10 tips to maximize college visits

Summer is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time for all you high school rising juniors and seniors to get out and explore college campuses. This is a right of passage for many students and their parents - and an essential part of college admissions.

So, to help you make the most of your visits, we advise you to start planning now. We've put together tips on how to fully immerse yourself in each campus and gather all the information you will need to make an informed decision about your future college.

1. Research

Before hitting the road, prioritize your interests, academic programs, preferred location, and other essential factors. Then, dive into college websites and gather information about campus life, majors, extracurricular activities, and admission requirements.

2. Schedule

Contact the admissions office or visit the college's website to schedule your visit. With convenient online booking systems and special visitation days for prospective students, you'll quickly find a date that fits your timeline.

3. Prepare questions in advance 

Make a list of questions you want to ask during your visit. These should include inquiries about academics, campus life, housing, internship opportunities, career services, and anything that is important to you. Asking questions will also demonstrate your interest and help you gather valuable insights.

4. Dress appropriately

Dress comfortably yet presentably. Opt for business casual or smart casual attire, as this will give you a professional appearance while still being comfortable for walking around campus.

5. Pack wisely

Always have a notebook or phone handy to jot down notes during information sessions. You can also take videos or photos to capture essential details as you wander around. And remember, it gets hot on the college campus trail, so pack your water bottle!

6. Attend Info Sessions & Tours

Participate in guided campus tours and information sessions. These will allow you to explore campus, visit key facilities, and soak up the atmosphere. They will also help you gain valuable insights into the admissions process, financial aid, academic programs, and student support services.

7. Connect with students & faculty

Meet with current students and faculty members in your area of academic interest. Their perspectives can fill in the gaps of your college visit and help you make an informed decision.

8. Explore the surrounding Area

It is also important to allow time to explore the surrounding area beyond campus. With that in mind, check out nearby neighborhoods, coffee shops, restaurants, local attractions, and amenities to get a sense of what it would be like to live in the area. Four years is a long time after all!

9. Reflect & debrief

Take time to reflect on your experience after each campus visit. Write down your impressions, pros and cons, and other relevant observations. Trust us, colleges start to look and feel the same after a while, so this exercise will help you keep track of your thoughts.

10. Don’t forget to have fun!

Visiting college campuses is an excellent way to imagine yourself as a student and evaluate if a particular college is right for you. These experiences are also a right of passage, so savor the process and create special memories along the way. With this in mind, start compiling those road trip playlists, and get ready to hit the open road!

11. Bonus Tip: Save your child from cringeworthy moments!

If you are a parent gearing up for college visits with your high schooler this summer, click here for a sidesplitting and must-read checklist that will save you from becoming a walking embarrassment to your child while on campus. Thanks to The New Yorker Magazine for this hilarious gem!

And lastly, A few useful resources…

  • To help you prepare for your upcoming roadtrips, we have created a Campus Visit Research Tool & Checklist. Just click on the link below, and we'll send it straight out to you.

Contact KQ: An Expert guiding Voice

Working with an educational consultant can streamline the college admissions process and alleviate stress. Keating Quigley is here to help if you'd like to learn more about how to prepare for campus visits - or any other aspect of the college search. We're always just a phone call or email away!

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Founding Partners | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

Rising seniors: Get Ahead This Summer!

As the academic year draws to a close, rising seniors are contemplating ways to make the most of their downtime, delve deeper into their college search, and simultaneously savor the carefree days of summer.

Every student's journey is unique, but it's important to have a strong and structured plan in place, no matter what their individual focus may be. As summer approaches and the planning begins, here are some helpful tips to help rising seniors get the most out of their summer and guide them toward success:

Volunteer or intern: Engaging in volunteer work or an internship within a desired field is an advantageous way to acquire valuable experience and cultivate new skill sets.

Get a job: A summer job not only provides valuable work experience that looks good on a resume, but it also helps to broaden horizons.

Prepare for standardized tests: If your child plans to take the SAT or ACT in the fall, they should use the summer to prepare and take practice tests.

Work on a resume: To save time in the fall, rising seniors should make the most of the summer months by dedicating time to refining their resumes to include work experience, leadership roles, community service commitments, accolades, etc.

Explore extracurricular activities: The summer provides an excellent opportunity to explore new extracurricular pursuits, such as joining a sports team or taking up a new hobby.

