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Indie Scene
I just started work with a student interested in becoming an entrepreneur. And rightly so: he’s handling the business end of a clothing line that he started with a designer friend of his. Let’s call him Nate. Nate is hungry. While his friend works at his drafting table, coming up with LA-chic t-shirt designs, Nate…
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College Access Suffers Unimaginable Loss: A Call For Us To Support Humboldt and Other Vital Outreach and Admit Programs
On April 10, a free college preview trip to Humboldt State in Northern California ended in a tragic bus crash that killed five Southern California teens and three college advocates, along with injuring dozens of others. Since the accident, dozens of counselors and teachers at urban schools around southern Los Angeles have contacted me, letting…
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Transfer Topics: The Jeopardy Method
I once took a class in which the instructor used what he referred to as the “Jeopardy Method” of grading. Under his system, students earned points for correct test answers, well-written essays, etc., but we could also lose points for poor performance, even on optional extra credit projects. It was nerve-wracking, to say the least,…
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The Mad Dash to May 1
When I worked in admissions, the only thing that got me through countless admitted student events all spring was the countdown to one thing: MAY 1. Now that I’m on the high school side, I don’t have that same feeling of, “Can May 1 hurry up and get here already so I can have a…
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The Ivy League Project College Tour
In the beginning, I led a parallel life. For 20 years, I was an observer. This year, I’m finally a participant. The Ivy League Project (www.ivyleagueproject.org) selects high-achieving sophomores and juniors, teaches them networking skills, and takes them on an East Coast college tour during spring break. The nonprofit group is based in Parlier, CA,…
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Celebrating 100
A heartfelt thank you to all of our readers! This marks our 100th post for the WACAC blog. We appreciate all who have contributed their expertise, who have taken the time to follow a series, and who have continued the discussion by engaging on the comments section. We look forward to the next 100 posts…
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How to Budget Like an Adult
I can’t think of an intro so let’s just hop into it- welcome to “How to Be an Adult” with your resident supplier of tangentially related admission knowledge: Grant Cushman. Now I know as counseling professionals we are inundated with an excess of wealth. I hear it all the time: “Grant, I have Heisenberg levels…
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Support Pell Grants!
Since their inception, the Federal financial aid programs have helped millions of students realize their dream of attending college. None of these programs are more important than Pell grants. Unfortunately, not all members of Congress recognize their importance and some are actively working to decrease funding for the Pell program. Send a letter to your…
