Changes in College Admissions and Emphasis on Engagement

February 9th, 2026

Hi! I have created my first ever newsletter to share some important information about upcoming college admissions and inform you of my availability for the Class of 2028 and 2029.

First and foremost, thank you. I am deeply grateful to the families - past, present, and future - who have shared my name with friends, neighbors, colleagues, and extended family. Referrals are never taken lightly; they are a sign of trust, and I value that more than I can say. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of your students’ journeys!

Changes in College Admissions

The college admission landscape continues to shift in meaningful ways, and staying current matters more than ever. Test-optional policies are evolving, some schools are reinstating requirements, and others are creating new pathways to admission. For example:

• The University of Michigan has introduced a binding Early Decision option, changing the strategic considerations for students who know Michigan is their top choice.

• The University of Tennessee has expanded alternative pathways to admission, which may include a student’s first year at another campus with guaranteed transfer to Knoxville.

• The University of Delaware has increasingly offered admission with a change of major, signaling heightened competition in high-demand programs such as business.

The takeaway is clear: there is no universal approach. A thoughtful, school-by-school strategy is essential, underscoring the importance of staying current on each school’s expectations.

Emphasis on Engagement in High School

Equally important is finding the right balance during high school itself. Academic rigor matters, but rigor alone is not enough. Meaningful engagement beyond the classroom is just as critical. This does not have to mean a long list of school clubs or traditional activities. Colleges value sustained involvement in communities in all forms: work, family responsibilities, service, creative pursuits, advocacy, or entrepreneurial efforts. What matters most is authenticity and impact. If your student needs help identifying or shaping meaningful engagement, I’m always happy to brainstorm.

Thank you again for your trust, your referrals, and the opportunity to work with such thoughtful families. If you’d like to pass this newsletter along to others, feel free to do so. 

If you have not yet scheduled a consultation for your younger high schoolers, now is the time! My Class of 2028 and 2029 rosters are open and will fill up quickly. 

Please feel free to reply to this email with questions, to set up a consultation, or to fill me in on how your students are doing! It’s always meaningful for me to hear how they grow after high school, in college, and beyond. 

To learn more about how I work with families as they navigate the college application process, please visit my website.

With appreciation for our shared goals of academic success,

Tami