When most families envision the college journey, they picture the classic scene: moving into dorms on a fall day alongside hundreds or thousands of other freshmen. While this traditional path works well for many students, colleges now offer several alternative start dates that might better suit your child's needs and goals.
These alternative starts can provide valuable flexibility for students who want or need a different timeline. Some students benefit from extra preparation time, while others might find that a non-traditional start actually increases their chances of attending their school of choice. Many families are surprised to learn about these options, which often first come up during the application process.
Spring start programs, beginning in January, can be particularly appealing. Universities frequently offer these programs because they know some students will graduate in December, opening spots for new arrivals. A spring start gives students additional time to prepare for college life and often means joining a smaller group of new students, potentially making the transition easier. Some colleges even offer spring admission to waitlisted students, making it a valuable path to eventually attending your preferred school.
Summer start programs offer another excellent option, typically through "bridge programs" that help students adjust to college-level academics.
The quieter summer atmosphere allows students to acclimate to campus life with fewer distractions, and they can spread their first-year coursework more evenly across three semesters instead of two.
Some university systems provide even more creative options, such as starting at a partner institution or different campus before transferring to the main location. Examples include beginning at a local community college or attending specialized freshman campuses such as Boston University College of General Studies, Northeastern University Scholars Program, and Middlebury College February Program.
However, families should carefully consider potential trade-offs. Traditional fall starts typically offer the fullest range of social opportunities, campus resources, and course selections. Students joining mid-year might miss some traditional freshman experiences or face more challenging course registration.
When exploring these options, ask colleges specific questions about how they support alternative-start students. Understanding the available resources and potential challenges will help your family make an informed decision that aligns with your student's goals and preferences.
Remember, there's no universal "right way" to begin college. The best choice is the one that sets your student up for success, whether that's a traditional fall start or an alternative path.
Private colleges across the United States have expanded their merit-based aid programs in response to competition from public institutions and affordability concerns. This strategy has made private education more accessible to middle-income families. According to the
National Association of College and University Business Officers, private nonprofit colleges reached a record average tuition discount rate of 56.1% for first-time, full-time students in 2023-24, meaning families typically pay less than half the published tuition rate.
Most highly-selective colleges only provide need-based financial aid. Many other selective private colleges have developed robust merit scholarship programs to attract exceptional students. These programs particularly benefit families who earn too much for substantial need-based aid but struggle with annual college costs exceeding $70,000. Top-tier institutions like Emory University, University of Southern California, and Duke University offer
competitive merit scholarship programs that can cover full tuition and additional expenses. Selection typically requires exceptional academic achievement, leadership experience, and community engagement, often involving interviews and supplemental essays. Less competitive options are the University of Rochester, Fordham University and Southern Methodist University.
Guaranteed scholarship programs have also expanded, offering assured funding based on specific academic criteria, typically combining GPA and standardized test scores. The test-optional movement has led many institutions to create alternative pathways for merit scholarship consideration, including portfolio reviews and comprehensive achievement evaluations. Many schools continue to offer guaranteed scholarships to National Merit Scholarship finalists, with some increasing award amounts to match rising costs.
Private colleges offer distinct advantages beyond financial considerations. Their student-centered learning environment, with smaller class sizes and frequent professor interaction, creates valuable opportunities for mentorship and collaborative research. These institutions have generally maintained strong student support services, including comprehensive academic advising, career counseling, and learning support services, while many public institutions face resource constraints.
The focus on holistic student development often results in stronger alumni networks and career placement services, offering long-term professional advantages. Additionally, private colleges maintain higher four-year graduation rates compared to public institutions, leading to potential savings through reduced tuition costs and earlier workforce entry.
As families evaluate college options in 2025, looking beyond published tuition rates is essential. Merit scholarships have transformed private colleges' financial accessibility, making them viable for many families who might otherwise dismiss them based on sticker price. The key is thorough research and strategic application, as well as understanding that strong academic performance can unlock significant merit aid opportunities.
For students beginning their college search, the message is clear: don't let initial price tags deter you from considering private colleges. With careful research into merit scholarship opportunities and a strong academic record, a private college education may be more affordable than anticipated when considering the total value of the educational experience and time to graduation. The transformation in college financing through expanded merit aid programs has created new opportunities for students to access private education.
