J Diehl Consulting

04/02/2024

Waitlisted?!

Admissions decisions have been sent out to most students by now. Were you waitlisted?

If you want to attend a school that waitlisted you, here are some suggestions :

-Hang in there! The school likes you but they could not offer admission. Yet there is something about you they do like.
-Submit a deposit to a school that accepted you and that you sincerely want to attend. And commit to that decision–being realistic is important to manage the emotions that go along with this process.
-Notify the wait-list school’s admission office with a letter of continued interest (LOCI) Specify why this school is a best fit for you. Make it clear you will attend if accepted off the waitlist and if it was your first choice school…tell them.
-Send updates to your application provided the school will accept them. This includes grades, new extracurriculars, leadership, and awards. A recommendation letter could also help as long as it is someone who did not already write a letter and can offer different insights. Any updates should not repeat what is already on your application.
-Level up on connecting with the school: Ask for an interview if you did not already do so and reach out to the rep that covers your area to confirm your interest. This person is someone influential in the process and who may advocate for you when their committees meet to discuss the waitlisted students.
-Let the school know you’d like to be kept on the waitlist, even through the summer.
-If your financial situation changes and you no longer need as much aid as you thought, let the school know. A reduction in the aid you need can help your chances.

Need additional help with your waitlist situation? Reach out to me at [email protected]

03/28/2024

While visiting my daughter in California, I left some time to visit a local college which turned out to be quite a gem.
Occidental College (“Oxy”) checks off many boxes for those seeking a liberal arts school but it’s location offers a broad scope of opportunities for their students who put “theory into practice”:

✅2000 students enrolled
✅10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
✅Average class size = 19
✅Innovative Programs
✅Academic resources in a global city
✅Safe location in Los Angeles
✅Beautiful, picturesque campus with Greek revival architecture and outstanding facilities
✅Friendly and active student body
✅Diverse cultural landscape that offers numerous opportunities for students to explore on and off campus.

For more info ….www.oxy.edu

03/18/2024

The FAFSA is stressing many of us out. Be patient yet resourceful and proactive--check student portals, research school deadlines, and plan accordingly.

Below is a link to the NACAC deadline directory to help with the deadlines to over 400 colleges and universities. I anticipate NACAC to update this list as schools make more definitive updates to the financial aid policies.

I also included a link to the Big J Educational Resources with data on Financial Aid and ED/RD for all of us information seekers!

https://www.nacacnet.org/enrollment-deadlines-directory-2024/

https://www.bigjeducationalconsulting.com/resources

Due to FAFSA delays this year, some colleges and universities have changed their enrollment deadlines and financial aid priority dates for students planning to enroll in the fall of 2024. NACAC created this public directory of fall 2024 enrollment commitment deadlines submitted by member institution...

03/05/2024

A little humor for a dreary day.

03/01/2024

March is here and it is a busy time for HS juniors.

Here are the top 5 things juniors should do to prepare for springtime college readiness:

1. Plan your senior year schedule and keep in mind that colleges look for students that keep their
grades up and continue to take challenging classes.
2. Sign up for the spring ACT and SAT tests.
3. Look into clubs and leadership roles, or find a job. Colleges look for students who are engaged in other
activities or take action by starting new clubs or volunteer programs. They also place a value on students who work.
4. Make social media pages private. The pages should only be visible to friends. College
admission reps occasionally check social media sites.
5. Book college tours. Avoid weekends and visit while school is in session to see how you fit in with the student body.

Have any questions regarding college planning? Email me at [email protected].

02/26/2024

February break is over so that means it's time to look ahead to the next break, which will be a great time to visit schools!

Plan ahead and reserve your spot for a tour and information session.

And keep these tips on hand to help you make the most out of your college visits!

https://www.iecaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Campus-Visits-flyer.pdf

https://nsse.indiana.edu/support-resources/students-parents/pocket-guide/english.html

02/20/2024

February break is a great time to visit colleges. However, if you didn't plan visits for this break, it is also a great week to plan for the next school break! Need help deciding which school is the best fit? Book a free consultation and I will explain how I can help!
Jdiehlconsulting.com

02/13/2024

Take advantage of this snow day and start researching colleges you may be interested in!

02/06/2024

5 to-do's juniors should be doing during this special leap year month of February🐸❤️

1. If you are taking the SAT or ACT and have not registered for an exam, create a testing plan and register (https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration, www.act.org) .
2. Start researching schools.
3. Think of teachers who you would like to ask to write a recommendation letter for you.
4. Plan college visits.
5. Think about what courses you will take for next year.

Have any questions on these to-do's or anything else regarding college planning? Email me at [email protected]! Good luck!!😄