Watson College Counseling

07/21/2026

Many Pittsburgh-area families I work with are worried about the financial stability of colleges. Here is an excellent resource for vetting the colleges your family is considering. A free Chronicle of Higher Education account is required, but it's well worth it.

Search this database to see how your institution stacks up.

06/16/2026

Interesting insight into the rising use of wait lists in admissions...

New data from Niche aims to illuminate how many students were wait-listed this year, how many were admitted, and how many actually switched from where they’d put a deposit down.

04/06/2026

Pittsburgh-area families often ask me how earnings vary by college major, so I’m always looking for clear, data-based tools to share. Here’s an excellent resource you can use to explore a wide range of labor market outcomes by major.

Data on employment outcomes for new graduates and young workers.

03/31/2026

This information is especially important for parents of young men about to attend college.

🎲 In today's issue: Why gambling is fast emerging as a hidden public health crisis on college campuses; what “student success 2.0” must deliver when retention gains have stalled; and how much school spirit and athletics really move the needle on enrollment.

02/21/2026

It's college visit season! Here are some great tips for making the most of your time on campus...

A campus visit is the best way to evaluate whether a college suits you. Here are our members' top 10 tips for making the most of your college visits. 1. Learn about the college before you visit. Read materials from the college and check out their website and social media. If you are…

12/18/2025

Given the high cost of a college education, Pittsburgh-area families are concerned about their children's employability after college. Some informative data regarding unemployment and underemployment rates by college major:

Data on employment outcomes for new graduates and young workers.

12/11/2025

Now, some excellent advice for students on how to respond to questions about where you've applied for college...

I am the mom of an 8-year-old child. Recently I was speaking with a new potential babysitter who had come over for a get-to-know-my-kid playdate, and we were making small talk over Legos. I knew sh…

12/10/2025

Know a student applying to college this year? You (they?) might appreciate this advice for the holiday season...
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brennanbarnard/2025/11/26/admission-leaders-share-tips-for-talking-to-teens-at-the-holidays/