LEE SHULMAN BIERER Imagine yourself on the other side of the college admissions desk. It’s not so glorious, apparently, or at least you need to be thick-skinned and good-natured. Joseph Connolly, a guidance counselor at New Oxford High School in New Oxford, Pa., wanted to know the pet...
LEE SHULMAN BIERER Right now, the angst among high school seniors and their parents is palpable. It is especially true this week with looming Oct. 15 deadlines at UNC Chapel Hill, N.C. State and the University of South Carolina, among others. Almost every parent I speak with...
LEE SHULMAN BIERER Photo by UNC Asheville Why is the “Why this college?” essay so important? Colleges care why students put their college on their list, and many colleges incorporate the “why?” question into their applications. While most students find themselves having to write a variety of essays...
by LEE BIERER It’s a tough tightrope out there, and well-intentioned parents are often hurting more than they’re helping. Parents behaving badly – it happens all the time in the college admissions process. Striving for balance is key. Moms and dads on both ends of the parental spectrum...
LEE SHULMAN BIERER Photo by Wofford College/Mark Olencki One of the least favorite things a guidance counselor likes to hear from a senior in September or October is, “I am going to apply early decision, I just don’t know where.” Early decision is a binding proposition. A student...
LEE SHULMAN BIERER Photo by Robert Kinlaw, collegetownnc.com The to-do list for high school seniors seems to be growing longer each day. When they’re not doing homework, participating in their extracurricular activities, hanging with friends, sleeping, eating or texting, here’s what they’re thinking about: their college list,...
LEE SHULMAN BIERER The essay spigot has officially been turned “ON.” What was a trickle a month or so ago has recently turned into a flood of college essay prompts being released. Here are this year’s essay prompts from some North Carolina and South Carolina colleges and...
LEE SHULMAN BIERER A student piles up belongings on drop-off day. Photo courtesy of USC Beaufort How many Facebook posts have you seen over the last few weeks where families are sharing their pride and angst as they drop their children off at college for the first...
LEE SHULMAN BIERER Photo by Wofford College/Mark Olencki The parade of freshman drop-off days continues. Before the often-teary ride home, parents feel compelled to impart tidbits of wisdom and life lessons, plus pleas for a balanced diet and a reasonable amount of sleep. What is the one thing most...
LEE SHULMAN BIERER Photo by Robert Kinlaw, collegetownnc.com Summer is a great time to ponder deep thoughts, and right about now, rising seniors should be pondering their college essays. The essay is students’ best opportunity to set themselves apart in the college application. Their grades through junior year...
