By Le Sallay

Each year, we invite our longtime collaborator and friend, Nellie, to speak with our families about U.S. college admissions. Nellie is a licensed therapist, nonprofit director, and advisor who has worked with hundreds of students — including many from Le Sallay — to help them navigate the complexities of applying to college in the United States.
She brings not only deep expertise, but also a refreshingly honest, practical, and compassionate approach. This year’s talk covered everything from early admissions and financial aid to extracurriculars, majors, and what colleges are really looking for.
Here’s a summary of what she shared — with side notes for parents who are starting to wonder, “Are we already behind?”


The Big Picture: What U.S. Colleges Are Looking For
“Grades and scores matter — but that’s not the whole story. Colleges seek people who will bring something to their campus and community.”
Nellie started by breaking down the basic components of a college application in the U.S.:
• GPA (grades from 9th–11th grade)
• Academic rigor (how challenging your courses are)
• Standardized tests (SAT or ACT — yes, they’re back!)
• Personal essays
• Extracurriculars, work, and volunteering
• Letters of recommendation
• Demonstrated interest and personal background
Each college weighs these differently — which is why it’s important to do your research.

Tip for Parents
"You can’t control everything — but you can help your child reflect."
Ask questions like: What are you proud of? What excites you? What frustrates you? These reflections often become the seeds of meaningful essays.


Public vs. Private Colleges (and Why “In-State” Matters)
One of the most surprising parts of the conversation for many families was how differently public and private universities operate — especially when it comes to cost.
• Public universities are subsidized by state taxes and usually much cheaper for in-state residents.
• Out-of-state students, including international applicants, often pay two to three times more — and receive less financial aid.
• Private colleges cost more on paper, but often offer better scholarships and don’t care about residency.
“A private college might start at $70,000/year but come down to $30K after scholarships. A public college might look cheaper but stay expensive if you’re out-of-state.”

Tip for Parents
Residency = where the parents pay taxes.
If you live abroad, your child may be a U.S. citizen — but not an in-state resident. Plan accordingly when building your college list.


Majors, Explorers & Changing Your Mind
Some colleges admit students directly into a major (especially for competitive programs like engineering or nursing). Others allow students to explore for 1–2 years before choosing.
“Most students change their minds. That’s not a problem — that’s the point.”
But not every school allows easy switching between majors. At large public universities, some departments fill up quickly — and don’t leave room for latecomers.

Tip for Parents
Ask each school how major selection works.
If your student wants flexibility, look for schools that support exploration. If they’re focused, look at how competitive their chosen major is — and whether they can apply directly.


Extracurriculars & Essays: Telling the Story
Nellie was clear: "Colleges aren’t looking for the most impressive résumé. They’re looking for the most authentic, reflective, and curious person."
“Most U.S. students do the same handful of things. What matters is how you write about it.”
One of her students, for example, wrote about:
• Raising chickens with her mom
• Playing flag football (a mostly male sport at her school)
• Using board games to help kids with speech delays
She wasn’t top of her class — but she got in, because her application told a clear story about who she was and what she cared about.

Tip for Parents
"Less can be more."
Support your student in choosing a few meaningful activities — and sticking with them. Colleges don’t need to see everything. They want to see growth.


Sports: A Blessing and a Balancing Act
For top-tier athletes, sports can be a pathway to admissions. But most students won’t be recruited — and many find that high-level athletics limits time for other parts of their application.
“Time management, teamwork, and discipline — that’s what we highlight in essays. Even if you’re not going pro.”
If your child’s sport is central to their life, they can — and should — write about it. But they may need help turning it into a broader story.

Tip for Parents
If sports are Plan A, make sure there’s a Plan B.
Injuries, burnout, or a change of heart happen. Keep options open — and build out the rest of the application just in case.


Early Admissions, Deadlines & the Year Ahead
Senior year (12th grade) is when everything happens — unless you start early.
• Early admissions deadlines: October–November
• Regular deadlines: December–January
• FAFSA / CSS (financial aid forms): Usually October
• Scholarships: Start in summer after 11th grade and continue throughout 12th
“If you’re applying to 15–20 colleges — and many are — it adds up fast. We always try to start essays in the summer before 12th grade.”

Tip for Parents
Financial aid starts with your forms.
FAFSA and CSS require your financial info — not your child’s. Be ready in early fall and submit early to maximize aid options.


Scholarships: Small, Specific, and Often Overlooked
Outside scholarships are real — but most are small ($500–$1000) and require their own essays. Many students are too exhausted post-application to go after them.
“If scholarships are essential for your family — start early, and build it into the plan.”
One student Nellie worked with recently applied for $20K in outside aid — and got interviews, support, and a better chance at her dream school.

Tip for Parents
Scholarships = work.
If your student needs them, they’ll need time and support to apply. Even just a few well-written submissions can make a real difference.


Decisions, Deposits & Waitlists
Here’s how the end of the year typically looks:
• March – Offers and financial aid packages arrive
• May 1 – National commitment deadline (deposit to 1 college)
• May–August – Waitlists move; students may receive last-minute offers
“Yes, you can switch colleges in August if you get off a waitlist. It happens all the time.”


The Final Word: It’s a Team Effort
This process isn’t simple — but it is navigable. And at Le Sallay, no one’s doing it alone.
“If you’re in our high school program, you’ll work with Nellie directly. If you’re planning for Europe, we’ve got a specialist for that too.”
Whether your child is headed to the U.S., Europe, or somewhere still undecided, we help families build a path that fits. Not just for admissions — but for who your child is becoming.
“We’re not building applications,” Nellie said.
“We’re building choices.”