12th Grade
FAFSA Questions: Step-by-Step
Start here if you are seeking to apply for financial aid from colleges and universities in the United States. The form you need to complete
College Admissions Blog
The college admissions process is confusing and overwhelming. Start here to get your questions answered.
12th Grade
How to Write the “Why” College Essay
Table of Contents Twenty years ago, I applied to the University of Chicago. After I completed the “uncommon essay question,” I encountered an additional prompt
12th Grade
How Colleges Do Holistic Admissions
Table of Contents For the 2021-2022 admissions cycle, many colleges and universities are adopting test-optional policies. As a result, many have also expressed that they’d
10th Grade
Why Write a High School Resume
Table of Contents When you hear the word resume, what do you think about? You probably think about a tool to help in the job
10th Grade
Extracurricular Activities & COVID-19: SOS
In the school year of COVID-19, there will be limited opportunities to participate in in-person, socializing-type extracurricular activities, including volunteering. However, if you are a
12th Grade
The Common App Questions: Step-By-Step
The Common Application, also known as the Common App, can be challenging to work through. I understand that. As such, I wrote The Common
12th Grade
COVID-19 Question on the Common App
On August 1, 2020, the 2020-2021 Common App will refresh. This year, what you will notice is that the Common App added a question for
11th Grade
Guide to Early Action Schools
In the United States, there are more than 300 early action schools. Colleges with an early admissions program that does not ask applicants to commit
Admissions Tips
Early Decision: University of Chicago
Fall college admissions is less than two months away. Applications are due between October 15th and February 1st. For colleges, the date your application is
Admissions Tips
Early Action or Early Decision: Which is Better?
When you apply to college this fall, you will have to decide the admissions cycle, Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA). Research shows that
12th Grade
When to Apply Early Decision: NYU
The college application season begins in early fall. For the majority of schools, application due dates can vary from October 15th to February 1. The
Admissions Tips
How to Organize College Applications
When it comes to preparing for college applications, first you want to make sure that you get organized. It does not matter if you have impressive grades and test scores. Or if you are super involved with extracurricular activities and your teachers speak about you with high regard. All of this means nothing if you do not have a process or timeline for submitting your college applications.
Financial Aid
How to Pay for College
The costs of higher education are rising. According to a recent College Board survey, today’s college education costs approximately $24,061 for an in-state public college and $47,831 for a private college, up 3% since last year.Inadequate planning through the college financial aid process can bring the burden of unnecessary debt in the form of unsubsidized federal loans, private bank loans, or home equity lines of credit. In our years of working with middle- and upper-income families, we have learned that you can save as much as 50% off of tuition costs with proper planning.
11th Grade
How to Ask for a College Recommendation Letter
College recommendation letters are important in the college admissions process. The recommendation letter provides social proof or verification of the information you provide in your
10th Grade
7 Summer Activities that Impress Colleges
Summer is a great time to work on activities that will impress colleges. Don’t let your teen sit around and do nothing. Read about 7 things they can do, even while social distancing, to stay busy.
11th Grade
Writing a College Essay
Writing a college essay is not like writing an English class essay. Rather, the college essay is a personal statement that captures who you are as a student and why you should be admitted into college. In about 650 words, the college essay should be well written and compelling, engaging, and deeply personal.
10th Grade
Applying Test-Optional? Here’s How to Decide.
As an increasing number of selective and highly selective colleges go test-optional, it shows that institutions are recognizing that it takes more than a score to show a student’s promise. But before deciding whether or not to submit your scores, consider the pros and cons of applying test-optional.
10th Grade
7 Tips for Creating a Stand Out College Application
Creating a stand out college application is important. Colleges receive thousands of applications every year. More than 80% of colleges accept half of the students who apply. The other 20% are selective schools that struggle to differentiate between students who have outstanding grades and test scores. Therefore, selective colleges will depend on you to help them decide. You can get an edge in admissions if you spend time early on showing them how you are an authentic and unique fit.
