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It’s time to discuss school visits! Visiting a college campus when students are present and classes are in session is one of the best ways to see what a college campus/town is like when you are a student. However, it’s not as straightforward as you may think. As a former admissions officer, I’ve seen many students come for campus visits. Some have done some really smart things and others have made mistakes that could easily be avoided. Here’s my recommendation of what to do and what not to do on a campus visit. What to do on a campus visit: Prior to the visit: Try to schedule a few separate visits if possible. There are different schools of thought here - some people like to go before they narrow down their final list prior to applying and others think it’s best to go after they’ve already been admitted. There’s no wrong answer here but it will come down to financing the trip and maybe your school schedule. If you can’t visit the school, take advantage of virtual tours and chat with an admissions counselor, current students, and professors online. Make sure you know what you’re signing up for (campus tour, group tour, individual meeting with a counselor, or financial aid officer). Ask if you can shadow a class or stay the night with a student if that’s a possibility. Visit during open-house days. This is when the university draws in larger crowds to showcase the facilities, campus, student body, student organizations/clubs, etc. You name it! This is typically an “all hands on deck” for universities because they want to recruit you! Make sure you arrive early and know where to park. Campuses can be daunting! So make sure to read the email, print off parking passes if applicable, and wear comfortable walking shoes! During the visit: Wear comfy shoes. I understand the temptation to look your best and fit in with the students but trust me, there is nothing worse than bleeding blisters to distract you from an important experience. Choose the sneakers! This is silly, but don’t wear another university’s sweater to a college campus you’re touring. If you listened to any of my advice or have seen our channels, I talked about how universities are now becoming marketers tracking student actions and taking notes on what you do. Yes–they’ll remember if you wore a rival sweater to a campus tour if you meet them!! Don’t buy swag before the tour. That’s one of the worst things to do…carry all the stuff you just bought around a one-hour walking tour. YUCK! Save shopping for later on. Ask questions and talk to current students. If you can catch the students who aren’t “scripting” answers it’s probably even better. Go to a campus courtyard or food court and approach some students. Tell them you want candid answers about their experiences. Questions you can ask a group of students: What are you studying here? Why did you choose the school? What’s your favorite/least favorite thing about campus? What is something you wish you had known before you came here? Sit in a coffee shop/cafeteria and check out the vibe. Attend a class if possible. Talk to professors about their experience at the school and what they like in a student. Visit a dorm. You could ask questions to the Resident Assistant or students there. After the visit: Send a note to the admissions counselor you’ve been working with. They track these kinds of things for your file. A handwritten note goes a long way. Make notes for yourself. What did you like about the school, campus, academics, city, school size, or clubs? What did you not like? Write down notes about what people said. All of these things might come in handy later on when you are narrowing down your list or trying to decide between two schools. Download our Full List of Questions Get our free Campus Visit Questions download here, and if you have any additional questions, reach out! We are here to help!

It is pride month! We love taking time out to focus on LGBTQ+ students and families to support and advocate for them on their education journey. We have worked with many students in this population and like to highlight organizations that work tirelessly to ensure a safer and more equitable experience for students. Campus Pride is one such company. They are a non-profit organization working towards a safer college experience for LGBTQ+ students. In the past couple of years, they have compiled a list of the top schools in the US for LGBTQ+ students. They are among the top ranked best campuses for inclusion and safety based on LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs, and practices. Find the list below to explore more. Best Ranked Schools for LGBTQ+ Students Ithica College--Ithaca, NY Rutgers New Brunswick--New Brunswick, NJ University of Maryland, College Park--College Park, MD Lehigh University--Bethlehem, PA Montclair State University--Montclair, NJ Pennsylvania State University--University Park, PA University of Pennsylvania--Philadelphia, PA Princeton University--Princeton, NJ Kansas State University--Manhattan, KS Southern Illinois University Carbondale--Carbondale, IL Indiana University Bloomington--Bloomington, IN University of Wisconsin Eau Claire--Eau Claire, WI University of Wisconsin Milwaukee--Milwaukee, WI University of Wisconsin Green Bay--Green Bay, WI The Ohio State University--Columbus, OH Kenyon College--Gambier, OH Kent State University--Kent, OH Augsburg University--Minneapolis, MN Macalester College--Saint Paul, MN Purdue University--West Lafayette, IN University of Michigan Ann Arbor--Ann Arbor, MI Tufts University--Medford, MA University of Massachusetts Amherst--Amherst, MA University of Vermont--Burlington. VT MIT--Cambridge, MA Guilford College--Greensboro, NC Northern Kentucky University--Highland Heights, KY Elon University--Elon, NC University of Kentucky--Lexington, KY University of Louisville--Louisville, KY University of Texas at Dallas--Richardson, TX Texas Tech University--Lubbock, TX University of Washington--Seattle, WA University of Oregon--Eugene, OR Portland State University--Portland, OR University of Colorado at Boulder--Boulder, CO Southern Oregon University--Ashland, OR San Diego State University--San Diego, CA Washington State University--Pullman, WA Harvey Mudd College--Claremont, CA A safe, equitable, and inclusive environment is the right of every student. Do your research at prospective schools to understand organizations, clubs, and resources for students. The next best step to take is to call the admissions office and talk to a representative. That's what they are there for! They can answer any questions, talk to you about specifics regarding LGBTQ+ students, and even connect you to potential peers in the university community. Good luck!

