Help! My Daughter’s College Essay Stinks: Here's the Solution
Happy school year!
With college admissions season officially here, I understand that many parents begin to panic. The process can be a daunting time for both parents and students alike. At this juncture, it’s crucial to address a common concern: your child's college essay.
Chances are, you've read your child's essay, and you don't like it. You might even think it stinks or doesn't truly represent who your child is. I'm here to tell you that you're not alone. Many parents and students grapple with this challenge. However, the key is not to rewrite your child's essay for them; it's their journey, after all. Instead, let's work together to ensure your child's essay reflects them authentically.
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Types of Applications and the Benefits of Rolling Admission
Hello there! I'm Shereem Herndon-Brown, the founder and Chief Education Officer of Strategic Admissions Advice. As we step into the new school year, it's crucial for parents to get a grasp on how to navigate the college application process effectively. This process involves various types of applications, each with its own set of deadlines and advantages. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the different application types and shed light on the benefits of rolling admission – a strategy that can significantly impact your child's college prospects.
A Plethora of Application Types
For parents of seniors or even juniors, understanding the distinctions between various application...
How to Work with Your Senior’s College Counselor
Welcome, parents of the class of 2024 rising seniors! As the excitement or nervousness sets in for your senior, it's crucial to address an important question:
Has your school’s college counselor been in touch with you and your 12th grader?
With August nearly over and the college application process fast approaching, it's essential to ensure that you and your student are well-informed and prepared. In this blog post, we will discuss the significance of staying connected with your school counselor and how Strategic Admissions Advice can help facilitate this essential relationship.
Understanding the Importance of Communication:
- Assisting Your School Counselor's Efforts: As...
Does Your Teen Have the Right College List?
As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. Ensuring that they have a well-balanced and aspirational college list is a critical step in the college admissions process. I want to guide you and your teen through the essential considerations for creating the right college list. By redefining success and focusing on your child's unique needs and goals, we can work together to build a list that is best for them. So, let's delve into the process of crafting the perfect college list!
1. Partnership Between Parent and Child
Before we begin discussing the college list, let's reiterate the importance of parent and child collaboration in this...
Don’t Let Your Senior Write Their Essays Alone
Welcome, parents of high school students in the class of 2024! As we embrace the exciting and crucial time of college essay season, I am delighted to connect with you. It's my favorite time of year because this is when your teens have the opportunity to authentically express themselves through their college essays, revealing who they are, what they value, and what sets them apart.
Why an Authentic College Essay Matters
With so many factors impacting the college admissions process, including the rise of test-optional policies and evolving affirmative action rulings, a student's college essay carries significant weight. This essay is more than just a piece of writing; it's a window into their...
Common App 2023-24 is Here: Guidance for Parents of High School Students in the Class of 2024
Welcome, parents of high school students in the Class of 2024! As the CEO of Strategic Admissions Advice, I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you. August 1st has passed which marks a significant milestone in the college admissions process: the “rollover” of the Common Application. This event paves the way for students to start applying to colleges and universities.
In this week’s blog post, we will discuss the importance of this date, provide valuable insights, and offer guidance on how to navigate this crucial period successfully. As you embark on this journey with your child, remember that Strategic Admissions Advice is here to support you every step of the way. Let's...
Understanding How College Admissions Is Changing: A Guide for Parents with High School Students
Welcome, parents!
Let’s talk today about the ever-changing landscape of college admissions. It's a topic that affects your high school students and their future. From recent Supreme Court decisions impacting affirmative action to the rise of digital SATs and the growing influence of AI, so much is happening that demands your attention. I invite you to schedule a free Discovery Call with us, so we can help you navigate these changes and ensure the best possible outcomes for your child.
The Impact of the Supreme Court Decision
You may be aware of the recent Supreme Court decision that has influenced affirmative action in higher education. As a parent, this development might leave you...
The Do's and Don'ts for Parents in the College Admissions Process
Happy summer day to you!
I want to continue our series on supporting our kids through the college admissions process. As a parent and educator, I understand how challenging it can be to strike the right balance between involvement and letting our children take the lead. That's why I want to share some essential do's and don'ts that I've learned as a college counselor and as a parent. By following these guidelines, you and your child can get on the same page and navigate this process with confidence.
Don't Write the Essay
One crucial "don't" in this process is to resist the temptation to write your child's college essay. It's important to let them take ownership of this vital piece of their...
How to Get on the Same Page with Your Teen About College
Today, I want to have a conversation with you that is extra special and crucially important. As parents, we all want the best for our kids, and one of the key decisions they'll make is about their college education. In order to guide them effectively, we need to get on the same page with them and have real conversations about college to ensure we make informed choices together.
College is a big decision, and it's important for parents and teens to be on the same page about what they want out of the college experience. This blog post will provide you with some tips on how to have these important conversations with your teen.
Why is it important to be on the same page?
There are a few reasons why it's...
Time Magazine: How to Talk About Race on College Applications, According to Admissions Experts
How to Talk About Race on College Applications, According to Admissions Experts
BY OLIVIA B. WAXMAN
Rafael Figueroa, dean of college guidance at Albuquerque Academy, was in the middle of tutoring Native American and Native Hawaiian students on how to write college application essays when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the race-conscious college admissions processes at Harvard and the University of North Carolina are unconstitutional.
Earlier in the week, he told the students that they shouldn’t feel like they need to talk about their ethnicity in their essays. But after the June 29 Supreme Court ruling, he backtracked. “If I told you that you didn’t have to write about...
