor Award because the minimum requirement is a score of 3 or higher on 4 or more exams.

• Exams taken multiple times count only once; the highest score will be used for the award calculation.

• The AP Calculus AB subscore for the AP Calculus BC Exam and the aural subscore and nonaural subscore for the AP Music Theory Exam are not used in the AP Scholar Award calculations.

• The AP Scholar Awards are academic distinctions that students may cite among their credentials on applications, résumés, and so on. Students do not receive any monetary award from the College Board.

• When you receive your AP scores in July, it will state if you earned a Scholar Award.
  If you would like to learn more about high school courses, higher education and the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.