Did you know 1/3 of students transfer schools before earning a college degree? Although the thought of transferring can be overwhelming and even scary, take heart. The process can be complicated, but if you do your research and are well-prepared, it can be the key to your success. Reasons to Transfer There are many reasons that students decide to transfer schools. Some examples might be: You started at a university and realized it wasn’t the right fit. The school just didn’t work out and now you’re looking for alternative options to complete your degree. OR You planned to attend a junior college/community college to finish general education requirements because you weren’t sure what you wanted to study. You wanted to save money and eventually transfer to a 4-year university. OR You thought you wanted to start off in a trade-school program and realized that now you want to complete a four-year degree OR Your financial situation has changed, and now you are looking for an alternative school that better fits your resources Whatever your situation is, the goal is to complete a four-year degree and ensure that whatever schooling you have done up to this point can work towards your future degree. Tips for Transfering Schools If you are at a junior/community college (the biggest group of transfer students) Start with the general education requirements needed to complete a degree at the new school. If you have done generals at a school already, explore if these will be accepted at the new school. Also, check to see if your IB/AP/A-levels will transfer over to the university. MAKE SURE to check if high school courses will work towards your degree. Certain universities might not take the AP Biology course you earned a 4 or 5 in, which was accepted at the community college or university you started at. Each university issues its own degree set by its own standards. Consider what program you want to pursue. If it’s a STEM field or Liberal Arts, associate degrees are geared toward the discipline, so you might need to work in additional classes. Check with the transfer center at the community college. They can help you navigate your current and past courses to prepare you for a four-year university. Start talking to ALL the universities you are considering attending. Call the admissions office and explain your situation. Schools typically have a counselor assigned specifically to transfer students who can help prospective students. If you are at a four-year university and want to transfer to another university: Most universities want to retain you rather than have you transfer. They should take the time to understand your concerns and explore how they can help. Before you make the final decision, talk to the student services department, advisors, and professors. Maybe there is something you are missing or a way the school can adapt to accommodate your needs. Perhaps there are resources, programs, or opportunities available that you didn't realize were options. Explore all the angles before you make the final decision to transfer. Tips for any enrolled student: Before you officially withdraw, cover all your administrative tasks that may have fallen through the cracks. Make sure you have paid all tuition and fees, and returned library books. If you haven’t done this, your transcripts can be withheld and you won’t be considered for admission. Thank any professors, students, or counselors who have helped you thus far. Be gracious to those who have been a part of your journey and take that good energy with you into your next phase. Go to transferology.com. It's a great resource for any student looking to transfer schools. No matter your reason for wanting to transfer schools, there are resources to help you be successful. Do your research and reach out to people who are equipped to help you. You are on your way--you got this! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Samantha Deleon is an active member of International ACAC, Study Illinois, and holds an MBA through the Illinois Institute of Technology. She always carves out time to Peloton or bike outdoors along Lake Michigan or around the Chicagoland area.

April is autism awareness month! Although colleges and universities are adapting more and more to incorporate resources and support programs for neurodiverse students, they still have a long way to go. The university admissions process in particular can weed out extremely gifted neurodiverse students, who would otherwise thrive at their university, just because their rigid process caters to more neuro-normative individuals. Neurodiverse students, be aware of the proactive steps you can take to ensure an equitable chance for college admissions. Need some advice in this area? Give us a call. LAUNCH has advised many students with neurodiversity, and stands ready to advocate for students during the admissions process and beyond. Resources for Autistic Students Here are some of our favorite resources when searching for schools that have extensive support for neurodiverse students: 1. Great Value Colleges A list of 25 schools with excellent resources to support students on the autism spectrum. The methodology is based on programs that show: Affordability of the autism program for students (not including general tuition fees) Evidence of innovative practices Evidence of success and commitment to future improvement. 2. Applied Behavioral Analysis A list of 30 schools top ranked for their programs based on: Specialized programs Overall autism friendliness Scholarships and financial support The "IT" factor 3. Organization for Autism Research OAR (Organization for Autism Research) offers resources for parents and students. This link provides a great list of resources to "help students with autism know what to expect and how to adapt to college life and academics." 4. Navigating College: A Handbook on Self-Advocacy A book "written by autistic adults for autistic college students exploring the various aspects of the higher education experience." The authors believe that autism should not close any doors for you, and this book will help navigate life in the next phase od life: college! Includes topics surrounding life in and out of the classroom, resources, and life after college. 5. College Steps College Steps is a "nonprofit that provides customized, college support for students with learning and social challenges such as learning disabilities, autism, and executive functioning deficits. College Steps supports students to achieve success in post-secondary education, work, and life." 6. Career Next CareerNext is a "unique college support program designed specifically to help students with autism and learning differences. CareerNext students are enrolled at SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Schenectady or Hudson Valley Community College, and take credited courses toward the goal of earning a Certificate, Associate or Bachelor’s degree of their choosing. And now through CareerNext CHOICE, full virtual support at any college or university in the U.S." 7. College Autism Spectrum "College Autism Spectrum (CAS) is an independent organization of professionals whose purpose is to assist students with autism spectrum disorders, and their families. We specialize in COLLEGE COUNSELING (helping students find the right college) and WORK/CAREER READINESS (skill building for interviews, jobs and work skills)." What resources would you add?

