College Planning Checklist for High School Students
The college admissions process is a marathon—not a sprint—and the earlier you start the process, the better prepared you’ll be. In fact, you can start working on this college planning checklist as early as 7th or 8th grade, although most steps will be completed during high school. Remember, the college planning process will look different
8 MIN READ
AI-Generated Personal Statements: Advice From an Admissions Essay Editor
In today’s confusing college admissions landscape, students feel unsure about using AI to assist them with their applications. Kimberly Gibson-Tran, a KD advisor and essay expert, specializes in guiding students through the brainstorming, writing, and revision process. Here, she breaks down her thoughts on why students should think twice about relying on AI to develop
4 MIN READ
College Application Deadlines: Fall 2026 Freshman Admission
After you’ve narrowed down your list of schools and know which ones you want to apply to, you’ll need to make a note of their college application deadlines. It’s always best to get your applications done well in advance. This allows you plenty of time to double-check everything and ensure that your essays are the
8 MIN READ
How to Fall in Love With the Right College
Love works in mysterious ways. Whether you’re randomly struck by Cupid’s stray arrow, meet “the one” in middle school, or go from foes to forever, everyone’s journey to true love looks different. Your journey to picking the perfect school is just as unique. Just like when choosing a partner, there are a million fish in
13 MIN READ
When Do Regular College Decisions Arrive in 2025?
For college-bound seniors, few things are as difficult as waiting for college decision release dates. Even if you’ve already heard back from your early action (non-binding) schools, you’ll want to wait to make a final choice until all of your regular decision notifications are in. Of course, if you applied to a school via early
7 MIN READ
College Counseling Team Shares Takeaways From 2024 NACAC Conference
On Sept. 26-28, the college counseling team at KD College Prep (KD) attended the annual NACAC Conference in Los Angeles, gaining valuable insight into the ever-changing college admissions landscape. Chief of College Counseling Services Ashley McCarrick and Vice President of College Counseling Services Idris Jatoi represented KD at the three-day event hosted by the National
3 MIN READ
More Than Luck: 15 Ways To Improve Admissions Odds
You can take that four-leafed clover out of your pocket. With application numbers surging in recent years, we understand why students do everything they can to maximize their admissions odds. But families need to know that it takes a little more than luck to get into the perfect college. Now that you’ve set your lucky
8 MIN READ
College Fair Guide: 16 Tips For Talking To Admissions Reps
Narrowing down which colleges to apply to is a long and stressful process for some students. It’s hard to decide which colleges feel like a fit, and many factors should contribute to that decision: location, degree options, cost, campus life, etc. While college websites can provide a lot of information, they don’t always give clear
8 MIN READ
ChatGPT: Can AI Write College Admissions Essays?
Ever since our early human ancestors first developed stone tools, we’ve turned to technology as a means of making daily life a little easier. (You can probably recall at least a few commercials for smartphones or other high-tech gadgets that purport to make life more convenient, less stressful, or more organized.) Yet, is it possible
8 MIN READ
20 College Admissions Myths & Misconceptions
“I can’t get into college if I’m not a straight-A student.” “What if I don’t have enough AP classes?” “What if I don’t have enough extracurriculars?” Take a breath! You’ll be fine. Contrary to popular belief, there is no specific formula that all students must follow in order to get into college. You’ll forge your
8 MIN READ