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Popp & Associates is dedicated to providing expert college admissions guidance to students and their families. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with your college counseling needs.

Popp & Associates

354 Washington Street

Suite 225

Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

781-859-9116 phone

781-203-0019 fax

poppandassociates.com

February 2026

5 Priorities to Keep in Mind

for High School Course Selection

Many high school students are currently reviewing their course options for the 26-27 school year. Course selection is a very popular topic in our client meetings with 9th-11th graders at this time of year, so we wanted to share a few helpful tips to support families during this process. The decisions that students make regarding course selection can have both short-term and long-term impacts in their high school career.

In addition, high school graduation requirements do not always align with colleges' expectations for coursework completed prior to enrollment. It is crucial to understand and consider both.

Take a thoughtful and careful approach as you finalize your classes for next year, and don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.

Choose at least 5 core academic classes from the following departments: English/humanities, science, history/social studies, foreign language, and math. If you don't plan to cover all 5 bases, you should double up and take 2 classes from one of the remaining 4 academic areas.
Students should maintain their current level of academic rigor in their classes or increase it. However, if a student is struggling in a class, they should consult with their teacher and school counselor regarding the most appropriate course option for next year.
Listen to your teachers! They know the curriculum best. If they have reservations about recommending you for a class, pay careful attention to their feedback.
Do not choose classes just to be with your friends. Select courses that are a good fit for your needs and abilities and prioritize challenging yourself academically. Lastly, keep in mind your school's graduation requirements and make sure you are on track to fulfill them as you choose your classes.
If you have questions or concerns about a course and whether or not it will be a good fit for you, speak to your current teacher(s), an academic department chair, your school counselor, and other students who have taken the class. Do your research and make sure you understand what the class entails as far as coursework, grading policies, etc. before you make a final decision.

Need assistance finalizing your course selection for next year? Please get in touch. We are happy to help!

News For High School Families

P&A is happy to share news about college admission, financial aid and other topics of interest for high school families. Here are some of the articles recently mentioned in our social media:

"3 Reasons Why Momentum For 3-Year College Degrees Is Growing" from Forbes

"College can be a big life change. How can students navigate mental health challenges?" from WBUR

"The great computer science exodus (and where students are going instead)" in TechCrunch

"Harvard Proposes Capping A's to Curb Grade Inflation" in The New York Times

"The Fight Over Community College Bachelor's Degrees" in Inside Higher Ed

"Major changes to student loan borrowing and repayment are coming. Here's what to know" from PBS

ACT and SAT Dates

If you are searching for test dates for 2026, please visit this website. To learn more about our recommended test preparation services, please click here.

In addition, we are sharing a helpful guide from the College Board that addresses common questions about the SAT, including when scores will be available, how to interpret score reports, etc. To learn more about the new ACT, including specific changes to the exam, please read here.

Upcoming Events for Families

save the date pencil writing over a white paper

In the coming weeks and months, valuable FREE workshops and other college admission outreach events for high school families will be offered. All events are open to the public.

Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL ) will be offering information sessions and colleges fairs throughout the US beginning on March 7 in Boston.

Ashland High School will host the MetroWest College & Career Fair on March 14. Students will be able to meet with college admission officers as well as representatives from various professions.

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School will host a college fair on March 14. Students and families will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from colleges, as well as gap year and internship programs. To learn more, click here.

The directors and deans of "Eight of the Best Colleges" join forces to provide college-bound students and their families with information about eight top colleges in the United States. The 90-minute program provides valuable insights on the distinctions of the individual colleges and the opportunity to speak with their admission staff. The next event will be held on March 24.

The Education Cooperative is hosting a college fair at Westwood High School on March 25 beginning at 6:00pm.

NEACAC (New England Association for College Admission Counseling) will be hosting college fairs beginning in late March-May. Read here to find a fair near you.

TeenLife is offering a virtual summer opportunities fair on April 9. Registration for the event is required. To learn more, click here.

NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) is hosting free virtual and in-person college fairs during the winter and spring. These fairs are very well attended by colleges located throughout the country and abroad. They provide an ideal opportunity for students to learn more about their schools of interest. The NACAC National College Fair will be held in Boston on April 27-28. To register for a college fair, please click here.

GO Overseas is hosting free webinars this semester. Attend an event and discover diverse gap year opportunities available for teens. To learn more, click here.

Coalition for College is offering multiple panel discussions and workshops during the winter covering a wide range of topics related to the college search and application process. All events are free. Parents and students are encouraged to attend.

MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) is offering events for both parents and students. Learn about college financing options, college admission and more.

Website Pick of the Month

Summer Internships for Teens

If you are exploring summer options for your teen in the Boston area, don't miss The Education Cooperative (TEC), which hosts an oustanding internship program for high school students. Participants work with employers in various industries and gain valuable skills while exploring careers of interest. To learn more and apply, please read here.

Stay Connected with P&A!

ACT and SAT Dates﻿

ACT and SAT Dates