Northcoast Educational Consulting

08/05/2026

08/04/2026

For important admissions news and all the latest in college admissions, please access my blog:

Our Blog features articles on all aspects of the college application process: selecting, admissions, financial aid and more

08/04/2026

Just in - good news for seniors! Georgetown University has just joined the Common Application. Students will no longer have to fill out a completely separate application for Georgetown. However, even though the application has become easier to fill out Melissa Costanzi, Georgetown Dean of Admissions, cautions that admission standards will remain the same.

07/17/2026

College Selectivity, Name-Brand Colleges, and the Quality of Education

We all know the names of the colleges who turn away applicants in record numbers – Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford…and more recently, Duke, Northwestern, and Washington University – all undoubtedly fine institutions. But these represent fewer than 100 of the 2,400+ four-year colleges and universities nationwide.

What do these institutions offer that the other 2,400 don’t? Click to read more:

https://www.nceduconsulting.com/college-selectivity-name-brand-colleges-and-the-quality-of-education/

06/26/2026

The College Admissions Journey Is About More Than Getting In

After working with students for more than 20 years to help them navigate the college admissions journey, I am more convinced than ever that the process is about much more than “getting in.” I realize that this is what most students and families focus on in this era of ultracompetitive admissions; however, before we ever consider the names of colleges, we need to evaluate whether a student is prepared – not just academically, but emotionally – to be on their own at college. More than ever, colleges are reporting increasing numbers of students with mental health problems. A well-navigated college admissions journey should emphasize not only grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities, but also maturity, independence and sound decision making. By the time students graduate from high school, they should have confidence in their ability to evaluate situations and make good decisions on their own. After discussing the pros and cons of a decision, parents need to start giving their student the opportunity to make their own decisions early in high school.

As scary as it is for parents to let students handle decisions on their own, it is wise to keep those helicopter blades stationary. Letting students go off to college without the independence and decision making skills they need is even more scary.

06/26/2026

Finding the Best Scholarship Opportunities

Invariably at this time of year, I am contacted by families who have received college acceptance packages. Suddenly, they realize that the financial aid/scholarship package that the student has been awarded is not as good as they were hoping it would be. Thus, they contact me to seek out additional scholarship opportunities. Students should check with the college guidance office at their high school for local scholarship opportunities. Most schools maintain a file with scholarship applications. Local groups such as the Rotary, Kiwanis, and junior women’s clubs all offer scholarships. The scholarships offered through these organizations are small, but they are helpful in offsetting personal expenses and the cost of books.

An important by-product of a good match is a more attractive scholarship package. Understanding how a student’s strengths and talents match up to a college’s profile is the key element to making this match and obtaining the most scholarship dollars.

06/26/2026

Is Early Decision Right for You?

Is there an advantage to applying Early Decision? Is it true that some colleges take as much as 50% of their class early? Are admission rates the same for the early pool as for the regular pool? Is it the same at every college?

These questions perplex students as they seek admission to the colleges of their choice. It is true that there are a higher percentage of acceptances among Early Decision candidates as compared to Regular Decision candidates. However, it is important to understand that the group is to some extent self-selecting. Students who apply in the Early rounds are usually the strongest candidates. Their likelihood of acceptance would be higher even in the Regular round.

Is there an advantage to applying Early Decision? Is it true that some colleges take as much as 50% of their class early? Are admission rates the same for the early pool as for the regular pool? Is it the same at every college?

11/18/2019

The spirit and vision of a new Philoptochos. Helping people all over the world. Come Join Us!

08/02/2017

There's a terrific article in the NY Times about sending your student off to college. It's highly recommended reading! Enjoy!

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/31/education/edlife/college-shopping-student-back-to-school.html?smprod=nytcore-ipad&smid=nytcore-ipad-share

As a parent who has survived the (expensive) trauma of letting go, let me tell you what you really need to buy for a new freshman’s dorm room: nothing.

05/04/2016

CIA has an excellent pre college summer program for developing material for a student's college application portfolio.

By Cindi Deutschman-Ruiz Jacob Koestler’s passion for art and his fascination with the history of place became apparent early in life. As a teen growing up in Johnstown, Pa., Koestler and some friends, disenchanted by major record labels and the high-art economy, founded My Idea of Fun. The arts col...