How Many Colleges Should You Apply To? Finding the Right Number
One of the most common questions I hear from students during college application season is, “How many colleges should I apply to?” And I get it. You’re trying to balance your time, money, and energy — all while making major decisions about your future. There’s no one-size-fits-all number, but there is a strategy that helps […]
Building a Strong College Application Resume
When I sit down with high school juniors or seniors to review their college applications, one of the most common documents they struggle with is the resume. Not because they haven’t accomplished anything, but because they don’t know how to frame their story. A college application resume isn’t just a list of jobs and clubs. […]
Athletic Scholarships and College Admissions for Student-Athletes
Every fall, I sit down with athletes and their families who are both excited and overwhelmed. They’ve spent years on the field, at meets, or in the pool — and now they’re staring down the complex world of college admissions and athletic scholarships. For many student-athletes, the dream is clear: to keep competing in college […]
Legacy Admissions: Do They Matter and How to Leverage Connections
Legacy admissions can feel like a whispered secret in the college admissions process—known by some, misunderstood by many, and often surrounded by controversy. As someone who has worked with students from all walks of life—first-generation, low-income, international, and yes, legacy—I’ve seen firsthand how the college process is shaped by access, opportunity, and, sometimes, family connections. […]
Deferred in Early Decision? Next Steps to Take
When you open that long-awaited email from your Early Decision (ED) school and see the word “Deferred,” your heart may sink a little. I’ve sat across from students in that exact moment, watching their faces go from hopeful to confused. Being deferred isn’t a rejection, but it can feel just as uncertain. I want you […]
College Admissions for Home-Schooled Students: What to Prepare
When I work with home-schooled students preparing for college admissions, I always start with the same message: you belong here. Just because your learning path looks different doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage. In fact, many colleges appreciate the depth, independence, and initiative that often comes with a home-school education. That said, applying as a […]
First-Generation College Applicant Guide: Navigating the Process
Applying to college as a first-generation student is no small feat. If you’re the first in your family to go through this process, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. You may not have parents who can guide you through FAFSA forms or explain the difference between Early Action and Regular […]
SAT Scores and Scholarships: What You Need to Know
As someone who has advised students through every stage of the admissions journey, I’ve seen how a single number — your SAT score — can carry more weight than you’d expect. Not just in admissions, but in your financial aid packages too. Whether you’re aiming for a full-ride scholarship or just hoping to reduce loan […]
Understanding College Admissions Trends in 2025
Every spring, I hear the same anxious question from students and parents: “What are colleges really looking for this year?” It’s a fair question, especially in 2025, when the admissions landscape is shifting faster than ever. Between changes in standardized testing policies, rising application numbers, and evolving definitions of “merit,” it’s no wonder students feel […]
How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest (Waitlisted Students)
Getting waitlisted can feel like being stuck in limbo. You poured your energy into your application, and now the college is saying: “We’re not saying no… but we’re not saying yes either.” I’ve worked with dozens of students in this exact situation, and one of the most powerful tools you have right now is the […]