Welcome to the 2024-2025 college admissions season! As the Chief Education Officer and founder of Strategic Admissions Advice, I’m thrilled to guide you through this pivotal time. August marks a crucial period where parents and students can collaboratively tackle two essential aspects of college preparation: building the college list and crafting stellar essays. These tasks, while daunting, lay the foundation for successful college applications. Let’s dive into the key pillars that will help you and your high schooler navigate this season effectively.

Building the College List: Four Key Pillars

1. Cost

When it comes to selecting colleges, the cost is a paramount consideration. College educati...

As we approach the college application season, it’s crucial for parents to understand the distinctions between personal essays and supplemental essays. Your high school student’s ability to master both can significantly impact their chances of admission. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the essential differences, purposes, and strategies for each type of essay. By the end, you'll be equipped to support your teen in crafting compelling and authentic narratives that resonate with college admissions officers.

Understanding the Personal Essay

The personal essay, often referred to as the personal statement, is a staple of the college application process. This essay is a window into the st...

Today, we're exploring a question that many parents have been asking as their teenagers prepare for college applications: Do interviews still matter?

This is a great question, particularly relevant as college admissions become increasingly competitive and multifaceted. The answer, however, is not straightforward. It depends on various factors, including the type of school and the nature of the interview itself.

Types of College Interviews: Informative vs. Evaluative

When discussing college interviews, it's essential to differentiate between two main types: informative and evaluative.

Informative Interviews: These interviews are primarily an exchange of information. They provide an opport...

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 live...

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 acce...

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 size, loca...

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 Loca...

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 defyin...