College Interview Tips: What to Know & How to Prepare College interviews aren’t designed to trick you - they’re simply conversations that help schools understand who you are beyond your application. And while an interview rarely makes or breaks an admission decision, a strong one can make your file more compelling, especially if you’re in the “middle” of the applicant pool. Here’s a simplified guide to help you prepare with confidence. Why Colleges Offer Interviews 1. Demonstrated interest. Some schools track how engaged you seem: visiting campus, opening emails, and even choosing to interview. Even doing the interview can work in your favor. 2. Sharing more about yourself. Interviews are a chance to highlight achievements, updates, personality, or context that didn’t fully fit in your application. If you shine more in conversation, this is the moment to show it. What Interviewers Are Looking For Across colleges, interviewers generally look for: Curiosity Articulation Authenticity Enthusiasm Integrity The ability to reflect on your experiences They’re not looking for perfect answers. They’re looking for a real person. How to Prepare (Without Overpreparing) 1. Know the college you will be interviewing with. You should be able to speak intelligently about: Your intended major Freshman curriculum Traditions, programs, or opportunities at the school that genuinely interest you When asked “Why our school?” have 2–3 specific reasons that show you’ve done your homework. 2. Know your story. Remember that personal brand you worked on in your Personal Brand Workbook in your Application Preparation folder? Now is the time to pull it back out and use it! Look at Step 6 and identify the most important elements you want to share. This includes your quick “Tell me about yourself” introduction: a 20–30 second snapshot that reflects your personality, passions, quirks, or experiences. Keep it natural and true to you. You should practice this! Until it is second nature to you! Identify 3–4 key elements of your brand, along with stories you want the interviewer to remember. Think about your experiences that best represent these and prepare to talk about them. You might include what motivates you, your favorite and least favorite classes, strengths and weaknesses, family influences, extracurriculars (and why you do them), challenges, proud moments, and personal interests. But everything should tie back to your personal brand! Tip: If you are doing a virtual interview, you can have a high level page of notes. You wouldn’t want to read from it at all, but you could certainly refer to it to make sure you’ve covered everything important to you! 3. Use the “Q = A + 1” formula. Strengthen any answer by adding one piece of evidence : a story, example, or anecdote that shows why something matters to you. Example: Basic: “My favorite class is physics.” Better: “My favorite class is physics because I love studying motion.” Best: Add a quick example that makes it memorable. Evidence = impact. 4. Ask thoughtful questions. When they ask, “Do you have any questions for me?” the answer is always yes . Ask about: Your major or academic interests Freshman experience Campus culture Opportunities that matter to you If your interviewer is an alumni (they attended that college), ask about their favorite parts of their college experience. Tip: It is perfectly acceptable, whether doing a virtual or in-person interview to have a list of questions and refer to them. And even take notes! 5. Be open, warm, and yourself. You don’t need to be bubbly if that’s not your personality, but you should: Make eye contact Speak with clarity Share short stories Smile Show genuine interest Interviewers are trained to “honor the introverts.” Authenticity matters more than volume. 6. If you’re stuck, pause. It’s completely okay to say: “That’s a great question. Let me think for a moment.” Or even, “I’m not sure, but here’s how I would approach something like that…” Never fake an answer! Tip: I recommend that you have a glass of water with you. If you need to take a moment to think through an answer, get a sip of water. It gives you time to think and you won’t feel like there is an awkward pause. 7. Bring a résumé (just in case). You worked hard to create it, it shows all you’ve accomplished, and it is a great way for the interviewer to ask questions, as well as for you to refer to it to remind you of things you might want to talk about. Just remember that they are NEVER looking for you to simply read the resume to them. They want to understand the WHY behind your resume - what motivated you to do the things you did, what did you learn from them, how did you grow. 8. Follow up with a thank-you. Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours. It shows maturity and helps your interviewer remember you positively when writing their report. And include your resume (again)! That way they have a soft copy of it to put with your file. Questions You Should Be Ready For Why this school? Why your major? What do you do outside of school? And more importantly - why and what have you learned? What’s something not in your application? This might be something as simple as Sunday dinner with your grandparents or the summer vacation you always take. But be prepared to talk about something personal that is meaningful to you. A challenge, meaningful experience, or proud moment “What have you done, read, or seen recently?” If asked, “Where else are you applying? ” you can redirect by focusing on what you’re looking for in a college rather than listing schools. Try saying “I’m looking at colleges that have a strong XXX program, will allow me to gain experience in XXX, and have a XXX atmosphere. That’s why your college is so appealing to me.” The Bottom Line  A college interview is simply a conversation and a chance to share who you are, what matters to you, and why the school might be a great match. It won’t make or break your application, but a thoughtful, prepared interview can make your file stronger and more memorable.

