Many parents face a dilemma: Should their teenagers focus on gaining work experience or devote their time to community service? The answer is not an either/or situation. Both experiences are invaluable and complement each other in significant ways.

Building Work Ethics Through Employment

Having a job teaches students essential life skills. It instills a sense of responsibility, fosters teamwork, and helps them understand the value of earning money. A job requires students to wake up early, follow a schedule, report to a supervisor, and work collaboratively with colleagues. These experiences are vital in developing a strong work ethic and practical skills that will benefit them throughout their...

As we approach the end of June and step into July, the excitement of summer is in the air. It's also a pivotal time for high school students and their parents as they navigate the college admissions process. One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, "What is a safety school nowadays?" With so many colleges admitting so few students, it's crucial to understand what constitutes a safety school and how to identify them effectively.

Let's first discuss what we mean by safety schools. Also referred to as likely or foundational schools, these are institutions where, based on a student's academic performance, extracurricular activities, and interests, they have a high probability of being...

College rejections can be disheartening. But with a strategic college list, you can significantly improve your teen's acceptance odds. Here's how:

• Know Your Numbers: Research average GPAs and test scores for colleges on your list. Aim for a mix of schools where your teen is competitive and "safety schools."

• Consider "Fit": Don't just focus on rankings. Look for colleges that align with your teen's academic interests, personality, and preferred campus environment.

• Research Early Decision and Early Action: These options can increase your teen's chances at certain schools, but understand the deadlines and restrictions.

• Balance is Key: Include a variety of colleges in terms of...

High school counselors are valuable resources, but they may not have the bandwidth to provide personalized college application guidance.

Here are some signs you might need additional support:

• Limited College Knowledge: Does your counselor seem unfamiliar with specific colleges or programs your child is interested in?
• Generic Advice: Are you receiving one-size-fits-all recommendations instead of a tailored strategy for your child's unique goals?
• Overwhelmed Caseload: With large class sizes, counselors may not have the time to devote to in-depth college discussions.
• Limited Expertise: Not all counselors specialize in college admissions.
• Pressure to Meet Quotas: Some counselors might push students...

College applications can be stressful for both students and parents.

One of the key steps in the process is building a strong college list. But many parents make critical mistakes that can hurt their child's chances of admission.

Common Mistakes:

• Focusing Only on Prestige: Don't chase rankings blindly. Consider factors like campus culture, program fit, and financial aid options.

• Ignoring "Safety Schools": Include schools where your child is likely to be accepted, regardless of GPA or test scores. This reduces application anxiety.

• Neglecting "Reach Schools": It's okay to dream big! Include a few colleges with higher admissions standards to challenge your child.

• Not Considering Location: Does...

College admissions can be a stressful and anxiety-provoking time for both teens and parents. Social media comparisons, pressure to get into prestigious schools, and the uncertainty of the process can all contribute to feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and overwhelm.

I emphasize the importance of teens avoiding the "comparison trap." Social media feeds are often filled with carefully curated portrayals of success, leading teens to feel they need to measure up to an unrealistic standard.

Strategies for Parents

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their teen's experience during college admissions. Here are some key takeaways from my advice:

• Manage Your Own Expectations: Let go of assumptions...

As a seasoned college admissions counselor and master strategist, I've guided countless students through the intricate college application maze. One critical aspect often underestimated? The power of a truly impactful essay.

Forget generic formulas. Today, we unlock four hidden gems: essay prompts that stand out in a sea of applications. These prompts empower your teen to showcase their unique experiences and remarkable qualities.

Beyond Rebellion: Unveiling Growth Through Challenge
(Prompt 3)

This prompt delves far deeper than mere dissent. It's about grappling with established ideas, fostering independent thought, and, ultimately, personal growth. Imagine an essay where your teen recounts defying...

As a parent of a high school senior, you know the college application process can be a whirlwind. It's easy to feel overwhelmed between transcripts, test scores, and extracurricular activities. But there's one area where your teen has significant control: the essay. 

The college essay is their chance to shine, to tell their unique story and showcase their personality beyond numbers on a page. However, with so many prompts available, choosing the right one can be tricky. 

Here at Strategic Admissions Advice, we've helped countless students craft compelling essays that make them stand out. Today, we'll discuss three essay prompts to avoid and offer some guidance for a successful...

The path to college stands as a monumental milestone in the pivotal journey of guiding our teens toward a bright future. It's a time filled with potential, dreams, and, admittedly, a fair share of anxieties. Have you ever stopped to ponder whether your teen is receiving the tailored, strategic guidance necessary to navigate the complex maze of college admissions? 

The Stark Reality
With burgeoning caseloads, the average high school college counselor is stretched thin, managing hundreds of students. The question that begs to be asked is: Can they truly offer the personalized, in-depth strategy that your unique teen needs? While their intentions are undoubtedly pure, the sheer volume of their...

There's a crucial conversation to have as your teen starts to plan for their journey to college: Return on Investment (ROI). As parents of high school students, April brings a flurry of activity. College acceptance letters arrive, financial aid packages are dissected, and the looming enrollment deadline adds a touch of pressure. But amidst the excitement, there's a crucial conversation to be had for the parent and the teen who have yet to go through the process: What is the Return on Investment?

Return on Investment (ROI) for their college education.

While a college degree remains valuable, understanding the potential financial outcomes associated with different schools empowers students to make...