Let’s talk about what you already know:Colleges expect you to be a top-notch student, score highly on standardized tests, and develop extracurricular interests that set you apart from the crowd.If you want to gain admission to your dream school, then you need to perform at your best—both in and out of the classroom. Developing a resume that shows a pattern of achievement and success is important.
Read MoreBefore the proliferation of personal computers and home internet, students had to send in all their college essays, test scores, transcripts, and other forms through snail mail.Can you imagine how nerve-wracking it would be to not only wait to hear back from colleges, but to also be uncertain about whether they even received your application in the first place? Phew!
Read MoreA while back we looked at ways you can make your personal statement shine. If you missed it, check it out here.For most of you, however, this is not the only piece of writing that will be necessary for your college applications. Many schools that use the Common Application also require you to write supplemental essays that are more specific to their institution than your personal statement.
Read MoreSkype interviews are becoming increasingly common as colleges aim to meet students where they are, no matter what region they live in.Large numbers of hopeful applicants simply cannot afford to fly to a college to interview with admissions officers in-person; other students do not have time during senior year to drive all over town to meet with alumni representatives for each college on their list.
Read MoreSo, you’ve clicked the “submit” button and sent in the application fee.All you have to do now is sit back, relax, and enjoy the show—that new Netflix show everyone has been talking about, that is. Right?Not so fast, young grasshopper. Your application process isn’t complete just yet. There is one last major component to your work: interviews.
Read MoreWho knew 650 words could feel so hard? I normally finish writing assignments with ease!For students who are used to earning As in their English classes and on papers that they write, the college application process can present some unique challenges. Often writing the “perfect” essay requires more drafts and a longer editing process than most students are used to.
Read MoreAs summer gives way to fall and that back-to-school feeling sets in across the country, rising seniors turn their thoughts to life after graduation. Which college should I attend? Will I get into my dream school? How can I make a good impression?
Read MoreThroughout your college search and application process, there is one central figure who looms large: the admissions officer.These are the gatekeepers who ultimately decide whether to offer you a place in their college or not. In spite of this, they are almost all very nice people who enjoy working with teenagers.
Read MoreEach year, teachers write tons of letters of recommendations for promising students. In some cases, these letters can be the glue that binds the rest of a student’s application materials together. In other cases, they can be the shining gem that helps elevate an average application into one that is outstanding.
Read MoreOne of the keys to your success in the college application process is forming good relationships with the adults supporting you. That includes your parents, teachers, mentors, and your high school college counselor. Getting to know your college counselor should be at the top of your priority list.
Read MoreApplying to college can be a uniquely stressful time, not just for individuals, but for the entire family. Like most valuable challenges in life, a small dose of healthy pressure can help you succeed in the process. Too much stress, on the other hand, can interfere with your well-being or create tension among those you love.
Read MoreOn the surface, the equation to get recruited as a student athlete may seem simple:Play Well + Get Noticed = Get RecruitedWhile those are the basic ingredients for athletic recruitment, there are many components that go into getting noticed. In the United States alone, there are over 35,000 high schools for college coaches to dig through.
Read MoreNow that you have a year of high school under your belt, you’re ready to really make your mark!The 10th grade is an important chapter in determining what your story will be when you ultimately apply to college. As you prepare to welcome in another hopefully exciting year of learning, you’ll want to build positive momentum from the beginning.
Read MoreBy now you’ve heard that “junior year is the most important year of high school.” Admissions officers, college counselors, and well-meaning teachers repeat this adage over and over to ingrain it in the minds of the students they hope to motivate.
Read MoreYou’ve made it! This is your last year of high school and all the goals you’ve been working toward are right in front of you.Hopefully you made the most of your summer with an enriching experience that advanced your knowledge and skills in an area of passion.
Read MoreFor many 12th graders, the most important event in November isn't Thanksgiving; its early decision (ED) deadlines.By November 15, hundreds of thousands of students will have submitted an application to their first-choice college.
Read MoreThere was a time when New Year's Day was the major holiday milestone marker in the college application process. Students would spend a good chunk of their winter vacation finishing applications that were due shortly after the ball dropped in Times Square.
Read MoreThere are many important elements of the college application process to think about. Some of them—your current GPA, for example—are already set.However, there are important parts of this journey that you can still control. Your essays and your resume both give you a chance to tell your story in your own words.
Read MoreColleges look favorably upon uniqueness, but not because they look for students with the most outlandish personality traits and activities. Imagine reading hundreds (thousands in many cases) of applications each year with similar stories. Admissions officers may have a hard time differentiating between applicants with common narratives.
Read MoreIf a picture is worth 1,000 words, then how do colleges really expect you to paint a whole picture of yourself with only 650 words?Trying to write an outstanding Common Application essay frustrates a lot of talented students. For many, the task is so daunting that it takes significantly longer than it should.
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