12th Grade
7 Big Mistakes to Avoid When You Apply for Financial Aid
The cost of a college education in the United States is rising. According to the College Board, it can cost your family $23,890 to send your student to an in-state public school, and $32,410 for a private school. To help American families with college costs, federal and state governments and colleges give more than $200 billion annually in financial aid. Your student can apply for financial aid to receive support to help meet the costs of obtaining a college education.
12th Grade
A to Z Guide to College Transition
Seniors – by now you have received your admission letter and are ready to enroll in college. Great! Read this list of steps to take between now and the first day of classes to ensure a smooth college transition. Consult with the enrollment letter provided by your school, and keep in close contact with your college for important updates about your enrollment status.
As you navigate the enrollment process, I hope you find this A to Z guide to college transition helpful, along with other tips that will lead to matriculation success.
Financial Aid
How to Negotiate a Financial Aid Award
You may remember months ago you completed the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form, sponsored by the U.S. State Department of Education provided your family with an index called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This amount told colleges how much you could afford to pay for the cost of attendance, including tuition, room, board, and fees. With this information, colleges formulated a financial aid package comprised of scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. If the college does not provide your family with a competitive package, read this article to learn tips on negotiating a better financial aid package. Also, download a free sample template letter.
College Admissions
The Strange College Admissions Scandal, privilege, and other college news.
This month, I have rounded up college admissions articles worth reading.
10th Grade
Can My Student Apply to College Undecided About a Major?
Last week, a mom emailed me asking if it was okay that her son does not know what he wants to study in college. She shared her experience visiting a college campus where a campus tour guide asked each student in the group to say their name and what they planned to major in. The mom wrote, “Kids spoke of studying biostatistics, history, forensics, and other subjects I have never heard of. When it was Sammy’s turn, he shrugged and said Dothraki (not sure if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, but this is not a real language…). The whole group laughed. I was so embarrassed. What should I do?”
12th Grade
How the Admissions Committee Works
After you submit your application, it must pass the initial computer screening process, impress the readers, and be memorable and strong enough for you to survive the admission committee’s deliberations.
Accepted
You’re Accepted to College! Now what?
Getting accepted to college will be the first of many great accomplishments in your life. After crafting the perfect application – taking SAT exams, preparing for interviews, and writing essays that best captures you — the hard work paid off. But what comes next?
Admissions Tips
What to Do After Submitting My College Application
Read about four action steps you can take right now to continue demonstrating interest in your colleges after the application has been submitted.
6 Steps to Mastering a College Fair
College fairs are often overwhelming and intimidating. Hundreds of eager parents and students pack into a convention center. They rotate around the room to learn about what colleges all over the country have to offer. Attending a college fair is an opportunity to get to know schools, meet the admissions officers who represent them, and begin the journey of building a relationship that demonstrates your interest and fit for the college.
Financial Aid
4 Overlooked Ways to Pay for College
High college costs are commonly a pain point families are tormented by when planning their student’s future. Start a 529 Plan. A 529 Plan is an investment account that you can use to save for higher education expenses.
College Admissions
My Dream College Deferred Me. What Should I Do?
In recent years, the number of students submitting college applications in Early Decision and Early Action admissions cycles has increased. Many students believe that applying early leads to a better chance of acceptance.
Recent Posts
- FAFSA Questions: Step-by-Step
- How to Write the “Why” College Essay
- How Colleges Do Holistic Admissions
- Why Write a High School Resume
- Extracurricular Activities & COVID-19: SOS
- The Common App Questions: Step-By-Step
- COVID-19 Question on the Common App
- Guide to Early Action Schools
- Early Decision: University of Chicago
- Early Action or Early Decision: Which is Better?
- When to Apply Early Decision: NYU
- How to Organize College Applications
- How to Pay for College
- How to Ask for a College Recommendation Letter
- 7 Summer Activities that Impress Colleges
- Writing a College Essay
- Applying Test-Optional? Here’s How to Decide.
- 7 Tips for Creating a Stand Out College Application
- 7 Big Mistakes to Avoid When You Apply for Financial Aid
- A to Z Guide to College Transition