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 […]
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 […]
Helping Your Teen Choose a College Major
One of the most significant decisions your child will face in college is choosing a major. As a parent, your role isn’t to decide for them, but to guide, support, and help them explore options with confidence. Choosing a major isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a process of exploration. By combining honest self-assessment, real conversations […]
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 […]
Financial Matters: Understanding your Financial Aid Letter
You’ve opened the email, logged into the portal, and there it is: your student has been admitted and offered a financial aid package. Relief and excitement last about thirty seconds. Then you start scrolling. Numbers appear. Some seem promising. Others are confusing. Loans and grants blur together, unfamiliar acronyms pop up, and suddenly you’re wondering […]
Focus on Majors: Film Producer
When most people hear “film major,” they picture a student holding a camera or directing a scene. But today’s film and media programs cover far more than that. Colleges now offer majors in creative producing, film and media studies, digital arts, screenwriting, entertainment marketing, and even the business side of Hollywood. If you’re interested in […]
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 […]
Taking the SAT or ACT in a Test-Optional World
Over the past several years, hundreds of colleges have adopted test-optional, test-flexible, and test-blind admissions policies. For many students, that shift has brought relief. For others, it has created confusion. If colleges don’t require test scores, why take the SAT or ACT at all? The reality is more nuanced. Test-optional does not mean test-blind, and […]
Course Registration: Making Smart Choices
Course registration can feel exciting, overwhelming, or somewhere in between. You’re being asked to make decisions that seem like they matter a lot, and in some ways, they do. The good news is that you don’t need a “perfect” schedule. You need a thoughtful one that fits you. Start by understanding your graduation requirements. Every […]