College Application

How to Navigate the Stressful World of College Admissions

By Carla Crooker / 12/01/2023

The college application process can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for both high school students and their parents. However, with the right approach, the process can be made less frustrating and the results more successful with some thoughtful planning. A Quick Guide for Parents and Students Here are a few tips to make navigating…

Preparing for College

By Makeda Turner / 11/24/2023

Starting high school can be seen as the first step towards the college educational journey. Although it is an exciting time in the lives of teenagers, it is also a pivotal time to get serious about your academic performance in preparation for the college application process. For some, preparation for college can begin as early…

Why don’t some schools use the Common Application?

By Solomon Team / 11/11/2023

You’ve been working hard throughout high school to earn good grades and excel in your extracurriculars, and now it’s finally time to start applying to your dream school. You make a Common Application account and start adding schools to your list, but wait — some of your top choices aren’t there! Don’t panic. While the…

So you want to be admitted to law school?

By Grace Chee / 11/02/2023

So, you’re back at it again. Except, this time, you’re surrounded by law school applications and LSAT test prep books instead of the Common Application and SAT guides. You told yourself you would never willingly go through the stress of applying to academic programs again, but the promise of a J.D. and the potential to…

Why Does Volunteering and Community Engagement Matter?

By Carla Crooker / 10/27/2023

As a busy high school student, you may feel overwhelmed by the pressure to maintain good grades, make and keep friends, and engage in community service. You may wonder why volunteering matters so much. The Importance of Community Engagement In the world of highly selective admissions, we are often asked, “how many hours do I…

Which teacher(s) should I ask for my letter of recommendation?

By Solomon Team / 10/19/2023

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…

What should you know before applying to college?

By Frank Sierra / 10/13/2023

As you start your college application journey, you may begin to notice that the admissions process is a whirlwind of information. You and your family are expected to understand an everchanging admissions process, understand new terminology, and must understand the intricacies of school-specific requirements. However, it’s important to take a step back and remember why…

UCs and the Common App

By Jessica Rabalais / 10/06/2023

When applying for college, students will use the Common or Coalition Application to apply to most of their college list. These application systems house most of the private schools in the US, making the application process more streamlined and allowing you to apply to up to 20 schools (with the Common App) with only one…

How to search for the right college

By Frank Sierra / 09/22/2023

“So… where do you want to go to college?” This question can either send a chill down one’s spine or create a sense of excitement to share their plans. Regardless of one’s reaction, searching for an ideal college can prove to be difficult. The choices are endless, the pressure constantly grows, and soon, they all…

Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in College Admissions

By Philana Tenhoff / 09/15/2023

Students spend hours, weeks, and even years committing to activities they hope will make them stand out in the college admissions process. Does it really make a difference if you play soccer, volunteer as a math tutor, play the piano, serve as president of the student council, or write for the school newspaper? As a…