Blog Posts

Why does research experience matter?

Why does research experience matter?

By Solomon Team / 08/23/2024

Updated: August 2024 (Originally published: January 2018) The Importance of Research Experience for High School Students Students often hear the word “research,” but they might not fully understand what it means. It’s a term that pops up in phrases like “do your research,” which simply means digging deeper to learn more about something. But in…

Junior Year Spring: The College Search Kick-Off

Junior Year Spring: The College Search Kick-Off

By Adrienne Gilbert / 08/09/2024

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…

How to apply to the UCs

TEN TIPS FOR APPLYING TO THE UC’S

By Solomon Team / 08/01/2024

1. Emphasize Hardships and Challenges Overcome in UC Essays: The UC’s want you to place your grades from 10th and 11th grade in context. For example, if you had a bad semester due to hardship, including an environment that discouraged educational goals and aspirations, being forced to take care of a younger sibling, commuting an…

Kellogg School of Management Admissions Guidance

How to Get Accepted by Stanford and Ivy League Universities (Webinar)

By Solomon Team / 07/31/2024

Being accepted by Stanford or an Ivy League University is becoming more and more difficult every year. Admission rates at these top colleges have collapsed by on average 50%. Watch the webinar to learn how to navigate the Stanford and Ivy League admissions process, position your application, and market your candidacy. Read below for an abbreviated transcript,…

Should I take a gap year?

Should I take a Gap Year?

By Jessica Rabalais / 07/17/2024

Should You Take a Gap Year? Exploring the Benefits and Considerations An increasing number of students are opting to take a year off between high school and college. The reasons vary from wanting to “take a break” from homework and exams to a desire to travel, follow a passion, or simply work and save money…

The Effect of Standardized Testing on College Admissions

The Effect of Standardized Testing on College Admissions: An Expert’s Opinion

By John Birney / 07/09/2024

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…

How early should I start preparing my child for the Ivy League?

How early should I start preparing my child for the Ivy League?

By Philana Tenhoff / 07/05/2024

There is no set age to prepare your child for the Ivy League or Ivy-like schools. However, there are many habits we can foster from a young age. Academic prowess, a high level of personal development, along with a strategic approach are all necessary while positioning your child to apply to an Ivy League or…

Five Reasons to Apply Early Action to College

Five Reasons to Apply Early Action to College

By Maura Connors / 06/21/2024

As a college admissions consultant, I often find myself advising students to consider whether to apply Early Action to their top-choice colleges. While many students are still weighing their options or trying to make a final decision, Early Action can provide numerous benefits that can help make the college application process a little less stressful. …

Understanding the Common Black College Application (CBCA)

Understanding the Common Black College Application (CBCA)

By Marisa Herrera / 06/14/2024

The Common Black College Application (CBCA) is a one-stop shop for African American students seeking to attend historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The CBCA streamlines the college application process by allowing students to submit one application to multiple HBCUs, thus saving time and effort. Recruiting talented students The CBCA helps provide a broader pool…

Junior Year Spring: Kick off The College Search!

Junior Year Spring: The College Search Kick-Off 

By Adrienne Gilbert / 06/07/2024

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…