Skills for College Success
On May 1st., seniors will make their final decision as to which college to attend in the fall. We know that as they leave PDS, they do so with the ability to think critically, to engage in thoughtful dialogue, pursue…
After You Get Into College
A terrific piece from Jeffrey Brenzel, Yale University Dean of Admissions, 2005-2013, Yale Class of 1975, confirms what we’ve been telling our students all along: all colleges have something amazing to offer. Additionally, and more importantly, the exceptional educational experience…
Decision-Time for Seniors
Whether through an envelope, by e-mail from colleges, or a website post, each day brings news of joy or dismay to students. Years of hard work and study, hours spent preparing for admissions tests, and all that time given over…
The End of College Rankings – We Can Only Hope
Part of our advice to juniors and seniors searching for colleges? Research to find out what really matter for you. College rankings, i.e. Top 100 Colleges, have little to tell you about whether a school is a good fit for…
Kindness above Overachieving
The message from the recent report from Harvard, “Turning the Tide: Inspiring Concern for Others and The Common Good Through College Admissions,” is the mission of PDS college counseling.
“At the heart of the report is the notion that admissions…
Understanding the Revised PSAT
By now you’ve accessed and reviewed your student’s PSAT score report. There are lots of numbers and graphs on that report. What do they mean? And perhaps more significant, as you review the report, how did your student do? Below…
Increase in Test Optional Colleges
According to FairTest, there are now 850 test-optional colleges. Perhaps surprising to some, 46 percent of top-tier liberal arts colleges, and a good number of large research universities, no longer require the tests. These include schools such as George Washington…
Demonstrated Interest: What Is It and Does It Matter?
As students finalize their college lists, I am often asked, “Should I visit the school?” or, “Should I try to get an interview?” The answer to these questions is always, YES! Colleges want to get to know.
A student’s transcript…
Reach Out to Colleges
In today’s technology-filled world, the college application process can be simpler for students. For those of us who used typewriters to complete our college applications, today’s online tools would certainly have aided our research of colleges and enabled streamlined online…
To ED, or not to ED
October is the time of the year when students begin to engage in the serious discussion whether to apply Early Decision to their favorite school. While it may be enticing to apply ED in November and avoid waiting until April…