Demonstrated Interest: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Show It (Without Overdoing It) You've probably heard the term "demonstrated interest," but what does it actually mean, and should you even care? The short answer: it depends on where you're applying. For some schools, showing interest can give you a real boost. For others, it doesn't matter at all. Let's break it down. What Is Demonstrated Interest? Demonstrated interest is exactly what it sounds like: colleges tracking how much you've engaged with them throughout the admissions process. They're paying attention to things like: Did you visit campus? Did you do an online virtual info session? Did you attend their info session at your high school or a local college fair? Did you open their emails? Did you ask thoughtful questions? Did you apply Early Decision or Early Action? Some colleges use this data to figure out whether you're genuinely interested in attending, or if they're just a backup option. Who Actually Cares About Demonstrated Interest? Not all colleges track it. Here's the general breakdown: Schools that typically DON'T track demonstrated interest: Ivies and other ultra-selective schools (Stanford, MIT, etc.) - they know if you get in, you'll probably come Large public universities and state flagships - they use standardized formulas for admissions - but there are some exceptions so we need to check! Schools with sky-high yield rates (percentage of people who enroll if accepted) - they don't need to worry about it Schools that typically DO track demonstrated interest: Small liberal arts colleges (LACs) - they're building tight-knit communities Private regional universities competing with bigger-name schools Colleges with lower yield rates who want to avoid being used as a safety school Pro tip: CounselMore tracks whether colleges track demonstrated interest so if you’d like to look at it, we can add a column to your college list or you can switch to the college tile view, click on the specific college tile and scroll down to the bottom and you’ll see it on the left. Why Does It Matter? Colleges care about demonstrated interest for a few reasons: Yield rates matter. If a school accepts 1,000 students but only 250 enroll, that's a 25% yield rate. Higher yield rates look better in rankings and help colleges plan their incoming class. They want students who actually want to be there. A student who's genuinely excited about attending is more likely to be engaged, stay enrolled, and eventually become an enthusiastic alum. Yield protection is real. Some schools will reject or waitlist overqualified students who show zero interest—because they assume the student is using them as a backup. How to Show Demonstrated Interest (The Right Way) You don't need to stalk admissions offices or send weekly emails. Here's what actually works: High-Value Activities: Visit campus and register officially. Just showing up doesn't count, so make sure you sign in for the tour or info session. Attend local or virtual info sessions. When an admissions rep visits your high school or hosts a virtual event, show up. Write a specific, genuine "Why Us?" essay. Don't just name-drop the school. Mention specific programs, professors, opportunities, or aspects of campus culture that genuinely appeal to you. Apply Early Decision (if it's your top choice) or Early Action. These application rounds send a strong signal. Ask thoughtful questions via email. Make sure they're questions you can't easily find on the website. Medium-Value Activities: Open and engage with emails from the college. Yes, many schools track this. Connect with current students or alumni if opportunities come up naturally (not forced). Attend college fairs and stop by their booth. And make sure to register your name! Follow the school on social media and occasionally engage with their content. Lower-Stress Ways to Stay on Their Radar: If you're interviewing with an alum, show genuine enthusiasm and preparation. If a college offers optional interviews or portfolio reviews, take advantage. What NOT to Do Avoid these common mistakes that can backfire: Don't visit campus without registering. If you tour unofficially or just walk around, it doesn't count. Don't ask questions answered on the website. "What majors do you offer?" or "What's your application deadline?" makes you look unprepared. Don't send generic, copy-paste emails. Admissions officers can tell. Don't contact them excessively. Quality over quantity. One thoughtful email beats five pointless ones. Don't mention the wrong school name in your essay. It happens more than you'd think, and it's an instant red flag. Don't ignore all communication and then suddenly show interest senior spring. If a school matters to you, engage earlier in the process. Regional Considerations Geography can play a role too: If you're a California student applying to a Midwest college, your interest matters more - they want to know you'll actually move there. If