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’m not here to bash school counselors. They’re doing important work under tough conditions. But as a parent, you deserve to know what your teen should be receiving from their school counselor this spring.

And if you're not getting it, it’s okay to ask for more.

Here’s what I want you to look for—especially if you have an 11th grader.

1. You Should Have a Timeline Right Now

It’s April. That means decisions need to be made, and actions need to be taken.

You should have a clear timeline from your school:

• When is your child taking the SAT or ACT?
  
• When are teacher recommendations due?
  
• When should you start the personal statement?
  
• What are your summer visit plans?
  

Ask yourself:
Have you se...

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...

When it comes to choosing a college, the allure of a prestigious name can be hard to resist. As parents, we want the best for our children, and it’s easy to assume that a well-known university automatically translates to success. But let’s be real—prestige doesn’t pay the bills.

In today’s economy, college costs are soaring, student debt is crippling families, and financial security is more important than ever. That’s why smart parents are choosing price over prestige when building their teen’s college list.

The Harsh Reality of College Costs

I recently worked with a family whose daughter was accepted into an elite private university with an annual price tag of over $70,000. They were thrilled—unti...

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...

Want Your Teen to Stand Out? You Need a Story and a Strategy. 

Welcome to the College Application Action Plan (CAAP)!

Let’s be real—college admissions is wild right now. Acceptance rates are plummeting, competition is fierce, and schools are looking for students who don’t just check boxes but stand out in meaningful ways. The problem? Most students (and parents) don’t know how to tell that story effectively. 

That’s why I created the College Application Action Plan (CAAP)—a program designed to help families cut through the noise, get strategic, and make sure their teen stands out.

For $47/month, families gain access to expert advice, structured guidance, and real-world strategies that turn the chaot...

Course selection isn't just about picking classes that look interesting or fit neatly into your teen’s schedule. It’s a strategic decision that can directly impact their college admissions outcomes. The classes your teen takes in their junior and senior years carry the most weight—colleges want to see students who challenge themselves while maintaining strong grades.

If your teen is heading into their senior year, their course choices are even more critical. Admissions officers start by reviewing senior year courses first, then junior year grades, and work their way backward. That means your teen’s upcoming schedule needs to reflect both academic rigor and balance.

1. Take Appropriately Rigorous Co...

Your teen’s school counselor is one of the most important people in their college admissions journey. But let’s be honest—how well do you actually understand their role? Many parents assume counselors will handle everything from building a college list to reviewing essays to crafting a strategy for admissions success. But the reality? That’s not always the case.

School counselors are hardworking professionals with the best intentions, but they’re often stretched thin. In many schools, each counselor is responsible for hundreds of students, making it nearly impossible to provide the individualized attention your teen needs to stand out in the competitive college admissions process.

Every year, I spe...