10th Grade
Volunteering in High School Matters
Table of Contents Volunteering in high school during COVID-19 You don’t need me to tell you that volunteering is challenging this school year. Last December,
College Admissions Blog
The college admissions process is confusing and overwhelming. Start here to get your questions answered.
10th Grade
Help! My school doesn’t offer AP Classes.
Table of Contents College Board ends SAT Subject Tests Earlier this month, the College Board announced that it would end the SAT Subject Test in
12th Grade
You’re Accepted to College! Now What?
Table of Contents Getting accepted to college will be the first of many great accomplishments in your life. After crafting the perfect application – taking
10th Grade
Why You Need a College Major
Table of Contents Last week, a mom emailed me asking if it was okay that her son does not know what he wants to study
12th Grade
How to Appeal Your Financial Aid Award
Table of Contents If you’re reading this post, it’s likely because you want to appeal your financial aid award. A few months ago, you filed
Admissions Tips
How To Get Admitted Without Test Scores
Table of Contents Introduction As you know, 2020 was a mess for college admissions and reporting test scores. And unfortunately, 2021 may be the same.
12th Grade
What Happens After Submitting the Application?
Table of Contents Can I Demonstrate Interest After Submitting the Application? A student recently asked me if there was anything he could do to influence
10th Grade
How to Choose High School Classes
Table of Contents How to choose high school classes The high school classes that you choose are the most important factor in the college admissions
10th Grade
How to Organize Your Scholarship Search
Table of Contents How to Win Scholarships {Part 2} You learning how to organize the scholarship search is part two of the How to Win
Admissions Tips
How to Find Scholarships
Table of Contents Where to Find Scholarships Last year, American students left over $100 million in scholarships on the table. I recently took a survey
Financial Aid
How to Uncover Financial Aid
Table of Contents You most likely qualify for financial aid. Commonly, parents ask whether or not they should file the Free Application for Federal Student
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
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
Table of Contents With the costs of college on the rise, you are probably thinking about how to pay for college. You are right in
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.
College Admissions
The Strange College Admissions Scandal, privilege, and other college news.
This month, I have rounded up college admissions articles worth reading.
Recent Posts
- Volunteering in High School Matters
- Help! My school doesn’t offer AP Classes.
- You’re Accepted to College! Now What?
- Why You Need a College Major
- How to Appeal Your Financial Aid Award
- How To Get Admitted Without Test Scores
- What Happens After Submitting the Application?
- How to Choose High School Classes
- How to Organize Your Scholarship Search
- How to Find Scholarships
- How to Uncover Financial Aid
- 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