Latest news with #collegevisits
Forbes
11 hours ago
- Forbes
Touring College Towns With Teens: A Visit To Williamstown, Mass.
Not enough is written about taking teens on trips. Whenever you search on travel with families, or travel with kids, it's all about entertaining the elementary school and younger set. When my girls were little, a stop at an unfamiliar playground and ice cream was all we needed to set a jolly mood. Now, we may need an iced matcha latte or a book store—but always a thrift store. And ice cream still rules. Williamstown is a delightful stop — whether or not you have a teen touring colleges. getty Having recently embarked on the classic college visit rite-of-passage, I thought I would share some tips gained from overnights in New England college towns. My first stop is Williamstown, Mass., home to Williams College. It is tucked into the northwest corner of Massachusetts – take a wrong turn and you'll end up in Vermont or New York. Surrounded by the Berkshires, the town has four-season appeal, from summer hikes and fall foliage to winter skiing and spring flowers. Not to mention the famous Mass MoCA art museum just one town over in North Adams. Here is a cheat sheet for enjoying some family time with your teen between foot-weary campus tours and admissions lectures. The Williams Inn sits on the edge of campus, and a brief walk from Williamstown's charming main street. Ryan Bent Photography Sleep: The Williams Inn, in a stone farmhouse on the edge of campus, has a design-style that I would call modern-colonial. Pencil-post headboards, extra-comfy beds with Eurotop mattresses and common areas decorated with local Berkshire stone and timber elements soothe anxious parents while being hip enough for teens. There's a fireplace and board games in the lobby, and fire pits outside for debriefing after a tour. A complimentary self-serve beverage station on each floor of the 64-room property offers both sparkling and still water, as well as coffee and tea round-the-clock. And the fitness center is surprisingly well-equipped for such an intimate property. It anchors Spring Street, the main shopping and dining destination in Williamstown. The tiny downtown has everything a teen needs — a movie theater, a thrift store, and matcha lattes. getty Student eats: For 49 years, Pappa Charlie's Deli has been feeding diners on a hearty menu of breakfast omelettes, waffles and bagels, and more than 60 different sandwiches at lunch. Several offerings are named for the celebrities who invented them – many became regulars while performing at the storied Williamstown Theatre Festival. Apparently Neil Patrick Harris enjoyed grilled chicken, coleslaw, pickles, mustard and BBQ sauce on a toasted roll. Also represented are the mother-daughter duo of Gwyneth Paltrow (eggplant parmigiana with a side salad) and Blythe Danner (tuna, sprouts, tomato, swiss, avocado, and mayo on whole wheat). Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Matcha Latte: Tunnel City Coffee is always hopping – but there's usually space to sit down and enjoy that matcha latte or a coffee frappe. The beans for this locally owned spot are roasted down the street in North Adams, and the bakery serves up luscious croissants, muffins— stop by three times a week at 11 a.m. for chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven. The Clark Museum combines thoughtful exhibits with spectacular outdoor space. getty Experience: The Clark Institute, opened originally in 1955 to display Sterling and Francine Clark's extensive art collection, houses European and American paintings and sculpture, extensive collections of master prints and drawings, English silver, and early photography. While it was too hot for us to stroll the 140-acre campus, which includes miles of hiking and walking trails through woodlands and meadows, dotted with outdoor sculpture, we loved 'A Room of Her Own,' an exhibit happening through Sept. 14 featuring 25 female artists who were working in Britain during Virginia Woolfe's time. Shop: The hours are pretty limited at ABC Clothing Shop, but the mission is sound at this delightful thrift store. Since opening its brick-and-mortar shop in early 2024, the completely volunteer-operated shop donates all proceeds to local charities like Berkshire Food Bank North Adams and ROOTS Teen Center. At ROAM A Xtina Parks Gallery shoppers learn about the land, people, and wildlife of Africa while browsing a meticulously curated African Fair-Trade contemporary art space, dedicated to showcasing the craftsmanship and stories of African artists and artisans. Admire contemporary paintings, sculptures, fine art photography, furniture, jewelry, and home décor.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
A Parent's Guide to College Visits and Admissions
