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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

While many universities no longer require interviews, it is crucial to research if the schools that your teen intends to apply, to require or recommends them. Interviews provide an excellent opportunity for your rising senior to connect with the admissions office or an alumnus of the university.

As parents, I suggest you help your child to schedule an interview. It’s pretty simple online, and if they can do it on their own, great, but most kids don’t know how busy they genuinely are. The last thing you want is for an interview opportunity to be missed.

In today’s video, we’re going to discuss: College Admissions and Interviews.

When preparing for the interview, there are...

Below are a few questions that your teen can ask and questions they can be expected to be asked during their college interview. Give this to them!

QUESTIONS WORTH ASKING IN AN INTERVIEW

• What is the average class-size (especially in my field of study?) And how does it change from freshman to upper-class years?

• What are the internship opportunities?

• What happens here on weekends?

• How about current campus issues?

• What do students like best about this school?

• What do they complain about?

• What kind of student is most successful here? What kind is not?

SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

• How did you learn about ____________ college?

• What are you looking for in a college and/or what brings...

With so many admissions options, when should a student apply? I’ll start with my favorite: 

Rolling Admissions
Under Rolling Admissions, applications to the schools are reviewed as they are completed and colleges accept eligible candidates until all freshmen spots are filled.  This means, applying early to the school has a great advantage. Applications may even be accepted as early as the summer before the senior year. A number of schools, particularly big state schools, use rolling admissions. Check each school's rolling admissions start date. Students typically receive the decision within two months after the completed application is sent in. Applying rolling admissions is...