The Most Competitive Admissions Season Ever?
Every year, the rumor circulates: This is the most competitive admissions season ever. The rumor is inspired by all of the wonderful applicants we know personally or through hearsay who don’t get accepted “anywhere.” The claim is supported by theories presented as facts, such as the claim that this is…
Read MoreHow to write a Great LOCI
Writing a Great LOCI As the regular application season wraps up, the LOCI season begins. If you applied for Early Decision and were deferred, you will likely be asked to write a Letter Of Continued Interest. Here’s what to do and what to avoid when writing this letter. Write another,…
Read MoreApplication “Postponed” at U Michigan? What it means and what to do
Many early applicants to UMich recently learned that their applications have been postponed until regular admission. What does this mean, and what can you do? What does ‘Postponed’ mean here? First, UMich has decided to use the term “postponed” instead of “deferred” because they apparently like receiving a flood of…
Read MoreHow to prepare for your college interview
When you fill out your applications, you will encounter the following question: Do you want to have an interview? The interview is one more chance for you to make an impression on the admissions committee, so you should definitely check the yes box. Once you’ve submitted the application, you may…
Read MoreDoes the College You Go to Matter?
This question is just as valid today as it ever was! For many college applicants, attending a highly-ranked undergraduate program is not the “end-all-be-all” of their aspirations. Many of these applicants instead view their undergraduate institutions as stepping stones to other goals. These students might ultimately desire to become a…
Read MoreWhat Is Most Important to College Admissions?
As the world evolves, so too does the definition of an ideal university student. The entire landscape of the college admissions process has changed dramatically in the past decade, and many of the ideas that students and their parents bring to the college admissions process are now outdated, incomplete, or…
Read MoreDepth is More Important than Breadth
Students hoping to get into elite universities often make the mistake of having a grab bag of extracurricular and summer activities, rather than focusing on a particular interest or talent and developing it throughout high school. Whether it is because they are still under the misconception that colleges want “well-rounded”…
Read MoreLessons from this year’s admissions results
It’s fair to say that 2024 was a brutal year for highly qualified students applying to elite colleges. Everyone knows a story of someone with perfect test scores, straight As, and impressive extracurriculars who was flat-out rejected from the college of their choice, or endured the purgatory and dismal odds…
Read MoreSpring Checklist for College Applicants
Here are the actions you should be taking this spring to make sure you’re ready for college application season. By the end of the summer you should be finished drafting and revising your Common App Personal Statement, so you will have time in the fall for the supplemental essay questions…
Read MoreHow to use the Additional Information Section
You’ve revised your essay a hundred and ten times until it is a glittering gem. You’ve chased down recommenders, arranged and rearranged your activities list, and just when you think you’re done, you are confronted by the optional Additional Information section. You are perplexed. Do you need to write something…
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