High Performance Academics Blog

The college admissions process can feel far off for parents of high school freshmen and sophomores, but starting early can make all the difference. By laying the groundwork now, students can approach their junior and senior years with confidence, preparedness, and a strong sense of direction. Here’s a timeline to guide your family through the early stages of college planning, ensuring that your student is ready to shine when the time comes. Freshman Year: Building the Foundation The goal during freshman year is to help your child adjust to high school while creating a strong foundation for future success. What to Focus On: Academics Matter: Encourage your child to take challenging classes and aim for strong grades. Freshman year GPA sets the stage for future academic performance. Explore Interests: Encourage participation in a variety of extracurricular activities. From clubs and sports to volunteer opportunities, exploring different interests now helps identify passions later. Build G...

Accepted Student Days are an exciting opportunity for students to experience life on campus before making their final college decision. These events are designed to help admitted students and their families explore the campus, meet future classmates, and get a deeper sense of what each college has to offer. Here’s how to make the most of these important visits and ensure your family makes an informed choice. 1. Plan Ahead Register Early : Accepted Student Days often have limited spots, so secure your place as soon as possible. Prepare a Schedule : Review the itinerary provided by the college and plan which sessions to attend, such as academic panels, campus tours, or housing discussions. List Your Priorities : Write down specific questions you or your child want answered, such as details about financial aid, internships, or social life. 2. Explore the Campus Take a fresh campus tour to get a better sense of the school as an admitted student. Visit residence halls, dining facilities, li...

Submitting college applications is a major accomplishment—but the process isn’t over just yet! Once the applications are in, there are several important steps students need to take to stay organized, ensure their applications are complete, and prepare for the next phase of the admissions process. Here’s a helpful checklist to guide seniors after hitting “submit.” 1. Confirm Receipt of Applications Check email accounts and application portals for confirmation that each college has received your application. Ensure all required materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores) have been submitted and received by the college. 2. Monitor Application Portals Log in to each college’s application portal regularly to check for updates, missing documents, or additional requests from the admissions office. Some colleges may ask for mid-year grade reports or other supplemental information. 3. Thank Your Recommenders Send a thank-you note or email to the teachers, counselors, and men...

College application decisions can bring excitement, relief, or uncertainty. Whether your child receives an acceptance, deferral, waitlist notification, or rejection, each decision has its own meaning and next steps. Here’s what you need to know to help your child navigate this pivotal moment with confidence and clarity. 1. Acceptance  🎉 What It Means : Your child has been offered admission—congratulations! Celebrate this accomplishment while keeping a few key points in mind: Review the financial aid package closely to determine affordability. Encourage your child to attend Admitted Student Days to get a feel for the campus and community. Compare options if multiple acceptances are received, considering academics, finances, and fit. Next Steps : Submit a deposit to secure their spot by the school’s deadline (typically May 1). Notify other schools of their decision to decline offers. 2. Deferral What It Means : Deferrals typically occur in early action or early decision applications...

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step in the college admissions process. It’s your gateway to federal, state, and institutional financial aid—but mistakes on the form can cost families thousands of dollars. Here’s what you need to know to avoid common errors and maximize your student’s aid. Why FAFSA Matters The FAFSA determines your eligibility for: Federal grants (like the Pell Grant) Subsidized and unsubsidized loans Work-study programs Many institutional scholarships and aid packages Even if you think you won’t qualify for need-based aid, many schools use FAFSA information to award merit scholarships, so it’s worth completing. Common FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid 1. Missing the Deadline Each state and college has its own FAFSA deadline. Submitting early ensures you won’t miss out on available aid.  Tip : FAFSA opens on December 1—don’t wait! 2. Not Filing at All Some families assume they won’t qualify for aid and skip the FAFSA. This is a mistake—ther...

