Getting In: A College Coach Conversation Advice to Juniors for their Spring Semester; Advice to Seniors for their Spring Semester; Financial Aid Notifications & Award Letters
Feb 19, 2026
Russell Seidelman, a financial-aid expert, breaks down award letters, net-price tools, and scholarship strategy. Karen Spencer, a former admissions pro, urges seniors to protect grades, manage portals, and plan payments. Cesar Contreras, ex-UCLA admissions officer, tells juniors to keep rigor, plan testing, and pursue direct-admit opportunities. Short, practical advice for the spring semester and financial planning.
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Visit Contrasting Campuses Locally
- No campus visit is wasted because visiting local colleges helps you compare campus types and learn personal preferences.
- Visit a large public flagship and a small liberal arts campus to contrast culture while students are still in session.
Direct Admission Offer Example
- Cesar received dozens of direct admission offers based on cumulative GPA up to the end of junior year.
- Direct admission are tentative offers from schools or systems given without a formal application in some cases.
Avoid The Senior Slide
- Seniors should keep up grades because colleges require a final transcript and significant drops can jeopardize admission.
- A small slide likely won’t rescind admission, but large drops can leave students without choices.