Hey there, parents! It's fall, the air is getting crisp, and many of you are heading back to your college campuses for homecoming. It's a nostalgic time, but more importantly, it's an opportunity to share your own college experiences with your high school teen.

Why Visit College Campuses:

1. Understanding Academics (The First "A"):

Begin the journey by helping your teen understand the academics of different colleges. Is it a liberal arts school or one with a focus on business and engineering? What specialties does it offer? How does it support students academically on a day-to-day basis? Remind them that academics should be the cornerstone of their college experience. 

2. Exploring...

Parents, 

Today, we're delving into a crucial aspect of the college application process that often goes unnoticed—the peril of selective and rejected colleges. In a world dominated by rankings and percentages, it's essential to guide teens away from colleges that too often take very few students.  

The Rejected School Conundrum: Unveiling the Odds

In a recent discussion, the prevalence of anxiety among parents about the US News and World Report rankings came to light. What exactly is a rejective school? It's a school that admits only 5% to 20% of its applicants, meaning the majority face rejection. While aiming high is admirable, it's crucial to understand the staggering odds and...

Welcome, concerned parents of the Class of 2024! It's a pleasure to have your attention once again. I'm Shereem Herndon-Brown, the founder and president of Strategic Admission Advice. 

Today, I want to emphasize a crucial aspect of the college application process – meeting deadlines.

In this fast-paced world of college applications, there's one universal truth: deadlines are everything. They can make or break your teen's chances of getting into their dream school. So, let's dive into why deadlines are crucial and how you, as parents, can help your teen succeed in meeting them.

The Significance of Deadlines:

Let's start by acknowledging the elephant in the room – college application...

Are you ready for a journey that will shape your teen's future? It's a question that every parent of a high school junior, sophomore, or freshman should be asking themselves. As the founder and president of Strategic Admissions Advice, I've dedicated my career to helping students and parents navigate the complex and ever-changing college admissions process. Today, I want to focus on the classes of 2025, 2026, and 2027, because it's never too early to start planning for college success.

In this blog post, we'll explore key steps you can take to ensure your teen's success in the college admissions process. From understanding the shift to digital testing to the importance of campus visits and creating a...

Today, we are delving into a topic of utmost importance for high school students: the significance of connecting with college admissions offices. This engagement isn't for parents; it’s for your teen to actively communicate with colleges regarding their academic journey and aspirations.

At this critical stage, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their interest in prospective colleges, get their questions answered, and form relationships with admissions officers. Many colleges even track this interest as part of their admission process. As we enter the bustling college application season, it's crucial to encourage your teen to sign up for webinars, attend receptions, and make the most...

If you know me, you know I love writing. Teaching writing, reading writing and yes, simply writing is how I spend most of my day. We're here in September, right in the heart of college essay writing season, and if your teen has not already started their essay, it's crucial not to delay any further. Let's ensure that the wheels are in motion for the college essay process because, now more than ever, the college essay can make or break a college application.

To assist your teen effectively, let's break down the college essay process into four essential steps:

1. Brainstorming

The first step, brainstorming, is a collaborative effort. Both you and your teen have ideas, and it's important to discuss them...

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.

...

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...

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: 

1.   Assisting Your School Counselor's Efforts: As...

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...