Student writing with a robot assistant
,

The AI Shortcut: Why Students Are Struggling on Standardized Tests

In the age of artificial intelligence, students have unprecedented access to tools that can assist with their academic work. While these tools offer numerous benefits, a growing concern is emerging: students are increasingly relying on AI to…
student at a fork of holistic and test required admissions

Understanding Holistic Admissions: Beyond GPA and Test Scores

In today’s competitive college landscape, many parents are surprised to learn that top grades and high test scores alone no longer guarantee admission. Colleges and universities are increasingly turning to a holistic college admissions process…
need aware versus need blind symbolism

Need Blind, Need Aware: What Parents Should Know

As your family navigates the college application process, you're likely thinking about academics, campus culture, and financial aid. But one important factor that often goes overlooked—yet can play a significant role in admissions decisions—is…
Mother and daughter reviewing college material

Stretch, Target, Safety Schools: How to Build a Smart College List

When your child starts the college search, you'll quickly hear terms like stretch, target, and safety schools. These categories are more than just buzzwords—they're essential tools for creating a balanced college list that leads to real options…
Student working on applications

“Why Us” Essays: The Do’s and Don’ts of “Why Us” Essays

Whether you are applying to UT Austin, Rice, Michigan, USC, UChicago, NYU—or any other selective school—this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and craft a response that feels specific, personal, and compelling.
Holistic versus Merit-based

Merit-Based College Admissions on the Rise

A New Era in College Admissions? If you're a parent preparing your teen for college—or a consultant guiding families through the application maze—there’s a new trend you need to watch: merit-based college admissions. The spotlight is…
Mother supporting son as he works on applications
,

Addressing Application Stress: Strategies for Students and Families

When College Dreams Meet Overwhelming Pressure As spring rolls in, so does an invisible weight for many high school juniors: college application season is around the corner. This should be a time of excitement and opportunity. But for many…
A group of students working on their early applications

How the Rise in Early Action Applications Is Changing Admissions

College admissions are evolving, and one of the most significant changes in recent years is the rise in Early Action (EA) applications. More students are choosing to submit their applications earlier, seeking potential advantages in acceptance…

Choosing the Right Major: The Overlooked Key to College Success

College applications are a stressful and exciting time for students and their families. Parents often focus on grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and crafting the perfect personal statement. However, one critical factor…
Student desk before test
,

Test-Optional is Fading: More Students Are Submitting Test Scores

Test-optional is fading in college admissions. For the past few years, test-optional policies have dominated college admissions. In response to COVID-19 and long-standing concerns about standardized testing fairness, many colleges eliminated…