College Admissions Glossary: Terms You Need to Know
If you’re new to college admissions in the U.S. or have never been through the process before, it can be tough to understand the definitions for all the different types of deadlines, application materials, financial aid options, or other common higher education terms. While you don’t need to create flashcards to keep up with the
15 MIN READ
13 Ways to Improve Reading Scores on the SAT®, ACT®, & PSAT Tests
As I coach students for the college admissions exams, they will often ask how to improve reading comprehension performance on the SAT®, PSAT, and ACT® tests. These questions come as no surprise. The “Reading” section is one of the more daunting segments of the test for many students. These sections contain passages that consist of
9 MIN READ
College Decisions – Class of 2021
Over the next few weeks, our Class of 2021 will graduate, marking the end to a strange and difficult senior year. Our seniors, like many others, have had to make sacrifices because of the pandemic. When the pandemic first hit, our hearts hurt for the things our students would miss. A cancelled school dance, performance,
9 MIN READ
Tiffney Finds Her Fit
“In the end, I just had to remember that the person I play best is myself,” Tiffney says when asked about her college admissions journey. Tiffney is an Allen High School student with a resume that any college would adore. She is a blogger, cheerleader, National African-American Recognition Scholar, National Merit® Commended Scholar, four-time All
4 MIN READ
How to Get Strong Letters of Recommendation For College
An important yet confusing part of the college application process is requesting letters of recommendation. College requirements and high school processes vary, but it’s your responsibility to request letters of recommendation. Following these tips will help your letters showcase your strengths and potential. Why are letters of recommendation important for college admissions? Recommendation letters give
3 MIN READ
Blaine’s College Prep Journey
A few hours before Stanford University’s decisions are supposed to arrive, Blaine’s dad gives her a call. He says, “You know, whether you get in or not, we’re still going to celebrate. You worked hard over the past few years, and regardless of whether or not you get in, your worth is not determined by
4 MIN READ
Duke TIP Has Ended: Advice for Families Moving Forward
Duke University’s long standing national Academic Talent Search program (Duke TIP as it has previously been known) has permanently ended. Duke TIP activities for eligible students have been cancelled through the summer of 2021, according to a March 2021 announcement. After this break, activities geared towards students in grades 6-8 are moving to a program
5 MIN READ
Temi, Cornell University Class of 2020
Temi is a recent Cornell University graduate living in Atlanta with her family. When she’s not working on law school applications, she likes to read, spend time with her younger sisters, and take online courses to further her education. Temi plans to pursue a JD/MBA that will help her prepare for a career in politics
4 MIN READ
Can You Still Volunteer During COVID?
“How can I volunteer during the pandemic? Where do I even find opportunities?” We get these questions almost daily from our high school students, so allow me to get on my soapbox. There’s no better time than now to volunteer, especially for young adults. COVID-19 has affected every aspect of life, and no matter what
2 MIN READ
2024 College Application Tips: Advice from a College Counselor
Over the last few years, we’ve seen the college admissions landscape change and become increasingly competitive at the nation’s top colleges. After working with hundreds of students and consulting with other admissions professionals, these are our top five college application tips for 2023-2024. I’ll explain why these are the mistakes students are making—and how you
5 MIN READ