Most students are anxious about taking standardized tests. Taking a good test prep course or working one-on-one with a tutor can help alleviate some of this anxiety by allowing students to become familiar with the exams and test-taking strategies. Here are some questions to guide you when looking for classes or tutors:
Who will be conducting the test prep? Some independent test prep tutors or those who work for larger companies are recent college graduates with high SAT/ACT scores when they took the exam in high school. Be cautious if this is the case. There is a difference between scoring well on an exam and being able to teach others how to do well. Be sure to ask the tutor or company about specific training and effective teaching, not just being a strong test taker. The best approach is either to use experienced educators as instructors, or at a minimum, ensure the instructors have had training in effective teaching practices.
Does the tutor or class incorporate anxiety-reducing skills? When evaluating courses or tutors, ask about their experience teaching anxiety management techniques. Look for those who incorporate mindfulness exercises, breathing strategies, and positive visualization alongside content preparation. These stress-reduction skills can significantly improve test-day performance.
What about students with learning differences? If your teen has a diagnosed learning difference or disability, look for test prep providers who have specific experience working with students with similar needs. Ask about the instructor's training and background in working with learning differences and their familiarity with common testing accommodations such as extended time or separate testing rooms. The best providers will be able to tailor their teaching methods to your teen's specific learning style and challenges, whether that's breaking down complex problems into smaller steps, using visual aids, or incorporating multisensory learning techniques. They should also be knowledgeable about the documentation required to apply for testing accommodations and be able to help students practice using their approved accommodations effectively during prep sessions.
Will the test prep address the digital SAT and ACT? Ask if the test prep is working with materials adapted to the new digital format of the SAT. Did they revise their test prep strategy in response to the new format of the test? Ask if they are up to date on the upcoming changes ahead for the ACT. How will they be adapting their materials in response to these changes? How are they getting their information? Are tutors taking the new tests? Are they waiting until test information is released officially by the College Board or ACT organizations?
What is the content of the test preparation and how are the sessions administered? Is time equally divided between the different sections of the exams, or are whole sessions devoted to specific sections? Is more time spent on particular sections or particular skills development? Additionally, ask how many full-length practice exams, using real exams, will be given – the more, the better. Also, ask how the practice exams are scored and shared with students. Do they get personal feedback on their strengths and weaknesses? Of course, students should always consider how they learn best and then look for programs that are a good match for their learning style. Some students will do best with private tutoring, while other students can do well in a group setting.
What materials will be used? The best test prep classes and tutors will use actual SAT and/or ACT exams for practice rather than create their own exams. While many test prep companies use their own proprietary study books, they should also incorporate the College Board’s and the ACT’s study guides into the classroom.
For group settings, what is the class size? Look for smaller groups, and be sure to ask how much time is allocated in each class session to answer individual questions.
What is the refund policy? If your child thinks the course isn’t helping after a session or two, can you get a refund? What happens if your child gets sick or has a scheduling conflict that requires dropping out of the course?
The best programs provide personalized attention while maintaining high educational standards. They should demonstrate a track record of success without making unrealistic promises about score improvements.
Look for programs that focus on comprehensive test preparation rather than quick fixes or guaranteed results. The goal should be finding a program that aligns with the students learning style and provides the tools needed for success on the first attempt.
The waiting is over. Admissions decisions have been made. And some very happy students now have the enviable problem of needing to decide which college they want to attend.
From now until the May 1 notification deadline, the tables are turned as admissions officers try to win over newly admitted students. There will be flattering letters, phone calls and invitations to fun-filled programs designed to get prospective freshmen excited about attending their school.
Remember that these programs will paint the school in the best light. Since you want to learn everything you can before making a final decision, it’s a good idea to look beyond the nice receptions and speeches. Some students skip these events, preferring to see the college on a more typical day. Others have been clear about their first choice school from the start and know where they want to be.
But even if you visited the college before you applied, it’s worth making another trip. Now that you’ve been admitted, you’ll probably see things differently. It’s no longer a fantasy. You need to walk across the campus and eat lunch in the dining hall and see if you can picture yourself at this school next year.
Whether you go to a special event or visit the school on your own, be sure to spend some time in the student union or library talking with students about the college. Better to find out now how hard it is to get into popular classes, or that everyone goes home on weekends, or that you’ll have no social life if you don’t join a fraternity or sorority. This is also the time to sit in on a couple of classes and talk to students in your proposed major.
If you’ve grown up in Los Angeles and are considering a college in Chicago, you might have the admissions office arrange for you to meet a student from California, so you can find out what it’s like to adjust to long cold winters. Talk to friends who have gone off to college on the East Coast and ask how they manage being far from home. Preferences can change during senior year, and students who start their college applications thinking they want to go across the country sometimes realize they want to be able to come home for a weekend. If any students from your high school are currently attending the colleges you’re considering, get in touch and ask if they’d make the same choice today. Getting as much information as possible will help you make an informed decision.
