Talking with parents

Let me take a break from the usual blog posts to write about the success we've had with our PTSA College Presentations. Last fall we reached out to local PTAs and asked if we could share our knowledge of the college application process. The response was an overwhelming 'yes'. Even though most PTSA meetings are now remote via Zoom, there’s still great participation (PTSA parents are a dedicated group)! Since that first meeting in October with a PTSA just 30 miles down the road, we've presented at PTSA meetings from New England to Florida and out to Texas! We've even met with non-PTSA groups, presenting to both students and parents. During our 50-minute presentation and Q&A we discuss the ever-changing college application process, including topics like what 'optional' means with regards to standardized testing, the effects of remote learning in high schools, why academic performance is now harder than ever to measure, and how to emphasize personal strengths on each section of the application.

What we've learned ourselves when we give these presentations is that parents ask a lot of great questions. Applying to colleges has changed tremendously over the past 25 years - it’s even changed a great deal over the last five years! What worked then (good GPA and solid SAT/ACT scores) doesn't necessarily work now. In addition to that, many colleges are seeing double-digit percentage increases in the number of applicants. Figuring it all out can be a daunting process. Our presentation gets parents thinking about how and when their high school students can begin preparing for college.

As a reminder, this presentation is completely free. We realize it's important to give back. We don't charge for this, and we don't advertise or mention our other services during the presentation.

Here are some slides from a recent PTSA presentation.

Reach out to us and let us share our knowledge with your PTSA or other group.