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Last month, we explored the Known-Unknown Matrix to help students and families make sense of what’s within control ( and what isn’t) amid college admissions. We peeled back the layers of mystery to reveal what admissions officers are really looking for, and where uncertainty still exists. (If you missed it, you can read that post here.) This month, we shift from understanding the process to shaping your story within it using the one canvas you’re given: the application.
Summer melt is a quiet enrollment killer. Every spring, thousands of students accept college admission offers—and then disappear. While melt rates vary by institution, research suggests that 10–40% of high school students who intend to enroll in college end up not following that plan. Ongoing student engagement can reduce melt, including verification melt.
At the AP Fair in my son’s high school, I listen to the teachers list their expectations for students who will take their classes next year. I have been through the rigmarole before, with my firstborn who is now in college. This time though, I listen with the ears of one who has been wizened by the drill of the college admission process. And this time I agree with all that the teachers have to say.
Skip to main content Hit enter to search or ESC to close Close Search facebook linkedin youtube google-plus instagram search Menu search Menu Home About Services College Planning Services Academic Services The Parent Community Events Upcoming Events Speaking Engagements Blog Podcast Resources Contact College Admissions College Prep Parents Resources College to Career: How to Future-Proof Your Path in an Age of AI and Uncertainty By Emerging Educational Consulting No Comments Inspired by Lindsay
<p>Academic success in high school isn’t just for the “geniuses” who seem to instantly absorb all the information thrown their way. Getting good grades in high school also comes from consistent effort, <a href="[link] study strategies</a>, and a healthy mind and body. In the article below, we’ll talk about what good grades are (objectively and subjectively), why they matter, and how to achieve them.</p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href=&
We’ve spent the past few weeks breaking down each Common App essay prompt one by one, and now it’s time for the grand finale: our ultimate guide to writing the Common App essay. Sure, there are seven different prompts, but at the end of the day, every school is looking for the same thing: a story. If you’ve been around here for a while, you know this already.
Bridging the Gap Between Test Prep and Classroom Instruction With education changing as frequently as the seasons (probably even more so, let’s be honest), we know you’re doing your best to ensure students, fellow staff, and parents have everything they need to succeed in an evolving landscape. When it comes to standardized testing, you’re likely also doing your best to implement practices that align with the current landscape of testing, while trying to not overwhelm students, parents, and te
If you’re a student outside the United States hoping to apply to colleges in the US, you might be confused where to start. To help you on your journey, we’ve outlined materials you’ll need, alongside the timeline through which you have to adhere to as you set yourself on this exciting but nervewracking journey. It’s helpful to start thinking about colleges once you’re a high schooler.
If you’re a student outside the United States hoping to apply to colleges in the US, you might be confused where to start. To help you on your journey, we’ve outlined materials you’ll need, alongside the timeline through which you have to adhere to as you set yourself on this exciting but nervewracking journey. It’s helpful to start thinking about colleges once you’re a high schooler.
Hiking Central Japan’s Kiso Valley - Kiso-Fukushima In this post, I want to compare and contrast the transfer application process from applying as a high school senior. The easiest way to reach me is by email kevin@texadmissions.com and to complete this questionnaire for a free email admissions assessment and to discuss pricing and services. 1. Transfer has a less predictable number of spaces available.
Bowdoin is an extremely popular, yet also profoundly niche, small liberal arts college in Maine. They are well-known for being an intellectual safe haven for brilliant students who think differently and want to change the world. To spark that change, they pair their close-knit Maine campus with exceptional international and off-site learning opportunities, from the Bowdoin Public Service in Washington program to semester and year-long programs in partnership with international universities.
<p><b>To succeed in the Harvard premed track, you’ll need to excel in </b><a href="[link] science courses</b></a><b>, gain valuable experiences like research and clinical work, and use the strong support systems Harvard offers.</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of everything you need to know about Harvard’s premed track: the required courses,
The team at Great College Advice is extremely proud of our recent high school graduates. They took charge of their college admissions journey, identifying the colleges that were the best fit for them and then crafted compelling essays and applications that made them stand out to admissions officers. We are proud to have helped play a role in our students’ success.
