Newsletter
Welcome.
Our newsletter is available the first of each month except for July and August.
Please feel free to click any of the links below to view our PDF newsletter. If you have any questions, we can be reached at info@fullpassage.com.
October 2019
- The Rise of Test Optional Admissions - Although many colleges have considered candidates for admission without standardized test results for years, there has been a recent increase in the number and selectivity of colleges offering test optional admissions. Learn more about this growing movement and how it pertains to you.
- Majoring in Public Administration - Students interested in careers in public service will find themselves well-positioned for anticipated openings by majoring in public administration.
- Early Decision/Early Action and Their Effect on Financial Aid - Although Early Decision can significantly increase your chance of admission at many colleges, there is a potential downside in ED for students who require financial aid to attend college. Read this to learn how ED/EA admissions can affect your total cost of college.
- Why Are You Applying Here? - The popular "Why this college?" supplemental essay requires applicants to dive deeply into programs at that institution, thinking about the student's interests, strengths and goals, and looking for how these mesh with those of the school.
- Fall Timeline for Juniors and Seniors - Here's a clip-and-save list of what you should be doing this fall.
September 2019
- Managing Stress - School has always been high on the list of stressors for young people – exams, tests, deadlines, organization, time management, friends, and money. Here are some ideas to help you better manage your stress level.
- Interdisciplinary Majors- Tomorrow’s complex problems will require a multidisciplinary approach, and narrowly-focused studies may become inadequate. Take a look at some of the new interdisciplinary majors that allow students to combine several areas of interest.
- File the FAFSA as Soon After Oct. 1st as Possible - The FAFSA should be filed as soon as possible after October 1st of the student’s senior year, and then yearly while attending college. Here's what families need to know about this very important financial aid form.
- Rigor of Curriculum - Selective colleges expect to see applicants opting for a high level of rigor in their studies, within the constraints of their high school's offerings. You can’t design your school’s curriculum but you can control how you complete your four years of high school, so plan well for the most rigorous program you can comfortably handle while still having a balanced life.
- Writing a Note-Worthy Essay - How do you make your essay famous instead of infamous? Here are some basic tips to consider.
June 2019
- Advice for New College Freshmen - One of the best parts of going off to college is the ability to create the “you” whom you want to be. Here are some suggestions to help you make a successful transition to campus.
- Majoring in Environmental Science - The world needs more scientists equipped to attack the spiral of damaging human behaviors. Environmental science is a branch of science that seeks to sustain the Earth’s environment.
- Pre-College Legal & Financial Matters - There are a few legal and financial issues that should be addressed before your son or daughter goes off to college. Learn about them here.
- Telling Your Story - The "dreaded" college essays really are your opportunity to share your voice and personalize your application, making the whole package a full and complete story of YOU. Here are some tips to make that happen.
May 2019
- Student Support Services on Campus - It's likely that all students will have need of at least some of the support services available on campus. Check these out, paying special attention to those that may be important to your well-being.
- Majoring in Computer Programming - In our increasingly technological world, students who major in computer programming can find their niche in almost any kind of company. Learn more about the major and career options here.
- College Choice and Return on Investment - College is a very big-ticket item, and many students rack up considerable debt to help pay for their education. As with any large expenditure, it's a good idea to consider how the costs of this purchase compare to the benefits of making the purchase.
April 2019
- Waitlist Purgatory - The dreaded waitlist. You weren’t rejected, but you weren’t accepted either. What should you do now?
- Majoring in Linguistics - With over 5,000 languages spoken around the world, businesses often are unable to communicate with partners from different countries. Lots of career options for graduates with a linguistics degree.
- Comparing Financial Aid Packages - The bottom line in comparing financial aid packages is the final cost of your education to you and your family. Here's a guide to understanding the components of your offers.
- Social Media & College Admission - Consider using your social media as a wider representation of both who you are and what you have to share with your colleges.
February 2019
- SAT vs ACT - Which Should You Take? -The redesign of the SAT in 2016 resulted in a test quite similar to the ACT. But how do they really compare and how can you determine which test is right for you?
- Majoring in Astrophysics - Students strong in math and science with a passion for the universe may be interested in considering a major in astrophysics. Learn what types of careers you can aim for by studying this branch of astronomy.
- Tax Benefits for Education - An education credit helps with the cost of higher education by reducing the amount of tax owed on your tax return. Here are two commonly available tax credits that families should check out.
- Dare to Be Different - Great advice for college-bound students - learn how to stand out from the pack.
March 2019
- The Meaning of Fit - Fit is frequently referred to when speaking with students about choosing the ‘right’ college, and many of those same students are puzzled about what is the ‘right’ fit. Here are some of the things to think about when we talk of "fit."
- Majoring in Advertising - Few businesses are successful without advertising, and that is why it is a helpful major for practically any career. See if it's right for you.
- Free Money vs Loans - In the world of college finances, there are just two kinds of money: “Great money – or Free money” – and “Not-so-Great money”. When does it make sense to choose one or both?
- Choosing Next Year's Curriculum - For selective colleges, rigor of curriculum is one of the top factors in granting acceptance. If you're targeting one of these selective colleges, resist the temptation to make life easy, and opt for the most challenging program you can handle, while still leaving yourself time to enjoy your high school years.
February 2019
- SAT vs ACT - Which Should You Take? -The redesign of the SAT in 2016 resulted in a test quite similar to the ACT. But how do they really compare and how can you determine which test is right for you?
- Majoring in Astrophysics - Students strong in math and science with a passion for the universe may be interested in considering a major in astrophysics. Learn what types of careers you can aim for by studying this branch of astronomy.
- Tax Benefits for Education - An education credit helps with the cost of higher education by reducing the amount of tax owed on your tax return. Here are two commonly available tax credits that families should check out.
- Dare to Be Different - Great advice for college-bound students - learn how to stand out from the pack.
January 2019
- Planning for Summer in the Dead of Winter - use our early planning ideas to insure a summer that is fun, rewarding and constructive.
- Focus on Majors: Gerontology - with a rapidly aging population creating a rising demand for workers who understand the challenges of aging, this may be the perfect time for students to study gerontology.
- College Loans - after exhausting need-based and merit scholarships, many families find they must borrow money to cover the remaining costs of college. Our guide to loans will help you determine what will be best for your family.
- How to Handle a Deferral - This year's ED and EA pools have resulted in an especially high number of deferrals. If you are still interested in a college by which you were deferred, here are some Do’s and Don’ts.
December 2018
December 2018 Topics Covered:
- Majors, Minors and Concentrations - Your guide to understanding the meaning of these terms, how they differ, and how to make your choices work for you.
- Majoring in Criminology - Criminology is the study of the attributes of crime, how and why it happens, why people commit them, the behavior of these people, and the nature of the criminal-justice system. If you're fascinated by shows like NCIS and Criminal Minds, this may be the major for you.
- Searching for Scholarships - You don’t have to pay anyone to search for a scholarship for you, but it does require legwork and dedication on your part. Start here.
- Understanding and Using your PSAT Report - Although your scores on these tests are not reported to colleges, the results can help you better understand your academic strengths and weaknesses and suggest the skills you should focus on in preparing for college entrance exams such as the SAT and ACT.