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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
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July 2026



Back-to-School Shopping Tips for College Students



As families prepare for the start of college, dorm shopping is often at the top of the list. If your student is heading to college this fall, these resources can help you shop with confidence.


The College Board offers a free printable college packing checklist for first-year students that will definitely come in handy.


DormCo is an online resource providing a wide variety of affordable furniture, linens, organizers and more that will spruce up any dorm room!


Whether you are searching for bedding, furniture or supplies to organize your new study space, IKEA can help.


Pottery Barn also offers stylish dorm essentials that can be ordered online and picked up near your college campus.


Target makes dorm shopping easy with a wide selection of essentials, including bedding, furniture, decor, school supplies, and more at budget-friendly prices.


For additional affordable options to furnish your dorm room, consider the extensive selection of bedding sets and furniture at Wayfair.


Check out Dormify, which is dedicated to helping college students creatively furnish dorm rooms and apartments. You can also consider Dorm Essentials Co. if you would like assistance with dorm room design, shopping, and setting up your room on move-in day.


Finally, don't miss recommendations from this New York Magazine article "Everything You Need to Outfit Your College Dorm" in order to narrow down your options and find what's best for your student.


Happy shopping as you prepare for this exciting new chapter!


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 our top article picks for this month:


"An Ivy League professor suspected AI cheating, so he decided to fight back" in The Washington Post


"Trump administration caps how long international students can stay in the US" from The Associated Press


"ETS Acquires Standardized Test Provider ACT" from Inside Higher Ed


"What does the Supreme Court's transgender athlete ruling mean for higher ed?" in Higher Ed Dive


"I'm a College Professor Inflating Grades. I Need Help." in The New York Times


"Every Ivy Requires Test Scores by 2028" from CollegeHelpGuide


ACT and SAT Dates

If you are searching for test dates for 2026, please visit this website or review the 2026-2027 ACT & SAT Test Dates chart below. 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


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.


15 on the 15th: Liberal Arts Colleges Across the U.S. is a group of 15 colleges that will be offering virtual events for prospective students on the 15th of each month through October 2026. This group includes Bates College, Skidmore College, Wesleyan University, and others. For additional information and to register, please read 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 offers valuable insights on the distinctions of the individual colleges and the opportunity to speak with their admission staff. The next event is on September 12.


NEACAC (New England Association for College Admission Counseling) will be offering in-person college fairs this fall throughout New England starting in September


Coalition for College is offering multiple panel discussions and workshops 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.


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


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


Student Success Kit from Beyond BookSmart


With the start of school on the horizon for many students, now is the time to start thinking about the critical skills needed for success in the classroom and at home for the coming year. Beyond BookSmart has been helping students strengthen Executive Function skills (time management, organization, etc.) and reach their potential since 2006. Download their free Student Success Kit and discover tools, strategies and more to help students start school on a high note and continue successfully throughout the year.

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