For many students, the goal of college admissions is to gain entrance into the Ivy League – a group of eight universities that many believe are the most prestigious institutions in the United States. While there are many other schools alongside the Ivy League (like Stanford, MIT, University of Chicago, Northwestern, Caltech, Duke, etc.) that fill…
“Dear Student, The Admissions Committee has carefully reviewed your application to [College], and after thoughtful consideration, we regret to inform you that we were unable to offer you a place in the Class of [Year].” This sentence is likely one of the most devastating for a young student to read. They put in years of…
For high school juniors, the spring brings more than just a flurry of pollen invaders; introductory meetings with college advisors are scheduled, emails from colleges and universities start to consistently appear in inboxes, and a buzz starts to arise as students get into the tempo of the college search process. While there is often much…
Faculty Frustration with High School Curricula Having spent the majority of my career in enrollment management positions, the question of standardized testing’s impact on college admissions arises more frequently than you might expect. Collegiate faculty often express frustration with high school curricula, particularly the lack of courses that encourage students to think critically or synthesize…
Understanding the Role of Extracurricular Activities As admissions consultants, we are often asked about the role that extracurricular activities play in the college application process. Many students and parents are under the impression that only traditional activities such as being president of the class or captain of the sports team are important. However, thinking outside…
Did you know that there are over 1,830 colleges and universities that have switched to test-optional over the last few years? According to Forbes, many of these schools did so to help combat the effects of COVID, but as COVID cases have been on a drastic decline schools are standing by this policy for a…
The college application process can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for both high school students and their parents. However, with the right approach, the process can be made less frustrating and the results more successful with some thoughtful planning. A Quick Guide for Parents and Students Here are a few tips to make navigating…
Starting high school can be seen as the first step towards the college educational journey. Although it is an exciting time in the lives of teenagers, it is also a pivotal time to get serious about your academic performance in preparation for the college application process. For some, preparation for college can begin as early…
The college application process can be an extremely anxious time for every student. While admissions officers understand that nerves are high, mistakes happen, and the process is confusing, there are some major “don’ts” that can make or break your admission decision. Below, I have added a few tips and tricks to ensure you avoid these…