The Common App activities section is one of the most important pieces of your college application. It gives admissions officers their first glimpse into your life, commitments, and accomplishments outside of the classroom. The best part? You actually have a ton of power to shape your Activities List into something that reflects your unique story and impact.
Cornell is well-known as the most practical of the elite Ivy League schools. Yes, they have all the usual humanities and liberal arts majors that one expects at a top-tier well-rounded university, but where Cornell truly stands out is in their specialized programs. Many of their programs are singular at the Ivy League level. Agriculture and hospitality, for one, but also many programs that are hard to find at such an exceptional level for undergraduate students, like architecture, public policy,
<p>The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) does not send likely letters. <a href="[link] school’s admissions process</a> is designed to be fair, thorough, and transparent, ensuring that every applicant is evaluated equally. Unlike schools that send early notifications hinting at admission, MIT releases all decisions at the same time after a comprehensive review of all applications.</p> <p>This blog explores why MIT doesn’t send likely letters, how
Over the past year, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly common tool in the college admissions process—especially when it comes to the personal essay. Students today are turning to AI platforms like ChatGPT, GrammarlyGO, and Claude to help them brainstorm ideas, generate outlines, and in some cases, even write full drafts. This rise of AI in essay writing has led to a noticeable shift: many essays are now more technically polished than they would (or should) be for a high scho
There are thousands of scholarships out there. Below you will find many scholarships, most with general eligibility requirements. My goal is to share some lesser-known scholarships with my readers every Saturday. Don’t wait. Apply for these great scholarships today! And, if you missed the last Scholarship Saturday , check it out. There are scholarships there that are still open!
For the 2025-2026 application cycle, Common App decided to make no changes to their essay questions, but some significant changes are coming to the Additional Information section. After the COVID-19 pandemic, a question was introduced to ask about any COVID-related impacts on you or your family; later, it was changed to include natural disasters along with COVID.
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="[link] style="font-weight: 400;">AP Calculus AB Exam</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> isn’t impossible, but the score data shows it can be tough to master. </span><a href="[link] style="font-weight: 400;">Only 21.4% of students earned a 5 in 2024</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;&#
As an independent college consultant, your expertise, guidance, and personal approach are your greatest assets. But as your practice grows—or even if you’re just getting started—creating a repeatable, structured curriculum can be the difference between a chaotic season and a streamlined, successful one. A strong, consistent program not only improves the client experience, but also boosts your credibility, efficiency, and your referral network.
Content warning: discussion of traumatic subjects: suicide, sexual abuse, trauma, self-harm There is always a debate about what topics should be avoided at all cost on college essays. The short-list always boils down to a familiar crew of traumatic or “difficult” subjects. These include, but are not limited to, essays discussing severe depression, self-harm, eating disorders, experiences with sexual violence, family abuse, and experiences with the loss of a close relative or loved one.
On July 4th, 2025, the new budget reconciliation bill, H.R.1—also referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—became law. This budget reconciliation touches nearly every sector of American life, from nutrition and food access, healthcare, and education, to energy, public lands, transportation, and military spending.
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you are comparing </span><a href="[link] style="font-weight: 400;">Dartmouth</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> vs </span><a href="[link] style="font-weight: 400;">UChicago</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, you are looking at two of the most prestigious schools in the country with very different v
* Please join us on Tuesday, August 5 th, 2025 at 8:30pm EST for a free webinar where Pam Gentry will discuss the UK university system and how to navigate the application as an American student. Registration details: [link] More US students are applying to college in the UK US high school students are applying to more universities in the UK. In the most recent application cycle, almost 8,000 US high schoolers applied to UK universities, a 14% increase versus the prior year and the most US a
When it comes to college admissions, every little decision you make can affect your outcomes. One of the most important choices you’ll make early in your application process is deciding between Early Action vs. Early Decision. For most students, applying early is a smart move that can slightly improve admissions chances and unlock certain scholarship opportunities.