Experts share what to know, ask, and do at every stage. Fact checked by Sarah Scott Blink and your little one will headed to college. I speak from experience as my 16-year-old was a baby five minutes ago—I swear! And yet, here we are. Our college visit and admissions journey is well underway, but I'm still feeling very overwhelmed. We've made mistakes—including not thoroughly researching a school we trekked more than ten hours by car to visit. I can't be the first parent to find the college admissions process more than a little complex. Thankfully, there are experts who have been there, done that, and can help answer questions about everything from when to visit prospective schools to the difference between early decision and early action. The only thing they can't assist with? Getting me ready to say goodbye to my baby! College Visit Prep The very first step in planning college visits is having honest conversations about goals and values, says Irena Smith, a Bay Area-based college admissions expert, former Stanford admissions officer, and author of The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays. She tells Parents that this doesn't have to be a one-time 'big talk,' but getting on the same page about fundamentals, such as what you can afford, can save everyone a lot of heartache later. Next, it's all about planning ahead—as I learned the hard way. Before you set foot on a campus, do some preliminary research to ensure the visit is worth your time. Laurie Kopp Weingarten, CEP, President and Chief Educational Consultant of One-Stop College Counseling, recommends checking out majors, academic programs, student body size, location and surrounding area (including safety), and both academic and social opportunities before scheduling an on-campus visit. Cost is also a key factor. Jed Macosko professor of physics at Wake Forest University, urges parents to gauge whether a school is financially feasible before your child falls in love with it. College Visit Timing Once you have completed your school background checks, so to speak, Kopp Weingarten says you can start on-campus visits as early as freshman year. By junior year, students are typically ready to think more seriously about whether a college is the right fit. Experts agree this is the ideal time to visit. Start with schools within driving distance—and maybe even turn it into a mini-vacation by exploring local sites and attractions. But Marc Zawel, co-founder and CEO of AcceptU cautions, 'Don't over schedule.' He says families should visit one or two schools per day, max. As far as the season to plan a visit, summer is often more convenient for both parents and students. However, Kopp Weingarten cautions that campuses can feel empty, 'Since many college students won't be on campus, sometimes it's harder to get a true sense of campus life.' Spring of junior year of high school is often better, according to Zawel. Experts recommend not waiting until senior year to start visiting colleges, as that time is packed with schoolwork and college applications. Ultimately, Kopp Weingarten suggests exposing your student to a wide range of schools—big and small, urban and rural—to help them figure out what might suit them best. Planning a Productive College Visit After doing the leg work, you'll want to make your time on each campus as meaningful as possible for your family. Start by scheduling a campus tour, which in most cases can be done online. Otherwise, contact the admissions office for information. 'The self-guided tours, which are available on off-times, aren't great at showcasing the colleges,' warns Kopp Weingarten. 'Students walk around, looking at buildings, without having the tour guide bring the campus to life.' Also, book info sessions ahead of the visit—but be sure leave space for organic, unscheduled experiences at each school as well. 'Eat in the dining hall, grab coffee in the student center, read the school paper. Talk to random students, not just the tour guide,' Zawel recommends. Meeting with a professor from a study area of interest can also help students get a sense of the school, according to Kopp Weingarten. They may even be able to sit in on a class. Finally, Mocasko tells Parents that if your child already knows a student at the school, even casually, spending time with this person will give them insight into what life on campus is really like. As an added bonus, if they end up at the school, they will already have a friend. 'It will make the first year of college less scary!' he says. Questions to Ask During Campus Visits Parents naturally have questions about cost, financial aid, and safety on campus, but experts say that college visits are a perfect opportunity for kids to develop confidence and grow their independence. "I always suggest students take the lead on these visits,' Kopp Weingarten advises. 