Cost of Attendance and Other Confusing College Admission Terms
It is absolutely essential that parents understand confusing college admission terms before allowing their student to commit to a college
What is a College Likely Letter?
What is a college “likely letter” and who is likely to get one of them? What does it mean if you don’t receive one?
Best Resources for College Admission
Obviously, I like to think that my own website is the best resource for anything college admissions-related. And, I promise there is a lot of information here. But, in practice, families doing a college search often need even more information. And, they often want different information at different times throughout the admissions experience. And, there…
Is It Worth Hiring a College Admissions Consultant?
My answer to the question in the title may surprise you. Of course I think a college admissions consultant brings value. But my answer to the question about whether it’s worth hiring one is — it depends! Whether or not college admissions consulting services are right for your family depends on things ranging from your…
An Overview of the Grad School Application Process
I’ve recently begun getting lots of questions about the grad school application process. Repeatedly, students are surprised when I explain what they need to consider and what actions they need to take to apply. While there are some similarities to the undergraduate application process, applying to graduate school has some important differences. Generally, it’s a…
After the College Early Admission Result: What Next?
As early admission decisions begin to roll in this month, it’s a good time to review what happens next in the admissions process. The most important consideration for next steps is whether your student is receiving a positive Early Action decision, which is non-binding, or whether they are learning their Early Decision result, which comes…
Is It a Good Time to Consider a Gap Year?
(Updated 2/21) The class of 2020 had a difficult and disappointing end to their senior year. And so far, the class of 2021 has not fared any better. The disappointing senior years have left families wondering whether maybe their students should consider a gap year? Last year, the idea was so prevalent that juniors were…
Considering Some Virtual College Tours? Here Are Some Options
Virtual college tours really took off a couple of years ago when it became difficult for potential students to visit colleges. And now, I think it’s safe to say that it has almost become a standard part of the college search for many families. Doing a campus virtual tour can be a great…
How to Create a Terrific Brag Sheet for the Best Recommendations
The “brag sheet” is important to getting strong letters of recommendation for college applications. Find out what it is and why it’s important!
Your Student is on a College Waitlist…Now What?
According to the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, colleges are using waitlists more than ever before. Between the Fall of 2017 and fall of 2018, the number of students put on a college waitlist increased by 18%. And 43% of institutions reported using a waitlist. Let’s talk about exactly what that means and how…