The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. In sum, argumentative essays teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and present them in a convincing way.
<p>A <a href="[link] on the SAT</a> roughly converts to a <a href="[link] on the ACT</a> Whether you’re just starting your test prep or deciding which exam to stick with, understanding the 1500 SAT to ACT conversion is important for setting goals and making the most of your college application. In this blog, we’ll break down score equivalents, compare both tests, and share tips to help you improve.</p> <ul> <li aria-level="
Earning admission to Harvard University is often seen as hitting the college admissions jackpot. Despite how competitive the admissions process is, each year, thousands of students worldwide throw their hats into the ring, hoping to snag a seat at this prestigious institution. If you’re one of those students, you’re in the right place. We’ll break down Harvard’s 2025 acceptance rate, historical statistics, admissions requirements, and expert tips to set you up for success.
A new Penn Nursing initiative explores the impact of federally funded international bioethics training programs. The collaborative initiative, published in the Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics , highlights both the significant achievements and ongoing challenges in building bioethics research capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Barnard College, an all-female college located in Manhattan, also boasts an affiliation with Columbia University. With all of those desirable attributes, it’s no wonder the Barnard College acceptance rate dipped below 10% for the third straight year in 2024.
<p class="ai-optimize-179 ai-optimize-introduction">We have all feared bad grades at some point in our lives. However, grades are just one way to measure learning and don’t reflect your overall intelligence or potential. In fact, <a href="[link] and effort often predict success</a> better than GPA. Whether you’re currently dealing with a bad grade or are worried about potentially getting one, keep reading.
August 1st is just around the corner and the Common App will officially be open and accepting applications! If you are a rising senior interested in the admissions benefits gained from applying early, that means it’s time to finalize your application materials—from essays to activities, test scores, portfolios, and more. Depending on the admissions plans offered by the schools on your list, you may be applying Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), or to schools with rolling admission.
Vanderbilt University is known for offering broad opportunities with focused attention on students. There are over 70 majors and programs students can pick from, and an impressive 7:1 student to faculty ratio. 7,200 undergraduates call campus home , and 13,500 students overall. The rate of admission for students who submitted regular decision for the Class of 2029 was 3.3 %.
Throughout the ’90s, Dartmouth College sported an acceptance rate between 21% and 26%. By around 2010, that figure had fallen to 12-13%. In 2023, the school posted a record-low admit rate for the fourth consecutive year.
<p>A <a href="[link] on the SAT</a> roughly converts to a <a href="[link] on the ACT</a> Whether you’re just starting your test prep or deciding which exam to stick with, understanding the 1500 SAT to ACT conversion is important for setting goals and making the most of your college application. In this blog, we’ll break down score equivalents, compare both tests, and share tips to help you improve.</p> <ul> <li aria-level="
“I just want to go over a couple papers before we leave,” I said, hastily pulling out a couple items from my purse, my eyes squinting in the afternoon sun. “This is the one that’s most important—the walk-in information for the counseling center. I want you to have that in case you need it, OK?” There was so much more I wanted to say to my daughter at drop off.
Master the ERAS application in this step-by-step guide to completing the ERAS application for residency! Part 1: Introduction Part 2: The ERAS application step by step Part 3: Requesting letters of recommendation through ERAS Part 4: Frequently asked questions about the ERAS application for residency - Part 1: Introduction At some point during your third year of medical school, you’ll likely begin to gain a clearer understanding of which specialty you want to pursue for your residency and future
Swarthmore College is one of the most competitive liberal arts colleges in the country, in the same league with the likes of Williams, Amherst, and Pomona.
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