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.
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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 appl...
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...
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 your nat...
Summer is finally here, and I can't help but feel the excitement in the air. It's a time for sunshine, relaxation, and making memories. But as parents of high school students, it's essential to consider how your teenager spends their summer and how it can positively impact their college admissions journey.Â
In this blog post, I'll shed light on the significance of productive summer activities, how they influence college applications, and why it's crucial to strike a balance between enjoying life and preparing for the future. Let's dive in!
The Power of Productive SummersÂ
While it's tempting for teenagers to indulge in carefree summer days, it's equally important for them to engage in meaningful a...
Hey there! This week, I want to continue our discussion on college admissions and shed light on how resumes and essays can work together to create a compelling application. Did you know that a staggering 80% of colleges no longer require standardized testing? This shift puts a greater emphasis on essays and activities resumes, allowing students to showcase their true potential. In this blog post, I'll explain how your child's essays and resumes should align and amplify their unique stories. So, let's dive in!
The Impact of No Standardized TestingÂ
With colleges moving away from standardized testing, the weight placed on essays and activities resumes has significantly increased. Admissions officers now...
It's crucial for parents to understand the importance of resumes for high school students. While I've been talking about essays in the past few weeks, let's shift our focus to resumes and activity sheets. I've received numerous requests for templates and formatting tips, so let's dive right in!
What is a Resume?Â
A resume or activities list is a compilation of your child's accomplishments and involvements outside the classroom. It's essential to present these activities in an exciting and engaging manner. Using active verbs and listing the most significant activities at the top, you can highlight how your child spends their time and showcase their interests and strengths. Colleges are interested in le...
If you're a parent with a high school student, do you think your teen needs a resume to apply to college? I get this question a lot, and the answer I always give is a resounding yes! Let me explain why having a resume is crucial for college applications and how it can make a significant impact on your child's chances of admission.Â
 Highlighting Activities Beyond the Classroom
A resume for college applications is not the same as a job resume. Instead, it serves as a snapshot of how your child spends their time outside the classroom. While many colleges provide an activity sheet, they often give students the option to upload a resume as well. Although it may seem repetitive, having both can actually be...
As the founder and Chief Education Officer of Strategic Admissions Advice, I often hear from parents about how our work together positively shaped the future path for their son or daughter as they navigated the complex and overwhelming path of the college admissions process.
Our company is dedicated to providing personalized coaching, strategy, and support for parents and their teens throughout the college admissions process.
Today, I would like to share a recent success story with you, which I believe is a testament to the level of service and personal attention we provide.
One of our clients, Brent, a father of a high schooler applying for college, shared his concerns and experiences with us:
"A...
I want to address a common concern among parents with high school students—the challenge of brainstorming for college application essays. Crafting a compelling essay is crucial to the college admissions process, and as parents, we want to support our children in this important endeavor.
Last week, I shared some insights on kickstarting the brainstorming process when your teen feels stuck and doesn't know what to write about. Many parents reached out to me, expressing gratitude for permission to assist their kids. However, I understand the concerns about striking a balance between parental involvement and allowing students to take ownership of their essays. Every family is unique, but rest assured, ther...
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
It's important to steer clear of certain topics that may hinder your teen's chances of making a strong impression through their essay. Here are a few key points to remember: