College Application Blog: News You Can Use



GPA graph showing red line dropping and green line rising

What If My GPA Took A Nosedive Sophomore Year?

When a student asks me this question, I say: Don’t worry. Freshman, sophomore or junior year, there’s time to become …

student in sunglasses during summer

Juniors: What Are Your Plans for Next Summer?

I know juniors have a full plate. With SAT/ACT prep, an AP, IB, Honors or Regular academic workload, leadership positions …

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The College Application Trifecta: Grades, Scores & Activities

I was just Zooming with a family who asked, “What are the most important criteria when applying for college?” I …

STEM vs. Language Arts for college applicant

What Kind of College Applicant Are You: STEM or Language Arts?

When I pose this exploratory question to a college applicant, some students provide a binary answer while others ask me: …

personal statement illustration of head with question mark and ideas

“Get Personal” in Your College Personal Statement

Some students reveal their thoughts and feelings without prodding; others clam up if asked a question as seemingly innocent as: …

rigorous classes symbolized by books & degree

APs, Honors, International Baccalaureate (IB): How Important is a “Rigorous” Academic Course Load?

I advise my students to take rigorous courses, the hardest classes they can successfully shoulder – but what does “hardest” …

college waitlists graphic

College Waitlists: Are They Worth the Wait?

For some students, college waitlists are absolutely worth pursuing! For other students, don’t waste the time. Statistically, up to 20% …

brochures for college search

How Do I Begin My College Search?

Some of my students know exactly what they’re looking for in a college; others are deer in the headlights when …

trail of footprints symbolizing lived experience

How Do I Answer the ‘Lived Experience’ Supplemental Essay Prompt?

Good question. Since June 2023 when the Supreme Court ended affirmative action in higher ed, students lost the option of …

"re-write?" written on notebook page

Action Plan Post Denials and Deferrals: Should I Re-Write My Essay?

Is a re-write worthwhile? Maybe yes, but mostly no. After hearing back from Early Decision or Early Action schools, there …

teenager babysitting a young child and playing with stuffed animals

Extracurricular Activities: Does Babysitting My Little Sister Count?

I’m shocked at the number of students who ask me this question. Well, not always “my little sister” or even …

image of a balance scale

To Submit or Not to Submit: That Is the Question (Of the Season)

In 2020 when many if not all colleges went test-optional, students with no access to testing centers or who had …

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