As you move through high school, you are probably beginning to wonder, what things actually look good on a college application? You know the importance of getting good grades and scoring well on your ACT or SAT, but haven’t thought much about your college application holistically. Does HOSA look good? Does JROTC look good? Does…
One of the most common questions higher education professionals receive is, “How can I improve my college application in a very competitive and saturated academic environment?” The application process can often seem overwhelming and clouded in mystery but there are some very clear steps you can take to show yourself in the best light during…
Admission committees utilize various resources to comprehensively evaluate an applicant, extending beyond the materials submitted directly by the student. One important resource is the Secondary School Report (SSR), and it’s helpful for students and parents to understand its role in the admission process. The Secondary School Report (SSR) is a form completed and submitted by…
Colleges and universities review many items as part of a holistic application review: grades, courses, test scores, activity list/resume, and letters of recommendation (LOR). Let’s dive deeper into the role a LOR plays, and the different types of letters that can be submitted on an applicant’s behalf. Letters of Recommendation: What are they and why…
Most competitive schools require letters of recommendation (LOR). They do not do so lightly. The letters of recommendation that are submitted with your application are read with great care and are considered one of the most important parts of your application. A lukewarm letter can destroy an otherwise excellent candidate’s chances, and a glowing letter…
Between the essays, activity list, transcript, and every other material that colleges ask for, teacher letters of recommendation (also known as LORs) might be the last thing on your mind as you assemble your college applications. That being said, they are still an important part of the holistic admissions review process, and you should take…
“Be nice to your college counselor – we write your letter of recommendation.” These words stood out in bold white letters on a bright red coffee mug that sat on my office desk for years. The cup’s blunt advice always received a chuckle from students and parents, likely because the suggestion was a gentle reminder…
Among the many pieces of a college application is the Counselor Recommendation. While your transcripts and essays are among the most important parts of the application, what your counselor shares in their recommendation plays a significant role in putting your high school performance, activities, and experiences into perspective. Follow these steps to ensure you make…
No, college admissions is not solely about perfect GPAs and testing. While good grades and high test scores can certainly help, there are many other factors that colleges consider when evaluating applicants. First, it might be helpful to understand the difference between holistic and non-holistic college admissions. Holistic Admissions Holistic college admissions is an approach…
School counselors and teachers tasked with writing letters of recommendation for eager college-bound seniors would likely agree that the job, although a welcomed honor, is a labor of love. Educators spend countless hours drafting detailed and personalized letters on behalf of students in order to support their achievements. Often, letters are crafted with ease, knowing…