Watson College Counseling

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/

10/20/2025

The top five fastest-growing jobs from 2024 to 2034 requiring at least a bachelor's degree? Nurse practitioner, data scientist, information security analyst, medical and health services manager, and actuary.

20 occupations with the highest projected percent change of employment

10/05/2025

Developmentally, this makes a lot of sense.

A major new study questions the common wisdom about how we should choose our careers.

09/26/2025

I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff Selingo at last week's National Association for College Admission Counseling conference. "Dream School," his latest New York Times bestseller, offers invaluable insights that will empower families as they navigate what truly matters in the college search.

07/25/2025

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brennanbarnard/2025/07/23/ai-and-the-college-essay/

I asked admission leaders from four very different institutions about their views on essays and AI, and here is what they said.

06/26/2025

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/find-your-fit/what-colleges-require-SAT

Find out which public and private colleges require SAT scores for admission.