The NY Times article by Ron Lieber, the financial journalist who published “The Price You Pay for College” is getting a lot of attention, mainly because it’s open to misinterpretation. Lieber does not state that everyone can renege on an ED offer if they don’t like the price. Here’s the truth. I’m paraphrasing from a learned colleague who is a financial aid specialist: Applying (and qualified for) financial aid? A financial aid applicant who applies ED should not withdraw an

So much is happening, from students finishing last-minute essays for RD applications and others beginning to receive decisions (three happy acceptances in the past two weeks...fingers crossed for more). I'm finally getting to share some details from my Independent Education Consultants Fall Conference in November. I’m still digesting everything I learned, from reconnecting with colleagues and college admissions reps, “visiting” NYU and Villanova, guiding students applying to

This was a major topic during the pandemic when clubs/sports were canceled, but I’m revisiting it because many of my students have solid rigor, grades, and test scores but few extracurricular activities. Why do these matter? Extracurriculars are like “Why Us? Essays,” showing colleges how you will enhance their communities if admitted. Whatever you are already doing can always be improved upon. Playing a sport or two is great, but if you are not planning to be a college athle