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Myths About Extracurricular Activities – Part 1
Extracurricular activities can certainly be fun and educational at the same time. Some people, though, seem to think these activities possess some sort of extraordinarily miraculous powers when it comes to college applications. They do not. Nevertheless, throughout my years as an admission officer and independent educational consultant, I have heard many people repeat myths…
The Rigor of Your Curriculum: What Level of Difficulty Is Enough?
The rigor—or difficulty—of the classes you take in high school (honors, AP, or International Baccalaureate) is a crucial piece of information colleges use to make admission decisions. In fact, rigor is one of the top three most important factors that college admission officers regularly consider.
Why Start College Counseling Early?
“Early” is a somewhat relative term. For some, starting college counseling early means one week before the application deadline. For others, a year or even earlier in advance. What I mean by “early” when it comes to the college counseling process is considering college requirements at the very beginning of high school, which generally is grade 9 for most students in the United States
The Different Flavors of Standardized Tests
For many applicants, understanding their unique roles and the varying requirements colleges have in connection with these tests can be quite confusing. It is imperative to have a clear understanding of this part of the admission process.
How Do You Really Know a College Is the Right One for YOU?
With the internet putting so much information at our fingertips, facts and statistics about colleges are easily obtained these days. Moreover, there are many great college guidebooks that can tell you everything you want to know about a school. Except one thing—is the college right for you?
Advice to Parents: How Not to Be Involved in Your Child’s College Application Process
In my last blog post, “Advice for Parents: How to Be Involved in Your Child’s College Application Process,” I have discussed what parents can do to be involved in this important process the best way. In this post, I will talk about what not to do and why.
Advice to Parents: How to Be Involved in Your Child’s College Application Process
For families, the process of children applying to college is not always easy. Naturally, parents want to be involved because there is a lot at stake. But children may not always perceive a parent or guardian’s involvement in a positive light. As a result, conversations at home about college can cause good relationships to become…
Undecided Is Normal!
In the United States, there is a tendency among some high school students to think that they must focus on committing to a major before they apply to a college. For most undergraduates, forcing the choice of a major that is connected to a chosen career path, before they even have a chance to actually…
College Application Essay: The Biggest Mistake You Can Make and How to Avoid It
The importance of writing an authentic college application essay CANNOT be underestimated! The biggest mistake students make in this instance is submitting an essay that is not or does not sound like it was written by a high school senior.
Building a College List: 4 Common Mistakes
Choosing a college is a highly individualized process. It is also a decision that deserves time, investigation, and thoughtful consideration.