It’s College Essay Season: Let’s Get It Done!

Hands up if you have a high school junior at home who is about to embark on their college essay journey and is furiously contemplating what to write!

While this can be a daunting process for many, at KQ, we remind our college applicants that this critical piece of writing is an opportunity to showcase their individual personalities and potential, have some fun - and stand out from the crowd. That is why we advise students to invest time in crafting a solid and memorable essay that reflects the essence of who they are. 

Getting started… 

Here are seven helpful tips for students preparing to pen an effective college essay:

1.  Be genuine and original: Colleges want to understand the applicant's personality. We, therefore, encourage students to write about topics they are passionate about and reflect their personalities, interests, and values.

2. Use a strong hook: Whether it is a personal anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a quote, we urge students to begin their essays with a strong ‘hook’ that grabs the reader's attention from the get-go and draws them in. 

3. Show, don't tell: Instead of simply ‘telling’ the reader about them; we counsel students to use descriptive language and vivid details to showcase personal experiences and emotions. 

4. Be specific: We cannot stress enough the importance of illustrating individual strengths. However, we always tell students to provide concrete examples and details to support arguments and reinforce their thesis or story.

5. Stay focused: Going off on tangents is a major 'no-no,' so we caution students to be concise, stay focused, stick to the topic, and avoid getting sidetracked.

6. Edit and revise: Producing a piece that flows well and is free of errors is paramount, so we drive home the need to edit and modify the essay multiple times. We also recommend students have someone read it to provide objective feedback.

7. Be vulnerable: Above all, we encourage students to be unafraid of letting their voice and personality shine through.

Elements to Include

When it comes to structure, student should be mindful to include the following components in their college essay:

• Introduction: Begin with a strong hook that grabs the reader's attention and provides context for the rest of the essay.

• Personal story or anecdote: Share a personal story or anecdote related to the topic or theme to help the reader connect personally.

• Reflection: Reflect on a personal experience or story to explain how it has influenced or shaped the writer.

• Personality traits and values: Discuss individual personality traits and values that are important and how they relate to the topic or theme of the essay.

• Accomplishments and achievements: Highlight some accomplishments demonstrating strengths and potential. Don’t be afraid to brag (within reason)!

• Goals and aspirations: Discuss future goals and aspirations and how they relate to the topic or theme.

• Conclusion: Wrap up with a firm conclusion that makes a strong impression on the reader and leaves them wanting more.

Lastly

To summarize, we constantly remind students that the key to turning out a strong college essay is to:

• Dig deep, stay focused and don’t lose sight of the theme.

• Find a voice: be authentic by bringing personal experiences to life.

• Always demonstrate growth.

• Use descriptive language: provide vivid details.

• Solicit opinion: ask trusted people to provide feedback.

KQ is here to guide you!

So, if your student is looking for guidance with their college essay, email or call us. Our College Essay Specialist, Anne Connerty, has many years of expertise behind her, and is always happy to help!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

Rolling Admissions: There’s still time

Each year, right about now we receive calls from concerned parents. The most common refrain is, 'My child started the school year on a positive note, BUT….' 

Lurking behind the BUT lies explanations of how their child is not feeling challenged at school, they have lost their love of learning, their grades have dropped precipitously, they feel invisible, they have fallen between the cracks, or they are experiencing social-emotional challenges.

Other times, we hear from parents who recently learned they are relocating and as a result, are scrambling to figure out their child's educational options for the coming school year.

No matter the circumstances, parents ask if a move to a private day or boarding school is even feasible at this late stage in the academic calendar. Our answer to this question is invariably a resounding maybe. To move this maybe to the yes column, we encourage parents to ask themselves these probing questions:

• What factors are in play?

• What is their child's learning style?

• Is this the right move for their child right now? And in the longer term? 

• Are the schools on their list in sync with their personal philosophy of education?

• Should they wait until next year in order to have more options?

So, if you are considering submitting a late application to an independent day or boarding school, read on for an overview of the rolling admissions landscape to get you on your way. 

First off, what are rolling admissions?

