Bright Futures are Blooming!

Did someone forward this to you? Subscribe to this newsletter.

MONTHLY ROUNDUP

NEWS, TIPS, & RESOURCES FROM

BRIGHT FUTURES COLLEGE CONSULTING

Bright Futures are Blooming!

It’s springtime, and our students are working hard to prepare for the next stage of their lives.

We are swelling with pride for the Class of 2021! Seniors have heard back from most of their colleges (Ivy Decision Day is April 6). Most are finalizing their college decisions by analyzing housing and financial aid offers. Their bright futures are just ahead of them, and they are in the final planning stretch.

Stay strong! Summer is right around the corner, so don't loose your academic steam! Remember to send your final transcript to your college.

Juniors, let's go! Class of 2022 is diving into college research and getting campus tours on the books. We have some great tips to help you plan and research without getting overwhelmed. There’s a lot to take in! But you don’t have to do it all at once or on your own. However, the sooner you start, the less stressful the process will be.

Bright Futures college counselors are here to help!

Keep on keepin’ on!

The Bright Futures Team

Our New & More Powerful Software

We are excited to announce our partnership with College Planner Pro. Streamlining the college application process has never been easier now that we’re using this powerful college research and project management software. Your counselor will introduce you to the software soon.

What You Need To Know About College Tours

Our team recently traveled to Texas A&M Galveston for a visit. It's an amazing opportunity to see college life in person with your own eyes. With the end of statewide COVID-19 restrictions, campuses are opening up. Many Texas colleges are now allowing campus tours, but space is limited. Be sure to book weeks in advance, so you don’t show up only to miss out. Here are our Top 10 tips for a Successful Campus Tour.

Discover More at a Virtual College Fair

To help students and their parents prepare for college and the application process, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) will be hosting Virtual College Fairs throughout the spring.

4/10 Western U.S. Fair
4/20 Southeastern U.S. Fair
5/2 College Fair

Click here to learn more and register for the Virtual College Fairs!

Our Upcoming Workshops

Resume Workshop

April 18 at 3-3:50pm CST

College Major Workshop

April 18 at 4-5pm CST

Paying for College

April 26 at 8pm CST

(registration coming soon)

Summer College Essay Workshops & Application Workshops

Throughout the summer. Stay tuned for session dates!

CLASS

OF 2021

SENIORS

Financial Aid Offers Are Not Final

Seniors, you don’t have to accept the first round of financial aid offers. If you feel that you weren’t offered enough financial assistance, file an appeal! Learn the right steps to negotiating your financial aid offer.

Is your financial aid letter confusing? This article breaks down a sample financial aid award letter to help you gain clarity.

Unpredictable Admission Outcomes, and it's not over yet!

The pandemic has changed just about everything in this field. While applications are way up at some universities (and thus more selective), they are way down at others (creating opportunity). In past years, historical trends, market behavior, and student data made predicting enrollment chances easier, but the pandemic has removed many of these indicators. This Fortune article details some of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in college admission this year.

All that aside, when you aren't offered admission, it’s hard. One of our seniors offers advice on navigating uncomfortable feelings after being denied a seat in a college’s freshman class. Take a minute to read these valuable insights from someone who has been in your shoes.

CLASS

OF 2022

JUNIORS

Find the Right Academic Program for you

Okay, you’re getting into the “nitty gritty” of your college research now. Exploring academic programs and majors can be hard! Here is a step-by-step video to help you research and compare across colleges on your list.

Explore Unconventional College Majors

While you are researching colleges and planning for summer campus visits, remember to imagine what you want to get out of your college experience. Think outside the box and check out these unconventional and unique college majors.

Mix In Some Responsibility To Your Summer

Summer is the perfect time to dip your toes into a bit of responsibility. You could get a job, find volunteer opportunities, or even help out with some family responsibilities. Here is a great list of summer job ideas to get you started.

Nature Lovers: Colleges for You!

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to college. Check out these colleges Dr. Dennard recommends for the “outdoorsy” types. Because being in the right place can elevate your entire college experience..

CLASS

OF 2023

SOPHOMORES

Balance Your Summer With Enrichment & Your Version Of Relaxation

While you’re looking ahead at your summer remember to take it all in stride. While it’s tempting to pack your summer calendar, it’s important to include time to recharge. This may look different from one person to the next, so identify what “recharging” means to you.

Show initiative, explore your interests, and really make an impact!

Whether it’s a project you’ve launched on your own or serving at a local organization, volunteering is worth it. Opportunities include: baking cupcakes for foster families, being a virtual reading buddy, dog photographer at animal shelter, and Astros games concession worker. Quite the variety!

Virtual and in-person opportunities can be found at Volunteer Match, Volunteer Crowd, Volunteer Houston, and Idealist.

Parents, give your teen a hug

Have you seen this video? “Numb” by student Liv McNeil captures how a pandemic loop might feel to your teen. They need lots of hugs this time of year!

Varsity Blues

College Admission topics are trending! Take a look at what we’re watching:

(Important note: Bright Futures’ counselors are members of NACAC, HECA and IECA which holds us to the highest standards in the profession)

Counselor Spotlight

Elana Guerra

As Bright Futures’ Director of Operations & College Counselor, Elana has felt the magic of opening students’ eyes to their possibilities. Looking back at her own high school and college experience, she remembers the relationships much more than the accolades. Proof that there is no one-size-fits-all college major, Elana’s expertise and experience help bring light to her students’ potential. Read more about Elana and the path she took to find her perfect career.