One of the most challenging conversations for families during the college admissions process is discussing the cost of higher education. While it’s tempting to avoid the subject, having an honest and open conversation about college costs early on can help set realistic expectations and empower your teen to make informed decisions. Why It’s Important to Talk About Costs Early Transparency Leads to Better Decisions : Understanding the financial realities of college can help your teen prioritize affordability alongside academic fit and campus culture. It Reduces Stress : When families are on the same page about what’s affordable, it eliminates surprises when financial aid packages arrive. It Teaches Life Skills : Discussing budgets, loans, and scholarships introduces your teen to financial literacy, a critical skill for adulthood. How to Start the Conversation Be Honest About What You Can Afford Share a clear picture of your family’s financial situation. Discuss how much you can contribut...

One of the biggest concerns for families during the college admissions process is figuring out how to afford tuition without overwhelming debt. The good news? With a little planning and knowledge, financial aid and scholarships can make college much more affordable. Step 1: Understand the Types of Financial Aid Need-Based Aid : Determined by your family’s financial situation as reported on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and, for some schools, the CSS Profile. This includes grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Merit-Based Aid : Awarded for academic, athletic, artistic, or leadership achievements. Merit aid is often offered by the college itself or through external scholarship organizations. Step 2: FAFSA Is Your First Step What It Is : FAFSA is the key to unlocking federal, state, and institutional financial aid. When to Submit : The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year. Submit early to maximize your eligibility for aid. Why It Matters : Many schools use FAFS...

Visiting college campuses is one of the best ways for students to determine if a school feels like the right fit. But to make the most of these trips, planning is essential. Here’s a guide to help families prepare for productive and insightful college visits. Before the Visit Schedule Your Visits in Advance : Most colleges offer official campus tours and information sessions. Check the school’s website to book your spot. Do Your Homework : Research the college ahead of time. Know its strengths, programs, and opportunities so you can tailor your questions. Plan Questions to Ask : Think of questions about academics, campus life, housing, and career services. Tailor your questions to your student’s interests (e.g., “What research opportunities are available for first-year students?”). During the Visit Observe Campus Life : Notice the vibe of the campus. Are students engaged and friendly? Do the facilities feel modern and well-maintained? Talk to Current Students : Ask students about their...

Receiving news that you’ve been deferred or waitlisted can feel like a setback, but it’s far from the end of the road. Many colleges allow students to submit a  Letter of Continuing Interest (LOCI)  to reaffirm their enthusiasm for the school and provide updates on any new accomplishments. A thoughtful, well-crafted LOCI can make a meaningful impact by demonstrating your commitment and showing why you’re a great fit for the institution. Here’s how to write an effective Letter of Continuing Interest that helps your application stand out. 1. What Is a Letter of Continuing Interest? A LOCI is a formal letter sent to a college to communicate that: You are still highly interested in attending the school. You have meaningful updates since your original application. You are a strong fit for the institution’s programs, values, and community. Purpose : A LOCI reassures the admissions committee that if offered a spot, you’re likely to accept. It also provides an opportunity to highlight...

As the year winds down and we start looking ahead to 2025, parents of high school juniors are entering a pivotal time in their child’s journey toward college. The second semester of junior year isn’t just about finishing strong academically—it’s also the perfect time to  start the college admissions process. By starting now, you’ll set your child up for success, relieve senior year stress, and ensure you’re not caught in the whirlwind of applications later on. Plus, by signing up for professional college advising before the new year, you can lock in 2024 rates before prices increase in 2025. Here’s why this proactive approach is the key to a smooth and successful college admissions journey—and why waiting can cost more than just time. Why the Second Semester of Junior Year is Critical The second semester of junior year is a turning point in the college admissions timeline. It’s when students should begin to: Research Colleges : Now is the time to start exploring schools, both virtu...

For families with high school juniors, the road to college might feel like it’s still a year away. Applications are submitted during senior year, right? So, there’s plenty of time… isn’t there? Not exactly.  Junior year is the critical foundation  for a smooth, successful college admissions process. Starting now ensures your child is ready to tackle the complexities of college applications with confidence—and without the last-minute stress that can derail the process. Here’s why junior year is the perfect time to begin, and how getting started now can change everything for your family. 1. The Junior Year Advantage: A Head Start on Success Junior year is the perfect time to begin preparing for college because your child is still in the “building phase” of their high school experience. With time to reflect, grow, and plan, they can work toward creating an application that truly represents their strengths and potential. Starting now gives them the opportunity to: Strengthen their...