Usernames, passwords, application portals, emails, admission “insights” from your neighbor, a family member, friends, the “I heard if you do this…” and “colleges really want to see…” to-do lists, essays, deadlines, the decision to apply early or not, the decision to apply early decision or not, isn’t there a thing called a FAFSA? Thinking of… Read More How to minimize the extras and get the best chance of admission
As a new college admission season falls upon us, I am reminded daily of the power it brings. Hurling its way into my office in the shape of panic, anxiety and stress. A process packed with self-reflection, vulnerability and inevitable road blocks. A process that affects not only the student, but the family as a… Read More Why My Grandfather was the Best College Counselor I Ever Had
The University of California boasts 9 undergraduate campuses, all now open for applying to as of August 1, 2018 for the Fall 2019 admission cycle. It’s as competitive as ever and record applications continue to roll in each round. What does this mean for you as an applicant? It means getting savvy with the UC… Read More Understanding UC Admissions & Key Resources
The beginning of August marked the first week back to school for me. Full school days in addition to teaching weekend college courses, maintaining my health (running/workout routines/meal prepping) and developing side projects which include non-profit work, blogging, posting and oh…ya I think I also have my friends, family and a handful of weddings this… Read More What I’m Doing to Manage Overload…And Why It Works
Essays can be a key piece to your college application that not only allows an admission officer to get to know you beyond your academics, but help differentiate you from other applicants. Take a look at the 2018-2019 essay prompts below for the Common Application, UC Application and Coalition Application. Also check out a really… Read More 2018-2019 Essay Prompts and Tips to Get You Started
You’re more than a test score. You’re GPA tells more than a number. Okay sure, maybe you’ve heard that when college admission offices are making decisions, they’re looking at MORE than just academics, but do you believe it? While universities admission policies and review processes vary, it IS helpful to understand the basis of what… Read More How Would an Admission Officer Review Your Application? Understanding Holistic Review and Making the Most out of Your Application
Thinking about WHERE to apply to college can seem like a pretty daunting idea. Maybe you’re familiar with a few schools, maybe you have a set idea of THE ONE, or maybe you just have no idea and are pretending the whole thing will work itself out…right? Right. Let’s explore colleges and build your college… Read More How to Research Colleges and Begin to Build Your College List
Liberal Arts. Gasp! (Insert sarcasm here) But what about the laser-focus? The foundation in something substantial. Liberal Arts you say? There can’t possibly be Math or Science happening. I don’t get it. How can you be successful with LIBERAL ARTS? It’s okay to admit that you may not be as familiar with the liberal arts model. But… Read More Why a Liberal Arts College May be Just for You & Claremont Colleges College Tour
Your college application is a culmination of your personal and academic experiences that showcase your strengths, talents, challenges, interests and are hopefully a prediction of the work yet to be done in the four-year journey ahead. As a college counselor who has worked with students over the past five years, I have heard the “what… Read More What Colleges WANT to See. How to Create Impact and a Lasting Impression.
You’ve aced your finals…or at least completed them…You’ve said your “have a good summers” and “we definitely need to hang out” and headed out the doors without looking back. But if you’re a rising Senior there may be a nagging voice that silently (or not so silently) keeps reminding you that college applications and the… Read More How to Tackle College Prep This Summer
