The 2018 R.I.D.E. is in the books, and what a successful experience it was! Thirty-one professional school counselors from every corner of 
Iowa, and even a special guest from Minnesota, took some time for some “college knowledge” by participating in Iowa ACAC’s 15th annual three-day learning trek.
A school counselor’s perspective... 
Although nothing beats human interaction and learning in-person, webinars can be a wonderful way to encourage and participate in continued learning and professional development without leaving campus! 
Thank you to all the Iowa ACAC members who made it to Dubuque for the 2018 MIDWest Conference! Around 400 admissions professionals from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas attended, making it a great opportunity to learn, network, and have a little fun!
I don't know about you, but my office and desk get organized about two times a year. It's not that I don't like an organized space, it just seems to always end up on the bottom of my "to do" list. Then comes winter or summer break, and I find myself elbow deep in papers to file, old notes to throw away, and oh-my-goodness is THAT what happens to grapes when you leave them in a plastic container for a month?!
(Don't judge, but yes, that happened.)
As a school counselor or college admissions counselor, it is “in our blood” to think of others first. We strive daily to help our students in any way we can and not just between the hours of 8a.m. and 5p.m., Monday thru Friday. Something we all need to remember, at times, is to step back and do something for ourselves. Professional development is a great opportunity to improve yourself that can also have a positive impact on the students we serve. Whether you are brand new, or a seasoned veteran, there IS something for you.
1) Let them see you have fun undefined
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When was the last time your staff saw you in blue jeans? Telling corny jokes? Laughing at said jokes? Maybe while sipping a cocktail? Let them know you’re just like them in many regards and have fun with your team (however suits your style) at the MIDWest Spring Conference.
In the last several months, the Iowa ACAC blog has featured a three-part series titled "Things I Wish You Knew." This series has focused on survey responses received from admissions counselors, school counselors, upper level admissions staff, recent college admits and their parents to offer a new 
perspective into their lives, which will hopefully impact the way you interact with these individuals.
Any parent will tell you that balancing work and family can be quite the juggling act. While I, in no way, profess to being an expert in keeping all the balls in the air, here are a few things I’ve learned over the past 16 years of working in admissions and raising two kids.
May 20-22, 2018--Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
#5 - Attend a plethora of sessions from 5 states covering a wide variety of topics!
Our Iowa ACAC blog series "Things I Wish You Knew" focuses on survey responses received from admissions counselors, school counselors, upper level admissions staff, recent college admits and their parents to offer a new perspective into their lives, which will hopefully impact the way you interact with these individuals. Watch for a survey in the future in your Inbox!
Staying fit, healthy, and active, while traveling for work, is always difficult. As we kick off spring travel season, here are some quick tips to help you stay healthy while on the road.
“As soon as any man says of the affairs of the State "What does it matter to me?" the State may be given up for lost.” These things 
matter, not only to individuals invested in education, but as a citizenry as a whole.” Jean-Jaques Rouseau
Discount rate, net price, average indebtedness, college rankings, early decision, highly selective, selective, open admission, AP credits, dual credit, enrollment fees, deposits, graduation rates, completion rates, we’re No. 1, they’re No.1 and the list goes on and on! Are you confused yet?
Presentations are something that we’re all familiar with. Whether you are watching one or giving it, chances are you know what works and what 
doesn’t. However, in case you don’t know what else to improve on as a presenter, here are three tips to help ensure you are giving an amazing presentation:
How? With a FREE one-year High School Memberships to school counselors who are not currently Iowa ACAC members.
Life in admissions moves fast from September–November, then we take time to focus on family and friends (and hopefully a little less on work) in December, and January brings another new year and another opportunity to work on those “resolutions.” The truth is, that despite our best intentions, sometimes we forget, or run out of time, to focus on self-improvement. Practicing mindfulness is an easy way to focus on ourselves during those hectic times.
Shalon Frye has come full circle. She started as an elementary teacher in 2000 at Independence 
Community Schools, and after three years decided to go back to school for her school counseling degree at UNI, which eventually brought her back "home" to Independence.
Why should high school counselors be involved with Iowa ACAC? Being involved with Iowa ACAC has been one of the best professional 
development activities I have ever done. The reality is, as high school counselors we are also college admissions counselors. Iowa ACAC is a great support for high school counselors. Here is how I got involved:
Be a part of history!