So, Valentine’s Day isn’t far off, and that prompts the eternal question: does absence make the heart grow fonder? I must respond with a wholehearted yes — at least with regard to those colleges and universities that track demonstrated interest, or DI. When separated from those we care about, we often reach out to them […]
Prepare with practice and research. Relax and reveal yourself. Remember to express yourself in writing: write a thank-you note. The college interview rarely makes or breaks an admission decision, but it can be an important component of your application. Before you even begin to get nervous, however, check to see if the interview is a […]
Ask an admissions officer whether you should write a response to the optional COVID-19 question on this year’s Common App, and depending on the college (or the day), you may hear different advice. Some officers suggest a limited approach, saying that unless your or your family’s health or employment was directly affected by the pandemic, […]
Ah, the sound of silence. The unnatural quiet of senior year when, come fall, the college application process kicks into full gear. You and your friends have spent part of the summer brainstorming essay ideas or comparing notes on the activities section. Spoofing or upping each other on outlandish details can be fun. (Activity: Rescue […]
As I meet with many seniors this month, I ask a series of similar questions to get a sense of where everyone is on the admissions process spectrum. July is the time when it starts to move from an abstract idea of “Applying to College” to the concrete idea of “Actually Applying To these Colleges […]
It has been quite a year. You have truly demonstrated Herculean strength in balancing your life of standardized tests, athletic events, activities, jobs, family, and friends. Now, of course, you are facing a health crisis challenge that is redefining the meaning of packing up and heading off to college. It means that over the summer […]
Yay! Summer is just around the corner! Your virtual classes will come to an end, and new ideas and activities will replace the routine of Zoom meetings and homework. But what will summer look like this year? Will it be more of the same or will it hold something more? Life right now requires us […]
Hello, Seniors: First, I want to say congratulations for your creativity, keen focus, kinetic flexibility, and social dexterity. You have demonstrated that you are college ready. You are definitely groundbreakers and history-makers because the activity of choosing a college under the current circumstances is not easy. Even the timing of decisions is variable. Some of […]
These are strange times, but staying at home doesn’t mean becoming a recluse. Remote connections are the way to go these days, but social distancing shouldn’t get you to the point where you become distant to your friends. Stay close to them, especially during challenging times such as these. Contact them and get creative! This […]
Katy Dunn and Jeff Knox have served hundreds of students as independent educational consultants in the Washington, DC area and thousands more in other capacities. Their combined experience in education includes high school administration, classroom teaching, college admissions, and college access. In just the last three weeks, the two of us have interacted with nearly […]