Monthly Notes, December 2019
College Admissions Updates for Parents & Students
In the Headlines




How to Spend Your Winter Break
For seniors, much of the heavy lifting of college application work will be done long before school gets out for the winter holiday, but for juniors, the school break is an opportunity to be productive in a number of ways, including:

  • Volunteer work (particularly if you can link this endeavor with an already-established interest)
  • Test prep (for spring SAT or ACT exams)
  • Pursuing a passion or interest
  • Completing an independent project for a class
  • Internships or jobs
  • Language immersion activities
  • College visits

This isn't to encourage a complete lack of downtime— we know you need it— but rather to think of the break between exams and the spring semester as an opportunity to engage (intellectually, emotionally, creatively, etc.) with something that is purposeful and meaningful to you.
A&M Admissions Changes Ahead
For Texas students who want to become Aggies, the road to admission will be a little different for future applicants. Announced earlier this year, A&M is removing the automatic admit path that for students in the top 25% of their class (who also met certain test minimums). Beginning with applicants for the fall 2021 semester, only Texas students who are in the top 10% of their class will be granted automatic entry to A&M—all other students will be considered under holistic review. What does this mean? It means that all of the other pieces of the admissions puzzle—essays, extracurriculars, jobs, service, personal qualities, etc.—will all take on more importance in this more competitive A&M admissions landscape.
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Why the PSAT Matters
I don't want anyone running out and signing their children up for test prep for the PSAT, but the standardized test—administered nationally to 11th graders in the fall—does deserve a bit of attention. Here's why:

  • It can give you a general idea of how you will score on the SAT, showing weaknesses and strengths you can use to develop your study plan for the SAT. (And if your score isn't what you hope, consider taking a practice ACT to see if that test is more suited to your skills/style.)

  • You can use your PSAT scores to help jumpstart your college list building (mapping your scores to the ranges listed on college profiles).

  • High scores on the PSAT can reap big rewards—being designated as a National Merit Finalist or National Hispanic Scholar are noteworthy honors for applications—including substantial merit awards at a number of colleges. (For more on national recognition programs, visit College Board's website here)
Giving the Gift of College
College is transformative for every student. But for first generation students, the college experience can be transformative for entire families, changing their trajectory for generations. It is one of the reasons I value my volunteer work with ScholarMatch, an organization that pairs first-gen students with mentors to help guide them through the college process. This season of giving, please consider donating to one of the worthy organizations dedicated to increasing equity and access to college.
Upcoming Test Dates

March 14, 2020 (Register by Feb 14)
May 2, 2020 (Register by April 3
June 6, 2020 (Register by May 8)


December 14, 2019 (Register by Nov 8)
February 8, 2020 (Register by Jan 10)
April 4, 2020 (Register by Feb 29)
June 13, 2020 (Register by May 8)
July 18, 2020 (Register by June 19)
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