At this year’s IECA conference, I attended a compelling session featuring Matthew McGann, Vice President and Dean of Admission at Amherst College, and Jordan Pascucci, Vice Dean and Director of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania. Through a series of case studies, they offered a...

Each year, as application season approaches, students and families search for certainty: a formula, a template, a model that guarantees an essay “that works.” The instinct is understandable—college admissions can feel opaque and increasingly competitive, and these examples feel reassuring—tangible proof that success is possible...

In the United Kingdom, universities like Cambridge and Oxford ask applicants not just what they’ve done, but what they’ve learned—and how they’ve pursued that learning beyond the classroom. They use a term unfamiliar to most American students: supercurriculars. What “Supercurriculars” Mean in the U.K. Supercurriculars are activities...

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...

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...

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...

Navigating the college admissions process can be daunting, with various deadlines and plans to consider. Understanding the differences between Rolling Admissions, Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision can help students make informed choices that align with their college goals. Let’s explore each type in...

The “academic interest” supplemental essay allows students to share their intellectual passions with colleges and demonstrate their readiness for college. Here are some tips and insights to help students craft a compelling academic interest essay. Understanding the Essay’s Purpose Before writing the essay, students should understand its...