by Sam DeLeon What would you guess are the biggest sources of stress for high school students? Drumroll...If you said SCHOOL, you are right. No surprise there, but the #2 and #3 slots might--Getting into a good college/plans after high school and family financial concerns respectively. Throw in social lives, extracurricular activities, and emotional/mental factors and it's very clear that teens are under a LOT of stress. It's more important now than ever to get a good handle on self-care and stress management to set the stage for a good work-life balance going forward. How to manage stress for students Did you know April is Stress-Awareness Month? I’m here to share the best ways for overwhelmed students to tackle stress. Let’s be real we’ve ALL been stressed. I personally have been most stressed by the pressures of school, work, and balancing out my social life. It’s a lot (!), but I want you to know that you can do it! Here are a few tips that can contribute to overall well-being. Managing Stress at School Get ahead. Read and anticipate quizzes and reading assignments. Stay Organized by using a calendar so you can visually track where the heavy weeks will be. Falling behind will only add to your stress. Talk to teachers and let them know that you’re interested in the class. Their expertise is for your benefit so ask questions, get to know them, and be honest if you are feeling overwhelmed or confused about the material. They are there to help! Set time to study. Make this a daily habit and be consistent, even if nothing is due. Utilize CHUNK studying--setting aside a block of time to focus specifically on study-- so that you are more efficient and retain information better, Use mnemonic devices to help you remember tricky material. Get a study group with classmates you can trust. Split up work and teach it to each other. You'll remember things better this way. And bonus- it helps you maintain healthy social interactions. Managing Stress In Relationships Set a time to be at home with your family. Take advantage of meal times or lazy weekend mornings to bond with parents and siblings. Facetime your family and friends who are in other countries or across the country. Family is forever, and it's worth the effort to stay close. Join a club you have an interest in and attend a meeting of a club you are just curious about. You might be surprised at what resonates with you. Set a goal to meet a new friend every semester. Go out of your comfort zone. There are so many interesting people in the world and breaking out of your normal circle will enrich your life. Managing Stress For Your Body/Soul If you’re in a climate with heavy winters, EMBRACE the snow. Make a snowman, go skiing or ice skating. Do something that doesn’t give you cabin fever. There are many studies that prove the health benefits of daily fresh air. Include friends to bring more fun. Go for a walk… do it often. Drink WATER… it should be natural to do but some people just forget. Make it more exciting by picking out a new water bottle. Stanley, anyone? Eat the rainbow. Your plate of food should be colorful. Start small by trying to include one fruit or vegetable at each meal. Work out to the extent your body needs. This does not have to be intense to be beneficial. Yoga, stretching, walking, and dancing, in even 15-minute increments can do wonders for your health. If you’re spiritual/religious, find your church, mosque, temple, etc. Even adding a meditation practice as a form of personal spirituality can help you maintain clarity and peace in your mind. Volunteer. Getting outside of yourself can help you keep perspective, give you fulfillment, and help you feel connected to a larger community. You have unique gifts and talents, so use them for good! Prioritize mental wellness If you are not intentional about how you want to live, stress and overwhelm can decide for you, resulting in lack of motivation, depression or exhaustion. Choose to fill your bucket with healthy practices and attitudes. Not only will everything fall into place, but you will set the stage for a healthy mind and body, contributing to you being the best version of yourself no matter where you show up. Samantha Deleon is an active member of International ACAC, Study Illinois, and holds an MBA through the Illinois Institute of Technology. She always carves out time to Peloton or bike outdoors along Lake Michigan or around the Chicagoland area.

