The Common Application is a centralized platform utilized by over 900 colleges to collect general information, input supplements & essays, and submit applications. Gone are the days of applying to seven colleges using seven different applications. Gone are the days of filling out each application via pen and paper. The Common Application is tool students…
So, you are applying to college and decide to create a calendar for application deadlines. In your exploration of college websites, you come across terms like early decision (ED), early action (EA), and restrictive or single-choice early action (REA or SCEA). Do all these admissions decision plans confuse you? Are you asking yourself why there…
“Be nice to your college counselor – we write your letter of recommendation.” These words stood out in bold white letters on a bright red coffee mug that sat on my office desk for years. The cup’s blunt advice always received a chuckle from students and parents, likely because the suggestion was a gentle reminder…
In addition to the usual application materials, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays, students are often asked to submit standardized test scores from either the SAT or ACT exam when applying to college. Top schools do not recommend one test over the other; students are allowed to submit whichever one they prefer. SAT/ACT scores…
For many months, students have been working on their college process. From searching for colleges to visits, to writing a personal statement, there has been substantial commitment toward their future. And as they approach the final leg of the process, an equally important decision emerges: When do I apply? It is essential to have a…
With the increasing number of applicants and the high academic standards of colleges, the competition for spots at top institutions is fiercer than ever. But, don’t worry – there are ways to make your application stand out. Here’s what you need to know: Getting into college is a competitive process, but with the right preparation…
The college application season (September-January) can be a stressful time as seniors are juggling classes, essay writing, testing, and asking for recommendation letters. A big part of this stress is meeting each of your college’s strict deadlines in the middle of midterms and finals. This is why getting organized early can help alleviate some of…
MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), have been available since 2012, with edX and Coursera being the most widely known. They’re an excellent way to learn about any possible topic from history, science, language, and many STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and CS (computer science) courses. Here are some of the benefits of attending a…
The college search process can immediately feel overwhelming with close to 5,000 colleges and universities in the U.S.! Since this is your first time exploring college options, you are likely unsure of what factors you should even be considering. Spend some time thinking about what you want the most out of your college experience. The…
Understanding the Pros and Cons For decades, the SAT and ACT have been a staple in the college admissions process. However, in recent years, there has been debate about whether these standardized tests are still relevant in today’s college admissions landscape. Here’s what you need to know: Pros of the SAT and ACT: Cons of…