November Newsletter
Dear BCP Families,
November is here, and with it the final stretch of application season for our seniors. One quick note before you dive in: there won't be a December newsletter since it is a full month for families. So, this issue covers everything you need between now and the new year.
Office dates to know
November 23 through 27: Rya is out of the office for Thanksgiving week.
Week of December 14: Last week of senior meetings (unless we've already wrapped up).
December 21 through January 1: The BCP office is closed for winter break.
The BCP Resources page
All of the guides, tools and conference notes I've put together for BCP families live in one place, organized by where you are in the process.
12th Grade Class of 2027 · tap to open
Seniors, you have been making amazing progress overall. I'm so proud of the work you've put in this fall.
UC and Cal State: due Monday, November 30
The deadline lands the Monday right after Thanksgiving week. All seniors work with me on a regular basis have already completed their UC and CSU applications, which are ready for parent review. I recommend final review and submission before Thanksgiving, as application sites have historically gone down near the deadline.
Read the senior year reminders page from start to finish
As a reminder, the Senior Year Reminders page walks you through everything that comes after you hit submit. If you haven't already, please read it in its entirety, and reach out with any questions. Here's what you'll find:
wrapping up senior meetings
The week of December 14 is our last week of senior meetings before the break (although, most are done well before then). If you still have applications in progress, let's make the most of the meetings between now and then.
11th Grade Class of 2028 · tap to open
Juniors, your regular meetings with me kick off in mid-January. Here's how to get ready between now and then.
Ready to start using College Planner Pro? While this typically kicks into high gear during spring semester, if you want to get a jump on college exploration, please email Rya in request of your CPP account. This database is SUPER DUPER! Demo video here.
Took the PSAT? Check your scores as soon as they're available, and send them to me. They're a helpful starting point for planning your SAT and ACT testing. Understanding the PSAT, SAT, and ACT
Start on your resume and brag sheet. Begin completing the forms that apply to you now, before our regular meetings pick up in mid-January. Winter break is a great time to get a head start, so we can hit the ground running together. Resumes and Brag Sheets
Lock in your every-other-week meeting time
Our regular every-other-week sessions start in mid-January. Email me your preferred day and time as soon as you know it to lock in your spot. Here are the current options:
Saturday: 10:00 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:00 PM or 2:15 PM
Sunday: 11:15 AM, 1:00 PM or 2:15 PM
Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday: 1:30, 2:30 or 4:30 PM
Email Rya your preference: balancedcollegeplan@gmail.com
9th & 10th Grade Classes of 2030 & 2029 · tap to open
The end of the fall semester is closer than it feels. Here are a few ways to make the most of the next two months.
Finish the semester strong. Sophomores, your 10th grade grades count toward your UC and CSU GPA. Freshmen, many private and out-of-state colleges look at 9th grade too (plus Cal Poly), and this year sets your foundation. UC/CSU GPA Calculator
Look ahead to next year's classes. Course planning usually happens early in the new year. Start thinking about where you can take on a bit more challenge in subjects you enjoy. Let me know when you are ready to get a meeting on the books to check in on academic and extra curricular planning (I recommend by February at the latest).
Start (or update) your resume over winter break. Jot down your clubs, sports, jobs, volunteer hours and awards while they're fresh. It's much easier to build as you go than to reconstruct later. Resumes and Brag Sheets
Explore summer options early. Many summer programs open applications in the winter, with deadlines that arrive quickly in the new year. A little browsing over break goes a long way.
Sophomores: hang on to your PSAT results if you took it this fall. It's a useful baseline for our future conversations. Winter break is also a nice time to sit down as a family with the College Match Survey and talk about what matters most to you.
Rest and recharge. Balance is in our name for a reason. Enjoy the holidays and come back in January ready to go.
College spotlight: big school spirit, real merit aid
The University of Alabama
If your student dreams of football Saturdays and a big, spirited campus but the out-of-state price tag gives you pause, Alabama is worth a look. It's one of the few large flagship universities where a strong out-of-state student can earn a major scholarship automatically, with no separate application and no essay competition.
The Presidential Scholarship: $28,000 per year toward tuition for out-of-state students with a 3.50+ GPA and a 32+ ACT or 1420+ SAT.
What it does to the bill: This year, Alabama lists out-of-state tuition and fees at $36,724, with on-campus housing and food bringing the billed total to $52,202. Subtract the Presidential Scholarship and that drops to about $24,000 a year.
The top tier: The Presidential Elite award covers full tuition and more, but it requires a 4.0+ GPA and a perfect 36 ACT or 1600 SAT.
The fine print: Alabama doesn't superscore for scholarships, so your qualifying score needs to come from a single test date. Costs shown are for 2026-27 and typically rise a bit each year.
College spotlight: big school spirit, New England setting
The University of Connecticut
Looking for that same big-school energy in the Northeast? UConn's main campus in Storrs pairs a large public flagship with one of the most celebrated basketball programs in the country, and it offers merit scholarships to strong out-of-state students.
Automatic merit consideration: Out-of-state students are considered for the Academic Excellence, Husky Achievement, Leadership, STEM and UConn Award scholarships, renewable for four years, with no separate application. Test scores aren't required for scholarship consideration.
What it costs: This year, UConn lists out-of-state tuition and fees at $44,242, with a standard double room and meal plan bringing the billed total to $59,426. UConn doesn't publish its scholarship amounts, so families will see their award in the admission offer. The net price calculator is the best way to estimate it ahead of time.
The top tier: The Stamps Scholarship covers the full cost of attendance for four years, plus a one-time $12,000 enrichment award, and it's open to out-of-state students applying to Storrs. It's highly selective, with a supplemental application and an interview.
The fine print: Sticker price is higher than Alabama's, and because award amounts aren't published, the final cost depends on the offer your student receives. Costs shown are for 2026-27 and typically rise a bit each year.
Seniors: for Stamps, the UConn application is due November 1 and the Stamps supplement by November 8. For all other merit scholarships, complete your application by December 1 for priority consideration.
Questions? Reach out any time.
Wishing your family a restful Thanksgiving and a joyful holiday season.
Warmly, Rya