Applications
Oct 2, 2026
Beyond the Classroom: Why Getting Involved in High School Matters
Grades and test scores matter in the college admissions process—but they aren't the whole story. How students choose to spend their time outside the classroom can help colleges understand who they are, what interests them, how they contribute, and what they may bring to a college community. Just as importantly, getting involved during high school gives students opportunities to discover interests, develop confidence, build relationships, and learn skills they simply can't develop from a textbook.
Aug 29, 2026
Demonstrated Interest: The College Admissions Factor Families May Be Overlooking
Many families understand the major pieces of college admissions: grades, course rigor, test scores, activities, essays, and recommendations. But another factor is playing an increasingly visible role at some colleges—one that many students and parents still don't fully understand. It's called demonstrated interest, and overlooking it can potentially put a student at a disadvantage at colleges that consider it.
Aug 4, 2026
The Common App Is Live: What Every Parent of a High School Senior Should Know
While senior year may still feel a little distant for some families, August often signals the unofficial beginning of the college application season. If your student plans to apply through the Common App, now is the time to move from thinking about college to actively preparing applications. Starting early can make the entire process less stressful and lead to stronger, more thoughtful applications.
Jul 14, 2026
Grade Inflation: What Every Parent Should Know
Grades are higher than ever—but are they telling the whole story? For many parents, a report card filled with A's feels like reassurance that their student is on the path to college success. But over the past two decades, an important trend has changed how colleges interpret transcripts: grade inflation.
Jul 6, 2026
The Common App Essay: Helping Your Senior Write with Confidence
For many families, the Common Application essay feels like the most intimidating part of the college application process. Parents often ask us: "What should my student write about?", "How personal is too personal?", and "Should I edit it?"
Jun 30, 2026
Test-Optional Doesn't Mean Test-Irrelevant
Whether your child is entering high school this fall or preparing to submit college applications as a senior, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: standardized testing is playing a larger role in college admissions once again.
Dec 18, 2025
Deferred, Not Denied: What Parents of Seniors Need to Know About Letters of Continued Interest (LOCI)
If your student applied Early Action or Early Decision and received a college deferral, take a deep breath. A deferral is not a rejection—it’s an opportunity. Colleges use deferrals to keep strong applicants in the pool while they review the rest of the applicant group. How your student responds now can make a real difference.
Aug 13, 2025
What’s a High School Profile—and Why It Matters for Your Teen’s College Future
Did you know that your teen’s college application is often judged not just on their GPA and test scores, but also within the context of their high school? That context comes from a document called the High School Class Profile—a vital, but often overlooked, part of the admissions process.
Jul 9, 2025
Your Teen, AI, and the College Admissions Process
As your teen navigates the college admissions journey, they may be turning to tools like ChatGPT or other AI platforms for support. While artificial intelligence can help students stay organized and generate ideas, it also presents new challenges—especially when it comes to authenticity and ethical use.
Jul 2, 2025
Why Demonstrated Interest Matters in College Admissions
As your student navigates the college admissions process, you've likely heard about grades, test scores, and extracurriculars. But there's another powerful—and often overlooked—factor that can influence admission decisions: demonstrated interest.
May 4, 2025
Helping Your Student Build a Strong College Activities List
As your student embarks on the college application journey, one crucial component to focus on is the college activities list. This section of the application offers admissions counselors a window into your student’s interests, commitments, and character outside of academics.
Mar 5, 2024
Common App Essay Prompts, Class of 2025
Ask a senior or recent college graduate what the most challenging piece of the college application cycle is. Number one answer: the essay. The Common App prompts have been announced.