If you're a parent with a high school student, do you think your teen needs a resume to apply to college? I get this question a lot, and the answer I always give is a resounding yes! Let me explain why having a resume is crucial for college applications and how it can make a significant impact on your child's chances of admission. 

 Highlighting Activities Beyond the Classroom

A resume for college applications is not the same as a job resume. Instead, it serves as a snapshot of how your child spends their time outside the classroom. While many colleges provide an activity sheet, they often give students the option to upload a resume as well. Although it may seem repetitive, having both can...

As the founder and Chief Education Officer of Strategic Admissions Advice, I often hear from parents about how our work together positively shaped the future path for their son or daughter as they navigated the complex and overwhelming path of the college admissions process.

Our company is dedicated to providing personalized coaching, strategy, and support for parents and their teens throughout the college admissions process.

Today, I would like to share a recent success story with you, which I believe is a testament to the level of service and personal attention we provide.

One of our clients, Brent, a father of a high schooler applying for college, shared his concerns and experiences with us:

"A...

I want to address a common concern among parents with high school students—the challenge of brainstorming for college application essays. Crafting a compelling essay is crucial to the college admissions process, and as parents, we want to support our children in this important endeavor.

Last week, I shared some insights on kickstarting the brainstorming process when your teen feels stuck and doesn't know what to write about. Many parents reached out to me, expressing gratitude for permission to assist their kids. However, I understand the concerns about striking a balance between parental involvement and allowing students to take ownership of their essays. Every family is unique, but rest...

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

It's important to steer clear of certain topics that may hinder your teen's chances of making a strong impression through their essay. Here are a few key points to remember:

1. No Romance, Please: Encourage your child to keep their personal relationships out of their essay. Intimate details of their love life are better left unsaid, as colleges are primarily interested in learning about their character, values, and achievements.
2. Complaining is a No-Go: Remind your teen that the personal statement is not the platform for airing grievances about teachers, curriculum, or a bad grade. There's a separate section in the application to address any exceptional circumstances....

I know talking about college essays may not be what you had in mind for this summer, but trust me, understanding the significance of supplemental essays is crucial. Many people focus solely on the personal statement and overlook the importance of brainstorming effectively for supplemental essays. I want to emphasize why these supplemental essays matter and how they can significantly impact your child's college application. 

Understanding Supplemental Essays:

Supplemental essays are institution-specific essays that colleges and universities require in addition to the personal statement. While the personal statement often offers various prompts through platforms like the Common Application,...

As a high school student, writing college essays can be one of the most daunting tasks. It's a crucial aspect of the college application process that requires students to showcase their unique qualities and experiences. Why? Well, because many colleges rely upon essays more than they do scores (test-optional schools) and with the rise of artificial intelligence, colleges want to know your student as much as they can.

The Importance of the Student Voice

Parents should be involved in the brainstorming process, but not to the point where the student's unique voice is lost. A student's writing style is different from that of a 40 or 50-year-old. The essay is an opportunity for students to showcase their...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the college process for your teen? We've been there too. Finding the right school that aligns with your child's unique interests and passions can be a daunting task. 

And, part of the process is looking for support. But, will it work? Will it help?

What brings me joy is the success and positive results we provide to our clients…

I’d like to share with you today a story of just one of the many families we work with here at Strategic Admissions Advice and what they were able to achieve with us - together.

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“Strategic Admissions Advice (SAA) transformed our college journey and brought clarity and peace to our family."

Before enrolling...

As parents of high school students, we know that the college application process can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to writing the essay portion. As the founder and Chief Education Officer of Strategic Admissions Advice, I have seen countless students struggle with the essay-writing process. However, with the right guidance and approach, your child can write an essay that stands out from the rest.

Encourage Your Child to Be Themselves

The college application essay allows your child to showcase their unique personality, experiences, and interests. Encourage your child to be themselves and write from the heart. Colleges want to get to know the real person behind the application, not a...

Are you a high school student's parent wondering how to navigate the college admissions process? It can be overwhelming, confusing, and often frustrating. As a parent, you want the best for your child, but with thousands of colleges and universities to choose from, how do you find the right fit?

Trust me, it’s not you, it’s them. Colleges are constantly moving the goalposts and changing their standards and their “institutional priorities.” Every year more and more colleges are becoming less predictable. It’s confusing to us all but we can at least discuss what to expect from the college admissions process, what colleges are looking for in their applicants, and how to...

Are you a parent of a high school student worried about the college admissions process? How do you choose the right college for your child? You may be concerned about the competitive nature of college admissions, the increasing number of applicants, and the role of rankings in the process. 

As a college admissions expert with years of experience, I’ve seen far too many high school students and their parents fall into the trap of believing that applying to a dozen or more colleges will increase their chances of being accepted to a great school. But that’s simply not true. It’s often the exact opposite.

Therefore, it is essential to understand what your child can bring to a...