Why These Next Six Weeks Will Define Your Student's College Journey

Dear Parents,

Picture your student's college journey as a long-distance race.

Early decision results aren't the finish line - they're the moment when the real champions separate themselves from the pack.

Right now, in admissions offices across the country, Regular Decision committees are gathering. Mid-year reports are being reviewed. And in homes across America, I'm watching families make critical mistakes that could have been avoided.

THE CURRENT REALITY

As someone who works with hundreds of families each cycle, I'm seeing three distinct patterns emerge this February:

1. The False Summit Syndrome
Students who received early acceptances are exhaling too soon. Like mountain climbers who mistake a mid-point ridge for the peak, they're easing up exactly when they need to maintain momentum.

2. The February Freeze
Students facing deferrals or denials are paralyzed, unsure whether to revamp their strategies or stay the course. They're standing still while others are gaining ground.

3. The Waiting Game Spiral
Students anticipating Regular Decision results are letting anxiety erode their focus, missing opportunities to strengthen their positioning during these crucial weeks.

WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS

Think of college admissions like tending a garden. What you plant in February determines what blooms in April and May. Here's what's actually happening behind the scenes:

For Early Acceptance Students:
• Admissions offices are reviewing mid-year reports with scrutiny
(Last year, I witnessed three acceptances rescinded due to significant grade drops)
• Financial aid packages are being calculated
(The difference between a strong and weak second semester can mean thousands in merit aid)
• Department-specific scholarships are being allocated
(Most families miss these opportunities entirely)

For Regular Decision Candidates:
• Admissions readers are looking for evidence of continued growth
(One of my students last year turned a Harvard deferral into an acceptance with their February update letter)
• Wait list strategies are being formulated
(May's wait list movement was the most active I've seen in 15 years)
• Merit scholarship committees are making final decisions
(Over 60% of merit aid decisions happen between February and March)

ACTIONABLE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE NOW

While each student's situation requires personalized strategy, here are three critical moves every family should make this week:

1. The Grade Security Audit
• Pull up current grades in every class
• Identify any downward trends since mid-year
• Schedule teacher conferences for any grade below A-
• Document any circumstances affecting performance

2. The Opportunity Scan
• Review all pending scholarship deadlines
• Check department-specific award opportunities
• Research summer program early deadlines
• Review housing priority deadlines

3. The Communication Check
• Draft update letters for top choice schools
• Document all achievements since application
• Prepare wait list strategy documents
• Review demonstrated interest documentation

THE MISTAKES I'M SEEING

Like a doctor who can spot early symptoms, I'm noticing patterns that concern me:

• Families assuming "likely letters" mean grades don't matter
(They do - dramatically)
• Students missing departmental scholarship deadlines
(These are often separate from general university aid)
• Families failing to document special circumstances
(Context matters more than ever in 2025ses)

Real talk: The next six weeks will define not just where your student goes to college, but how they start their college journey.

CRITICAL QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR STUDENT THIS WEEK:

1. "What's your plan for maintaining momentum in [their most challenging class]?"

2. "How are you documenting your recent achievements?"

3. "What's your strategy for each possible decision outcome?"

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What constitutes a "dangerous" grade decline?
A: Any drop of more than one grade level (A to B) raises flags. But even A- to B+ can impact merit aid decisions.

Q: Is it too late to influence Regular Decision outcomes?
A: Absolutely not. February updates can significantly impact decisions, especially with demonstrated interest becoming increasingly important.

Q: Should we appeal financial aid offers?
A: This depends on several factors, including competing offers and changes in circumstances. Timing and approach are crucial.

Q: What's the biggest mistake you're seeing right now?
A: Students assuming their early acceptances are "locked in" regardless of second-semester performance. This can be a costly misconception.

NEXT STEPS

While this guide provides a framework, each student's journey requires specific navigation. If you'd like to develop a detailed action plan customized to your student's situation, I invite you to schedule a February Strategy Session.

During our focused consultation, we'll:
• Analyze your current position with specific schools
• Identify immediate opportunities and risks
• Create a tactical plan through May 1st
• Address your specific concerns and circumstances

Click here to schedule your February Strategy Session

Remember: In college admissions, like in life, it's not about where you start - it's about how you finish.

Let's make sure your student finishes strong.

Best regards,
Kristina

P.S. Last year, I worked with a student who was deferred from UPenn early. The strategy we implemented in February led to acceptance at Cornell regular decision - with a significant merit scholarship. These outcomes aren't accidental. They're the result of knowing exactly what to do during these critical weeks.