Despite summer being in full bloom, we still have to think about college planning and what’s ahead. I know you care deeply about your child’s future, thus I want to gently remind you of something that can sneak up on families: standardized testing.

I get it—there’s so much conflicting information out there right now. Some schools are test-optional. Others are bringing tests back. And everyone seems to have an opinion.

Here’s the truth: tests like the ACT and SAT still matter, and in many cases, they can be the very thing that helps your child stand out or unlock merit aid. But the key is not waiting until the last minute to decide whether or not to take them.

Let’s break it down by grade and give you...

Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked — but most important — parts of the college process: location.

Not just “how far from home?”
Not just “what state is it in?”
But really… who will your kid become because of where they go?

Every month at Strategic Admissions Advice, we focus on one critical element of the college admissions journey. This month is all about college list building — and location is one of the big four factors (along with cost, major, and career goals).

But this week? We’re zooming in on why location deserves more than a passing glance.

🧠 Environment = Mental Health = Motivation

Let’s be honest: college is a transition. It’s exciting, sure — but it’s also tough. So where you...

When it comes to the college process, I need you to hear me clearly: cost is not just a number—it’s a strategy. If you're the parent of a high school student, especially a sophomore or junior, now is the time to have real, open conversations about money with your teen.

And if you're working with me through College List Builder, this conversation isn't optional—it’s essential.

June Is The Time To Build Your Teen’s College List 

If you’ve been following along with this month’s focus, you know I’ve emphasized one non-negotiable: get your child's transcript. This is the starting point for building a solid college list—one that reflects your student’s academic reality and your family’s financial reality...

It’s finally summer. The alarm clocks are off, the school lunch-making grind is over, and your kid has officially entered full summer mode—which probably involves snacks, screens, and sleeping in.

But if you’re a parent of a high school student, I’m asking you to do one important thing before you check out completely:

📄 Get your teen’s transcript.

I know, I know. You’re thinking: “It’s summer. Can’t this wait?”

Nope. Not if you care about your child’s college future.\

Why the Transcript Is So Important (Even Now)

Colleges don’t guess. They evaluate. And the transcript is the first thing they use to do it.

Whether your child is in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, that document holds the key to:
🔍 Underst...

I’ve seen it firsthand.

Another admissions cycle has wrapped.
More frustration.
More confusion.
More heartbreak.

If you're a parent of a high school student, I want to tell you the truth.

This process?
It’s not fair.
It’s not always logical.
And it’s definitely not built with your child’s best interest in mind.

Let’s break it down.

#1: Remember that rejection isn’t about your teen’s worth

Your child might get rejected from a dream school—even with great grades, test scores, and extracurriculars.

That doesn’t mean they failed.
It means the system is flawed.

One of my students had:

• A 1570 SAT
  

• Straight A’s
  

• Dual enrollment courses
  

• Stellar extracurriculars
  
  

Still rejected from multip...

Let me be clear about something right away—your teen doesn’t need to win a national award or cure a disease for their extracurricular activities to matter on a college application.

What do they need? To show up, follow through, and reflect on what they’ve learned along the way. That’s where YOU come in.

I’ve worked with thousands of high school students over the years, and I can confidently say this: the most overlooked part of the college application is the activity list—and it’s where families miss a huge opportunity to stand out.

Here’s why extracurriculars matter more than you think.

When colleges review applications, they aren’t just looking at grades and test scores. They want to know what k...

I talk to parents every day who want what’s best for their kids. You want security. Stability. A solid career.

So what do we tell them?

Go pre-med. Get into business. Study engineering. Learn computer science.

But here's the truth:

Those majors aren't the right fit for every student. And pushing them into one “just to be safe” can backfire.

I've seen it happen.

A student applies to a top college for computer science. Strong GPA. Good extracurriculars. Rejected.

Another student applies for psychology or environmental studies at the same school. Accepted.

Same GPA. Similar background. But the choice of major made a huge difference.

Why? Because some majors are way more competitive.

The 4 Majors ...

The cost of college is skyrocketing. The admissions process is a maze. And parents like you are being left to figure it all out on your own.

It’s frustrating, stressful, and unfair. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to do this alone.

What’s Happening to College Admissions?

If you’ve been paying attention, you know that major changes are happening in higher education. Federal policies are shifting, financial aid programs are in jeopardy, and colleges are making admissions decisions in ways that feel unpredictable.

Here are some key challenges families are facing right now:

• Soaring Tuition Costs: Many private colleges now cost over $75,000 per year. Even public universities are becoming more e...

The college admissions process can be a rollercoaster, and if your teen has been placed on a waitlist, you’re likely feeling a mix of frustration and uncertainty. But here’s the truth: A waitlist decision is not a rejection. It’s an opportunity.

Colleges use waitlists to manage their enrollment numbers. They admit a certain number of students but know that not all will accept their offer. A waitlist allows them to fill any gaps left by students who decide to go elsewhere. So while it’s not an immediate ‘yes,’ it’s also not a definitive ‘no.’ Your teen still has a chance—but only if they take the right steps.

Step 1: Respond to the Waitlist Offer Immediately

Colleges won’t assume your teen wants to ...

The college admissions process is filled with stress, uncertainty, and endless information. Parents and students alike often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks they must complete—researching schools, writing essays, securing recommendations, and strategizing for success. It’s easy to get lost in the chaos.

But what if there was a way to simplify it all? What if, instead of more stress, you could focus on just four key elements that actually matter? We’ve created a simple yet powerful framework: L.E.S.S.—List, Essay, Story, and Strategy. By focusing on these essentials, you can help your teen not only survive the process but thrive in it.

1. The Power of a Balanced College List
   The foundation...