Some colleges offer opportunities for students to apply early. What do each of these different early admission options offer, who should apply this way, and how do they differ? In the video to the right, Michelle explains Early Action, and Evelyn explains Early Decision, with a few examples of each. For more info about … Read more
According to this recent article in US News & World Report, and absolutely from our team’s experience, college applications to the most selective universities are on the rise. The question is, how should soon-to-be-college applicants approach the changing landscape of college admissions? The best way to handle the very rapid changes we’ve seen is … Read more
CONGRATULATIONS – you’ve been admitted to your top choice college! If you were admitted under a binding Early Decision plan, part of the deal when you applied was that you agreed to withdraw all of your other applications. You should do that as soon as possible. Like within 7 days of being admitted to your … Read more
Before answering the question, “should I apply Early Decision,” we need to get our terminology clear: Early Decision is a BINDING contract between the student and the school. If you are admitted, you are going, no ifs, ands or buts (the one exception to this is if you are not offered a financial aid … Read more
One of our clients’ parents recently forwarded an email from his alumni association – he attended an Ivy League university. The message was sent to alumni who are involved in interviewing students for this particular university, and it noted that of the about 35,000 applications this university received last fall from the Class of 2018, … Read more
We run our kids to band practice, soccer practice, tennis lessons and dance class. We spend our weekends pacing along the sidelines of a game, or a match, or watching a dress rehearsal. Why do we do all this? Why do colleges care so much about students’ extra-curricular activities? I went to a friend’s son’s … Read more
Contribute to a Club This comment typically results in a giant eye roll from high schoolers, but hear us out! It is a small investment on time that could potentially reap great rewards. If you haven’t participated in a club thus far, now’s the time to do some investigating and commit to participating in something … Read more
When we tell people what we do as independent college counselors, they usually have one of three reactions: Wow, I wish someone had done that for me when I was in high school. Wow, I wish I met you two years ago when my son was going through that. Wow, you must have the most … Read more
Students and parents frequently ask us how they can highlight their community service in college applications. While community service is not required for admission to highly selective colleges, it is definitely one way to show colleges your involvement in your community, your values and the way you choose to spend your time. Here are five … Read more
As your high school senior (eek! we’re a senior now!) moves through college applications, you may find yourself with a question that hadn’t occurred to you before: Which test scores should I send to colleges? The answer (frustrating, we know – this is the answer to most every question parents ask us!) is “it depends.” … Read more