News, Updates, & Resources

Why Traditional College Planning Advice Doesn’t Work in a Pandemic

I don’t need to tell you the past four months have been unusual, you have lived it. We have done very few of our normal activities— including most college planning tasks. I’m making some changes to my college planning timeline for this year. In many cases my usual...

Can I Write My College Essay About Current Events?

Can I Write My College Essay About Current Events? This is a good question. Spring 2020 has been one we won’t soon forget. Students experienced unprecedented events that have impacted their lives. But should you write about it in your college essay? It depends. Here...

UC System Drops SAT / ACT– How does this impact you?

I’ve received multiple calls, texts, and emails since the University of California announced yesterday that it was phasing out the SAT and ACT. What does this decision mean for students? What do you need to do? watch here: If you didn't see my earlier video on how...

Can I Write My College Essay About Current Events?

UC System Drops SAT / ACT– How does this impact you?

15 Little Things to Make Students More Successful Academically and in College Admission

Having recently been through the entire admissions process with our oldest, I wanted to offer some tips. These are little things that can make a big difference. Don’t feel you need to implement all of these. Don’t feel you need to add them all at once. Add what makes...

Plan for College (Don’t Panic)

This has been the week for wild speculation in the world of college preparation. I love that my friends and clients think of me and send copies of articles and social media posts related to college planning, test prep, and the like. But I’m seeing more “scary”...

Most Colleges Recalculate GPA— what you need to know

There are a lot of rumors when it comes to college admission and GPA myths are pervasive. If you’ve heard other students or parents talking about ways you can boost your GPA and improve your chances for college admission, there are a few things you need to understand....

Sometimes the Right Academic Advice Isn’t Popular

It seems like I’m always the one having to deliver bad news. I meet with clients who often want me to give them “permission” to take a ridiculously light course load or assure them that they can easily gain admission to a highly-selective university. As much as I...

Do You Need To Take The SAT or ACT Optional Essay?

Today I’m addressing an old topic, but with a newly revised answer. “Do I need to take the written essay on the SAT or ACT?” My answer to this question has changed. My old advice was, “Yes, you must take it!” In the last couple years, though, I’ve changed my answer....

SAT Subject Tests: Who Needs Them & How to Prepare

I had a prospective client ask me about SAT Subject Tests this week. When I went to my blog to link an article on the subject, I found my 2015 information was out of date. So much has changed in the last five years that my current advice differs. Here's the update. A...

Practical Strategies for Focused Extracurricular Activcities (& Better College Resumes!)

This is the final video in my series on extracurricular activities. If you missed the previous posts you can find them here: Focused extracurriculars activities can give you an edge Why do colleges care about extracurricular activities? Do I need to participate in a...