you're a local student applying to the local university, your demonstrated interest is less critical - they assume you already know the school well. Keep Track of What You're Doing If you are interested in purposefully demonstrating interest, I’ve created a spreadsheet for you to keep track of your interactions with each school. This helps you stay organized and ensures you're not accidentally ignoring a school that cares about engagement. Let me know if this is something you want to do! The Bottom Line Demonstrated interest isn't about gaming the system. It's about being intentional with schools that genuinely appeal to you. If you love a college, show it! Visit if you can. Ask questions. Write a thoughtful essay. Engage authentically. But don't stress about performing interest for every single school on your list. Focus your energy where it matters most, and where your enthusiasm is real. Need help figuring out which schools on your list track demonstrated interest or how to build an engagement plan that feels authentic? Let's talk. I'm here to help you create a strategy that works for you.

Honors colleges and programs aren't just about taking harder classes. They're about finding your people at a big university - students who share your curiosity and want to engage in their classes. Plus, you get some pretty great perks along the way. Understanding the Different Types of Honors Experiences Here's where it gets confusing: every university structures their honors experience differently. There's no standard model, so you really need to understand what you're getting at each school. Some universities have university-wide honors colleges that overlay your regular major (like Arizona State's Barrett Honors College or Penn State's Schreyer Honors College). You're still majoring in biology or engineering or whatever, but the honors college provides additional seminars, research opportunities, special housing, priority registration, and other experiences on top of your regular coursework. You complete the same degree requirements as other students in your major, but you will also complete honors requirements like an honors thesis. Other universities have honors programs within specific colleges or departments (like UT-Austin, where there are separate honors programs in Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts, Computer Science, and other individual colleges). Each has its own requirements and benefits, and they're tied to specific majors or areas of study. Some honors programs are actually a major themselves These are less common, but at some schools the honors program itself is what you major in, often with an interdisciplinary liberal arts focus. The key is that there's no one-size-fits-all definition. The structure varies widely from school to school. Why Consider an Honors College or Program? Despite the structural differences, most honors experiences share at least some of these common benefits: Academic Benefits: Some smaller, seminar-style classes with more discussion and interaction, often specialized offerings Priority course registration - this is a game-changer at large universities where getting into the classes you need can be a nightmare Access to undergraduate research opportunities, sometimes with specialized grants and funding Opportunity to participate in special study and research abroad experiences, sometimes with scholarships Faculty mentorship Residential and Social Benefits: Built-in community - opportunity to meet students and build relationships with others who share your intellectual curiosity and commitment to learning Honors housing, often in newer dorms with better amenities Special programming like guest speakers and networking events Leadership and team-building programs Social and service-oriented outings to build connections Long-Term Benefits: Enhanced career guidance services Faculty who know you well enough to write strong recommendation letters for grad school or jobs In some cases, guaranteed admission to competitive majors An honors thesis or capstone project that showcases your abilities How to Apply to Honors Colleges and Programs The application process varies from school to school. Here are the most common approaches: Automatic consideration based on your regular application - Some schools automatically review all applicants for honors admission. If your grades, test scores (when required), and application are strong enough, you'll receive an invitation to join the honors program. No extra work required. Additional essay as part of your main application - Many schools ask you to check a box indicating interest in the honors program and then write one or more additional essays. These essays are submitted along with your regular college application and are often due at the same time, or through their college portal shortly after submitting the main application. Separate honors application - Some universities require you to submit a completely separate application