'Parents can accompany them, but they shouldn't be the one asking questions!' So, what to ask, you ask? Students should ask anything that helps them to envision daily life on campus. Depending on what they value most, some questions to ask include: How easy is it to change majors? What is a typical class size? How would you describe the political climate on campus? Does your school have a Greek system? Can you have a car on campus freshman year? How are the dorms set up? When can you live off campus? What are the meal plan options? Understanding the College Admissions Timeline Once you and your child have determined which colleges are at the top of their list, the next logical question is: When are applications due? The short answer is that it depends on how your child applies. If your child has fallen in love with a school, they may wish to apply early decision, or early action. It's important to know that early decision, which may be offered in two rounds, is binding, while early action is not. With early decision, Kopp Weingarten explains, 'The student, parent, and college counselor sign a binding contract stating that if the student is admitted, they must attend and also remove all other pending college applications.' If your child has their heart set on a certain school, then according to Kopp Weingarten, 'Typically, applying early decision greatly increases your chances of admission.' Early action, which is non-binding, is sometimes a strategic choice. Students can demonstrate their interest for a school without the decision being binding. Since they'll hear back earlier than with regular decision, applying early action can also take the pressure off, per Kopp Weingarten. Finally, some schools offer an admissions advantage to early action applicants. 'Others tie merit award eligibility to EA, making it a smart move financially as well,' she adds. With all of that in mind, here's a breakdown of various application deadlines for most colleges: Early Decision 1: Nov. 1 or 15 (hear back in Dec.) Early Decision 2: Early Jan. (hear before regular decision) Early Action: Similar deadlines to early decision (hear in Dec. or Jan.; decision due May 1) Regular Decision: January. May 1st will also often be the deadline to accept or decline. Rolling Admission: Renewal as received. Clearly deadlines will in large part determine when your child works on their applications, but in general Kopp Weingarten says that the summer before senior year is a good time to begin applications, request teacher recommendations, and complete financial aid forms. For student-athletes, the timeline is different, with the process kicking off as early as sophomore year. High school and club team coaches are great resources to help guide you through the process. It's also a good idea to reach out to other parents who have been down that road with their student athlete. They'll likely be happy to help you get a lay of the land. Supporting Your Teen Without Taking Over Experts emphasize that allowing your child to take charge during on-campus visits is a powerful way to help them feel self-assured and develop more autonomy. Maintaining an open dialogue about their process helps you support them, without taking over. Remember, keeping your child on track with college visits and applications is a parent's role—doing it for them is not. As Smith says, encouraging independent decision-making prepares kids to self-advocate and handle challenges down when you aren't there to provide guidance 24/7. Meanwhile, if they're unmotivated, she says, 'Yelling or lecturing is unlikely to motivate them.' And, according to Smith, a child who is showing little or no interest in the process may be signaling that they aren't ready to dive into it just yet. If you notice that your child seems stressed around the issue, it can help for parents to set boundaries around when and where you discuss college with your child. For instance, not at the dinner table, or on weekends. 'They're hearing about college from everyone—teachers, friends, and social media,' Smith assures parents. Finally, Smith encourages parents to find a hobby to keep their own minds engaged other than thinking about college. Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
Associated Press
03-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
IvyWise Introduces the Elevation Experience: a $300,000 Luxury College Tour Offering Expert Guidance and Exclusive Access
NEW YORK, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the college admissions landscape grows increasingly competitive, IvyWise, the world's leading educational consultancy, is launching The Elevation Experience — a curated, luxury service designed to streamline and elevate the college visit experience for families. Each college tour is led by at least one member of IvyWise's expert team of former admissions officers and supported by a dedicated tour coordinator. These personalized, high-touch experiences offer students tailored journeys to top selective universities — helping them build informed, balanced college lists and demonstrate interest in their top-choice institutions. 'We created this service in response to growing demand from families looking for a seamless, efficient, and expert-led way to explore colleges,' said Dr. Kat Cohen, founder and CEO of IvyWise. 'With our new Elevation Experience, families can visit multiple schools in a short timeframe while receiving tailored admissions insight — without having to worry about planning the logistics.' 