Bright Futures College Consulting

You got your college acceptance letter! Now, you, your family, and your Bright Futures counselor are all doing the happy dance!

We know you are excited and proud of your accomplishments, and we are too! But don't be so quick to submit your enrollment deposit.

There are quite a few things you want to do and see before notifying the school of your decision to enroll. Now is the time to go over your college enrollment checklist and prepare for your next chapter. http://ow.ly/ftGv50IwrBq

High school juniors, it's time to start researching colleges and planning for the application process.

While it may seem overwhelming, it doesn't have to be.

We've narrowed down quick 5 minute tasks you can do now to help you stay organized later. With a little preparation, you can set yourself up to submit strong applications. http://ow.ly/egZV50Iv3pj

Choosing the right college is a big decision and for many people, it's a huge investment. This is why we highly recommend visiting the campus before signing the enrollment contract.

A casual stroll through campus sounds nice, but when visiting prospective college campuses, you need to schedule an official tour through the admissions office.

Campus visits can help you prepare for college life, get more comfortable with your soon-to-be home, and demonstrate interest to increase your chances of acceptance. Make these 7 tips your official campus visit guidebook and have fun! http://ow.ly/14sG50IqnJo

One of the most challenging parts of a college application is writing a truly memorable college essay.

In fact, it can be so intimidating that many students push off the process until the last minute – leaving them with a less than ideal admissions essay.

If your student is struggling to get started or looking for help with how to write an outstanding college essay, our 5-way test can help them get there. http://ow.ly/wGz850IoA9h

The college admissions process is hard enough for teenagers and their parents without nosy neighbors and acquaintances getting involved.

Not only are you trying to keep an open mind, but you’re also facing the fact that your not-such-a-baby-anymore teen will be flying the coop sooner than later. This time is precious, and there’s no room for unnecessary distractions.

So how do you tell someone to mind their own business and redirect their probing questions in a polite manner? http://ow.ly/Z2rp50Il9K5

Did you know there are viable reasons to negotiate your financial aid offer?

If the cost of attending your dream college is the only thing holding you back from enrolling, don't sell yourself short and request additional funding.

Check out our tips to negotiate your financial aid offer and have financial confidence going into your college career. http://ow.ly/295350Ij5hX

You train hard, show up, and put your all into your sport.

Taking that momentum to college with you seems like the right next step and you may be wondering how to get on the NCAA’s radar.

Here’s the secret – don’t wait around hoping to get noticed. Put yourself out there by demonstrating interest to the schools and athletic departments on your college wishlist.

From highlight reels and keeping your grades up to how to best communicate with college coaches, we've got the 8 tips to get on college athletics recruiters' radars. http://ow.ly/jLpG50Ig9E6

Spring break is around the corner and we know you are looking forward to well-deserved time off!

While you should take this time to rest, play, and socialize, it's important to also take advantage of the downtime for college planning.

Make sure you don’t burn all of your extra time chillaxing. Instead, dedicate an hour each day, more or less, to apply for scholarships and prep for exams. http://ow.ly/ghsW50IciTC

The Birkman Assessment is a keystone to self-discovery.

At Bright Futures, our counselors integrate their students’ Birkman results throughout their customized college planning and application process.

Here are some ways you can incorporate the Birkman Assessment for college planning at home. http://ow.ly/9L6f50Ialhl

High school juniors, the college application process will be here before you know it. You will be sent a ton of information and will need to keep organization a priority.

It sounds like a lot, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. In fact, we have 6 quick tips that will make the process much easier. Here's the best part – they only take 5 minutes each! http://ow.ly/9nKW50I73yq