April, 2025

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I Want My 20-Year-Old To Learn These 20 Life Lessons

Grown & Flown

My eldest son just turned 20. I dont even know what to do with that number. It means Im old, for one. Like, really old. And yet I remember exactly where I was when I turned 20: taking a Shakespeare midterm in college. I remember the shape of my bedroom, those who passed through it, and the 50s-era flowered thrift store blouse I wore that day because I was going through my ironic June Cleaver phase.

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If You’re Not Asking, You’re Assuming: Why Every School Needs Surveys

Enrollment Catalyst

In todays competitive market, private schools cant afford to guess how their families and staff are feeling. Yet far too often, school leaders operate on assumptions rather than insights. The most successful schools dont just leadthey listen. And one of the most powerful ways to listen is through intentional, well-executed satisfaction surveys for both parents and employees.

Retention 157
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From Strategy to Spotlight: RNL Partner Campaigns Setting the Gold Standard 

Ruffaloni

Marketing messages bombard students from every direction, so capturing their attentionand inspiring them to take actionrequires creative that truly stands out. Thats exactly what the RNL creative team delivers, crafting award-winning campaigns that engage, resonate, and drive results across every channel, from digital to direct mail. We work closely with our campus partners to ensure every undergraduate and graduate campaign is both strategic and impactfulproven by the many gold award-winning pr

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Understanding CRM Systems For Universities – What Function Do They Serve?

HEM (Higher Education Marketing)

Reading Time: 7 minutes Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems have become essential tools in higher education, transforming how universities interact with prospective students, current students, alumni, and other stakeholders. Whether youre trying to track your enrollment funnel, streamline your recruitment process, or boost retention, CRM systems offer many unique marketing benefits for your institution.

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Top Honors Colleges at Public Universities

Top Tier Admissions

In my conversations with high schoolers over the years, Ive noticed a familiar theme when they describe their dream schools. Many are hoping for that perfect blendsmall, discussion-based classes and the energy of Friday Night Lights big college football; close relationships with faculty and access to world-class research; an academically challenging environment and a lively, balanced social scene.

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How to Request Letters of Recommendation for College

College Transitions

Yes, this blog is about how to request letters of recommendation for college from a teacher. But first, lets engage in a mental exercise intended to do something quite strangehelp you imagine your teachers as real human beings. Dont worrytheres a purpose to this! Put yourself in your favorite English teachers shoes for a moment.

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17 Items to Take Care of Before Your Student Leaves for College

Grown & Flown

Sending a teen to college is a significant moment in your family’s life, but it is also filled with forms, logistics, and plans. You may be thinking about what to buy for their dorm room (we have everything you need for the dorm here) or what to say to them as you leave, but we want to touch on a few practical matters you should consider before you drive away.

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The Great College Planning Dance

Ruffaloni

What’s Working in 2025 (From Both Sides of the Desk) Ever wonder if enrollment professionals and students actually speak the same language? Fresh data from RNL’s 2025 Marketing and Recruitment Practices for Undergraduate Students and the forthcoming 2025 E-Expectations reports reveal some fascinating alignments (and a few mismatches) between how we recruit and how students actually make decisions.

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Optimizing SEO for Private Schools: Best Practices to Increase Online Visibility

HEM (Higher Education Marketing)

Reading Time: 8 minutes To stand out amidst competition, private schools must ensure their online presence is strong enough to attract prospective students and parents. While traditional marketing methods such as word-of-mouth and print advertising still hold value, digital visibility has become crucial to school enrollment. Are you wondering how to market a private school to maximize visibility?

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What Families Should Know as Colleges Face Federal Funding Freezes

Top Tier Admissions

As families craft college lists and weigh big decisions about where their students will thrive, a new and urgent factor has entered the conversation: questions around federal funding in higher education. With elite universities like Harvard, Columbia, Penn, and Princeton facing billions in suspended grants, its clear that the ideological tug-of-war playing out in Washington is shaking the financial landscape of American higher education.

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New Enhanced ACT Exam: Key Changes & Expert Insights

College Wise

Since June 2024, ACT, Inc., (ACT ) has been slowly trickling out information about upcoming changes to its namesake test. A shorter test with fewer questions and an optional Science section, the Enhanced ACT promised to align the ACT more with the Digital SAT , allowing for a more accessible and streamlined testing experience in both paper-based and digital formats.

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Moving Out of the College Dorm, for the Summer or Forever

Grown & Flown

Here is the best-kept secret about the college school year. It is about 15 minutes long. No sooner do kids return to college from spring break than they are ready to move back home for the summer. Moving into the college dorm or apartment was fun. The sheets and towels were new, the mattress topper was tightly packaged in its original box, and your college student was full of enthusiasm.

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EmersonWRITES: A Complete Guide

AdmissionSight

Did you miss the applications for summer writing programs ? Or do you have prior commitments for the summer already? If youre still looking for a writing program to join, consider EmersonWRITES. EmersonWRITES is a writing program that takes place during the semester rather than in summer. If this is an opportunity youre interested in checking out, keep reading.