Rolling admissions is a process certain independent day and boarding schools use to enroll students after the initial round of acceptances is complete, allowing them to fill any remaining spots quickly and efficiently.

Schools typically review rolling admissions applications on a first-come, first-served basis and expedite applications accordingly. This practice can be beneficial to families who fall into the categories above. 

Each school may approach rolling admissions differently, so we impress on parents the importance of researching the specific policies of each school under consideration. Furthermore, we point out that while the rolling admissions timeline can be shorter, candidates are still required to complete the same components as first-round applicants (i.e., inquiry, application, interview, student visit day, testing, student essays) before a file can be reviewed. To this end, the Admissions Committee still needs to convene to assess each candidate before making a decision. 

The pros & cons

Like any admissions process, there are benefits and pitfalls involved in rolling admissions. Below are some of the most common:

Pros:

• Flexibility: Rolling admissions allows families to apply to schools even after the first-round deadline has lapsed.

• Shorter decision lead times: Rolling admissions can result in quicker admissions decisions.

• Reduced stress: Families often enjoy a more personal, streamlined admissions experience.

Cons:

• Available spots: Some schools may have already met enrollment goals for the coming year, making it less predictable that spots will be available in their child's grade.

• Competition: Students compete for limited spots, which can be challenging if the school is particularly selective.

• Limited possibilities: Not all schools offer rolling admissions, which can ultimately limit enrollment options and impact the educational 'fit.' 

What about financial aid?

Private schools with rolling admissions may offer financial aid to eligible families. Here are some factors to bear in mind:

• Available FA funds: Financial aid budgets may already have been allocated during the first round of acceptances. We, therefore, encourage parents to be transparent about their need for support from the get-go. 

• Apply early: We recommend applying for financial aid as early as possible to give the school more time to review the application and determine aid eligibility.

• Understand the process: Each school may have a specific process for awarding financial aid, so we urge parents to read the school's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure the application is complete.

• Be realistic: Not all families will qualify for financial aid, and the amount of aid awarded may vary depending on income, assets, and family size. 

So how do i move forward?

While it is definitely not too late to consider an independent day or boarding school application for this fall, we encourage parents to consider the following before committing to the rolling admissions process:

• Be able to articulate the reasons behind the decision to apply. 

• Understand the child's needs.

• Does the school offer the right fit for the child and family?

• Check with each school to understand specific policies and availability. 

• Is it best to apply now for the fall or wait until next year?

• Does the school still have financial aid dollars available?

If you answer all of these questions and still want to move forward with the process, please email or call Keating Quigley. With years of expertise behind us, we are always happy to listen, advise and guide you!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

College Chronicles by Charlotte G - The Final Installment

Thanks to Charlotte for the third installment of her blog highlighting academics, dorm life, and the joys (and challenges) of being a college student!

Hello again everyone! The last time we talked we were just settling in to the school year, and now look at us… our college year is rapidly coming to an end!!!

I am so proud of you!! You have grown and accomplished so much. However, the semester isn’t over yet! Some of us still have to get through finals and truck through the next few weeks. 

To me at least, spring semester is the most challenging. I am not sure if you agree, but when it starts to get nice outside and flowers start budding, my motivation wears thin. So as your mind drifts outside, I’m going to share some strategies on how to keep your stamina up, when all you truly want to do is enjoy the beautiful weather and be on a beach somewhere! So, here we go: 

1. Make a schedule and give yourself free time… cramming only makes your motivation low and stress levels high. 

2. Stressed or anxious? Go for a walk. Especially in the spring, it is so relaxing and grounding to breathe fresh air and let yourself connect with nature. 

3. Stay healthy. Most importantly make sure you are getting enough sleep. Without sleep, you will wear your body down which will only do more harm than good, especially for your grades.

4. Call your parents. Let them know you're hanging in there during finals week… they will cheer you on! 

5. Plan a post-finals trip or a fun activity with friends. With something exciting in the works, you will be able to push yourself to finish strong.

