Author name: Diane

Do You Need a College Admissions Consultant for the Best Colleges?

If your high school junior or senior is starting the college search, you may be wondering: Do we need a college admissions consultant to get into the best colleges? The answer depends on the schools your student is applying to. The application process for the best colleges can look very different from the process for […]

Do You Need a College Admissions Consultant for the Best Colleges? Read More »

Why Good Students Write Bad Essays: Avoiding the Classic Pitfalls

“Your teen gets straight A’s, aces AP classes… but their college essay misses the mark. Why?” Teenagers getting ready to write their personal essay for college face a lot of pressure from this task, and can feel anxious and unprepared. Often, students have never had to write about themselves in a vulnerable, open way before.

Why Good Students Write Bad Essays: Avoiding the Classic Pitfalls Read More »

Your Teen Still Doesn’t Have Summer Plans? Here’s How to Make It Count Anyway

As the school year winds down, many teens—and their parents—start thinking about summer. For some, the calendar is already packed with internships, classes, or travel. But if your teen’s summer is still a blank slate, don’t worry. There’s still time to build a meaningful summer that adds value to both personal growth and college applications.

Your Teen Still Doesn’t Have Summer Plans? Here’s How to Make It Count Anyway Read More »

The Importance of a Balanced College List

The college application process is an exciting yet stressful journey for students and their families. One of the most crucial steps in this process is building a balanced college list—one that includes a mix of low-likelihood, medium-likelihood and high-likelihood schools. An unbalanced list can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment, while a well-crafted one ensures

The Importance of a Balanced College List Read More »

Guiding your Child through College Rejection

Helping your child navigate a college rejection can be tough, but it’s also a valuable opportunity to teach resilience and perseverance. Here are some ways to support them: 1. Acknowledge Their Feelings Rejection hurts, and it’s okay for your child to feel disappointed, frustrated, or even embarrassed. Listening is key. Encourage them to express their

Guiding your Child through College Rejection Read More »

Exploring the differences between types of colleges

Colleges come in many types, each serving different educational needs and student goals. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences: 1. Public vs. Private Colleges Public Colleges: Funded by state governments, these colleges typically have lower tuition for in-state residents (e.g. The Ohio State University, University of Maryland). Private Colleges: Rely on tuition, donations, and

Exploring the differences between types of colleges Read More »

Planning Summer in Winter: A Guide for Parents and High School Students

Winter may seem like an odd time to start thinking about summer, but it’s the perfect moment to lay the groundwork for an unforgettable and productive season. For high school students preparing for college, summer offers an opportunity to explore interests, gain experience, and even build their résumés. Here’s how parents and teens can collaborate

Planning Summer in Winter: A Guide for Parents and High School Students Read More »

Why do colleges defer or deny good students?

Colleges may defer or deny admission to strong students for a variety of reasons, even if their applications are impressive. This can seem perplexing, but admissions decisions are influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Here are some common reasons: 1. Highly Competitive Applicant Pools Volume of Applications: Many colleges, especially highly selective ones, receive

Why do colleges defer or deny good students? Read More »