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Student Satisfaction at HBCUs

Ruffaloni

How does student satisfaction at HBCUs compare to institutions nationally? Student satisfaction is a critical component for student success. At RNL, we have observed that satisfaction can vary based on the institution type. Student satisfaction levels at a four-year private may differ from a four-year public. In addition, we have seen that students at schools with a specific identity or mission (such as Christian colleges) may also have different levels of satisfaction.

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PSA for Juniors: It’s Time to Think About Letters of Recommendation — The Who, What, When, and How in 2025

Admissions Mom

Hello Juniors! Sometimes, it can feel like much of the application process revolves around what other people think of you. And because you cant control those perceptions, you might find the whole application process intensely frustrating. This is especially true when it comes to letters of recommendation. Its easy to get freaked out about which teachers to ask, if theyll agree to write your letters, and how to guarantee that they wont secretly write you a bad letter that will torpedo your chance

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USC vs UCLA: Which is right for you?

Top Tier Admissions

Are you dreaming of attending college in sunny Los Angeles? If youve been researching top-tier universities in SoCal, youve likely come across the age-old rivalry between UCLA and USC and now youre wondering: which school is the better fit? The truth is, theres no one-size-fits-all answer. Both UCLA and USC offer world-class academics, dynamic student life, and access to the energy and opportunities of L.A.

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Do Colleges Actually Read Application Essays?

HelloCollege

The to-do list for college applications is long: filling in the Common App , gathering references, making lists of extracurriculars and volunteer activities and writing essays, potentially lots of them. Depending on the size of your college lis t and the requirements of the schools on it, you might find yourself writing a dozen or more, including the Common App personal statement and college-specific supplemental essays.

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Seven Things I Wish I Had Known Before Freshman Year of College

Grown & Flown

Going away to college was one of the most significant transitions Id ever had to make. I sat in my dorm room that first day with a huge smile, but inside, I felt a mixture of petrifying fear and excitement. Youre thrown advice in graduation cards left and right… Study hard! Sleep! These friends will last a lifetime! But none of those quick sentences prepare you for what it will really be like.

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What Does Deferred Mean for College? What You Need to Know and Do

AdmissionSight

In college admissions, the word deferred comes up oftenand for many students, it sparks concern. Being deferred means your application wasnt accepted or rejected , but set aside for review later in the cycle. So, what does deferred mean for college and your plans? If youve been deferred or are worried it might happen, its normal to feel unsure about what comes next.

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Unlock Your Enrollment Potential: Real Strategies for Real Results (We’re in This Together!)

Ruffaloni

Engaging students wherever they are is critical to enrollment success. With eight years of experience at Ruffalo Noel Levitz working with more than 100 campuses across the country and following more than two decades leading enrollment efforts on campus, I know firsthand the challenges you face in enrollment. And in todays environment it can feel like information overload on what you should be doing.

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The Power of User-Generated Content and Authentic Storytelling in Education Marketing

HEM (Higher Education Marketing)

Reading Time: 9 minutes Todays schools need to get creative to promote their programs in a way that resonates with prospects. To spur action from your audience, you need to build trust, create engagement, and foster an emotional connection. How do you do that with so many other schools competing for the spotlight? One of the most effective strategies for making a strong impression on your audience is combining user-generated content and authentic storytelling.

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49 Best Detective Riddles for Kids (with Answers)

College Transitions

Clever riddles delight audiences of all agesfrom kids to adults. As word puzzles, riddles also make great classroom games as they helps students learn problem solving skills, practice logical analysis, and expand vocabulary. Likewise, mysteries and detective stories are widely appealing and support critical thinking.

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College Considerations for Students with Learning Disabilities

Discovery College Consulting

Guest blog post by Dr. Stephanie Fox, Four Corners Psychological Services If you are a high schooler with a learning disability or suspect that you are, its time to make a plan for college. It is never too late to look at possible learning concerns, especially if you have always struggled with school or certain subjects. A history of intervention (like being on a reading plan), tutoring, and having to work harder than your peers for good grades are all indications that something may be different

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Teens Reach Milestones At Different Ages, Parents Need to Relax

Grown & Flown

My oldest son took driver’s education right after he turned fifteen. He planned to have all his driving hours in so he could send in for his license as soon as possible, which he did. The summer before, he had worked as many hours as possible to save for a car. He knew the exact one he wanted, and I watched him work two jobs and decline invitations from his friends so he could take extra shifts.

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The Duke Academic Calendar: Key Dates + Tips

AdmissionSight

Duke University uses a semester-based academic calendar. The year is divided into two main terms: fall and spring, with optional summer sessions. Each semester lasts about 17 to 18 weeks. This includes instruction time, breaks, reading periods, and final exams. Staying on top of key dates helps you manage your time and avoid missed deadlines. Whether its the start of classes, fall break, registration, or finals, having a clear view of the schedule keeps you prepared.

