The college admissions process can feel complex and competitive, but it is also an exciting and important step in a student’s educational journey. Whether students are just starting to research colleges or are in the final stages of applying (i.e., waiting for admissions decisions to...
As college admissions becomes more competitive, students frequently look for ways to “distinguish” themselves from their peers. One increasingly common choice: research. Research has become so popular in recent years that many companies have sprung up offering to match high school students with graduate students,...
Academically talented and ambitious high school students are flocking to honors colleges and honors programs at large universities as their top choice for college. Not surprisingly, many public and private universities have honors colleges and honors programs for this very reason—to attract and retain exceptional...
What is going to college really like? Many high school students get their “information” about college by following their favorite college sports team or watching movies such as Animal House or Pitch Perfect or visiting their parents’ alma maters during Homecoming weekends or reunions. Fun...
Each admissions cycle families ask me to recommend books on higher education and the college admissions process. Here are a few 2022 releases I look forward to reading this year: The Real World of College: What Higher Education Is and What It Can Be by Wendy...
High school guidance counselors and independent college consultants often talk with students about finding colleges that are good “fits” for them. The message behind “fit” is that students should choose colleges where they will be challenged academically, engaged in extracurricular activities, and happy socially rather...
Many high school seniors have just submitted their early applications. While exciting, this can also be anxiety producing - hitting “submit” for the first time means letting go of the application and turning the process over to colleges. It’s impossible to eliminate all stress and...
As rising seniors spend time this summer writing their personal statements, crafting their application, and refining their college list, parents can sometimes feel a bit sidelined. But parents have an important role to play in empowering their students as they apply to college – and...
Campus culture varies among colleges and should be a significant factor in deciding which college to attend. Many students, however, find it hard to focus on something as intangible as "culture," and think instead about whether a college is large or small, urban or rural....
When campuses had to close abruptly in March due to the coronavirus, STEM students were among the most adversely affected since lab work is hands-on and cannot be done “remotely.” While “essential personnel” have been able to return to labs (to take care of animals,...