by Sara Bittner Admission decisions are upon us. Your social media feeds are soon to be filled with students gleefully opening their acceptance notifications (if it isn’t already). The last decisions come out by April 1st, giving students one month to make a decision before the deposit deadlines of May 1st. If you’ve only received acceptances or denials, the decision-making process is fairly straightforward (assuming you have applied to a balanced list of colleges): which college do you like best that has come back with a financial offer within your family’s budget? However, you might have also received offers to take a place on the waitlist. What does this decision mean? What does it mean to be Waitlisted? First and foremost, it means that you ARE qualified to attend that college or university. A college might choose to place students on a waitlist for any number of reasons. Maybe they filled more places in the Early Action/Early Decision rounds. Maybe the college is need-aware, and they don’t have the available funds to cover your financial need. Maybe they accepted too many applicants the year before or had a lot of deferments, which resulted in an on-campus housing shortage. Whatever the reason may be, the result is the same. You were not directly admitted. What are your options if you’ve been waitlisted? If you have been offered a spot on a waitlist, you have the power to accept or reject a spot on that waitlist. Maybe you have an option you like better anyway, so aren’t sad to let this offer go. Or you might just not like the uncertainty of the waitlist. Either way, you can decline the offer of the waitlist, which makes room for other waitlisted students to possibly get accepted. On the other hand, you might have been waitlisted at your top choice school, in which case you still want to shoot your shot. In this case, we recommend looking at the Common Data Set which is a document that most colleges publish. In Section C, you can find how many students were offered places on the waitlist in previous years, and how many students were admitted from the waitlist. Sometimes it’s less than 1% of students, in which case you might still decide that it isn’t worth the effort. But, if you decide that the chance to attend this university is worth it, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of being moved off the waitlist. What to do if you accept a place on a waitlist: Continue to demonstrate interest. Attend any virtual events that are available to you - even those that may fall outside your time zone. Visit the campus if it’s nearby (make sure you have registered your attendance). Open all email communications from the college, and click on a few links from the emails. Contact your admissions counselor. Send relevant email updates, or inform them if the college is your number one choice. If you have completed any research projects since you applied, you can also send them a copy. However, make sure the school does not have any policies stating that you should not do this and only send things that are of extreme importance. Price out what your cost of attendance will probably be. Some colleges might send an offer of a merit scholarship and/or need-based grant that you would receive if you were to be accepted off the waitlist. If you did not receive a financial offer with the waitlist offer, assume that you will not receive financial aid. Send a deposit to a college where you have been accepted. You should be prepared in the event that you are not accepted from the waitlist. If you are accepted from the waitlist after the May 1 deadline, you can cancel enrollment at your alternate school and send a new deposit at the college where you were previously waitlisted. It is polite to email the admissions department of the initial university you submitted a deposit to and simply explain why you are choosing to cancel your enrollment. Remember, they might have waitlisted students waiting for that spot as well, so the sooner you can make that decision, the better. What NOT TO DO if you accept a place on a waitlist: Send extra letters of recommendation. Universities that consider recommendations already have them. If you chose not to submit optional recommendations during the application process, they do not want it now. Universities that do not consider recommendations during the application process still won’t consider them in the waitlist process. Have your parents call the admissions office. Admissions wants to hear from students, not parents. If they only hear from the parents, admissions will assume that the student does not care much about their university. Send a fruit basket, baked goods, or flowers to admissions. This would be considered a bribe, and you would be immediately blacklisted for acceptance off the waitlist. Have your sister’s best friend’s uncle who works there put in a good word. This just won’t work and is not worth anyone’s time. They will not be impressed. Send them childhood photos. Who you were then doesn’t pay off for who you are now and what decision has been made. Keep your interactions professional and demonstrate your interest through appropriate channels. Send irrelevant updates. Only send updates if they are relevant and add or enhance your application significantly. Admissions officers do not need to hear about every quiz, test, oral or written exam you take. Make the most of Where you Are At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that being accepted, waitlist, or denied from a college does not reflect your value as a person. While attending college, the best predictor of future success is what you do while you’re there. Work internships, assist in research, and build relationships with professors and classmates. These high-value habits will benefit you more in the long run than having a particular name on your bachelor’s diploma. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sara is a co-founder of LAUNCH education consultants as well as a guidance and communcy coach. She specializes in American east-coast schools, student athletes, expat and third culture families, and application essays. In her free time she enjoys reading, biking and fitness. She currently resides in the Netherlands with her husband and two children.

Test optional--What does it mean? Will it help or hurt my chances to take the SAT/ACT? LAUNCH co-founder Sara Bitner explains the ins and outs of the new admissions environment regarding standardized testing. How COVID changed the scene It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the world of US college admissions in a big way. One of the biggest and still lingering effects of the early days of the pandemic is the role of admission tests: the SAT and the ACT. If you remember back to March 2020, testing locations around the world abruptly closed, leaving students who hadn’t yet tested no way of getting (or improving) a score. If colleges were to exclude these test-less individuals, they would have had a significantly smaller applicant pool with generally lower scores and would have needed to increase their acceptance rate in order to meet enrollment numbers. Both of these things could damage a college’s standings in the notorious USNWR Rankings, not to mention the fact that they could be opening themselves up to discrimination lawsuits that could easily make their way up to the Supreme Court. Colleges had no choice but to switch to test-optional admissions. Time's up When these decisions were dripping out, LAUNCH was sending out weekly updates as to when testing locations might reopen, and listing all the colleges that had made the move to test-optional. Private colleges were able to make this switch much faster, as they do not answer to their state governments, but eventually, the vast majority of 4-year colleges (including most public colleges) declared that they would be test-optional for the next three years. Which brings us to the class of 2024. Many of those three-year test-optional pilot programs are coming to a close, and universities need to decide whether they will keep up the test-optional policy that has led to record-breaking application numbers three cycles running, or if they will return to requiring incoming freshmen to report a test score. Now What? As we saw at