One of the biggest changes in the college admissions’ process for the class of 2021 was the drastic number of colleges who adopted test-optional policies. For those of you who aren’t aware of test optional, this term means that reporting SAT or ACT scores is optional to a college application. Prior to Covid-19, 77 percent… Read more
In Gratitude
Not only during this holiday season but at all times of the year, I believe it is important to stop and reflect on all of the gifts I have been blessed with. I know for most of us, 2020 is a year that we just want to put in our rear-view mirror. Think of it. … Read more
How to Help Without Taking Over the College Essay
It is a rainy Wednesday in July 2018. I am sitting with a Mom and her daughter as they share with me their hopes and dreams for college as well as their fear about the college essay. When I mentioned the essay for the first time, Mom began bombarding me with questions: “Does she have… Read more
The Importance of Gratitude in College Admissions and in LIFE!
Several years ago, my husband became very ill. All of a sudden, his blood pressure shot up into the unhealthy stroke range. For several days, nothing the doctors did seemed to bring it down. I was filled with worry and dread. I began to miss appointments, not return phone calls or emails, and would find… Read more
Six Steps College-Bound Students Need to Take BEFORE Senior Year
All the books have been put away, the exams are a fading memory and rising high school seniors are breathing a collective sigh of relief. School’s out for summer. Time to sleep in, visit with friends, go on vacation, and, maybe even work. They can worry about the college admissions process later. Right? Wrong! If… Read more
Your College Essay May Win an Acceptance Letter!
How important are college essays? Most students and parents think that the only way to get into college is to have an exemplary transcript and really high test scores. But what about students who aren’t terrific test takers? In thinking of the college admissions’ process, the ‘door’ to college admission is writing an outstanding college essay. The… Read more