Future Stars College Counseling

"When students take the ACT, they can now send colleges a single superscored report instead of multiple individual testing reports (they can still send individual test reports, though!)."

Check out our latest blog post on the college waitlist:

"With in-person visits canceled, for now, a lot of families are confused about how to engage with colleges, learn about the campuses, and show schools that they’re really interested. This article will outline the exact steps you can take!"

As the final college acceptances come out over the next week, many families may find themselves with a common dilemma: they like a particular college, but not its price tag. However, it is possible to appeal for more financial aid or more merit aid. Our latest blog post explains how.

Scholarship Alert: The Sacramento Region Community Foundation manages manages over 40 scholarship funds for local high school and college students (Annual scholarship awards range from $500 to $7,000). Check them out below.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid will be undergoing significant changes for the 2022/2023 application cycle--read about them here.

"Two major stress points in the grueling rituals of college admissions testing are vanishing this year: the optional essay-writing section of the SAT and the supplementary exams in various fields known as SAT subject tests."

Attention Sacramento seniors: check out SMUD's "Powering Futures" scholarship. Up to 21 local students will receive awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The deadline is March 1st.

Scholarship Alert: Are you a local high school senior planning to pursue a degree in Aviation, Aeronautics, Aerospace, Science, Technology, Engineering or Math? If so, check out the California Capital Airshow Scholarship. The deadline is March 12th. https://sacregcf.academicworks.com/opportunities/1006

Learn how you can still qualify for National Merit Scholarships using SAT scores.

Looking for college essay inspiration? Check out these five standout essays about work, money, and social class.

Some good advice for parents on making the most of remote learning this semester.

"While a significant portion of surveyed admissions officials said that they check students’ social media profiles at least sometimes, that’s not necessarily a bad thing."

"In an announcement that came as no real surprise but no less disappointing, high school sports will not happen this fall in California."

"In the age of Instagram and TikTok and with the explosion of free online resources, plus a growing commitment this year by colleges to provide virtual visits in the era of COVID-19, there’s never been a better time to research colleges from the comfort of your phone or laptop. So here are four tips and resources to help you do just that."

Still looking for summer reading suggestions? Here's a list of recommended books--for both students and parents--from college admission deans and high school counselors.

"Now that the University of California is abandoning its SAT/ACT essay requirement, the relevancy of the SAT/ACT essay is nearing its end."

Admissions Tip: Even if you can't visit colleges this summer, you can still learn more about them through virtual admissions events. For example, Applerouth is organizing a "virtual college road trip with students from top colleges from all over the country." You can register using the link below.

The Common Application will now include an optional writing section for students to write about the impact of Covid-19 on their lives.

"In a decision that could reshape the nation’s college admissions process, University of California regents voted Thursday to suspend SAT and ACT testing requirements through 2024 and eliminate them for California students by 2025... Under the plan, standardized test results will be optional on applications for the next two years and then eliminated for California students in years three and four."

Some good news for soon-to-be college freshmen: college loans just got cheaper. In fact, "The interest rate on new undergraduate federal student loans will decrease to 2.75%, the lowest point on record, for the 2020-21 school year. That is a drop of 39% from 4.53% in 2019-20."

"The coronavirus pandemic has left higher-education leaders facing difficult decisions about when to reopen campuses and how to go about it. The Chronicle is tracking individual colleges’ plans. Currently the vast majority say they are planning for an in-person fall semester."