the beginning of the pandemic, private 4-year colleges are more likely to keep test-optional admissions policies. Public 4-year colleges have to get test-optional policies re-approved and might be forced to return to the testing requirement. So what does this mean for your student? Here at LAUNCH, when a student is considering whether to prepare for and take the SAT or ACT, we consider several factors: What is the student’s starting point? We have all our students who are considering testing take a free practice test from Khan Academy. We look at this score in terms of the middle 50% of scores from colleges the student is considering. Is the starting score already in the middle 50%? If so, a bit of test prep and a solid score could strengthen their application even further. What is the student’s GPA? Does the student already have really strong grades? Then they are less likely to need a test score. If a student’s grades are lower than the average GPA at their target colleges, they could compensate for their lower GPA with a higher test score (in the top 50% of scores, or higher than the average score). What curriculum is the student taking? US admissions officers are familiar with high school diplomas in their assigned regions in the US, and international admissions counselors know the IB Diploma, Canadian high school diplomas, and British A-Levels. Once you get into national curriculums from non-English speaking countries, like Dutch HAVO or VWO, German Arbitur, or the French Baccalauréat, experience may vary. Having a test score next to a less familiar high school curriculum can help colleges feel confident that you are prepared for the rigor of their college. Sometimes a certain SAT/ACT score will satisfy English language proficiency requirements. Where are they applying? If the student has ambitions to apply to highly selective colleges with acceptance rates below 30%, we always recommend that they at least prepare for and attempt the SAT or ACT. Once the student feels confident they have maximized their score, we make a strategy of whether they should submit the score or not. If they want to consider public universities in states like Florida that always require a test score, we also recommend taking the test, but maybe only once and with minimal prep. How much time does the student have to prep? Grades will always be more important than a test score in the world of holistic admissions, so if prepping for a test will cause the student’s grades to suffer, we always recommend that they apply test-optional. To make significant leaps in scores, we recommend at least two hours per week for at least 6 months before the test. Students who complete their test prep homework between tutoring sessions will make the biggest improvements. Does the student experience severe (test) anxiety? If your student knows this about themselves, there are more than enough options available that do not require taking an admissions test. It is not worth sacrificing their mental health just to get a test score. How important are merit scholarships to this student? While most test-optional colleges still award merit scholarships for students who apply without a test score, they might award even more money to the same student if they have a competitive application AND a competitive test score. If merit scholarships are a crucial part of a family’s financial strategy, we also usually recommend testing. We can help you Did you know LAUNCH has a dedicated Test-prep instructor? If you feel you need additional guidance on your situation, and/or specific test preparation, get in touch with us! We offer free consultations and can help guide you in your decisions. You just might be added to the long list of LAUNCH grads taking steps to #dreamlaunchsoar. LAUNCH Co-founder Sara Bitner attended Lehigh University before emigrating to the Netherlands with her partner. She specialises in Dutch Schools, Student-Athletes (rowing experience), and student essays. She loves helping global families in their higher education journey. Outside of work you'll find her reading, cycling, and cheering on her kids from the sidelines.

by Samantha DeLeon I remember this day so vividly because it was a core memory that happened when I was in my undergraduate studies. My academic advisor had helped me plan a summer where I would be able to study abroad in Italy. I was so excited…I already planned my outfits for the Vatican and could not wait to go to my 6-week program in Siena which was led by my professor. I planned accordingly that I’d take Italian 102 in the Fall, Italian 103 in the Spring and my final semester of Italian would be in Italy! I attended the information sessions for study abroad, a pre-departure that discussed finances and how classes would be calculated into my credits, and discussed it with my first-generation family pleading my case as to why I NEEDED to study abroad. And surprisingly, they were supportive. So with my deposit already submitted, I had a few months to prepare. UNTIL…. I received a message from the Study Abroad Office saying, "We regret to inform you that your study abroad trip has been canceled." I WAS DEVASTATED. I called my professor to ask what happened. She told me that they couldn’t run the program because there weren’t enough students. At this point, I was desperate to now find an experiential opportunity. Hong Kong? The Polytechnic school in Milan? None of it was right. It just wasn’t what I wanted. Rejected...Now What? Does this feeling sound familiar? Planning so carefully and dreaming of the future and then having things don't work out is the ultimate disappointment. Perhaps this will happen to you when a rejection letter comes in from a university you really had your heart set on. Or you will not get accepted into a certain major program of study. The list is endless, and unfortunately, this won’t be the only time you will face disappointment in your life ahead. How Resiliency Leads to Success in College and Beyond Luckily there is a solution to dealing with rejection. It is called RESILIENCE! Resiliency is one of the consistent characteristics of highly successful people. It basically means you get comfortable with “failure” and see the situation rather as an opportunity to learn. Framing your position in a positive way can make all the difference in your next steps. YOU are not a failure, but the situation you planned did not work the way you thought. So what’s next? Enter The PIVOT. Think of possible next steps. Do you want to try again? What will you need to change? Do you want to switch gears and go down a slightly different path, or will you do something entirely different? The possibilities are endless! In terms of college rejection, there are some steps you can take: Call the admissions office to understand why you were rejected. The feedback could help you! Ask if there is an opportunity to be waitlisted and what you can do to increase your chances. Re-evaluate your options. What other schools have you applied to that would be a good fit, and what gets you excited about those schools? Remember that there are many paths to success. Trust that you have many options ahead of you that will all work toward your good. Be open-minded! The most important thing is that you get the support you need and keep going! So what happened with my story? You guessed it— PIVOT. I walked across the hall to the International Affairs Office and met the Diplomat in Residence. It’s a U.S. Department of State Official who recruits students for the Department of State. I learned about the program, submitted an application and then was selected for an internship with the U.S. Department of State in Arlington, Virginia. I received course credit and gained experience that allowed me to grow in more ways than I could ever imagine. There is a saying: "You plan and God laughs." I have found it to be true, so realize things happen for a reason when it’s meant to happen. Learn to be resilient and I promise, things will work out even better than you imagined. Samantha Deleon is an active member of International ACAC, Study Illinois, and holds an MBA through the Illinois Institute of Technology. She always carves out time to Peloton or bike outdoors along Lake Michigan or around the Chicagoland area.

