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Popp & Associates is dedicated to providing expert college admissions guidance to students and their families. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with your college counseling needs.
Popp & Associates
354 Washington Street
Suite 225
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
781-859-9116 phone
781-203-0019 fax
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March 2024


Planning Your Spring Campus Visits


The spring is a popular time for high school families to explore colleges. Whether you are a senior evaluating your college options or a junior who is just beginning the college search process, campus visits are invaluable opportunities to get to know your schools of interest.


In addition to participating in campus tours and information sessions, prospective students are encouraged to take additional steps to determine if a college is a good match. Families should contact admission offices in advance of their campus visits and inquire about any available opportunities to explore a college including speaking with current students and connecting with faculty and athletic coaches. 


As your college trip planning begins, keep in mind that there are numerous resources available, and many are free.


For valuable tips from the Independent Educational Consultants Association  (IECA) on how you can make the most of your campus visits, please read here.


In addition, IECA offers a resource for helping families manage their campus visits. The Campus Visit Journal enables students and parents to record their impressions of colleges in an organized, user-friendly format. Take this journal with you on your college trips this spring and keep track of your thoughts while they are still fresh in your mind. ACT also released a Campus Visit Worksheet, which we highly recommend for students. 


If online resources are your preference for travel planning, check out Go See Campus. Families can search for collegesorganize campus visits, and even obtain directions and restaurant recommendations for their trip. 


Hedberg Maps also sells various maps featuring colleges and universities located throughout the US. Check out their map collection here and consider purchasing one as you plan college visits this spring.

 

Feel free to contact Popp & Associates for more helpful campus visit resources when planning your next trip. Safe travels!  

News For High School Families

News Breaking News Daily News Follow Media Searching Concept

P&A is happy to share college admission and financial aid news and other topics of interest with high school families. Here are some of the articles recently mentioned in our social media:

"How the Digital SAT Supports Neurodiverse Learners" from Applerouth.com


"How to Avoid Scholarship Scams" from U.S. News & World Report


"The Politics of College Choice" in Inside Higher Ed


"Connecticut lawmakers advance bill that would ban legacy and donor admissions" in Higher Ed Dive


"Should entrepreneurship skills be a curriculum requirement?" in K-12 Dive


"The SAT is coming back at some colleges. It's stressing everyone out." in The Washington Post

2024 ACT and SAT Dates

The spring semester is a popular time for high school juniors to take the ACT and SAT as they prepare for the college application process. We are including a helpful chart of test dates this year so that families and educators can help students determine their ideal test taking timeline. To learn more about our recommended test preparation services, please see here.


In addition, we are sharing a helpful guide from the College Board that addresses common questions about the digital SAT, including when scores will be available, how to interpret score reports, etc.

Upcoming Events for Families


In the coming weeks and months, valuable FREE workshops, college fairs, and other outreach events for high school families will be offered. Students are encouraged to explore colleges by engaging with admission officers and financial aid professionals. All events are open to the public.


GO Overseas is hosting webinars now through June. Attend a virtual information session and learn about diverse gap year opportunities available for teens.


NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) will be hosting virtual and in-person college fairs for prospective college students from March-May. To learn more and register to attend, please click here.


The Education Cooperative is hosting a college fair at Westwood High School on March 27 beginning at 6:00pm.


Explore, discover, pursue. Families are welcome to explore various post-secondary programs that can help students get ready for rewarding careers. The fair is happening on March 27 from 6:30–8:00 PM at Newton South High School. Click here for additional information and to register.


Coalition for College is offering a virtual financial aid presentation on April 9. Parents and students are encouraged to attend.


TeenLife is hosting a virtual summer opportunities fair on April 11. Please visit this website to learn more and find a summer program for your teen today! 


NEACAC (New England Association for College Admission Counseling) will be hosting college fairs beginning in late April-May. Read here to find a fair near you.


MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) is offering events for both parents and students. Learn about college financing options, college admission and more.


Website Pick of the Month


Conquer Procrastination



If you struggle with procrastination at times, don't miss these strategies from Beyond BookSmart to help overcome it. Beyond BookSmart also has several other executive function resources to offer educators and families in their March newsletter. Check it out today and consider subscribing to their client newsletter here (scroll to the bottom of the page).

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