6. Remember, the end of the year doesn’t have to be a dreaded time, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. Not only are your parents and friends there for you always, but so is your school.

one More piece of advice

When it comes to packing up and moving out, many universities, including my own, have storage services that will keep students' belongings safe until the next school year. Parents, this is something I couldn’t recommend enough. It saves a lot of trouble and stress as it can be hard to lug a TV or dorm bed headboard all the way home and all the way back for the next year. I know my mother thanked her lucky stars she didn’t have to drive down to my school and pack up the car with all my stuff!

And lastly…

You will be okay, actually, more than okay! You should be so proud of yourself for finishing the school year. So enjoy your last days on campus and ace those finals: I just know you are more than capable. Happy summer!

Written by Charlotte G. | Blogging Intern | Keating Quigley

How the Pandemic transformed the suburbs

Written by Guest Blogger, Ayesha Qureshi-Amin

When the pandemic arrived at our shores over two years ago, we didn’t know how long it would last or what the impact would be, or even what the extent of the danger was. Nobody would have believed that the world could be impacted so significantly by an invisible enemy that would result in an unimaginable loss of life and a fundamental change in the way we live. 

The vast majority of us tried to remain as calm as possible. By the time summer 2020 rolled around, it was clear that there was no quick fix, and we would not be going back to our usual daily lives, at least not in the near future.

There was a transformation in our daily home and work life. For many, especially those of us who lived in big cities, being close to the office was no longer a necessity now that home had become the place of work. We did not need to be in the office to do our job and manage our households. We learned new ways to work from home with Zoom taking center stage in our work-lives. If there was a silver lining, many took this opportunity to try a different lifestyle whether on a tropical beach or at an Airbnb in the mountains and still achieve the same objectives! Similarly, we were able to spend more time with our families, and we cooked at home more frequently, learning new recipes that we never would have attempted pre-pandemic.

The new normal triggered a reevaluation of the city vs. suburb debate. Why work and live in a cramped city apartment when you could enjoy three times the space in the suburbs and spend the same (or less) on rent or a mortgage? This thought process has been a theme for thousands of households across the country resulting in a spike in demand in the more desirable suburbs within Metropolitan areas like never before. 

As it became clear that the pandemic would be around for a while, families with young children needed more space and started to explore the suburbs. Some, who had ideas of moving to the suburbs “when the children are a little older”, brought plans forward. Over time, remote schooling became challenging for parents and caregivers resulting in an influx of people into Fairfield and Westchester counties. On a professional note, I have been fortunate to be able to match people from the city with fabulous new homes in the burbs.

The increased demand for houses and condominiums has brought with it a change to life in the suburbs. Businesses have had to reinvent themselves. Restaurants are the perfect example of this transformation as they embraced the al-fresco dining phenomenon that gripped the region. In addition, restaurants are opening as outposts of city brands, some of which would not have even considered a location in suburbia pre-pandemic.

Many are now speculating about what will happen next: will employers demand that we go back to the office five days a week? My view is that we have yet to see the full scope of change. Many companies are still operating within the confines of long lease agreements. Once these leases expire, I expect employers will re-think location strategies; do they need to be encumbered with expensive office space when their workforce has proven that a hybrid approach can work just as well, if not better? For this reason, I expect that the current trend of migration to the suburbs will continue, perhaps not at the rates we have seen in 2020 and 2021, but a migration nonetheless.

In terms of the real estate market, reports highlight a lack of inventory, so let’s take a minute to understand why. As interest in suburban properties increases, inventory has shrunk to the point where demand is surpassing supply. Additionally, first time buyers are scrambling to get onto the property ladder as they anticipate further interest rate hikes, thus adding to the already high demand for homes. 

Despite high or low inventory levels, there will always be an influx of properties coming onto the market as families seek to ‘trade-up’ or empty nesters look to down-size. Long story short, your dream home is somewhere out there! So, take your time to find the right real estate broker who will guide you through the home search process from listing to closing. 

