The Admissions Reality Checklist
What I’ve Learned After Hundreds of Conversations With Admissions Officers Introduction: Common Misunderstandings About Admissions Families often assume college admissions decisions come down to grades, rankings, or luck. After hundreds of interviews with admissions officers nationwide, one thing is clear: that’s not how decisions are actually made. This checklist distills
Not All College Rankings Are the Same — What Families Should Know Before Building a College List
Every year, new college rankings dominate headlines and social media feeds, promising to reveal the “best” schools in the country. It’s easy to see why families rely on them—they feel like a quick shortcut through an overwhelming process. But the reality is more complex: not all rankings measure the same
Early November: You’ve Submitted Your Early Apps — Now What?
It’s early November — and for most high school seniors, that means your Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), or Restricted Early Action (REA) applications are finally in. Congratulations! 🎉 The last several weeks probably felt like a marathon of essays, supplements, and submission portals. You’ve earned a deep breath…
Extracurricular activities that signal the fit to selective colleges.
Extracurricular activities that signal the fit to selective colleges. The 3 Things Selective Colleges Really Want to See in Your Extracurriculars — and the Data That Proves It Every fall, thousands of high school students start worrying about the same question: “What extracurriculars will impress colleges?” Here’s the truth —
The Importance of Extracurricular Activities for College Applications
With summer approaching, many high school students (and their parents) are considering how to spend their time off from school. While creating lasting memories is important, participating in activities that will strengthen college applications is also a priority. So, what kinds of extracurricular activities impress admissions officers at elite universities,
Navigating College Application Essays
You’ve sat for four-hour standardized tests, played trumpet in the band, and diligently turned in every lab report. You’ve proven your ability to juggle all the demands of high school. Why now do you have to write a personal essay? (Or three? Or four?) Believe it or not, college applications
Understanding GPAs: Weighted vs. Unweighted for College Applications
When it comes to applying for college, the debate between using weighted or unweighted GPAs can be confusing for high school students. Elite colleges have no strict preference for either weighted or unweighted GPAs. Instead, they focus on the rigor of coursework, the quality of academic performance, and the context