Start tracking activities and achievements: The activities log is an important but time-consuming part of the Common Application. The summer provides the perfect opportunity for students to reflect on their activities and accomplishments since freshman year and organize them in a spreadsheet. This will save time when submitting applications in the fall.

Visit colleges: If your child is still unsure about which schools to apply to, visiting college campuses during the summer is a helpful way to narrow down options and start finalizing the school list. It’s also fun to spend one-on-one time with your child, so get those playlists and snacks ready for the open road!

Get a head start on the Common App essay: One of the most important pieces of advice we give our students is to begin working on the Common App essay before the demanding workload of senior year begins. Check out our recent blog, It's College Essay Season: Let's Get It Done!, for detailed information. In the meantime, here are some suggestions for crafting a solid first draft:

  • Break the piece down into manageable chunks

  • Generate ideas through brainstorming

  • Take it step-by-step to make it less overwhelming

  • Write rough drafts

  • Take breaks to refresh the mind

  • Seek out constructive feedback and encouragement

  • Reach out for additional assistance if necessary

KQ: a Helping Hand

If your rising senior is in need of help with their Personal Statement this summer - or any aspect of the college admissions process - KQ is here to lend a hand. Please contact us via email or phone to schedule a consultation. 

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Co-founders | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

Conquer Those End of Year To Do Lists!

There's no disputing it: time flies! And now that May is closing in, the last day of school will be here in the blink of an eye. With all the art shows, dance recitals, graduations, award ceremonies, field trips, team banquets, and recognition dinners, the final weeks of the school year can be a whirlwind. To help you stay an top of the craziness of it all, we’ve put together our top tips. Check it out…There’s something for everyone whether big or small!

What you can do At school…

1. Avoid ‘springitis’: Make sure your child puts in maximum effort right up to the last minute to ensure a strong end to the academic year. Consistency and accountability are crucial, so make sure they maintain their routine and stay on top of year-end projects, assignments, and finals.

2. Consider teacher options: If you think your child would react more favorably to a specific teacher’s personality and teaching style next year, now is the time to submit a request to the Division Head or Head of School. These discussions take place in early summer, so get to it!

3. Discuss class placement: Similarly, if you believe your child's classroom experience is being negatively impacted by a classmate or your child is too socially reliant on a friend, talk to their teacher and ask them to be placed in separate homerooms next year. Every child deserves the chance to grow into their own space at their own pace.

4. Crunch standardized test scores: And lastly, if you need guidance to decipher your child's recent standardized test scores and how they impact class placement, eligibility to advanced classes, or basic skills programs, contact your child's counselor, advisor, or teacher. They will help you make sense of the complicated percentile, stanine, and composite score data on the report.

What you can do At home…

1. Help your high schooler find a summer job:  Encourage your teen (assuming they’re old enough) to research summer employment or volunteering opportunities. Work experience is an excellent way to stay active over the long summer months and also teaches high schoolers the power of earning pocket money and helping others. And on another note: although the college application process might be a few years into your child's future, be aware that colleges prefer to see seasonal jobs listed in the Student Activity Log section of the Common App!

2. Sign your rising senior up for essay support: Summer is the ideal time for your child to work on the Common App essay before the demanding workload of senior year begins. Check out our recent blog, It's College Essay Season: Let's Get It Done!, for more info.

3. Show gratitude: There are most likely some staff members who made a positive impact on your child this year. Whoever they may be (a homeroom teacher, someone in the Main Office, the Head of School, or a member of the custodial staff), take time to thank them for their hard work and dedication personally. It may be a small gesture, but trust us, it goes a long way. 

4. Return & pick up ‘stuff’: Remember to trawl through closets and bedrooms at home and drop off IT equipment, library books, school supplies, or general classroom items on loan during the school year. Similarly, don't forget to pick up your child's yearbook, awards, art projects, etc., from the classroom before the last day of school.

5. Donate gently worn items: As the year winds down, this is the perfect opportunity to give your child's closet a once-over to determine what gently used uniforms and clothes to keep, donate, or toss. We promise you'll feel satisfied - not to mention lighter!

KQ: The Voice of Gentle Guidance & Reason

If you are looking for an educational consultant to advise you on any aspect of your child’s educational journey, email or call us. We’re always here to help...

