News, Updates, & Resources

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....

Sometimes the Right Academic Advice Isn’t Popular

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

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 When I went to my blog to link an article on the subject, I found my 2015 information was out of date.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...

Focused Extracurriculars Activities Can Give You an Edge

I am continuing my series on extracurricular activities. If you missed the earlier parts, you can find them here: Why do colleges care about extracurriculars? Do I need to participate in a sport in high school? Extracurricular time during high school can give you an...

Do I need to participate in a sport in high school?

"I'm involved in a lot of activities at my school, but I don't play a sport. Will this hurt my chances for college admission?" This is a common question-- should an otherwise involved student play a sport? Team and individual sports allow students the opportunity to...

Why do colleges care about extracurricular activities?

What does your extracurricular resume say about you? We've all heard that colleges want students who are involved, but this tends to bring up more questions: What level of involvement is expected? What types of activities should you choose? Should you be involved in a...

Quick Tips for Taking the PSAT

This Wednesday, October 16 is one of the national administration dates for the PSAT. I wanted to offer some quick tips for students taking the PSAT. First, everyone should understand that the PSAT will not be used for college admission. For 9th and 10th...