Dealing with College Denial
It’s college-decision season. You open your email or log into your college portal to check your admissions status. But if the message you opened begins with “We regret to inform you…,” it can feel like the air just got sucked out of the room, especially if this was your “first choice” college. First, take a […]
The Importance of Likely Colleges
Most students add a few likely colleges to their list almost as an afterthought. They focus their energy on Reach and Possible schools and assume the likelies will simply be there if needed. But that mindset misses the point. A well-chosen likely school should never feel like a backup plan. It should feel like a […]
Avoiding Senioritis
High school seniors sometimes believe that because they have worked so hard throughout high school, they have earned the right to slack off in their senior year, especially in the last few months. By now, mid-year grades are on their way to colleges, and students may have already been accepted at their favorite school. Why […]
The School Profile
When families think about college applications, they focus on essays, test scores, activities, and transcripts. But there’s another document that plays a major role in how colleges understand a student’s accomplishments, and most students never even see it. It’s called the School Profile, and it accompanies every transcript your high school sends to colleges. This […]
Honors Colleges
One way to have the advantages of a small college while attending a large university is through an honors program. Many public and some private universities offer honors programs that provide great benefits, including preferential class registration, special honors classes, enhanced advising, and enrichment programs. Honors classes attract top professors who enjoy teaching bright, motivated […]
Rethinking Failure & Resilliance
Somewhere along the way, many students began treating failure as a personal label rather than a temporary setback. The New York Times once observed that failure has shifted from an action I failed to an identity I am a failure. Any parent who has watched their teen meltdown after a disappointing grade or feedback knows […]
Ace Your College Interview
College interviews come in several formats: ‘informational’, ‘recommended’, and ‘evaluative.’ Colleges offer interviews because they want to enroll students who will enhance their campus community and bring new ideas. Interviews are also wonderful opportunities for you to ask questions. Think of the interview as a two-way conversation; it’s not just the college wanting to learn […]
Why Are You Applying Here?
When high school seniors start tackling college applications, one of the most common and tricky questions they face is some version of “Why us?” It sounds simple, but many students stumble by plugging the same generic answer into every application. Admissions readers quickly spot essays that could be sent to any school. It’s obvious when […]
No Contact Order
Allison’s mother was confused when she received the call. Her daughter, a sophomore at a prestigious university, had been issued a “No Contact Order” – not because of any serious accusation, but because of a roommate dispute that had escalated beyond typical college drama. What once might have been resolved through a heart-to-heart conversation or […]
Understanding Letters of Recommendation
The application requirements for most colleges in the US include a letter of recommendation from the student’s high school guidance counselor and often one or two of their classroom teachers. These letters provide colleges with insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Typically, there are two main types of recommendations you’ll […]