JRA Educational Consulting Blog | Barbara Leventhal

Thinking of “going global” for your college education? As the world gradually opens up following pandemic restrictions, American and international students are reexamining worldwide options for higher education. Today’s post focuses on the steps non-U.S. citizens need to take to study in the United States. Keep in mind that this article offers a broad overview of the process – requirements may vary from country to country and be subject to change. We’ve outlined below some of the key steps, but always refer to the U.S. Department of State’s guidelines for complete details.

Topics: College Counseling, College Tips

Read More

Creating a college list is akin to chiseling away at a piece of stone to create a sculpture. You don’t have to do it all once; you can chip away at it little by little and eventually – optimally by August before your senior year – you’ll have a strong, workable list that will lead you to your best buffet of options when decision day arrives.

Topics: College Counseling, College Planning, Going to College, College Visits

Read More

You open your laptop to create your college list, then your head begins to spin. Seems everybody’s got opinions about where you should go to college. Your mom was a Florida Gator and likes the idea of you staying in state. Uncle Joe is a proud Ohio State Buckeye and tells you there’s nothing like being in the stadium for a Big Ten showdown. Your guidance counselor is extolling the benefits of attending Oberlin, a small liberal arts college. Google searches are little help. The options are dizzying and you’re not sure where to begin.

Topics: College Admission, College Counseling, College Planning, College Choice, Going to College

Read More

Whenever we meet with students about their college aspirations, we stress to them how important it is today to take charge of their future. And then we give specifics about what exactly a student can control in the admissions process. One such lever of control within the student’s grasp is surely entitled, demonstrated interest.

Topics: College Admission, Demonstrated Interest

Read More

Students and their families often ask us how to get into college. Whether it’s into a small private college or a large public university, the steps are the same—adhering to purposeful planning, and getting an early start. Below, we’ve provided our top seven tips to help make admission to your dream school a reality. Let’s get started.

Topics: College Application Essay, College Admission, College Planning, Educational Consulting

Read More

Much of the stress surrounding college admissions occurs because students and parents possess little first-hand knowledge of what colleges actually seek in students. With that knowledge, you can increase your potential for acceptance to your top-choice colleges by focusing on those strengths which are priorities for the college. I regularly participate in the creation of a national report, Top Ten Things Colleges Look For in a High School Student, from which the following list was prepared.

Topics: College Admission, College Application, College Planning

Read More