Blog
The college admissions process is confusing and overwhelming. Start here to get your questions answered.
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 to answer. And while so much about UChicago has changed, including being part of the Common Application, the one question that hasn’t changed is this: “How does the University of […]
Read More
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 be reviewing college applications holistically. In other words, when deciding who to admit, college admissions committees will consider a range of factors, qualitative and quantitative applicant information. In this post, […]
Read More
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 match process. Or that it is something that you don’t have to worry about until you get to college. Guess what?! Many people agree with you, including college admissions consultants, […]
Read More
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 college-bound teen, this doesn’t mean that you should do nothing. While virtual, there are many things you can do in your community and beyond to help those in need. I’ve […]
Read More
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 App Questions Guide to break down the application for you, one question at a time. Also, I clarify why each question is asked and how to best answer each one […]
Read More
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 you to write about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted you. There is no doubt that coronavirus has disrupted our lives. For starters, schools have been closed since March and […]
Read More
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 to attending is considered Early Action (EA). Compared to Early Decision, which does ask for a binding commitment, early action schools can be a better deal for you. Early action […]
Read More
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 due depends on the admissions cycle you select. The University of Chicago, for example, has four types of application cycles: Early Action (due November 2), Early Decision I (due November […]
Read More
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 your admissions chances may be higher if you apply EA or ED, provided that you are a strong candidate. ED and EA due dates are either November 1 or November […]
Read More