Happy (almost) summer!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

It’s College Essay Season: Let’s Get It Done!

Hands up if you have a high school junior at home who is about to embark on their college essay journey and is furiously contemplating what to write!

While this can be a daunting process for many, at KQ, we remind our college applicants that this critical piece of writing is an opportunity to showcase their individual personalities and potential, have some fun - and stand out from the crowd. That is why we advise students to invest time in crafting a solid and memorable essay that reflects the essence of who they are. 

Getting started… 

Here are seven helpful tips for students preparing to pen an effective college essay:

  1.  Be genuine and original: Colleges want to understand the applicant's personality. We, therefore, encourage students to write about topics they are passionate about and reflect their personalities, interests, and values.

  2. Use a strong hook: Whether it is a personal anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a quote, we urge students to begin their essays with a strong ‘hook’ that grabs the reader's attention from the get-go and draws them in. 

  3. Show, don't tell: Instead of simply ‘telling’ the reader about them; we counsel students to use descriptive language and vivid details to showcase personal experiences and emotions. 

  4. Be specific: We cannot stress enough the importance of illustrating individual strengths. However, we always tell students to provide concrete examples and details to support arguments and reinforce their thesis or story.

  5. Stay focused: Going off on tangents is a major 'no-no,' so we caution students to be concise, stay focused, stick to the topic, and avoid getting sidetracked.

  6. Edit and revise: Producing a piece that flows well and is free of errors is paramount, so we drive home the need to edit and modify the essay multiple times. We also recommend students have someone read it to provide objective feedback.

  7. Be vulnerable: Above all, we encourage students to be unafraid of letting their voice and personality shine through.

Elements to Include

When it comes to structure, student should be mindful to include the following components in their college essay:

  • Introduction: Begin with a strong hook that grabs the reader's attention and provides context for the rest of the essay.

  • Personal story or anecdote: Share a personal story or anecdote related to the topic or theme to help the reader connect personally.

  • Reflection: Reflect on a personal experience or story to explain how it has influenced or shaped the writer.

  • Personality traits and values: Discuss individual personality traits and values that are important and how they relate to the topic or theme of the essay.

  • Accomplishments and achievements: Highlight some accomplishments demonstrating strengths and potential. Don’t be afraid to brag (within reason)!

  • Goals and aspirations: Discuss future goals and aspirations and how they relate to the topic or theme.

  • Conclusion: Wrap up with a firm conclusion that makes a strong impression on the reader and leaves them wanting more.

Lastly

To summarize, we constantly remind students that the key to turning out a strong college essay is to:

  • Dig deep, stay focused and don’t lose sight of the theme.

  • Find a voice: be authentic by bringing personal experiences to life.

  • Always demonstrate growth.

  • Use descriptive language: provide vivid details.

  • Solicit opinion: ask trusted people to provide feedback.

KQ is here to guide you!

So, if your student is looking for guidance with their college essay, email or call us. Our College Essay Specialist, Anne Connerty, has many years of expertise behind her, and is always happy to help!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

Rolling Admissions: There’s still time

Each year, right about now we receive calls from concerned parents. The most common refrain is, 'My child started the school year on a positive note, BUT….' 

Lurking behind the BUT lies explanations of how their child is not feeling challenged at school, they have lost their love of learning, their grades have dropped precipitously, they feel invisible, they have fallen between the cracks, or they are experiencing social-emotional challenges.

Other times, we hear from parents who recently learned they are relocating and as a result, are scrambling to figure out their child's educational options for the coming school year.

No matter the circumstances, parents ask if a move to a private day or boarding school is even feasible at this late stage in the academic calendar. Our answer to this question is invariably a resounding maybe. To move this maybe to the yes column, we encourage parents to ask themselves these probing questions:

  • What factors are in play?

  • What is their child's learning style?

  • Is this the right move for their child right now? And in the longer term? 

  • Are the schools on their list in sync with their personal philosophy of education?

  • Should they wait until next year in order to have more options?

So, if you are considering submitting a late application to an independent day or boarding school, read on for an overview of the rolling admissions landscape to get you on your way. 

First off, what are rolling admissions?

Rolling admissions is a process certain independent day and boarding schools use to enroll students after the initial round of acceptances is complete, allowing them to fill any remaining spots quickly and efficiently.

