College Bound

This is one of the most exciting things I've seen in a while. Arcata and CSU Humboldt are both beautiful destinations. Stay tuned for other incredible opportunities in higher education.

Wow - this injunction definitely puts some teeth into the concept of not using the SAT or ACT for admissions.

I truly believe that most students will rise to the occassion of this very weird time. Honestly, we may all grow with our perspective and in terms of our priorities. Best wishes to all that are starting school with at least an idea of how to operate. Think back to March and how foreign the ideas of social distancing, distance learning, and masks were. We've all learned a lot and I think these kids will do just fine!

To my many teacher friends and the thousands of students that are navigating this very challenging time... hang in there! Be your best, look for the best in each other and know that you can do this!

On behalf of the educators out there...this next quarter (but probably longer) starts a new chapter in public education. There is a huge learning curve that students, teachers, and district administrators will be navigating, yet again, together! As we embark on this thing called eLearning or blended learning or even face to face instruction, we are asking our Facebook friends to refrain from publicly scrutinizing their children’s teachers/schools/district for the way they a...re teaching, the lessons they’re assigning, or the decisions the districts are making. Instead, we ask you stand up for educators if you see this negativity on your timeline. Please offer grace to your child’s teacher and other school personnel. I promise that educating & keeping your children safe is still their #1 priority. They are about to navigate uncharted waters with little idea in what to expect. This is a crisis, not a time to be playing armchair quarterback. They love your kids and will be doing their absolute best! See more

The Scholarship Committee is happy to announce our current scholarship opportunities. Graduating Seniors from local high schools are eligible to apply for $10...00 scholarships, with an application deadline of January 31st. Those applications can be found on this link to our web page as well as through the high school counseling departments' scholarship database. We also have scholarships available for Sierra College students who will be transferring to a 4-year college next year as well as one for women re-entering their college pursuit after a break from college, for one reason or another. These scholarships can be found on the Sierra College web site and require an on-line application only available through that site. Deadlines are in March. Please spread the word and encourage people to explore these opportunities for our branch to support them with their endeavors toward high education.

This is an important read. A big part of navigating the college admissions process is weeding through the myths. This myth that athletics are the ticket to a good college, is outrageously mis-understood. First of all - most college athletes don't get money for their sport and if they do it is nominal (they would make with a part-time job). 2nd - if a student is a high caliber student (top 10% or higher) it is very unlikely that their athletic ranking is on par, so they ac...tually may have to give up an academic opportunity in order to play their sport where their recruitment makes sense. 3rd - the amount of money, time and energy that is spent promoting a high school athlete would be guaranteed to go further in tutoring and a variety of other activities. 4th - it's a one in a million that an athletic recruitment gets a student to an ideal college and that recruitment comes with money. *BTW -I never discourage a full commitment to a sport if the student/athlete loves their sport, it's their passion, and that is their primary reasoning. But, if there is an idea that there is some return on the investment (time and money), I try as diplomatically as possible to encourage a more well-rounded approach.

As a college consultant, I find this scandal to be outrageous and alarming all at once. Of course, the wealthy parents that are being charged, deserve their punishment and shame for their participation in such egregious efforts on behalf of their kids. It’s gross on every level and is the abomination of what many parents are doing to a lesser degree... pulling out all of the stops to get their kids ahead. In the end, that parental practice is unethical and ultimately will ...not serve their kids well, but clearly not everyone sees it the same as I. With all of that being said, at the helm of this scandal was a college consultant that guided these families in their outrageous pursuits. THAT is what really has me floored and appalled. When clients walk through my door, I make it painfully clear that I do not have the power nor will I exercise any string-pulling that will get anyone into any schools. I say this, because it would be unethical and illegal if I were to operate in such a manner. I make it clear, that if anyone in my role professes their ability to get kids into schools or even to get scholarships for kids, those consultants are either lying or they are willing to act unethically and may suggest something fraudulent. Honestly, I think this is more often to be the case in an effort to chase Financial Aid, but clearly it happens with admissions as well. Keep it real people: Don’t lie on your applications; don’t cook your financials; don’t exaggerate or make up disabilities; don’t write kids' essays (don’t pay others either); don’t cheat on standardized tests in any way, shape or form; and so many more seemingly obvious don’ts. Just don’t think you are better than everyone else or that you deserve something that you don’t. Just don’t! Lastly - this scandal should definitely make people evaluate why they would use a college consultant. I am worth my fees as a guide to the admissions process, but not because I can get your kids accepted. Instead, my role is to help you find the right fit. I critique essays and give kids timelines in ways that are received by students more openly than if the same message was coming from parents. I have insight on college opportunities that students and families may not have considered. I can give you a realistic idea of what your college admissions outcome will be and how to prepare for your options. I can offer strategies for pursuing schools and majors in ways that will ensure that your best foot is forward, but I'm not getting you in the door. I can change your family dynamic by allowing me to be the coach and parents to be cheerleaders. I do a lot of things, but getting your kids accepted where they don't belong, is not one of the things that I do. Feel free to call me if you are looking for what I can offer, but don't bother if you are looking for what this person was offering.

There is something to be said about going to school in a college town.

Let the March Madness begin... acceptances will roll out over the next month which is a roller coaster of emotions for students and their families. Best wishes to all!

My goal as a College Consultant is to bring some sanity and objectivity to the process of college admissions. More may not really mean more and better may not actually be the best for the student. Current Sophomores and Juniors are encouraged to contact me for a consultation to find out more about how I might be of assistance. Let's do this!

Investing in students... interesting concept.

6 of the top 12 public schools in the country are California UC schools; that's half! The price difference for residents is dramatically cheaper. The acceptance rates for residents is also dramatically more friendly (despite what you may think). There is a reason these schools are so tough to get accepted into, even for California kids, it's because these schools are world class and they attract the best of the best. However, that doesn't mean that these schools are the best for you or that you are a good fit them. However, I think it can go without debate that California is doing something right as far competing with this caliber of institutions for higher education. With all of that being said, there are lots of great schools, feel free to schedule an appointment with me to discuss some options that might be good for you!

These are businesses seeking the most out of their client base. Think of colleges a bit like car sales or new home sales... there are hidden incentives to purchase and the prices vary amongst customers. The more desirable/sought-after school the less incentivised they need to be in order to get you to buy. They can tell by your application profile what other schools they are competing for you with, which also helps set their incentive threshhold. Be a smart consumer of those glossy mailers, personalized emails, and fancy rec centers... it's marketing 101.