We are a research-driven organization. The data below drives our work.
By the Numbers
All of our steps and processes have been developed based on the best available research. For example, research shows that it is important to focus on individual students’ needs, because each student is unique. Research also shows that many college freshman struggle as they make the transition to a post-secondary setting, and therefore, the drop-out rate is quite high. As a result, we offer support services for students through their first year of college to ensure student success.
In addition, the training we received by earning a Certificate in College Admissions Counseling from the University of California, Riverside, has reinforced what the research shows and connected us to other experts in the field of College Admissions Counseling. Our coursework included:
- The College Counseling Process
- College Admissions Procedures
- Analysis and Application of Effective Career Counseling Strategies
- Financial Aid Planning for Higher Education
- Professional and Ethical Issues in the College Application Process
- Practicum in Counseling College-Bound Students
The research, our professional certification, and our combined 75+ years as educators guided us as we established ForwarDirections. We continue to research the latest trends related to College Admissions Counseling. Here are some of the tools and research we utilize.
Various colleges have different admissions and completion rates. ForwarDirections counselors work individually with each student to gain the greatest number of acceptances and so that student can graduate within 4 years. ForwarDirections has processes in place to ensure students make the right choice with intention and confidence.
- California Post Secondary Commission. 40% of California students graduate from high school with the requirements to attend a 4-year university (2009).
- National Center for Educational Statistics. “The 6-year college graduation rate was 59% from 2009-2015.”
- USA Today Article, “The 4-Year College Graduation Myth” (2015).
- College Data. Tool that shows graduation rates and other information for most colleges.
- College Navigator (Department of Education). Tool that shows graduation rates, college tuition, graduation rates, and other useful college-related data.
- American Enterprise Institute Report. “Diplomas and Dropouts” (2009).
- U.S. News and World Report. “The College Gap Between Black and White Students is Still Growing” (2016).
Of those that are accepted to a 4-year university, 20% – 40% never attend (many change their minds during the summer prior to the first year of college). ForwarDirections has systems and processes in place to help students avoid the “summer melt.”.
- NPR Podcast. “Why Students Don’t Show Up for College” (2017).
- ASCA School Counselor. “Prevent the Summer Melt” (2014).
- Associated Press. “Beware of the Summer Melt” (2014).
- Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. “Summer Melt and Who Is At Risk” (2014).
Of those who do attend their first year of college, 30% drop out in their first year of college. ForwarDirections counselors support students during their first year of college to foster first year of college success.
- Slate Article. “America’s Awful College Dropout Rates in Four Charts” (2016).
- Harvard University Graduate School Report. “Pathways to Prosperity” (2011).
- American Enterprise Institute. “Diplomas and Dropouts: Which Colleges Actually Graduate Their Students (And Which Colleges Don’t)” (2009).
ForwarDirections designed our program based on how students communicate today. We utilize texting, online meetings, phone calls, and online documents to guide students to find the right college fit.
- Huffington Post. “Want to Get More Students to Attend College? Text Them” (2015).
- University of Virginia Research Brief. “Summer Nudging and Text Messaging” (2014).
- Pew Research Center. “Teens, Social Media and Technology” (2015).