to the honors college after (or alongside) your regular university application. These often have their own deadlines, essays, and requirements. Make sure you're paying attention to both sets of deadlines. The bottom line: You must check each school's honors website carefully to understand their specific process and deadlines. Questions to Ask About Any Honors Program You're Considering: Because every honors program is structured differently, you need to dig into the specifics at each school. Schedule an honors college/program tour separately from the general campus tour, and ask these questions: About the Structure: How is this honors program organized? Is it a university-wide college that works with any major, or is it tied to specific departments? If I want to major in [your intended major], how does the honors program work with that? Can I be in the honors program regardless of my major, or is it only for certain majors? About Requirements: How many honors courses do I need to take per semester? What's the workload like in honors courses compared to regular courses? What are the GPA requirements to stay in the program? Do I need to write an honors thesis or complete a capstone project? What percentage of students who start the program actually complete it? (Some programs have completion rates as low as 25%!) About the Benefits: Is there separate housing for honors students? What are the amenities and location like? Do I get priority course registration? How does that work? What special programs, speakers, or events are available to honors students? Is there funding available beyond tuition scholarships - for study abroad, conferences, or research? What kind of advising and mentorship do honors students receive? About Flexibility: What happens if I change my mind after starting the program? Are there additional fees for the honors program? If it's a self-contained honors college, how does that affect my ability to get involved with the broader campus? The Bottom Line  Honors colleges and programs aren't for everyone, and that's okay. But if you want to build a community with students who share your intellectual curiosity, get access to special opportunities and perks, and create a tight-knit community at a large university, they're definitely worth investigating. Just remember: every program is different. Don't assume that what's true at one school applies to another. Ask lots of questions and make sure you understand exactly what you're signing up for.

There are so many ways to do college research these days! And while online research shouldn’t replace campus visits, it can help students and families get a genuine feel for campus culture and decide which schools feel like the right fit. Check out the resources below for some ideas on how to get the most out of your online college research! Your CounselMore College List We’ve talked about this before, there is great information in that list, and you can add any schools you want to. I highly encourage you to scroll over to the Fiske Guide column and, if available, read the description section for a college. College-Specific Websites Of course, it’s always good to go to a college website to read more about their campus life and to learn about their academic programs. You can typically find some great pictures of the campuses as well. CampusReel Filled with videos from students talking about their colleges and doing various tours, you’ll find this to be a great resource to get to know colleges better. Amazon College Tours First launched during COVID, Amazon now has 185 episodes where they explore a different college - interviewing students, walking around campus, and explaining what the school is known for. This can be a great way for the family to get involved in researching colleges! AI Searches While there are times in the college process where we will want to avoid all use of AI (essays!), when researching schools, it is actually the perfect time to use it! As always, you need to be careful, as not everything is 100% acc urate. But by carefully crafting your prompts, you can improve its reliability, so I encourage you to read the BONUS TIPS on using AI for college research below, open up your favorite AI tool (I’m personally a big fan of Perplexity and Claude - they are great at citing their sources!) and see what you come up with. Instagram Social Media can be an unexpected, yet powerful tool for college research! Follow colleges you’re interested in to see what they highlight most often: student activities, diversity initiatives, campus events, or academic achievements. You’ll get a sense of what the college values and what daily life looks like. For students considering out-of-state schools, watching campus posts over time can even give you a feel for weather and seasons throughout the year. YouTube and TikTok Search for student-made videos about the colleges you’re considering. These often include honest “pros and cons” lists, campus tours, or “day in the life” videos that bring the student experience to life. Watching a variety of voices helps you see patterns rather than relying on one opinion. Parent Facebook Groups Many universities have Facebook groups for parents of current students. These communities often share insights about housing, classes, and campus life that don’t appear in brochures. Just remember to take any individual story as one perspective, not the whole picture. I’d wait to start following these until your student has it narrowed down to a few schools, as they can get overwhelming. *BONUS: Using AI to Research College Life & Campus Culture  Pro Tips Ask for student perspectives : Use phrases like "What do students say..." or "What's the student consensus on..." Be specific about what matters to you : "I'm introverted—would I fit in at [School Name]?" "I love the outdoors—what opportunities exist at [School Name]?" "I'm interested in social justice—is there an active community at [School Name]?" Ask follow-up questions : If an answer sparks more curiosity, keep digging deeper Look for both positives and negatives : Ask "What do students wish was different about [School Name]?" Research multiple sources : Ask AI to pull from student reviews, forums, and social media discussions Remember ⚠️ Student experiences vary widely : One student's "perfect fit" might not match your preferences ⚠️ Visit if possible : Nothing replaces walking around campus and talking to real students ⚠️ AI summarizes trends : It can tell you what many students say, but individual experiences differ ⚠️ Trust your gut : Data is helpful, but your instinct about where you'd be happy matters most Sample Prompts to Try For Campus Culture: "What's the overall vibe at [School Name]? Is it more competitive or collaborative?" "How would students describe the social scene at [School Name]?" "What do students say they love or dislike most about [School Name]?" For Student Life: "How active is Greek life at [School Name]?" "What are the most popular clubs and activities at [School Name]?" "What traditions or events are students most excited about at [School Name]?" For Location & Surroundings: "What's the surrounding area like at [School Name]? Urban, suburban, or rural?" "How easy is it to get around without a car at [School Name]?" "What are popular spots students go to near [School Name]?" For Living Experience: "What are the dorms like at [School Name]? Do students enjoy them?" "What housing options are available and what do students recommend?" "How's the food at [School Name]? What do students say about dining options?" For Social Dynamics: "How diverse is the student body at [School Name]?" "Is [School Name] more cliquey or inclusive?" "What's the dating scene like at [School Name]?" For Support & Resources: "How accessible are professors at [School Name]?" "What do students say about academic support and tutoring at [School Name]?" "How strong is the alumni network at [School Name]?" For Comparisons: "Compare the campus cultures at [School A] vs [School B]" "What are the main differences in student life between [School A] and [School B]?" "Which school has a more [laid-back/intense/social/academic] vibe: [School A] or [School B]?"

What to Do If You’re Deferred or Waitlisted: A Practical Guide for Students College admissions season can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty, especially if you receive a deferral or a spot on the waitlist. While neither outcome is the “yes” you hoped for, both keep you in the running. Understanding what these decisions mean and what you should (and shouldn’t) do next can help you move forward with confidence. *First Things First - Contact us quickly to let us know that you have received a response from a college so that we can help you!!!! Definitions: A Deferral vs. Waitlist If you applied Early Action or Early Decision and were deferred , the college has moved your application into the Regular Decision pool. This is not a rejection. It simply means the admissions committee wants to compare your application alongside the full applicant group in the regular admission round. Often out-of-state students applying to public universities in another state will be deferred in the Early Action round while they wait to see how many in-state students accept (their state legislatures often require a certain percentage of students enrolled to be from their home state). Chances of admission after a deferral vary widely. Some schools admit only about 10% of deferred applicants, while others accept 30–50%. You will still be given a final decision prior to May 1st so that you can make a decision about where you want to enroll. If you receive a waitlist offer, it means that they have reviewed your application and at this time, they have extended acceptances to other students and there is not space for you in their programs. But if they have more students decline their offers than expected (in the major you are seeking) they may extend