As seniors near the finish line of their college applications, it is natural for stress levels to rise. For many, the excitement of imagining college life collides with the pressure of deadlines, essays, and the high stakes of selective admissions. In this environment, it is...
The Plight of the Standard Strong Applicant: Why “Strong” Isn’t Always “Compelling” — and How Students Can Redefine Success in College Admission Every fall, college counselors and admission professionals gather at the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) conference to share ideas about the evolving...
At the New Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling (NJACAC) Fall Workshop, featuring admissions leaders from Princeton University, Rutgers University (New Brunswick), The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Villanova University, and New York University (NYU), the theme that emerged again and again — sometimes with...
Standardized testing continues to evolve, and for the class of 2026 and beyond, staying on top of changes is crucial. While many colleges remain test-optional, some of the nation’s most selective universities are once again requiring or strongly recommending test scores. At the same time,...
Researching colleges and planning campus visits can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are thousands of colleges in the U.S., each with unique programs, campus cultures, and application requirements. Add in the logistics of organizing campus tours, information sessions, and travel, and it’s easy for...
Each year, as students pack their bags and head off to college, families focus on logistics: What to bring, how to register for classes, where to eat. But there’s another, equally important part of the transition that deserves attention: how students begin their first semester. It...
For many students, Greek life is an important part of the college conversation—whether it’s a deciding factor or something they’re still unsure about. With nearly 800 campuses hosting fraternities and sororities, it’s worth taking a closer look at what Greek life offers, how it varies,...
The college application process can feel like learning a new language. From FAFSA to FERPA, students and families are often bombarded with acronyms and unfamiliar terms that can make an already complex process feel overwhelming. You don’t need to memorize every piece of jargon, but having...
As high school students explore college options, attending college fairs and information sessions can provide valuable insights into different institutions and the admissions process. Whether in-person or virtual, these events offer opportunities to gather information, ask questions, and demonstrate interest in potential schools. Taking a...
Volunteering is a powerful way for high school students to give back to their communities while gaining skills and experiences that shape their future. Whether supporting local nonprofits, leading service projects, or mentoring younger students, volunteer work builds character, leadership, and resilience. Beyond the immediate...