Schools typically review rolling admissions applications on a first-come, first-served basis and expedite applications accordingly. This practice can be beneficial to families who fall into the categories above. 

Each school may approach rolling admissions differently, so we impress on parents the importance of researching the specific policies of each school under consideration. Furthermore, we point out that while the rolling admissions timeline can be shorter, candidates are still required to complete the same components as first-round applicants (i.e., inquiry, application, interview, student visit day, testing, student essays) before a file can be reviewed. To this end, the Admissions Committee still needs to convene to assess each candidate before making a decision. 

The pros & cons

Like any admissions process, there are benefits and pitfalls involved in rolling admissions. Below are some of the most common:

Pros:

  • Flexibility: Rolling admissions allows families to apply to schools even after the first-round deadline has lapsed.

  • Shorter decision lead times: Rolling admissions can result in quicker admissions decisions.

  • Reduced stress: Families often enjoy a more personal, streamlined admissions experience.

Cons:

  • Available spots: Some schools may have already met enrollment goals for the coming year, making it less predictable that spots will be available in their child's grade.

  • Competition: Students compete for limited spots, which can be challenging if the school is particularly selective.

  • Limited possibilities: Not all schools offer rolling admissions, which can ultimately limit enrollment options and impact the educational 'fit.' 

What about financial aid?

Private schools with rolling admissions may offer financial aid to eligible families. Here are some factors to bear in mind:

  • Available FA funds: Financial aid budgets may already have been allocated during the first round of acceptances. We, therefore, encourage parents to be transparent about their need for support from the get-go. 

  • Apply early: We recommend applying for financial aid as early as possible to give the school more time to review the application and determine aid eligibility.

  • Understand the process: Each school may have a specific process for awarding financial aid, so we urge parents to read the school's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure the application is complete.

  • Be realistic: Not all families will qualify for financial aid, and the amount of aid awarded may vary depending on income, assets, and family size. 

So how do i move forward?

While it is definitely not too late to consider an independent day or boarding school application for this fall, we encourage parents to consider the following before committing to the rolling admissions process:

  • Be able to articulate the reasons behind the decision to apply. 

  • Understand the child's needs.

  • Does the school offer the right fit for the child and family?

  • Check with each school to understand specific policies and availability. 

  • Is it best to apply now for the fall or wait until next year?

  • Does the school still have financial aid dollars available?

If you answer all of these questions and still want to move forward with the process, please email or call Keating Quigley. With years of expertise behind us, we are always happy to listen, advise and guide you!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

The Two E’s of Summer Boarding School: Enrichment and Exploration

Now that winter is almost behind us, have you thought about your child’s summer plans? This is a great time to build their student profile. So, why not give them the opportunity to cultivate their passion for discovery, dive deep into academic exploration, hone a talent or try something new, and make lifelong friendships?

Consider these four reasons why a summer boarding school program might make sense for your child:

Academics: Explore a passion or try something new

As we know, students come in all shapes and sizes. Accordingly, there is a wide range of summer boarding school programs out there to meet their varied needs. Courses range from academic enrichment, foundational skill strengthening, transformative academic support and test prep. 

Signature Programs: Delve into a favorite subject

Whether your child is an aspiring science buff, a Picasso in the making, the next Oscar-winning actor or a wannabe Elon Musk, there’s a program out there! Expansive offerings cover topics such as environmental science, leadership, humanities, robotics, theater, dance, music, engineering, math acceleration, coding and so much more.


Athletics: Take skills to new heights

Does your child have game? Then why not help them improve their skills whether it’s perfecting their batting stance, fine tuning their jump shot, getting their speed into high gear or increasing their overall athletic prowess? There are extraordinary options to choose from that offer expert instruction and state-of-the-art-facilities.

Cultural Exploration: Cultivate New horizons

All boarding school summer programs offer students an exciting and immersive opportunity to live amongst a community of friends from around the world. At the same time, they learn from dedicated and experienced faculty members who share their expertise and passion. And if your child is considering boarding school as a long term option, it is a great way for them to test drive campus life to see if it’s a good fit. 

What’s next?

With so many choices out there, let us help you find the best program for your child this summer. Time is of the essence as spots fill up fast, so contact us soon to learn more about the endless possibilities!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants