As a high school freshman, you may be wondering how much your grades from this year will impact your chances of getting into college. It’s a common concern and one that deserves a thoughtful answer. In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of freshman-year grades in the college admissions process and provide you with…
One of the most common questions higher education professionals receive is, “How can I improve my college application in a very competitive and saturated academic environment?” The application process can often seem overwhelming and clouded in mystery but there are some very clear steps you can take to show yourself in the best light during…
Supplemental college essays are university-specific, meaning that they are something you will write in addition to the Common Application Personal Statement, but they will only be sent to the specific institution that is asking the prompt. As such, these essays pack a lot of power: these are the college and universities’ best chance to really…
The college admission process is filled with uncertainty. With so many colleges to pick from and multiple ways to apply, it’s no wonder that students and families become stressed during the process. One way to reduce uncertainty and anxiety is to apply early decision to your first-choice college. Why submit an early decision application? Here…
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…
What are the top reasons students choose a specific school? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are roughly 4,000 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the United States [1]. That means, there are upwards of 4,000 choices out there for students when deciding on a college in the US (yikes!). Regardless of if you…
Admission committees utilize various resources to comprehensively evaluate an applicant, extending beyond the materials submitted directly by the student. One important resource is the Secondary School Report (SSR), and it’s helpful for students and parents to understand its role in the admission process. The Secondary School Report (SSR) is a form completed and submitted by…
Developing effective study habits is crucial for academic success, yet it requires patience and strategy. In today’s fast-paced world, students face various challenges, from rigorous academic demands to extracurricular commitments. However, with the right approach, anyone can cultivate habits that promote learning and achievement. Setting Attainable Goals The journey towards good study habits begins with…
In today’s digital age, the internet opens doors to countless opportunities, including the ability to explore colleges from the comfort of your own home. But nothing beats the real deal—stepping foot on a college campus and soaking in the atmosphere. So, are college visits really that important? Let’s break it down. Why College Visits Matter…
“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…