'College visits are often one of the most stressful parts of the admissions journey — but they're also one of the best opportunities for parents and students to truly connect. Our Elevation Experience tours remove the hassle of traditional travel and the pressure of planning, allowing families to focus on what really matters: bonding and gaining expert insight that enhances every step of their college prep,' said Dr. Cohen. 'We take the stress out of the process and help families make the most of this important time together.' The four-day inaugural tour launches in October 2025 from New York City aboard a private Gulfstream G650 jet and includes selective Northeast colleges such as Columbia, NYU, Princeton, Yale, Harvard, MIT, and Georgetown. Additional U.S. and international tours are planned for 2026. One or more IvyWise admissions counselors — each with firsthand experience in both evaluating applicants at a top U.S. university and serving as a director of admissions at one of the schools on the tour — will accompany families throughout the trip. With personalized coaching before, during, and after each visit, families will gain maximum value from every stop on their tour. This includes preparing each student in advance with questions to ask in the information sessions. According to Dr. Cohen, 'It's like having unlimited access to an admissions counselor for the duration of the trip.' Students will receive customized research reports for every school on the itinerary, including information on academic programs, professors, research opportunities, clubs, and activities of interest — all tailored to the student's individual needs and profile. These reports prepare students to write their applications and get ready for interviews and are a critical tool in the admissions process. Follow-on services include comprehensive Application Reviews for seniors, and lower grade students will receive Strategic Planning Sessions, providing roadmaps of what they need to do between now and when they apply. Families will experience top-notch service each step of the way, traveling aboard a luxurious G650 private jet (or higher caliber) coordinated by ETA Jets, with private tarmac pickups and chauffeured luxury cars. To support sustainable travel, IvyWise will fully offset the carbon emissions associated with each tour. Accommodations will be at five-star hotels or resorts, such as the Four Seasons, complete with VIP concierge service and curated dining experiences. IvyWise is finalizing options for a designer luggage partner to streamline and elevate the college visit experience. 'Touring campuses under expert guidance empowers families to make confident, informed choices,' said Christine Chu, IvyWise counselor and former Assistant Director of Admissions at Yale and Georgetown Universities. 'The unrivaled access students will get to admissions counselors is what truly sets this experience apart. They're not just touring campuses — they're gaining a strategic edge in the admissions process with personalized insights at every stop. This kind of access is ideal when the goal is admission to the most selective institutions.' 'From flying on a G650 jet to having all hotels, meals, and travel expenses covered, along with extensive access to former admissions officers, bespoke research reports, and insider admissions strategies, and follow-on services — every detail is expertly managed,' said Dr. Cohen. 'When you consider everything included, it's a high-value investment in your student's future.' The all-inclusive rate is $300,000 per family (one student and one guardian) and covers transportation, lodging, meals, admissions counseling, tour coordination, personalized research reports, and post-tour services including Application Reviews/Strategic Planning Sessions. Anyone interested in joining the tour can contact IvyWise at (212) 262-3500 or [email protected]. About IvyWise: IvyWise is the world's premier educational consultancy, offering comprehensive services including college admissions counseling, K-12 school placement, early college prep, graduate school admissions counseling, academic advising, academic tutoring, test prep, research mentorship, and college tour services. For over 27 years, IvyWise has been dedicated to helping students apply to and get into their best-fit colleges where they will be happy and successful. The IvyWise team of expert college admissions counselors has over 440 years of collective experience in admissions at schools like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, UPenn, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, USC, and NYU, to name a few, as well as nearly 100 years of experience in college guidance roles at top independent and private schools, and has worked with thousands of students. While direct consulting services are available to IvyWise clients, robust resources are also available to all through the IvyWise website, blog, Just Admit It! podcast, webinars, and social media. IvyWise also offers a pro-bono Scholars program, serving 10% of their students at no cost to high-achieving, low-income students across the U.S. Media contact: Megan Zuckerman [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE IvyWise