you an acceptance in May, June, or even July, long after the college acceptance deadline. Being waitlisted can feel confusing - you weren’t denied, but you weren’t admitted either. Colleges use waitlists to manage yield (how many students ultimately come to their college), and the number of students admitted off a waitlist varies dramatically by school and year. But generally, if you are waitlisted, you should begin making plans to attend another college, and assume that you will not be offered a spot. What to Do if You Are Deferred? Reassess Your Current Acceptances First, look at the schools that have already admitted you. If you’re certain you prefer those options and your family is comfortable with the cost, you may choose to withdraw your deferred application. But only make that decision based on accepted schools. Schools you’re still waiting on should not factor into this choice yet. If your deferred school is still high on your list, or you're unsure, continue in the process. Improve Your Chances To Be Admitted After a Deferral Each college provides specific instructions in your applicant portal. Follow those carefully. Common steps include: The Do’s and Don’ts for Deferrals (and Waitlists) The Do’s Contact your Guide to Thrive advisor and let them know! They will help! Follow the College Instructions Carefully. Their processes differ. Some common things colleges might have you do. Submit a form confirming you want to remain in consideration Send an updated transcript when midyear grades are available Send new SAT/ACT scores (only if they reflect improvement) Complete an optional short-answer or supplemental essay Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) (see details below) Do absolutely nothing at all - some colleges instruct you not to contact them The Don’ts (What Not to Do) Do NOT have a parent contact admissions on your behalf Do NOT call or visit the admissions office repeatedly Do NOT restate information already in your application Do NOT wait too long to answer an additional essay, turn in a continued interest form, etc. Do NOT submit a rushed or careless LOCI - it matters! What is a LOCI and Should You Write One? A Letter of Continued Interest tells the college that you’re still committed to being considered and updates them on meaningful achievements since you applied. If you still want to attend that school, the answer is yes, you should write a LOCI , even if the college doesn’t explicitly ask for one. Only if the college specifically instructs you NOT to should you not write this letter! A Strong LOCI Includes: Gratitude Thank the admissions team for continuing to review your application. Clear Interest If the school is truly your first choice and you will enroll if admitted, say so honestly. If it's among several top choices, express strong continued interest. New Information Share only updates that occurred after you submitted your application, such as: Improved grades in rigorous courses Higher test scores A new leadership role or responsibility A job or internship Awards, recognitions, or notable achievements Your goal is to give the admissions committee something new and positive to consider. Note: I will help you with all of your LOCIs! What to Do If You’re Waitlisted 1. Follow the College’s Instructions Exactly Log into your portal and complete any required steps immediately. Many colleges require you to confirm that you want to stay on the waitlist. Note: Some schools don’t allow additional materials, so always check policies first. 2. Submit a LOCI (If Allowed) Just as with deferrals, a LOCI can help if the school accepts them. Focus on new accomplishments, not a repeat of your application. 3. Ask Your Counselor for Support If your high school counselor or a trusted teacher has a connection to the college, they may be able to advocate on your behalf. 4. Secure Your Backup Plan You must submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) and deposit to another school by May 1. If you later get off the waitlist for another school later, you can switch, but you need a guaranteed spot for fall. 5. Keep Your Grades Up Midyear and final transcripts may be reviewed for waitlisted students. 6. Be Patient Waitlist movement comes late, once they see who enrolls at their college. Some decisions come in May, others in June or July. Most waitlists are closed by July. 7. Celebrate Your Other Acceptances Don’t put your college decision and your happiness on hold! The schools that admitted you did so because they believe you will thrive there. Final Thoughts  Deferrals and waitlists can be emotionally tough, but they are not the end of your admissions journey. Follow instructions carefully, submit strong updates, stay proactive, and keep your focus on the excellent options already available to you. You have schools that are excited to welcome you, and your success will be determined far more by your engagement once you arrive than by the selectivity of the campus you choose.