LAUNCH founder Lauren Joyce Hensel reveals common misconceptions behind university costs...and the correct approach to paying for higher education. Is College Cheaper for International Students? I am going to be frank with you - education costs money in every country.We hear from many families who avoid applying to the US because of rising “sticker prices.” Sticker prices are what the total cost of attendance would be without any merit or need-based aid. We hear from other families who believe the UK will be cheaper because their child holds EU citizenship but fail to account for the potential effects of Brexit on higher education pricing. And yet we hear from others who are shocked that their Dutch residence permit does not qualify them for the statutory tuition fee (the fee paid by a Dutch citizen). We see posts and advice in well-meaning education groups, but, more often than not, the advice we read is outdated. Other times it is factually wrong. To help families decipher myth from fact about the costs of higher education across the globe. Myth #1 - We can’t afford university in America. Fact - There are over 4500 universities to choose from in America who offer quality programs at a variety of price levels. If you are dead set on the “Ivy League” schools (please note Ivy League is only the name of the athletic conference), you will only receive need-based aid as merit is not available at these schools. On the other hand, some private universities are actually more affordable than state universities as they have more potential to offer larger merit packages. The aid you receive is based on either merit or need (the amount your family has the ability to pay). Myth #2 - University in Europe is cheaper Fact - While tuition costs may be a bit cheaper overall, the prices vary drastically depending on the institution. Some schools consider residency for tuition rate while others consider citizenship. Some schools are located in high cost of living cities while others are not. These are, among other factors, important aspects to consider when applying to schools overseas. When we work with families, we aim to uncover all direct and indirect costs to the family and decide which school is the best fit overall. Myth #3 - My friend’s child received a full ride to X university (usually an Ivy League school) Fact - This needs to be approached with critical curiosity. For example, there are lots of nuances in these statements that we hear from families. First a full ride can look different depending on the university. For some US-based universities this could mean full tuition, for others it can mean full tuition, room and board. Others may even cover books and fees. However, this is typically not the case. Second, Ivy League institutions do not offer full rides in merit scholarships. The Ivy League, which is just the name of the athletic conference, instead offers need-based aid. This means they offer financial aid packages on what a family can afford. Third, you may neve know exactly what was on the student’s application, the talents that student has, the donation history of the family, the legacy status of the family, and the many other factors that go into the admission decision. Furthermore, you may not be fully aware of the family’s financial situation. The situation becomes even more complicated when a student is a recruited student-athlete as my first point applies. Full rides mean different things to different schools and different sports. LAUNCH’s advice? Approach these comments with critical curiosity, and do not take them at face value. Myth #4 - I live in X country, so university will be super cheap Fact - This is something that can vary dramatically depending on where you live. Per Myth #2, what universities look at to determine tuition rate can vary dramatically. I live in the Netherlands, but because I am here on a specific visa, my children will have to pay overseas tuition fees. Furthermore, if they choose to live off campus, I am having to pay for either an apartment on the free market or privatised student house - that has a LONG waitlist. Both options are going to cost more than on campus student housing at some fabulous universities in the United States, where I can be sure housing is guaranteed, food is cooked each day, and there are supports in place to help students succeed. It is important to not just look at the tuition number the the cost physically, socially, emotionally, and materialistically on the entire education journey. Does your student have loose spending habits? Do they need three lattes a day to keep the cranky away? Do they need the newest sweatshirt from Supreme? Think deeply about where all the money will go and how often you will be asked for additional funds. Myth #5 - I have great grades, so I think I can get a scholarship to Boston University Fact - THink again about this statement if you are an international student. Many universities across the United States do not award scholarships or financial aid to international students, so you need to be prepared to pay the full cost in some cases. Some well-known universities who do not provide ANY aid - merit or need-based - to international students include Auburn University (AL) Boston College (MA) Boston University (MA) Clemson University (SC) College of William and Mary (VA) Georgia Institute of Technology (GA) Penn State University (PA) UC - Berkeley (CA) University of Colorado - Colorado Springs (CO) University of Georgia (GA) University of Maryland - College Park (MD) University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (MI) UNC - Chapel Hill (NC) University of Washington (WA) Finances may feel uncomfortable for your family, but we encourage families to discuss restrictions and limitations early and clearly to their students. Furthermore, we actively encourage you to embrace potential opportunities where you might not find them. Do you have an IB Diploma? Then you should explore the University of Malta, where your tuition fees are typically less than €1000 per year and living costs are affordable. Want to attend a UK university? Look for schools with campuses on mainland Europe such as University of Gibraltar, Lancaster Leipzig, or Arden Berlin. They tend to be more affordable than their UK-based counterparts for all students. Unsure where to look or what to do, schedule a free 30-minute consultation with LAUNCH! Author Bio Lauren Joyce Hensel is an accredited Independent Education Consultant and active member of the International ACAC. She was a collegiate volleyball player at Illinois Institute of technology, where she also coached. She worked for 10 years in college admissions before founding LAUNCH Education Advisors. Lauren holds a masters degree in Public Policy and is pursuing a PhD in Education and Social Justice from Lancaster University in England.

