As parents, you are deeply invested in your teen’s future, particularly when it comes to college admissions. One crucial aspect of this process is the college essay, a personal statement that allows your child to reveal their unique voice and character to admissions officers. Helping your child craft a powerful and engaging essay can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can play a key role without overstepping.

Today, I’ll guide you through how to effectively assist your teen in brainstorming, structuring, and ultimately polishing their college essay. With over 20 years of experience in the college admissions space, I’ve seen firsthand what works—and what...

The college application process can be overwhelming, not only for students but for parents as well. Among the many tasks your teen must complete, the college essay often stands out as a key component that can significantly impact their admission prospects. Many parents feel unsure of how to assist without overstepping, especially when it comes to brainstorming and shaping ideas for the essay. 

As a parent, you don’t need to write the essay or dictate the direction it should take. However, you play a crucial role in helping your teen brainstorm and reflect on their experiences. This blog will guide you on how to help your teen approach their college essay, focusing on the brainstorming...

As a parent, you’re likely familiar with the anxiety and stress that comes with the college admissions process. It’s a pivotal time in your teenager’s life, filled with anticipation, dreams, and more than a few nerves. But what many parents may not realize is just how crucial their role is in helping their teens navigate this critical journey.

I’ve spent years guiding families through the college admissions maze and I understand the challenges and emotions that come with this territory. From the excitement of exploring potential colleges to the stress of meeting application deadlines, this period can be overwhelming for both teens and their parents. But with the right...

As we dive into the 2024-2025 college admissions season, it's clear that the landscape of higher education is evolving rapidly. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of our lives has sparked a significant shift in how we approach complex tasks, and college admissions is no exception. Parents, you may have heard whispers about AI’s growing role in this space, and you might be wondering: Should my teen use AI during the college admissions process? If so, how can we ensure it’s done effectively and ethically?

I’m here to tell you that the answer is a resounding yes—AI can be a valuable tool in your teen’s college application journey. But like any...

Welcome to the 2024-2025 college admissions season! As the Chief Education Officer and founder of Strategic Admissions Advice, I’m thrilled to guide you through this pivotal time. August marks a crucial period where parents and students can collaboratively tackle two essential aspects of college preparation: building the college list and crafting stellar essays. These tasks, while daunting, lay the foundation for successful college applications. Let’s dive into the key pillars that will help you and your high schooler navigate this season effectively.

Building the College List: Four Key Pillars

1. Cost

When it comes to selecting colleges, the cost is a paramount consideration....

As we approach the college application season, it’s crucial for parents to understand the distinctions between personal essays and supplemental essays. Your high school student’s ability to master both can significantly impact their chances of admission. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the essential differences, purposes, and strategies for each type of essay. By the end, you'll be equipped to support your teen in crafting compelling and authentic narratives that resonate with college admissions officers.

Understanding the Personal Essay

The personal essay, often referred to as the personal statement, is a staple of the college application process. This essay is a window...

Today, we're exploring a question that many parents have been asking as their teenagers prepare for college applications: Do interviews still matter?

This is a great question, particularly relevant as college admissions become increasingly competitive and multifaceted. The answer, however, is not straightforward. It depends on various factors, including the type of school and the nature of the interview itself.

Types of College Interviews: Informative vs. Evaluative

When discussing college interviews, it's essential to differentiate between two main types: informative and evaluative.

Informative Interviews: These interviews are primarily an exchange of information. They provide...

Many parents face a dilemma: Should their teenagers focus on gaining work experience or devote their time to community service? The answer is not an either/or situation. Both experiences are invaluable and complement each other in significant ways.

Building Work Ethics Through Employment

Having a job teaches students essential life skills. It instills a sense of responsibility, fosters teamwork, and helps them understand the value of earning money. A job requires students to wake up early, follow a schedule, report to a supervisor, and work collaboratively with colleagues. These experiences are vital in developing a strong work ethic and practical skills that will benefit them throughout their...

As we approach the end of June and step into July, the excitement of summer is in the air. It's also a pivotal time for high school students and their parents as they navigate the college admissions process. One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, "What is a safety school nowadays?" With so many colleges admitting so few students, it's crucial to understand what constitutes a safety school and how to identify them effectively.

Let's first discuss what we mean by safety schools. Also referred to as likely or foundational schools, these are institutions where, based on a student's academic performance, extracurricular activities, and interests, they have a high probability of being...

College rejections can be disheartening. But with a strategic college list, you can significantly improve your teen's acceptance odds. Here's how:

• Know Your Numbers: Research average GPAs and test scores for colleges on your list. Aim for a mix of schools where your teen is competitive and "safety schools."

• Consider "Fit": Don't just focus on rankings. Look for colleges that align with your teen's academic interests, personality, and preferred campus environment.

• Research Early Decision and Early Action: These options can increase your teen's chances at certain schools, but understand the deadlines and restrictions.

• Balance is Key: Include a variety of colleges in terms of...