Comparing financial aid offers is another major factor in making your final decision. If attending your third choice college means you’ll graduate with little or no debt, that college might move up to first choice. Financial considerations could be especially important if you’re planning to go on to law, medical or graduate school.
It may seem like a huge decision, but if you applied to colleges that are good matches, there are no wrong decisions. You should have a great experience at any of the schools that have admitted you.
A week or two off! And it will be here sooner than you think. What will you do? Maybe the way things work out this year, you will not be spending the week on a sunny beach somewhere. You may be stuck at home, due to family or work scheduling conflicts. Happily for you, this could be an opportunity to do something surprisingly worthwhile. In a New York Times article ("Happiness 101"), a psychology professor at George Mason University asked his students to explore the distinctions between feeling good and doing good. In the course of the class, students were directed to "perform an act of selfless kindness." Across the board, these students learned that "doing good is good for you." Sure, it would feel good to lounge around all week hanging with your friends but what about exploring some opportunities to do good in your community?
In any community, you will find opportunities to "do good." Go online and use Google or check out craigslist. There may be listings for volunteer opportunities in your area. Check out Habitat for Humanity, local homeless shelters or organizations that routinely need volunteer helpers to pick up litter, plant trees, collect clothes, etc. You will not need any special skills – just a willingness to roll up your sleeves and pitch in. Who knows? You may discover that you are a valued contributor and they want you to come back – and that you want to keep helping out!
Using your Spring Break to volunteer can open up whole new worlds for you. If you have been looking for a way to explore some aspects of a career, you may be able to get in a week's worth of experience. It's a win-win situation: you are building some skills (and a resume, although that is secondary) and helping someone who really needs your help.
If you have particular skills, you might offer your services to people who could benefit from them – either with music, computers or reading. It isn't too soon to find out if you need any special training or clearance to do these sorts of things. Your local library might be a good place to learn about opportunities. If your school has a job board or a place where community service options are posted, start making it a point to check these out, starting today.
You never know what might come from "doing good." It could turn out to be the best way to spend your spring break and the beginning of a new passion.
A high school senior and her parents walked into the dining hall at Reed College and found many students eating alone. That was all they needed to see. While the intellectual rigor of the school appealed to her, this student also wanted a more social environment, and decided this wasn’t the place for her.
Atmosphere is something you don’t get from viewbooks and websites. There’s nothing like a campus visit to find out if a college is a good fit.
Often, students don’t know what they really want until they see a college. One student loved the idea of a lush, sprawling campus. But when she visited Connecticut College, with its 700 acres of greenery, woods and water, she thought it was too quiet and decided to look at schools with a livelier, bustling atmosphere.
The more colleges you visit, the better you get at evaluating whether the school is a match. That’s why it makes sense to start with local colleges, even if they’re not on your list. If you live in Los Angeles, visit UCLA and Occidental to get a sense of how a large public university is different from a small, private college. After visiting a couple of colleges, you’ll know what to look for, and will be in a better position to evaluate what you’re seeing.
On college trips, it’s tempting to see as many schools as possible. But visiting more than two schools a day becomes a frantic rush from one college to the next, with no time to fully experience each school. Plan on spending at least three hours on campus to allow time for a tour, information session and lunch in the dining hall. If there’s time, parents should give their child an hour on his own to imagine himself as a student at the school, while they check out the surrounding community.
While student tour guides are very knowledgeable, they’re also boosters of the school. That’s why it’s important to talk to other students. They have all gone through the college application process in the last few years, and they’re usually happy to share their wisdom. Ask what other colleges they applied to and why they chose this one. How has the school met their expectations or disappointed them? What kind of person is a good fit for this college? What do they love about the school and what would they like to change?
You also want to know if students have trouble getting courses they want. How many classes are taught by teaching assistants rather than professors? Get a feel for the intellectual climate by asking what the most popular classes are, how much time students spend studying, and what they do on weekends. Check bulletin boards for information about club meetings and internships. Pick up a school newspaper to see what issues are hot on campus as well as what lectures and concerts are scheduled.
For a prospective student, it comes down to a gut reaction. Does she feel excited being on this campus? Can she see herself walking to class, hanging out with these people? If she feels good about herself while she’s visiting this college, if she sees people she’d like to get to know, she’s that much closer to making a good match.