I’m writing a personal blog to capture this family’s journey toward college: the courses, the exams, the books, guidance from counselors and family (some of them counselors, too), endless advice found online (especially from the college consultants), the visits, and the applications.
This is not an advice column; clearly, your mileage will vary. Rather this is what we did, what we saw, what we laughed about, and what I’ve read (and asked others in the house to read) along the way.
We’ll be doing this three times for our home-grown Mod Squad (let’s call ‘em Pete, Julie and Linc). I hope writing about it helps advance the learning curve. And I agree with Joan Didion, “I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means.”
Contact:
Jane Kulow
jbkulow at gmail dot com
This is wonderful Jane! I’ve shared your blog with my 17 and 13 year old nieces and my sister-in-law and know they will find it tremendously helpful! Thanks!!
Thanks so much, Maia!
Great blog – I have been enjoying reading it. It is fun to read about the college admissions process from a family going through it now (as well as the stories that you find relevant now). After reading your “About Me” section, I thought I should reach out. I am a Southern Virginia native (just go down 29 South until you hit NC) and a UVA alumnus – so I know the Central Virginia area well. I also just started a company (CollegeSolved – http://www.collegesolved.com) focused on the college admissions process. We have an innovative college search function, the largest searchable database of independent educational consultants and a network of current college students who serve as campus ambassadors, ready for private phone calls with high school students. We think the offering is exciting and different from anything else available today – taking the search from virtual to personal. If you have any interest in learning more, please reach out to me. We are always happy to talk about our business!
Thanks for the info, Hayward. I’ll take a look at CollegeSolved.
This can be very helpful!
Thanks, Kathy. I hope so!
Hi Jane,
This is fantastic. I’ve enjoyed reading about the process you’re going through and nervous that the time for me to be there is approaching too fast!
Thanks, Mozy! So much has changed since we were applying to get into college; and I keep learning more every step of the way. Glad to hear from you!
Thanks very much for including Piedmont Virginia Community College in your blog’s right navigation section entitled “Colleges Visited”. The hyperlink, though, appears to send readers to a Web site other than to PVCC’s. I don’t want your readers to miss a great college! The URL for PVCC’s Web site is http://www.pvcc.edu. Thank you for double-checking it. FYI that a recent article in “Money” magazine (Sept. issue) focused on the options for obtaining a college education affordably. PVCC was mentioned in the article since community colleges are a viable way to begin a bachelor’s degree. Many PVCC students transfer to U.Va., Va. Tech, James Madison University, VCU, William and Mary, and other institutions to complete their four-year degree. Some of your readers may be interested in this article: http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/pf/college/1109/gallery.college_savings_strategies.moneymag/3.html
Best wishes, Anita Showers, Marketing and Media Relations Manager, PVCC.
Thanks so much for this, Anita. I tweeted about that article in Money — what a great mention! I think it deserves more attention, too. And, gee, I need to write a Wednesday Weekly Reader post!
Great blog! This is a wonderful combination of your personal adventure in this college process and lots of useful information for all readers. Thanks for sharing your story and research with everyone. I have a blog that might be of interest and helpful to both you and your readers – http://www.collegeparentcentral.com. It’s specifically for parents of college students and soon-to-be college parents. Please visit, check it out, and feel free to share with your readers! I look forward to continuing to read your posts.
Vicki – College Parent Central
Thank you for your comment, Vicki. I enjoyed reading your posts at College Parent Central — especially that One Question your student should ask every semester! Thanks for the link.
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