LAUNCH Education Advisor Samantha DeLeon shares her advice on finding college mentorship What is the difference between a counselor and a mentor? Do you need one? How can you leverage these relationships to receive the best guidance to propel your education and career forward? Finding mentors and counselors can greatly enrich your life experiences, and literally determine the direction your life takes. It’s not always easy to stretch your comfort zone to drive these conversations, but it is doable. How can I find a mentor? I had a high school counselor, a youth pastor, mentors, and older friends that I could turn to discuss academics, classes, social life, and balancing being a teen. Friends can be a good sounding board as well, but remember they’re going through the same things as you, and might not always have the extra wisdom that comes along with experience. Find people you admire, trust, and can connect with during your college search. My high school counselor didn’t really guide me on what types of universities were out there. I am grateful for my experiences, but to be honest, if I had an independent counselor or had asked the right questions I think I would have been in a better place. As a first-generation student, I didn’t really didn’t know what questions to ask. I only could look at what my family had done. My parents had gained their education in the Philippines and my two older sisters went to the large-public state school where we could commute from home. When I was researching schools, our family motivation was driven by finances which left me without a college loan. This approach was limited. Had I asked better questions I might have landed somewhere that better fit my goals and values. Questions to ask counselors researching schools Going into a conversation well-prepared will ensure you get the most out of your time together. So consider these questions (and your own) in advance. For mentors/counselors/wiser friends: Did you know what you want to be when you started working? What was your major? If there was one thing you could do differently in college what would that be? Who were your mentors? For Academic Counselors/Independent Counselors: What is your specialty in student demographics? What would your clients/students say about you? Can you share your timeline for working with students? How do you help students build a list of colleges? If you could do college over again, is there something you would have done differently? What was your major? Researching where to attend college is a big life choice. Everyone in your life has an opinion on what you should do- your neighbors, people in the street, teachers, friends, family, and bosses. Make sure you are intentional about whose advice matters, and when to say, “thank you for your opinion,” and let it go. With the right mentors, a high school counselor, or IEC, you’ll make the best decision for you. Author Bio Samantha Deleon is an active member of International ACAC, Study Illinois, and is pursuing an MBA through the Illinois Institute of Technology. She always carves out time to Peloton or bike outdoors along Lake Michigan or around the Chicagoland area.

Many parents thinking back to their own college search might remember applying to only one or maybe three colleges. Most US high school seniors these days apply to 4-10. With the rise of social media and the viral nature of acceptance videos, plenty of students see their peers applying to upwards of 20 different colleges. Add to that the complexity of globally mobile teens often wanting to consider colleges all over the world, and you have a recipe for stress if you don’t plan ahead. Why go to College? Before you think about where your student should look for college, it’s important to think about why they want to go to college. Are they interested in a career that requires specialized training or advanced degrees? Do they still need to explore their academic and professional interests? Is your student a hands-on learner, or do they love a good theoretical discussion? Would they like to grow more independent, or are they already pretty self-sufficient? Once your student has identified their ‘why,’ you can move onto the ‘where.’ Where Should I go to College? International and globally mobile students often have a much wider range of ‘where’ possibilities than students who still live in their country of origin. A student who has grown up in another country might want to go back to their home country to reconnect with that culture, or they might be motivated to explore a new part of the world. If your student is interested in applying to colleges in a country that you don’t have much experience with, thorough research early on is vital to make sure they meet the minimum academic requirements. Many UK and EU universities, for example, require students with a US High School Diploma to have a certain number of AP test scores, or a minimum GPA in combination with a minimum SAT or ACT score. These requirements can vary by country, university, and even by major. Paying for College Once you and your teen have decided which countries they want to apply to, it’s time to talk to them about the annual budget for their studies. Determine which tuition rate your family qualifies for in the desired country. Outside the US, scholarships are generally reserved for students with financial need and who are coming from low-income countries. Look up the housing costs in the countries and cities your student is interested in, and check how readily available housing is. In the EU, many campuses are non-residential and in some cities there are serious housing shortages. As a result, housing can be low quality and expensive. Check costs for health care, commuting, and talk about how often your student would want to come home during the school year. Only after you have researched all the possible expenses can you set a realistic budget. For US colleges, fill out a few net price calculators to get a feel for how much need based aid your student might receive at different colleges. Talk to your teen about the process of setting a budget! Tell them how much you have saved, how much you can afford to pay from your annual income, and if you expect them to contribute themselves (this could be in the form of student loans or a summer job). Once the budget is set, it’s time for the fun part! The actual college search! Going outside your comfort zone Throughout the search process, be sure to keep the motivations and values (your student’s why) at the front of your