College Research and Exploration Ideally, we'll complete most college research by spring of junior year. Here are two valuable opportunities available right now: College Visits at Your High School Most high schools host college representatives throughout the fall. Check your counselor website for the schedule. It is important to note that the person presenting is often the same admissions officer who will review your student's application. Ideally, students should: Attend presentations for schools of interest Wear something respectable Arrive prepared and engaged Introduce themselves afterward Follow up with a thank-you email expressing continued interest. This personal connection can be especially valuable at smaller colleges. College Fairs Regional college fairs provide excellent opportunities to explore multiple schools efficiently. Start doing your research now so you can get some local fairs on your calendar. Dress code reminder: Students don't need business attire, but should dress respectfully and appropriately. Building Recommendation Letter Writer Relationships Students will likely need three types of recommendation letters. Fall of junior year is the perfect time to begin cultivating these relationships: 1. School Counselor Since counselors often work with hundreds of students, your student should proactively build rapport. I recommend scheduling a brief meeting to discuss college plans and goals. This helps counselors write more personalized recommendations. 2. Teacher Recommendations Best practice includes one STEM teacher (math/science) and one humanities teacher (English/history), typically from junior year classes. Critical point: Good grades alone don't create strong recommendation letters. Teachers need specific examples of character, work ethic, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity. Students should actively participate in class, attend study sessions, and build genuine relationships with potential recommenders. 3. "Other" Recommenders These are adults outside the school setting who know your student well: dance instructors, youth group leaders, volunteer coordinators, or employers. Students should identify and maintain strong relationships with these potential recommenders throughout the year.

Why Does This Matter? You need to have a plan for when you will submit housing applications for each of your schools. This can even affect when you will want to submit your actual college application. In addition, some colleges require you to live on campus freshman year (or longer), some guarantee that you can live on campus if you choose to, and some do not guarantee on-campus housing and can fill up fast, leaving you with the task of trying to find an apartment for your first year. So it’s important that your family sit down together and do some research to understand the options and make sure that you are staying on top of these deadlines. Do Your Housing Research Early!!! Know which residence halls you’d like to live in. Ideally, by the time each college’s housing application is available to you, you'll already know which dorm is your first choice so you can apply immediately (if you are choosing to do so!). If you haven't yet done that research, you may want to make it a priority. Some universities have a live-on-campus requirement for first-year students, so if you're a first-year student, start exploring which residence hall would be your preference right away. Possible Timeframes for Housing Applications Each of your colleges may open their housing applications at a different time. As soon as you submit your application - some (not many) colleges (The University of Texas at Austin!!!) will let you sign up for housing AS SOON AS YOU APPLY to the college, and long before you find out whether you’ve been accepted. It is a $100 non-refundable fee, but it puts you high on the housing list, should you get admitted. That means you will have a better chance of getting the on-campus housing you would like. As soon as you are accepted - Many colleges allow you to submit a housing application as soon as you are accepted to “reserve your place in line.” If you decide not to go there, it will be non-refundable. But if you think you really might go there, and getting your first or second choice housing is important, it might be worth considering. As soon as you enroll (or only after you enroll) - Some colleges only let you apply for housing once you have enrolled (said yes!) to them. Or they have a specific date that you can apply, but they require that you must have enrolled with them before they will let you submit the application. At a specified date after College Decision Day (May 1) - Some colleges set a date in May or even June in which the housing process opens. * In your App Tracker, locate the Housing Deadlines column and look at how each of your colleges handles Housing Applications. Remember: Not All Dorms Cost the Same! It may be obvious that apartments will cost you different amounts than dorms, but some students don't realize that residence halls within the same university may vary significantly in price. In addition, prices can vary within the same residence hall based on how many people live in the room, the amenities (such as kitchens or extra bathrooms) or other factors. Take a close look at your budget, whether it's your personal allotment or one set by your financial aid package, before pursuing a particular dorm. Carefully scrutinize the room and board prices of each option the college of your choice offers and compare those to your budget so you can evaluate the most affordable living situation.

