Watson College Counseling

Pittsburgh-area families often ask me how earnings vary by college major, so I’m always looking for clear, data-based tools to share. Here’s an excellent resource you can use to explore a wide range of labor market outcomes by major.

The Labor Market for Recent College Graduates Data on employment outcomes for new graduates and young workers.

This information is especially important for parents of young men about to attend college.

The Campus Crisis No One’s Talking About 🎲 In today's issue: Why gambling is fast emerging as a hidden public health crisis on college campuses; what “student success 2.0” must deliver when retention gains have stalled; and how much school spirit and athletics really move the needle on enrollment.

It's college visit season! Here are some great tips for making the most of your time on campus...

10 Tips for College Visits – IECA A campus visit is the best way to evaluate whether a college suits you. Here are our members' top 10 tips for making the most of your college visits. 1. Learn about the college before you visit. Read materials from the college and check out their website and social media. If you are…

Given the high cost of a college education, Pittsburgh-area families are concerned about their children's employability after college. Some informative data regarding unemployment and underemployment rates by college major:

The Labor Market for Recent College Graduates Data on employment outcomes for new graduates and young workers.

Now, some excellent advice for students on how to respond to questions about where you've applied for college...

A Winter Break Survival Kit: A Guide to Holiday Conversations about Your College Search I am the mom of an 8-year-old child. Recently I was speaking with a new potential babysitter who had come over for a get-to-know-my-kid playdate, and we were making small talk over Legos. I knew sh…

Know a student applying to college this year? You (they?) might appreciate this advice for the holiday season...
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brennanbarnard/2025/11/26/admission-leaders-share-tips-for-talking-to-teens-at-the-holidays/

The top five fastest-growing jobs from 2024 to 2034 requiring at least a bachelor's degree? Nurse practitioner, data scientist, information security analyst, medical and health services manager, and actuary.

Fastest Growing Occupations 20 occupations with the highest projected percent change of employment

Developmentally, this makes a lot of sense.

‘Find Your Passion’ Is Awful Advice A major new study questions the common wisdom about how we should choose our careers.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff Selingo at last week's National Association for College Admission Counseling conference. "Dream School," his latest New York Times bestseller, offers invaluable insights that will empower families as they navigate what truly matters in the college search.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brennanbarnard/2025/07/23/ai-and-the-college-essay/

AI And The College Essay I asked admission leaders from four very different institutions about their views on essays and AI, and here is what they said.

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/find-your-fit/what-colleges-require-SAT

[What Colleges Require the SAT] – BigFuture | College Board Find out which public and private colleges require SAT scores for admission.