NOVEMBER 1 • A NEW CHAPTER

A NOTE FROM WENDY

We gained an hour. Let's use it wisely.

Happy November to our students, families, alumni, professional partners, and future WEC families! The clocks fell back this morning, and many seniors are proudly marking themselves “safe from November 1 deadlines.” Congratulations! Whether you're completing the next application, considering a school change, or exploring your future, this month is about making thoughtful progress.

“Celebrate each milestone. Then take the next wise step.”

ADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AID

November 1 is a checkpoint, not the finish line.

Seniors: verify, then advance.

Save submission receipts; activate applicant portals; check transcripts, recommendations, scores, and required STARS/SRAR records. Track remaining application, honors, and scholarship deadlines.

Families: compare the whole offer.

Record acceptances, merit awards, financial-aid requirements, and deposit dates. The 2027–28 FAFSA is open; some colleges also require CSS Profile forms.

TESTING CALENDAR

SAT / ACT: Register before Thanksgiving.

ACT · December 12, 2026

Regular registration: November 6

Late deadline: November 29

SAT · December 5, 2026

Regular registration: November 20

Late deadline: November 24

Juniors: build a purposeful testing plan. Seniors: confirm each college will accept your test date and scores before registering again. ACT dates · SAT dates.

CAMPUS & CURRICULUM

Tour virtually. Read the actual degree plan.

Online campus tours, student panels, and departmental sessions are excellent first steps. Compare academic support, class size, housing, culture, research, and student involvement. Then open the college's course catalog: two programs called “psychology,” “business,” or “engineering” may have very different required courses, math expectations, electives, and internship options.

Wendy's tip: Tour a large, medium, and small campus online. Find the four-year curriculum for one possible major at each school. Which experience actually interests you?

We Listen. We Guide. We Empower.1 / 3 · Helping You Choose Wisely

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

Get involved—not just busy.

High school students do not need a long list of clubs. They need opportunities to participate consistently, contribute, develop skills, and build relationships. Try a part-time job, a service project, music or athletics, a new club, or an independent project. Leadership can mean solving a problem or helping someone—not simply holding a title.

November challenge: Choose one activity to pursue more deeply, and explore a summer 2027 opportunity now. Many programs have winter application deadlines.

FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS

Internships, co-ops & research: Start searching NOW.

Summer 2027 recruiting is underway in many fields; opportunities also open throughout winter and spring. Internships are usually shorter placements; co-ops often involve more extensive, sometimes alternating, work-and-study periods. Both can build experience and clarify career direction.

Where to look

Handshake via your university; LinkedIn Jobs; career services and co-op offices; company careers pages; professors and labs; USAJOBS; and alumni networks.

Before Thanksgiving

Update résumé and Handshake profile; identify 10 target organizations; visit career services; set alerts; apply and track every deadline. First-year students can also explore campus jobs and research.

EDUCATION IN THE NEWS

What helps students thrive in college?

A November 1 Inc. article describes research involving nearly 80,000 college students: socializing, joining organizations, and participating in events were strongly associated with greater well-being; work and volunteering were also linked to positive adjustment. This is about flourishing, not proof of higher grades or a causal effect.

Wendy's perspective: College success is more than admission or a ranking. Ask whether a student can connect, participate, and feel part of the campus community. Read the Inc. article.

GEORGIA SCHOOLS IN THE CONVERSATION

Top 25 high schools? Read the fine print.

An October 15 Instagram graphic from Daily Rank Department ranked 25 Georgia high schools, including Milton, Walton, Pace Academy, and Harrison. But the graphic did not explain its sources or weighting. Treat it as a conversation starter, not a verified school-quality measure.

Better questions: What academic and learning supports are available? How does the student experience the school? Which extracurricular and career pathways exist? What evidence supports the ranking? Explore Georgia school performance data and speak to the school directly.

MAJOR & CAREER DIRECTION

Explore interests before narrowing options.

Whether a student is 15, 19, or 25, major and career exploration should connect interests, strengths, preferred environments, academic requirements, and real opportunities. WEC provides individual guidance, including MBTI® and Strong Interest Inventory® assessments, to help students and adults make informed decisions.

ONE SMART NOVEMBER STEP

What's next for your student?

Class of 2027 · Seniors

Finish the next submission round, confirm applicant portals, and track scholarships and acceptances.

Class of 2028 · Juniors

Plan testing, explore possible majors, and begin a thoughtful college list.

Class of 2029 · Sophomores

Build involvement with purpose and investigate summer experiences.

Class of 2030 · Freshmen

Focus on school habits, relationships, and discovering what sparks curiosity.

A THANKSGIVING TRADITION

From Wendy's family table: Mom's Favorite Pumpkin Pie

Thanksgiving invites us to slow down, gather, remember the people we love, and appreciate the traditions that connect us. Pumpkin pie is one of those simple reminders for me. Here's a classic version to enjoy together.

Classic Pumpkin Pie

You'll need: 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust; 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée; 1 can (12 fl oz) evaporated milk; 2 eggs; ¾ cup sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp ginger; ¼ tsp cloves; ½ tsp salt.

To make: Heat oven to 425°F. Mix pumpkin, eggs, sugar, spices, and salt; slowly stir in milk. Pour into crust and bake 15 minutes. Lower heat to 350°F and bake about 40–50 more minutes, until set. Cool; refrigerate leftovers.

This is a classic pumpkin pie recipe, not a verified transcription of Wendy's mother's original recipe.

A question for the Thanksgiving table: “What did you learn about yourself this year—and what would you like to explore next?”

WITH GRATITUDE, FROM WENDY

A Thanksgiving message from Wendy

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our students, families, graduates, professional colleagues, and future clients. Thank you for trusting Williams Educational Consultants to be part of your educational journey.

Whether you are exploring K–12 school options, navigating college admissions, choosing a major, or discovering career possibilities, it is a privilege to get to know you, understand your goals, and guide you toward your next educational milestone. We genuinely enjoy listening, learning, and celebrating your accomplishments along the way.

As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, don't forget to share your educational consultant! If someone you know is facing an important educational or career decision, we would love the opportunity to help. One of the greatest gifts we receive is a referral from someone we have had the privilege of helping. Thank you for helping our WEC family grow.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with laughter, good food, meaningful traditions, and special moments with family and friends!

With gratitude,

Wendy Williams

Williams Educational Consultants

We Listen. We Guide. We Empower.

Helping You Choose Wisely · Serving Families Nationwide

www.williamseducational.com · 770-633-1478