Category: College

Seniors ‘22: Stay the Course

Posted by: admin on April 15th, 2021

Hello, Seniors: You’ve officially moved into the final phase of your college research. Congratulations! The strength and independence you’ve relied on will serve you extremely well in college. With the season of college decisions upon us, now is the time for us to take one more look at your personal college search. Balance and Perspective […]

Does It Spark Joy? Gratitude on the Common App Essay

Posted by: admin on March 11th, 2021

Almost nothing sparks fear in the heart of high school juniors as much as the words “College Essay.” But perhaps there is hope on the horizon. The last couple of college admissions seasons have, without question, been tense, as students and parents negotiated unprecedented circumstances. Now, though, the Common Application and the Coalition Application, two […]

Five Tips for Wooing Your Colleges

Posted by: admin on February 9th, 2021

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 […]

Preparing for College Interviews, Whether Remote or In-Person

Posted by: admin on November 10th, 2020

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 […]

From Public to Private: Managing the College Process

Posted by: admin on September 8th, 2020

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 […]

Should I Answer the COVID-19 Question on the Common App?

Posted by: admin on September 8th, 2020

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, […]

How To Get Great Letters of Recommendation (Even During a Pandemic)

Posted by: admin on July 23rd, 2020

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 […]

Making History: An Unprecedented Transition to College

Posted by: admin on May 14th, 2020

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 […]

Launching the College Search

Posted by: admin on May 14th, 2020

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 […]

Admission Cycle 2020: Waitlists

Posted by: admin on May 13th, 2020

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 […]