When your student turns 18, they become legal adults in the eyes of the law, regardless of their financial dependence or living situation. This significant legal transition comes with important implications that many families don't consider until they encounter unexpected barriers to helping their adult children. This guide explains the essential legal documents to consider before your student leaves for college, why they matter, and how to obtain them. The Legal Reality of Turning 18 At 18, your child becomes a legal adult with all the privacy protections and decision-making rights that entails: Parents no longer have automatic legal authority to make decisions for their child Parents cannot access medical information without permission Parents cannot conduct financial or legal business on their child's behalf These restrictions apply even if parents are paying tuition, providing insurance, or claiming the student as a dependent on taxes While these protections are appropriate for young adults developing independence, they can create significant barriers during emergencies or when parental assistance would be beneficial. Essential Legal Documents to Consider 1. Healthcare Power of Attorney (Medical POA) What it does: Authorizes a designated person (typically a parent) to make healthcare decisions if the student is incapacitated and unable to make or communicate decisions themselves. Why it matters: Without this document, parents may face obstacles getting information or making critical healthcare decisions in emergency situations, even if they're paying for health insurance. Real-life scenario: Maya collapsed during track practice and was unconscious when admitted to the hospital. Because she had completed a Healthcare POA naming her parents, doctors could discuss her condition freely with them and her parents could consent to necessary treatment while she was unconscious. 2. HIPAA Authorization What it does: Allows healthcare providers to share medical information with designated individuals (separate from decision-making authority). Why it matters: This allows routine discussion of health matters when the student is healthy and able to make their own decisions but wants parents to remain informed. Real-life scenario: Jason's parents couldn't get information about his mono diagnosis or treatment plan because he hadn't completed a HIPAA authorization. This created unnecessary stress during his illness until he was well enough to complete the paperwork. 3. Durable Power of Attorney (Financial POA) What it does: Authorizes a designated person to handle financial and legal matters on the student's behalf. Why it matters: Allows parents to help with banking, taxes, car registration, insurance claims, or other administrative matters that might arise while the student is away at college. Real-life scenario: When Emma's car was damaged in a campus parking lot, her parents couldn't file the insurance claim or get the car repaired locally because she hadn't authorized them to act on her behalf. The situation required extensive back-and-forth document signing during her finals week. 4. Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will) What it does: Specifies a person's wishes regarding medical treatments if they become unable to communicate their decisions. Why it matters: Provides guidance to healthcare providers and the medical power of attorney about the student's preferences for medical care in serious situations. Real-life scenario: Following a serious car accident, doctors wanted to know Carlos's wishes about certain treatments. His advance directive provided critical guidance during a time when his family was already under immense stress. How to Obtain These Documents 1. Family Attorney Most comprehensive and personalized option Can address state-specific requirements (you must consider your home state and the state of the college) Typically costs $200-500 for a basic package 2. Online Legal Services Budget-friendly alternatives like LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, or FreeWill Basic forms range from $20-150 Ensure documents comply with your state's laws 3. College Resources Many university health centers offer free HIPAA forms Student legal services offices on campus may provide document preparation at reduced costs Financial aid offices typically have FERPA release forms 4. Local Legal Aid Services Community legal clinics often provide document preparation services May offer sliding scale fees based on income While no one likes to think about emergencies, having these documents in place before your student leaves for college provides peace of mind for both parents and students. Remember, these documents can be modified or revoked at any time as your student gains independence. Moving Forward Together The transition to college represents a significant legal and developmental milestone. The best approach combines practical preparations with respect for the evolving relationship between parents and their adult children. Rather than viewing these decisions as simply administrative tasks, consider them opportunities for important conversations about trust, independence, and mutual expectations.

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