High School Counselor Week

Weekly stories, facts, trends, and other information from around the country

 

November 10, 2022

Big Picture

Opinion: Parents and students need more information about pathways to college and careers
The Hechinger Report – November 7, 2022
Sharing more data about career and technical education would open up choices and opportunities, Combined with information on college enrollment and persistence, it could help families understand how well a school is preparing students for life after high school. For some students, the plan could be college; for others, it could be high-quality technical education, the military or another skill-based vocation.

What’s behind the sky-high cost of a college education — and are there any solutions?
CBS News – November 5, 2022
In the 1963-1964 academic year, the average annual published cost of in-state tuition and fees was $243 at public four-year institutions, and $1,011 at private four-year institutions…That excludes room and board. If the published cost of college remained in line with inflation, annual tuition and fees would have been $2,076 at four-year public universities and $8,624 at private institutions for the 2020-2021 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics

Will COVID-19 vaccine be required for school attendance?
K-12 Dive – November 3, 2022
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel has recommended that COVID-19 vaccinations be added to childrens’ regular schedule of immunizations, but it’s states and localities that will decide whether to require the shots for school attendance. And it doesn’t appear as though those decisions will be made anytime soon.

Columns and Blogs

Ninth Graders and College
Post – November 9, 2022
Counselors’ Corner with Patrick O’Connor, Ph.D.

Common application mistakes – 5 big ones and more to come…
Post – November 9, 2022
College Advice & Timely Tips with Lee Bierer

Counselors

Everyone needs a Zen Zone
NJEA – November 1, 2022
In 2019, Warren Hills Middle School teacher Heather Garcia and school counselor Hope Ranalli each approached their principal with some ideas about introducing mindfulness practices to students. While Ranalli hadn’t yet had any formal training, Garcia held an SEL mindfulness certification. They started with a small group of students who had been diagnosed with anxiety or school phobia or who had reported feelings of anxiety. They converted a room in the school basement into an inviting space and began working with the students on meditation, mindfulness and basic yoga. Their initial feedback was fantastic. And then the global pandemic changed everything. 

These 3 strategies could help avert school-based violence
K-12 Dive – November 2, 2022
Behavioral threat assessments, tiplines to report safety concerns, and wraparound mental health services are all suggested to help prevent violence. But no one tool or hardening security measure can ensure violence is avoided — it’s going to take multiple strategies, experts at the National School Safety Summit said. Here are 3 best practices they suggested to help prevent violence in schools.

Parents

Families can get Pell Grants of up to $6,895 to help with college costs. Here’s what you need to know
CNBC – November 2, 2022
Many undergraduate students who are eligible for Pell Grants don’t apply for them. Here’s what to know about the aid, which can make college more affordable.

Managing High School Stress
U.S. News & World Report – November 1, 2022
Here are some ways to help your teen stay balanced.

Admissions Process & Strategy

Increase in college applications for Early Action deadline as pandemic wanes
CBS San Francisco – November 2, 2022
College counselors are noticing an increase in interest among high school seniors applying to college for the Early Action deadline as the process returns to a more familiar routine from before the pandemic and more universities add the option for freshman admission.

Shedding Daylight On Control In College Admission
Forbes – November 6, 2022
Believe it or not, you have more agency in this experience than you think. You have control over 75% of the process. You decide, for example, why, where, when, and how you apply. You tell the story in your application that best represents you, your strengths, interests, and hopes. You choose who you listen to, take guidance from, and consult with about your search and application. You also determine the mindset with which you approach the experience.

How Does Affirmative Action Affect College Admissions?
UW Medicine (WA) – November 3, 2022
Race is among factors intentionally considered in the admissions process at colleges with affirmative action policies.

Financial Aid/Scholarships

FAFSA Deadlines You Should Know
U.S. News & World Report – November 7, 2022
The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, but college and state deadlines are often much sooner.

Filling Out the FAFSA Behind Bars
Vera Institute of Justice – November 1, 2022
Next year—for the first time in nearly three decades—all incarcerated people who are academically eligible will be able to apply for Pell Grants to help fund their college education. For most prospective students seeking federal financial aid, completing the FAFSA form is a tedious process. It’s far more onerous for incarcerated students. Advocates have requested that the form be tailored to incarcerated students, but those changes are unlikely, at least until the general FAFSA form is shortened. Even then, it is still unclear how much the burdens on incarcerated applicants will be eased.

Understanding Financial Aid for College: A Guide
U.S. News & World Report – November 3, 2022
Many families are shocked by a college’s sticker price. While the cost of tuition can be overwhelming, financial aid can make higher education affordable. Here are a few answers to common financial aid questions.

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Teen Health

Warning Signs of Self-Harm in Young Adolescents
Psychology Today – November 7, 2022
In recent years, the number of teens seeking emergency care for self-harm has increased by a staggering amount. It’s imperative for providers to help parents learn more about recognizing, understanding, and intervening in an instance of self-harm

More adolescent e-cigarette users report vaping within five minutes of waking up, new study finds
CNN – November 7, 2022
Although the prevalence of e-cigarette use among teens has declined in recent years, those who do vape are starting younger and they’re using e-cigarettes more intensely, a new study suggests. This increase in intensity may reflect increasing use of nicotine for self-medication in response to increases in adolescent depression, anxiety, tic disorders, and suicidality…

SAT, ACT & AP

SAT to go all-digital in 2024 as test participation tanks
News 6 WRBG Albany – November 3, 2022
The announcement comes as the number of colleges and universities that have gone test optional has grown to more than 1,800…and participation in the test has dropped by 21%. In the wake of this drop, the SAT will go to the all-digital format in 2024, and it’ll also be one hour shorter. The College Board says it’ll make the process easier, and will allow students to get scores back in days, not weeks.