“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…
The Common Application, a college application service first created in 1975, has helped billions of eager high school, transfer, and adult students take the first step to reach their educational goals. What first started out as a paper booklet designed to streamline the college application process has grown into a modernized online platform. The founders…
Among the many pieces of a college application is the Counselor Recommendation. While your transcripts and essays are among the most important parts of the application, what your counselor shares in their recommendation plays a significant role in putting your high school performance, activities, and experiences into perspective. Follow these steps to ensure you make…