Parents, I hear this question all the time: How does my child stand out?  Part of your teen’s school counselor’s job is to answer that question. Given that they have the full context of your child's grades, activities and scores, my hope is that they are helping to build a story and suggest a strategy.

Every year, I speak with families who are confused, frustrated, or unsure about what to expect from their school counselor. Some counselors are highly engaged, meeting with students regularly, providing in-depth feedback on applications, and proactively guiding families through the process. Others? Not so much. It’s not about a lack of care—it’s often about...

For many families, the college admissions process is overwhelming. Between finding the right fit, figuring out financial aid, and ensuring academic and social success, there’s a lot to consider. Unfortunately, many students never get the full picture when it comes to one of the most powerful options available—Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

If you’re a parent of a high school student, Black History Month is the perfect time to explore why HBCUs are more than just a cultural choice—they’re a strategic, valuable, and often overlooked option in higher education. Let’s dive into why your teen should have at least one HBCU on their college list.

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Parents, let’s talk about summer. While it’s a time for your teen to relax and recharge, it’s also an incredible opportunity to build a college application that stands out. But not all summer activities are created equal. Some can significantly enhance their profile, while others might do little to move the needle.

Here’s what you need to know about making the most of the summer months.

Why Summer Matters for College Applications

Colleges are looking for students who use their time intentionally. Summer provides a chance to:

1. Showcase Passions and Interests: Whether it’s through a summer job, internship, or specialized academic program, the activities your teen chooses...

The world of college admissions has seen monumental changes over the past few years, and test-optional policies are at the center of this evolution. If you’re the parent of a high school student, chances are you’ve heard about test-optional policies and wondered: What does it really mean? Is it truly optional? And could it hurt my teen if they don’t take the ACT or SAT?

Let’s break it all down so you can feel confident in your decisions about standardized testing—and ultimately set your teen up for success.

First, let’s clarify: Test optional doesn’t mean test blind. Colleges that are test-optional allow students to choose whether to submit standardized test...

Why Visiting Colleges Matters

Campus visits provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience a school firsthand. Brochures and online tours are helpful, but nothing compares to walking the campus, interacting with current students, and getting a feel for the culture and environment.

These visits allow your teen to envision themselves at the school and assess whether it aligns with their academic, social, and personal goals. Visiting also gives you a chance to assess logistics, like travel distance, nearby amenities, and cost of living.

But visiting colleges without a plan can lead to stress, frustration, and wasted time. Let’s talk about how to make this process work for you and your family.

Hello and Happy New Year to all the parents out there! 

As we usher in the new year, I want to extend my warm wishes, especially to parents of high school seniors. With graduation on the horizon, it's crucial to ensure that your child's college application journey is on the right track. 

In this week’s blog post, we'll discuss the importance of checking application portals and delve into the revamped Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Let's make 2025 a year of informed decisions and financial planning for your child's higher education.

The Application Portal Check

As parents, it's essential to play an active role in your child's college application process. Many...

Happy New Year, parents! By now, you might be tired of hearing it, but let me be the first to wish you a happy, focused, and productive 2025 when it comes to your teen’s college admissions journey. I’m Shereem Herndon-Brown, Chief Education Officer and founder of Strategic Admissions Advice, and I’m here to ensure that parents of the Class of 2026 know exactly what they need to do now to set their teenren up for success.

January may feel far from college applications, but trust me—being proactive now will make all the difference later. Every year, I encounter families who come to us in August, September, or even October, wishing they’d started sooner. This doesn’t...

1. Reassess the College List

If your teen was deferred or rejected, one of the most immediate questions to ask is this: Were we realistic in our list of schools?

Many families shoot for the stars when it comes to their child’s college list—and that’s okay! Ambition is a great thing. But the truth is, the admissions process is extremely competitive. Top-tier schools are rejecting more students every year, including those who are incredibly qualified.

If your list leaned heavily on reach schools, now is the time to regroup and ensure there’s a better balance. A strong list includes reach schools, target schools, and safety schools.

Here are a few key questions to consider:

• Did...

What is Early Decision 2, and Why Does It Matter?

Early Decision 2 is a second opportunity for students to commit to a college as their top choice. While ED1 deadlines are typically in November, ED2 deadlines fall in early January. Colleges that offer ED2 use it as a way to fill more of their incoming class with highly committed students.

Here’s why this matters:

• Colleges prioritize their yield rate. The yield rate is the percentage of students who accept offers of admission. ED applicants—whether in round one or two—are 100% committed to attending if admitted. This makes them more appealing to colleges than regular decision (RD) applicants, who may be less likely to enroll.
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