Today, we dive deep into a pivotal aspect of college admissions: extracurricular activities. As we navigate the intricate web of undergraduate admission requirements, let's shed light on how your teen's activities outside the classroom can make a resounding impact.

 The Three Crucial Questions

Colleges seek more than just academic prowess; they crave a holistic view of your teen. Three critical questions dominate their minds:

# 1. After School Adventures

Between the hours of 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., what occupies your teen's time? Colleges want to know if they are part of a team, engaged in the school play, or perhaps holding down a job. These experiences mold character and showcase...

Unveiling the Importance of Essays

Essays, the true gems of college applications, offer your teen a unique opportunity to stand out in the highly competitive admissions landscape. In this week’s blog post, we'll explore three essential tips to guide your teen through the essay-writing process, ensuring they maximize this golden opportunity.

Tip #1: Collaborative Brainstorming

Parents, you hold a wealth of knowledge about your teen's experiences, aspirations, and uniqueness. Seize this knowledge by delving into the essay prompts during relaxed moments, perhaps during a long drive or over dinner. Initiate discussions illuminating aspects of their lives, helping them identify compelling stories...

Today, let's delve into the evolution of standardized testing and how it impacts your teen's journey toward higher education.

Understanding the Digital Shift

The SAT® and PSAT-related assessments are going fully digital. As part of that shift, the tests will also be adaptive.  In adaptive testing, the questions a student encounters as they move through the test depends on how they answered the prior questions. The introduction of the digital SAT begins tomorrow, March 9, and signals a shift in testing methods. This transition brings challenges and opportunities for students navigating the college admissions process.

The SAT and PSAT-related assessments use a multistage adaptive...

As we approach the crucial time of year for high school students – the course selection period – it's essential for you to dive into the intricacies of your teen's academic journey. Whether your teen is a freshman, sophomore, or junior, understanding the dynamics of course sequencing is pivotal for their success in gaining admission to the best colleges.

Decoding GPA: More Than Just Numbers

Let's start by demystifying the GPA puzzle. While it holds significance, it's not the sole determinant of your teen's academic prowess. Every school has its own grading scale, and colleges recalibrate grades based on their rules. So, what does this mean for your teen? It means focusing on the...

Now more than ever, I'm committed to guiding you through the crucial process of building a college list for your high school student. In our previous discussions, we've explored the foundations of a solid college list, covering aspects like cost, location, and possible majors. Today, let's delve into the fourth key pillar – potential careers.

The Importance of Considering Possible Careers
When approaching the college decision with your teen, it's crucial to discuss the academic aspects and potential career paths. Recognizing that teenagers might not have a clear vision of their future, informed conversations about possible careers can be immensely beneficial. Strategic Admissions Advice offers...

The transition from high school to college, often billed as a pivotal chapter in an individual's life, is more than just a mere change in the institutional hierarchy—it's a journey freighted with myriad questions, uncertainties, and intense aspirations. As someone who has navigated this path, I have long pondered the role of high school administrators in preparing their students for the challenges of higher education. Below, I chart my views on the issue, but I actually want to hear yours. I am emailing you today to learn more about how we can collaborate to best support your school’s college counseling office and, ultimately, your students.

As they stand on the cusp of adulthood, the...

Today, let's delve into a crucial aspect of the college search process: discovering your high school teen's possible college major.

Understanding the Four Pillars:

As we've discussed before, the college search process at Strategic Admissions Advice revolves around four key pillars. While cost and location are essential considerations, today, we focus on the third pillar: possible major.

Why Your Teen's Major Matters:

Do you know your teen's true strengths and academic interests? It's crucial for students to approach college with intentionality, understanding why they want to attend and, ideally, what they want to study. At Strategic Admissions, we utilize assessments to help identify strengths and...

Welcome back, parents! In our ongoing series on building a college list for your high school student, we delve into one of the crucial pillars: location. Last week, we discussed the four key pillars – location, possible major, understanding strengths and interests, and career choice. Today, let's focus on why location plays a pivotal role in shaping your teen's college experience.

Understanding the Energy of a Campus

Choosing a college isn't just about academic fit; it's about finding a community where your teen feels a sense of belonging. Whether virtually or in person, experiencing the energy of a campus is vital. We explore the importance of your teen feeling emotionally and...

Parents play a pivotal role in guiding their teen toward a successful future, and it all begins with understanding the fundamental pillars of college list building: cost, location, possible major, and possible career. In this blog post, we'll delve into the first pillar: cost. Remember, this is just one part of the larger college search process, and we'll cover the other pillars in subsequent posts.

Cost: The Cornerstone of College List Building:

In the realm of college search, cost stands tall as the number one pillar. The reality is, no matter your financial background, it's crucial to consider how much it will cost to educate your teen. The landscape of college expenses has evolved, and it's...

Welcome, parents of the Class of 2025! As your teen inches closer to the exciting journey of college admissions, it's crucial to shift gears and establish a strong partnership with your school counselor. 

Understanding the Role of Your School Counselor:

Your school counselor plays a pivotal role in guiding your teen through the college admissions process. As a former school counselor and college admissions officer, I always emphasize the importance of appreciating the procedures and protocols followed by the school's college counseling office. It's essential to view your school counselor as a valuable ally rather than pointing fingers for perceived shortcomings.

Building a Connection:

To make...