College Docs CT and College Docs Chicago

We’re so grateful to have supported this family through not one, but two college journeys. From navigating tough decisions to finding the right fit, it’s an honor to be part of these moments. 🎓

For more information visit us at www.collegedocs.com.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: Making the Most of College Visits This Summer

A vital part of the college search process is visiting colleges you are interested in applying to. Although many schools now offer good virtual information sessions and tours, virtual visits do not give as complete a sense of the school as compared to the “boots on the ground” experience of an actual college visit.

If possible, start visits by your junior year. Eat in the cafeteria, check out the student center, read the school newspaper, and most importantly talk to a few students about their college experience. Being on a college campus gives you an overall impression of the campus atmosphere, its academic offerings, and student life. By visiting a college campus you can often gauge whether the school will be a good fit or not.

Be sure to pre-register for information sessions and tours at each school you are visiting and remember to sign in at any school you visit, as some colleges look for demonstrated interest on the part of the student as part of their admission evaluation. For more information on how to make the most of your college visits, check out our website www.collegedocs.com.

This week we are highlighting more schools students have been accepted to in 2026! Congrats to all!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: How To Research A College's Website

When starting your college search, checking out a college’s website is often the first place to look. However, websites are not standardized and can be overwhelming and confusing to navigate, so here are some tips for researching college websites to efficiently get the information you need.

First of all, make sure you go to the actual college website, NOT Wikipedia! College websites typically begin with their name or initials and end with .edu.

Most college websites have tabs that will bring you to pages with the most relevant information to start your search. Click on the tabs and read through to see if the college fits your academic, social and financial needs. Under Admissions you will find application instructions and deadlines, admission requirements, etc. Under Academics you can peruse the college’s possible majors and minors. To quickly access specific information, such as a particular major or field of study click on the search icon and type what you are looking for into the search box.

The Student Life tab will describe housing and dining options, clubs and organizations on campus (including Greek life), campus events and health services. In addition, many larger schools have tabs for Athletics. A rule of thumb is the more extensive the sports section is, the more emphasis the college places on sports.

The Financial tab will bring you to their published tuition and fees as well as their Financial Aid information. You can also access a “Net Price Indicator” or “Financial Calculator” to get an estimate of your cost to attend this college.

When navigated with intention the college website can be a significant resource in your college search by providing important facts, figures and information, as well as providing insight into the school’s culture.

For more information go to www.collegedocs.com.

A reminder that it’s never too late to find the right fit ✨ We’re honored to have supported this student through a transfer journey that led to a more fulfilling college experience and a renewed sense of excitement for what’s ahead. For more information go to www.collegedocs.com.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the College Application Process: Not utilizing the summer to enhance your college application.

When planning for college sometimes the summer opportunities are forgotten.

Students may want to beef up their transcripts to be more competitive at college application time. Maybe they are lacking in AP classes, or want to explore a possible area of interest to major in at college, or show some skills they haven't been able to demonstrate at their high school. Some students choose to get summer jobs to demonstrate responsibility and independence.

In addition there are in-person and virtual summer programs that offer students interesting classes to challenge them, sometimes for college credit. They may want to pursue music or theater in depth and work with professionals in the arts. Or become involved in business or political programs with internships and leadership councils.

Other students want the chance to live on a college campus to see what it's like. Some colleges have their own summer offerings, both academic and recreational, for high school students or host teen programs that utilize their facilities. This can help students gain confidence in themselves, help them develop their college list, and offer chances for dialogues with peers and lifelong friendships.

There’s nothing better than seeing it all come full circle. So proud of every student we’ve had the chance to support.

For more information go to www.collegedocs.com.

This week we are highlighting schools students have been accepted to so far in 2026! Congrats to all!

From clarity to confidence to the right college fit.At College Docs we are proud to be part of journeys like this. For more information go to www.collegedocs.com.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the College Application Process: Not notifying the school of your continued interest, if waitlisted at your top choice colleges.

Depending on the college, students may increase their chances of getting accepted off of the waitlist if they let each school know they are still interested in remaining on the waitlist. Some schools ask the student to check off if they want to remain on the list when they notify them of their waitlist status. They would then have to submit a document, often called a Letter of Continued Interest(LOCI), to demonstrate continued enthusiasm and significant new updates. Students can send in additional letters of recommendation or other accomplishments they had not already submitted on their application.

It is important for students to commit to one of the colleges where they have been accepted and send in a deposit by May 1st to secure a college spot. If they get an acceptance in May or later that they have been accepted off the waitlist from their top choice college, they then have the option of accepting that college, although they will lose their deposit from the previous school.