How to Get Into Columbia University: Requirements & Tips
Each fall, I hear from students dreaming of Columbia University. For many, it’s more than an Ivy League name — it’s the heartbeat of New York City, the birthplace of Core Curriculum, and a symbol of intellectual ambition. But getting into Columbia is no small feat. With an acceptance rate hovering around 3.9%, it’s one […]
How to Get Into Princeton University: 2025 Guide
Getting into Princeton University is no small feat — and if you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering if you have what it takes to stand out in one of the most competitive admissions processes in the world. As someone who has walked with students through moments of doubt, triumph, and everything in between, I can […]
How to Get Into Yale University: Tips for Applicants
When I talk to high school students dreaming of attending an Ivy League institution, Yale University often tops the list. And it’s easy to see why. Yale is not just a name on a sweatshirt — it’s a place of legacy, intellectual depth, and global influence. But getting in? That’s where the dream meets reality. […]
How COVID-19 Has Changed College Admissions (Tips for 2025 Applicants)
I still remember my first Zoom advising session in 2020 with a high school junior named Leo. He sat in his bedroom, surrounded by college brochures and uncertainty. “How am I supposed to compete for college if everything’s canceled?” he asked. At the time, I didn’t have all the answers. None of us did. COVID-19 […]
What to Do After Submitting Your College Applications (Next Steps)
After you press submit on your college applications, it’s natural to feel a mix of relief, pride, and anxiety. You’ve likely poured months—maybe years—into this moment. But now what? Is it just a waiting game until decisions arrive? Not quite. I often tell students that what you do after submitting can be just as important […]
Understanding College Admissions Lingo (Glossary for Applicants)
When I sit down with students during one-on-one advising sessions, one of the first things I notice is how overwhelmed they feel—not just by deadlines or decisions, but by the language of college admissions itself. If you’ve ever read a college website or application portal and felt like you needed a translator, you’re not alone. […]
College Admissions Myths Debunked (Truth vs Fiction)
Every fall, I meet students who are paralyzed by what they think they know about college admissions. A high school senior once told me she didn’t apply to her dream school because she wasn’t “born into the right family.” Another student believed that unless he had a perfect SAT score, he shouldn’t even bother applying […]
Dual Enrollment vs AP Classes: Impact on College Admissions
Every fall, I hear the same question from students and families: “Should I take AP classes or dual enrollment?” It’s a smart question, and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The choice between Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment can shape your transcript, GPA, and even your sense of academic confidence. But most importantly, it can impact […]
Using Social Media in College Admissions: Dos and Don’ts
When students ask me how to strengthen their college applications, social media isn’t usually the first thing they expect me to bring up. But in today’s world, it matters more than most people think. Whether you’re applying to a highly selective university or a local state college, your digital footprint can either quietly support or […]
The Ultimate College Application Checklist (High School Senior Year)
Senior year of high school is a whirlwind. Between finishing up classes, leading clubs, and savoring the final moments with friends, there’s also the looming pressure of college applications. I’ve worked with hundreds of students through this chapter, and I’ll tell you what I always tell them: staying organized is the key to staying sane. […]