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Ayesha Qureshi-Amin, is an accomplished and skilled Licensed Real Estate Sales Executive, who brings over 20 years of finance and project management experience to every real estate deal with her clients in CT and NY. Her international background and global mindset helps her foster strong relationships with clients that not only last for one transaction but turn into lifelong connections.

The Two E’s of Summer Boarding School: Enrichment and Exploration

Now that winter is almost behind us, have you thought about your child’s summer plans? This is a great time to build their student profile. So, why not give them the opportunity to cultivate their passion for discovery, dive deep into academic exploration, hone a talent or try something new, and make lifelong friendships?

Consider these four reasons why a summer boarding school program might make sense for your child:

Academics: Explore a passion or try something new

As we know, students come in all shapes and sizes. Accordingly, there is a wide range of summer boarding school programs out there to meet their varied needs. Courses range from academic enrichment, foundational skill strengthening, transformative academic support and test prep. 

Signature Programs: Delve into a favorite subject

Whether your child is an aspiring science buff, a Picasso in the making, the next Oscar-winning actor or a wannabe Elon Musk, there’s a program out there! Expansive offerings cover topics such as environmental science, leadership, humanities, robotics, theater, dance, music, engineering, math acceleration, coding and so much more.

Athletics: Take skills to new heights

Does your child have game? Then why not help them improve their skills whether it’s perfecting their batting stance, fine tuning their jump shot, getting their speed into high gear or increasing their overall athletic prowess? There are extraordinary options to choose from that offer expert instruction and state-of-the-art-facilities.

Cultural Exploration: Cultivate New horizons

All boarding school summer programs offer students an exciting and immersive opportunity to live amongst a community of friends from around the world. At the same time, they learn from dedicated and experienced faculty members who share their expertise and passion. And if your child is considering boarding school as a long term option, it is a great way for them to test drive campus life to see if it’s a good fit. 

What’s next?

With so many choices out there, let us help you find the best program for your child this summer. Time is of the essence as spots fill up fast, so contact us soon to learn more about the endless possibilities!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

It's Decision Time. Are You Ready?

Over the past several months, we have worked with students of all ages from the United States, as well as far flung places such as Mumbai, who now have applications pending at over 40 different independent day and boarding schools. It is impressive that families broadened their school search and have considered so many diverse school options.

As we head into mid-February, many of our students are anxiously waiting to hear from the schools on their list over the coming weeks. Starting this week, Fairchester and some New York day schools will release admissions notifications, while boarding school decisions will be sent on March 10th. 

As we sail into the final phase of the school selection process, here are some thoughts to consider in anticipation of your child’s notification. Now is a good time to:

• Talk about their preferences

• Discuss what the transition to their new school community will look like

• Prepare them for a possible waitlist or deny situation

• Advise them to be discreet when discussing decisions with friends.

When it comes to your child’s admissions decision, let’s take a look at the three possible outcomes: accept, wait list, or deny.

Acceptance

• Acceptance at your first choice school - The student is accepted at their school of choice, they accept the place, and send regrets (ASAP) to the other schools that accepted them. This is particularly important if your child sent a 1st choice declaration letter to the school.

• Multiple Acceptances - The student is accepted at several schools and is unsure of where to go. COVID permitting, many schools offer a chance to revisit and attend classes for a day. Students should only revisit those schools that they are seriously thinking of attending. And remember to stay focused on ‘best fit’ in all discussions with your child!

Wait List

• If your child is offered a spot on a school's wait list, it means that they are qualified to be accepted by the school, but there were more qualified applicants than spaces available. You may opt to wait for a space to open up, or you can decline the wait list status if you have other preferred options. Let the school know either way as soon as possible. If you choose to wait, be aware that you will have to wait a month or more to see if spaces open up. 

Deny

• There are a limited number of spaces at all schools and admissions denials almost always inevitable. Remind your child of the multiple variables involved in when a school makes an admissions decision. And be sure to emphasize the competitive nature of the school admissions process.   

And Finally…

It has been a pleasure getting to know the KQ Class of 2022. Good luck to all of our students - and to anyone applying to independent schools! As always, we are here to guide you through the decision-making process should you need help. 

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants