For months, your home has likely revolved around deadlines, portals, essays, FAFSA forms, and late-night conversations about the future. Now the applications are submitted, decisions are beginning to arrive, and the pace has shifted. And so has your student. What you may be seeing isn’t laziness or a lack of motivation — it’s exhaustion . The kind that comes after a sustained push, where the adrenaline wears off and the body and mind finally ask for rest. This is not “giving

As you embark on the exciting (and sometimes daunting) journey of writing your college application essay, you’ll likely brainstorm many ideas. However, be warned! There are certain topics that admissions committees have read time and time again. These cliché college essay topics can make your application blend into the sea of applicants, even if your writing is strong. So , what are these overused themes to steer clear of? Think: The Big Game Loss (or Win):  While sports can

With the Common App open, it’s time to send out requests for letters of recommendation. A compelling letter can highlight your strengths and paint a vivid picture of who you are as a student and a person. But how do you go about asking for one? And who should you even ask? Who to Ask: Choosing the Right Recommenders The best letters come from teachers who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and character. Aim for teachers from your junior year, as they have

Navigating the college admissions landscape can feel like learning a new language. One role of a college consultant is to help demystify...

Don't let a less-than-perfect transcript hold you back from your college dreams! While grades are important, they're just one piece of the puzzle. Colleges are looking for well-rounded individuals who will contribute to their community. Here's how to make your application shine: 1. Craft a Compelling Personal Statement Your essays are your chance to tell your unique story, and it's why we put so much emphasis on it with our clients. Don't make excuses for past academic challe

Summer has just started, but for many seniors the lists of to-dos and college applications are close on the horizon. Despite all of that, remind yourself that senior year doesn't have to be a non-stop stress fest.  In fact, it can be one of the most memorable times of your life! Yes, there's some college stuff to do, but it's also your last hurrah with your high school crew. With that in mind, let's go through some reminders for a positive mindset.  1. Don't Let the "Perfect"

As the dust settles on another incredible college admissions cycle, I'm thrilled to share my clients' acceptances to a diverse range of colleges and universities. Each acceptance letter is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the bright futures ahead. My Guiding Principle: Understanding Your  Story At the heart of my practice is a singular superpower: the ability to deeply understand each client. I dedicate myself to honestly discussing their growth areas and then

As students narrow in on supplemental essays, they may be starting to ask: "Do I need to write about my race, gender, or socioeconomic...

The college application process demands more than just your personal story; it asks for your academic vision. While your main personal statement paints a broad picture of who you are, the "Why This Major?" supplemental essay offers a crucial opportunity to showcase your intellectual passions and academic fit. This essay isn't a binding commitment to a specific field. Instead, it's your chance to demonstrate: Your genuine intellectual curiosity. How you've already explored thi

Applying to a University of California school means tackling their unique Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). Students select four of the eight prompts from the UC system list. These 250-350 word essays allow applicants to expand on who they are, what drives them, and why they are a perfect fit for the campus. A Strategic Approach to Your PIQs Unlike the Common App essay, which often explores broader personal narratives, UC essays revolve around concrete specifics. Students ar

A common but crucial part of your college applications is the "Why Us" supplemental essay. This is a valuable piece–it's your golden ticket to show a college why you and their institution are a perfect match. Beyond the Basics: Show Your Specific Interest Colleges are looking for more than good grades and test scores. They want students who genuinely understand and will thrive in their unique campus culture, academic environment, and community. The "Why Us" essay is your chan

The Common App essay isn't just another writing assignment; it's arguably one of the most important pieces of a college application. In a sea of identical SAT scores and GPAs, this is a student’s opportunity to reveal their authentic self and stand out. It’s the admissions officer’s chance to glimpse into an applicant’s personality and envision how they will thrive within the campus culture. More Than Just an Application Think of this essay as a conversation, not a job interv

The mailbox (both physical and digital) can be a source of immense joy and, at times, significant heartache during the college...

As a college consultant, I find the best fit for your student with personality testing, getting to know them, and spending time on college campuses so I can help match them.

Learn why a college consultant that tours campuses has value to bring to helping you choose which college is the right fit for you.

To truly understand a campus, you need to experience it firsthand. As a consultant who aims to find the perfect college fit for her...

The Common App is undergoing changes for the 2025-2026 application cycle, and while change can sometimes feel daunting, it reflects a...

Finding the right college isn't just about academic success; it's about discovering the perfect environment to fuel your learning, launch...

It's tempting to dive headfirst into total relaxation for the summer, but what if you could relax and set yourself up for future success?...

Senior year is winding down, and those acceptance letters are staring back at you. Now comes the big question: which college is your...