The "Backdoor" to Your Dream School + Why Executive Function Matters
Happy Thursday!
The college admissions world never seems to slow down—and honestly, that's why we're here! Every week brings new headlines, policy changes, and trends that can make it hard for families to keep up. We've rounded up the biggest stories, expert insights, and must-know tips so you don't have to. Let's dive in…
In this issue:
🎓 A new "backdoor" some students are using to attend their dream schools
🏈 NCAA approves major eligibility changes for Division I athletes
🤖 Can honor codes survive in the age of AI?
💼 What today's college students need to succeed after graduation
📚 Why an academic coach can make a difference once your student gets to campus
🛏️ Our interns test the Sleepyhead mattress topper (plus an exclusive discount!)
🛍️ Fresh dorm room inspo 👀 A sneak peek at something BIG launching soon
✨ Make sure to follow us on INSTAGRAM for daily tips, trends, and must-know moments along the college journey!
STUDENTS ARE USING A 'BACKDOOR' TO ATTEND THEIR DREAM SCHOOLS
Justin Helman didn't get his dream acceptance from the University of Florida. But that isn't stopping him from pursuing the classic college experience there. The recent high-school graduate from Park Ridge, N.J., is set to move into a private apartment right by campus. He is enrolling in a UF online program for the first few semesters and paying an extra fee package to access services like the campus gym and student-section football-game tickets. He plans to study at the library, join clubs and might rush a fraternity. READ MORE HERE
NCAA PANEL APPROVED NEW ELIGIBILITY RULES GIVING DIVISION I ATHLETES 5 YEARS TO PLAY 5 SEASONS
Eager to lessen the chaos of the transfer portal era and court fights with players trying to extend their careers, the NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes on Tuesday that will allow five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. READ MORE HERE
CAN AND SHOULD HONOR CODES SURVIVE IN THE AI AGE?
Experts agree that honor codes are not working like they used to. How they should be reformed—and whether it's worth reforming them—is up for debate. The already-small number of colleges with full-fledged, student-enforced honor codes is dwindling. After a three-year pilot of proctored exams, Stanford University student, faculty and administrative leaders decided in April that the university will allow proctoring of all in-person tests starting in September. Princeton University faculty approved a similar plan a month later. In making those decisions, both institutions grappled with students' increasing use—sanctioned and not—of artificial intelligence. READ MORE HERE
WHAT TODAY'S COLLEGE STUDENTS NEED THAT PREVIOUS GENERATIONS DIDN'T
For high school graduates about to head off to college, the news is alarming: The degree they're about to pursue might not land them the job they want. College grads are facing a tough job market, with headlines almost daily declaring their prospects "grim" or "shrinking" or call their "hiring woes" a "job market hell." READ MORE HERE
HOW AN ACADEMIC COACH CAN HELP YOU IN COLLEGE — By Sarah Cowert
The lists are everywhere right now. Twin XL sheets. A shower caddy. The little fan that clips onto the bed frame. The boxes piling up are the reward for years of hard work. But beneath all the packing is a quieter question: Will they be okay once the car pulls away?
Academic Coach Sarah Cowert explains why building executive functioning skills—like time management, organization, prioritization, and self-advocacy—can make all the difference in helping students succeed once they arrive on campus. READ MORE HERE
MOVE-IN DAY IS AROUND THE CORNER!
We asked our Staples High School interns to put the Sleepyhead mattress topper to the test—and it earned rave reviews. Whether you're heading off to college or upgrading your dorm bed, a quality mattress topper can make all the difference for better sleep.
BONUS: Our readers can save $80 with code CCORNER80.
Check out our interns TOPPER REVIEW! | [SHOP SLEEPYHEAD HERE]
❤️ DORM ROOM INSPO ❤️
Soon you'll be moving into your new home away from home. We've rounded up some of our favorite bedding, décor, organization, and move-in essentials to create a space that's both functional and feels like you. We'll be adding new finds to our new SHOPMY storefront all summer long, with many collections styled by our interns who know exactly what students are loving this year.
Check out this red and gold room styled by our intern Reese (heading to Wisconsin this fall).
👀 SNEAK PEEK
We've been working behind the scenes on something designed to make the college journey a whole lot easier. Here's a little glimpse... More soon!
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