The primary focus of the meeting was the presentation led by Jen Nectrine, the college and career counselor, who has been in this role for 17 years. Nectrine stressed the importance of understanding the evolving college admissions landscape, especially for parents who may not be familiar with current trends. She introduced the counseling team and described their personalized support strategy for the senior class.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the college admissions trends, particularly the impact of the Common Application on student applications and selectivity rates at various institutions, with a specific focus on Rutgers University. The board noted that Rutgers experienced a substantial increase in applications for the fall of 2023, leading to a decrease in their acceptance rate to approximately 57%. This shift has made Rutgers more competitive, prompting students who previously considered it a likely option to face waitlists or denials. The board stressed the importance of transparency regarding admission chances when advising students, particularly for Rutgers’ New Brunswick campus, while also noting that alternative Rutgers options, such as Camden and Newark, are gaining popularity.

The board also discussed the positive relationships with institutions like The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), highlighting that many students who were denied admission to Rutgers found satisfaction in attending TCNJ. Additionally, other institutions such as James Madison University, Rowan University, and Montclair State University received considerable interest from students. There is a growing trend of students considering in-state options due to the perceived value, with some also showing interest in out-of-state institutions like Virginia Tech and UMass Amherst.

Another point of discussion was the overall decline in high school graduates, raising concerns about future college enrollments. The board referenced articles discussing the increase in colleges closing or merging due to shrinking freshman classes. Test-optional admissions policies were identified as a factor in the surge of applications, allowing students who may not excel in standardized testing to apply more freely. This shift has led to a higher volume of applications, even though the number of applicants has not increased. Without the ability to expand capacity quickly, colleges are left with no choice but to deny more applicants.

Nectrine presented data regarding the previous senior class of approximately 650 graduates, noting that 67% pursued four-year college education. The attendance at two-year colleges remained stable at around 18-20%, with many students opting for Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC). Notably, the percentage of graduates entering the workforce or pursuing non-college pathways increased to around 14-15%, prompting the school to enhance programming for students uncertain about their post-graduation plans. A dedicated “Post High School Pathways Week” was scheduled for November 18-22 to connect students with resources and professionals in various fields.

The board emphasized the importance of financial planning in the college application process, with a warning about rising tuition rates at many institutions, which can exceed $80,000 annually. Students were advised to consider at least one New Jersey state school to avoid financial strain, as state aid and grants are often lost when attending out-of-state colleges. The significance of public universities in New Jersey was reiterated, citing their comparable quality and affordability to Rutgers.

The board also highlighted the importance of organization in the college application process. Parents were encouraged to help their children become organized by creating charts or spreadsheets to keep track of deadlines and college lists. An eight-step process for college applications was shared and made available on the school’s website. This document, divided into preparation, application, and confirmation phases, aimed to simplify the process for students.

The meeting included discussions on the requesting phase for transcripts and teacher recommendations via a platform called “score.” Students must navigate this system independently, with the process beginning on Thursday at 2:15 PM, coinciding with the end of the school day. The process is designed to be straightforward, with user-friendly prompts guiding students through the various application steps.

A emphasis was placed on the upcoming financial aid night, featuring Kristen Isaacson, the financial aid officer from Monmouth University, who has been a speaker for 17 years. The session will prepare parents and students for the FAFSA process, set to open in December. The board highlighted a robust local scholarship program, awarding over $150,000 to 200 seniors, with a senior awards night scheduled in June.