Applications
Sep 22, 2020
ALERT! FAFSA & CSS Profile Available 10/1
Some colleges require FAFSA and/or CSS Profile completion to get any aid including merit scholarships. Tips for getting the aid you deserve!
Aug 10, 2020
Should You Apply Early to College?
I typically spend most early summer mornings quietly on my back patio as the sun creeps over the horizon, and I’m always amazed how the birds find the worms, which I would never see, in the dewy morning grass. It’s made me wonder if the early birds always get the worm.
Aug 1, 2020
5 Tips to an Outstanding College Application Essay
Learn, Brainstorm, Write, Revise & Polish. These are the steps in LEAP’s 5-step process to an essay that will make you stand out from the crowd of applicants vying for a spot at your dream school. Creating an optimal essay takes focus and time.
Jun 3, 2020
Is a College Essay Coach a Good Idea?
It depends. Ask yourself these questions to determine if your Personal Statement could use some expert guidance.
1. Can you find your voice, your story, on your own?
Short of the few highly selective colleges who will offer an interview, the personal statement is the only opportunity a student has to insert his or her voice into the application.
May 29, 2020
Application Roadmap: How to Beat the Deadlines
Follow LEAP’s step-by-step plan for stress-free, no parent nagging, college application completion.
-Get clarity on where to apply when you can’t visit colleges. -How to tackle the hardest part first…the essay. PLUS the *new* essay on COVID impact. -Learn which parts can (and should) be done prior to August 1st. -Determine which schools you can save money on application and ACT/SAT reporting fees.
May 14, 2020
Common App Essay Prompts, Class of 2021 + COVID Prompt
With so much disruption in the lives of students, as predicted, The Common App has announced an optional question in the “Additional Information” section for students to share, in 250 words or less (that’s not a lot, by the way), the effects of COVID19 on them. See the full explanation here.
May 1, 2020
Where LEAP Students are Admitted
A journey with over 4,000 possible destinations deserves a seasoned guide. That’s what we do at LEAP!
Here is where our students are admitted. The list is evidence that we work with a wide variety of students. We’re beyond proud of them!
Apr 8, 2020
What is Test Optional & Should You Submit Test Scores
Test optional has been around for a very long time, but is getting renewed attention in the wake of COVID-19 as some colleges have indicated a move to Test Optional for the class of 2021.
What is test optional? Test optional means allowing students to apply to a college with or without ACT/SAT scores; it’s left up to the student.
Feb 18, 2020
Do I need SAT Subject Tests?
The lesser-known SAT Subject Tests have seen better days.
With the dropping of this testing requirement by Harvey Mudd College (a California engineering college) in February 2020, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) remains the only school requiring the tests for application, and they have indicated they are revisiting this requirement. MIT has dropped the SAT Subject Tests!!!
Dec 16, 2019
Application Advice from a West Point Cadet
Former LEAP test prep student and high school valedictorian, Taylor England, is our guest blogger on her journey to get an appointment to West Point. She is currently an Army Ranger stationed in Italy.
Nov 11, 2019
Which activities are valued by college admissions?
When comparing applicants with equal academic profiles for a seat in the freshman class, it’s the extracurriculars on the resume that can give the admitted student the edge.
LEAP advises all students, particularly those going for seats in selective colleges or programs, to carefully consider what they chose to pursue outside the classroom then be diligent in crafting their formal resume. 1/3 of colleges actually require or recommend students submit a resume at the time of application.
Nov 4, 2019
5 Reasons You NEED a Student Resume
The college admission process is very selective – a significant number of students apply each year to a limited number of open slots. This means that you must find a way to stand apart from the other applicants. Having a résumé demonstrates your seriousness of purpose in the college application process and your good organizational skills.