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The Expert Guide to AP African American Studies

PrepScholar

African American Studies is one of the newest Advanced Placement offerings, launched in Fall 2024. It's designed to give students a deep understanding of African American history, culture, and experiences. Because it's such a new offering, it can be difficult to know what to expect from the course and AP exam. You'll need to be prepared to understand a variety of historical documents, make connections between different time periods, and analyze major themes.

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7 Tips for a Successful College Campus Visit

Solomon Admissions

Visiting college campuses can be one of the most exciting and informative parts of the application process. However, with so many students competing for limited tour spots and information sessions, planning ahead is crucial. Many students can only visit a campus once before applying, so making the most of each college campus visit is key.… The post 7 Tips for a Successful College Campus Visit appeared first on Solomon Admissions Consulting.

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5 Ways Students Can Practice Self-Care in the College Admission Process

College Essay Guy

The college application process can feel overwhelming, with endless forms, essays, deadlines, and the constant weight of life-changing decisions looming overhead. During this high-pressure time, practicing self-care isn't just a luxuryit's essential for maintaining your mental health and putting your best foot forward. Here are five practical ways to take care of yourself while navigating college admissions.

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How Google’s decision to drop school reviews impacts your school

Niche

If you havent already heard, Google will stop displaying reviews and ratings for schools on Google Business Profiles starting April 30, 2025. This change, confirmed by Google, aims to prevent prank reviews and unhelpful commentary from negatively impacting schools. While this may bring relief to some schools, it poses a new challenge for schools that use positive reviews as part of their marketing strategy.

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8 Ways We Can Help Our College Students During Uncertain Times

Grown & Flown

Life is decidedly unfair.Five years ago, your child (and you!) faced the social and educational upheavals of the pandemic.Now those college-bound students confront a higher education landscape thrown into uncertainty by actions of a new federal administration. Students may feel unsettled and wonder what their college experience will look like. Here is how parents can support them.

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10 Top Writing Competitions for High School Students

HelloCollege

For high school students with a passion for writing, competitions offer an exciting way to refine skills, gain recognition, and earn scholarships. Whether you love crafting short stories, poetry, essays, or journalism pieces, there are writing competitions tailored to different styles and interests. Participating in these contests can not only provide valuable feedback but also boost your college applications by demonstrating creativity, dedication, and academic excellence.

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Transfer Admission and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Georgia Tech Admissions Blog

Who is your favorite group of four people? Maybe its the Ghostbusters, Dorothy and her friends from the Wizard of Oz, the Beatles, or, if you were my little brother eight years ago, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. If all four members of that quartet were incoming students at Georgia Tech, one of them would likely be a transfer student. Unlike most colleges with first-year admission rates on the lower end, we maintain a robust number of transfer students, making up approximately 25% of our incomin

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Do Ivies accept the common app? Which top schools do?

Solomon Admissions

The Common Application is an online college application platform used for first year and transfer applications. In the 2023-2024 application cycle over 1.4 million distinct first year applicants submitted over 9.5 million applications to over 1,000 member institutions. This is the most commonly used application platform. Majority of the member institutions are from the United… The post Do Ivies accept the common app?

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The Ultimate Guide to the International Baccalaureate Program: What Students Must Know

College Essay Guy

College admissions sometimes feels like a big pot of alphabet soup: AP, GPA, ACT, SAT, FAFSA, SRAR, SAI While youre probably familiar with many of these acronyms (maybe youre feeling a little too familiar with some), others, like IB, you might be feeling a little less sure about (we assume thats why youre here). So, if you came here looking for an easy-to-understand explanation of what the IB program is (welcome, by the way), were here to help.

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SAT/ACT Diagnostic Tests: Q&A with ArborBridge

College Planner Pro

With all of the changes to the standardized testing landscape, many families wonder about the best pathway for SAT/ACT prep. As an IEC, I've historically recommended that sophomores take a practice SAT and practice ACT in the spring to get a sense of where they stand. These diagnostic tests are full-length SAT and ACT tests that help students build a test prep plan for the upcoming summer and fall.

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Top 8 Jewish Colleges in the U.S. + Scholarships for Jewish Students

AdmissionSight

Looking for a college that offers both strong academics and a vibrant Jewish community? Whether you’re interested in exploring Jewish studies, pursuing a professional degree, or simply being part of a lively Jewish campus life, there are plenty of Jewish colleges that have the best of both worlds. From historically Jewish colleges with rich traditions to modern campuses that promote Jewish values, these 8 colleges provide exceptional opportunities for Jewish students to grow academically,

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College Knowledge Basics: University, Colleges, and Departments at CSU

Colorado State University

Starting your college journey means you’ll probably run into words you don’t recognize or understand very well. That’s normal! We’re here to break it all down for you in the College Knowledge Basics series, specifically how and why these definitions matter at Colorado State University. When you’re first starting the college journey, you’ll find a lot of terms used in multiple places and for a variety of reasons.