mind. Encourage them to push their boundaries and look at schools just outside their comfort zone. Visit a variety of colleges in your area. For US based families, we often recommend hitting at a large public university in your area, a regional public college, a small liberal arts college, and a polytechnic for students interested in STEM subjects. Make sure to include colleges with a variety of acceptance rates. If possible, visit while students are on campus to get a feel for the vibe of the student body. Take notes of each visit, and be sure to let your teen lead this process and prioritize THEIR opinion over your own. Finding the Best Fit Armed with the pros and cons from your visits, you and your student can narrow down what type of college would fit them best. Remember to ignore the rankings! Ask people you meet where they went to college for ideas, or look up where people your student admires went to undergrad. For undergraduate focused colleges, look up if they have any partnerships with larger universities for graduate degrees. Check for cross-registration opportunities. You will start to notice trends and patterns in which schools your student likes. How Many Schools to Apply To The goal is to narrow down the final list to a balanced 6-8 universities. 1-2 low likelihood colleges, where acceptance rates are low and/or your student falls below the middle 50% of accepted applicants. 3-4 medium likelihood schools, where your student is in the middle 50% of accepted applicants, and 2-3 high likelihood schools where your student exceeds the middle 50% of accepted applicants. If the Net Price Calculators indicate a price that is above your intended budget, it will be important to focus more heavily on high likelihood colleges where your student stands a better chance at merit based scholarships! Take our digital course on building a college list to walk you through this detailed process (worth over €1000 in consulting costs, but packaged at €50!). If you would like even more guidance while building your college list, schedule a free consultation with us!

LAUNCH consultant Samantha Deleon shares her top 10 tips for making your freshman year a great success! So you’re going to college. You’re excited for a new chapter in your life; to learn something new; and to develop yourself academically, professionally, socially, spiritually, and all the other -ly words that can fill your soul. During this time you’ll be challenged in ways you never knew were possible. You will struggle with balancing school, maybe a job, extracurricular clubs, and friend groups. So here’s a top 10 List to help you thrive in your first year. Top 10 Tips for Your First Year of College Academics: 1. Get to know your professors during office hours. They end up sitting in their offices or a Zoom meeting that was set aside for YOU. Don’t wait to show up until your grades are faltering. Come early on and let them know why you took the class and what you hope to accomplish. This can also build bridges for internships, research, or a letter of recommendation later on. 2. Know your academic advisor. different schools have different resources, so find out what's available to you. Some schools have an academic advisor for the college and some have academic advisors for your major. Let these advisors help you schedule courses and let them know your time restraints or goal to study abroad, etc. I was a first-generation college student who coordinated the Metra train from the suburbs with my sisters. So I let my academic advisors help me with my schedule so my classes could fall within a certain time in order to help me graduate within 4 years. I still remember my advisor in undergrad who would make these half sheets of paper with my tentative schedule of classes! 3. Take gen-eds that interest you! College is the time to explore, so take a foreign language class or learn something completely new. Some of the classes I remember to this day required field trips to the Art Institute of Chicago to look at artwork. It was great to take public transportation or walk around a city to get my homework done. 4. Consider non-traditional academic options. If you finished your gen-eds because you had dual enrollment, IB/AP, etc… see if a 4+1, 3+2, coterminal/accelerated masters program exists and if you are eligible for scholarships. Again, talk to your academic advisor for guidance on this to graduate with a masters as well! Check out our FREE study skills guide for incoming college freshmen Social: 5. Go out of your comfort zone to meet people. Talk to someone in front of you, in back of you, to your right and to your left within the first week of classes. Say hi. It’s just that simple. Ask an open-ended question like, "What classes are you taking this semester?" or "What’s your major"? You never know when may meet a future long-time-bestie. 6. Read your emails about events on campus. The best ones are the events that have free food and opportunities to just meet people. Regardless if you’re an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, you’ll find at least one person to connect with. Professional: 7. Fix your resume in your first semester. Ask the career center to help you revise it and have multiple iterations for the job you want. This will give you a nice advantage when it's time for summer internships. 8. Find an on-campus job. Check with your career center or go to the admissions office and ask to be a student ambassador. Give tours, answer phone calls and emails, and talk to prospective students and families. Get paid and get to know the staff. It will help you build a nice network because they basically know everyone else on campus. 9. Plan for an experience that will allow you to grow professionally: an internship, a study abroad, research projects, or conferences. I did three internships that allowed me amazing experiences that I still talk about to this day. 10. Be curious. Explore, meet people, and ask questions. This is the time in your life to figure out what you want to do, who you want to spend time with, and where you want your life to go in terms of a career. Above all, relax and have fun. With these 10 tips in mind, you'll be ready to ace your first year with a well-balanced social, academic, and professional freshman experience. Author Bio Samantha Deleon is an active member of International ACAC, Study Illinois, and is pursuing an MBA through the Illinois Institute of Technology. She always carves out time to Peloton or bike outdoors along Lake Michigan or around the Chicagoland area.