Common App
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 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?"
May 31, 2026
Curating Your Common App Activities and Honors List: Telling Your Story Beyond Grades and Test Scores
When students think about the college application process, they often focus on grades, test scores, and essays. However, one of the most important sections of the Common Application is frequently overlooked: the Activities and Honors sections. These sections provide colleges with a snapshot of a student's identity outside the classroom. They help admissions officers understand how students spend their time, what they value, and how they contribute to their schools and communities.
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.
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.
May 25, 2021
High School Student Privacy with ACT, SAT, and Applications
As students complete registration questions for testing and their college applications, they turn to parents with a flurry of questions such as those below. LEAP client, Lysa, reached out to me via a direct message on Facebook saying she was "alarmed by the amount of personal info" the Common App asks.