Let’s talk about it, junior parents.

Right now, you might be watching your senior parent friends panic over essays, deadlines, and recommendation letters  and thinking, “Whew, glad that’s not me yet.” But here’s the thing: your turn is coming faster than you think.

If you wait until next summer to start building a college list or visiting campuses, you’re already behind.

This season  fall into early winter  is the best time to start planning how your family will explore colleges. And I don’t just mean clicking through websites or scrolling through TikTok campus tours. I’m talking about making a real plan.

Here’s where to start.

1. Visit locally first

Before hopping on a plane or booking a big coll...

If you’re the parent of a high school junior in the Class of 2027, you’ve probably already felt it: college admissions is more competitive than ever.

Acceptance rates are shrinking, stress levels are rising, and families are left wondering: How do we make sure our teen stands out?

The truth is, great grades and test scores aren’t enough anymore. Colleges want students who know how to tell their story and present themselves strategically.

That’s exactly why I created The College Application Action Plan (CAAP).

CAAP is designed to help families cut through the noise, reduce stress, and give students the tools they need to shine in this process without the overwhelm.

For just $47/month, you’ll get the...

If your teen is a high school sophomore—a member of the Class of 2027—you’ve already felt the competitive pressure. The truth is, building a profile that earns admission to top colleges doesn’t begin with the application forms; it begins with strategic decisions made during sophomore year.

Waiting is the #1 mistake, costing your family valuable opportunities in course selection, extracurricular focus, and summer planning. To win in today’s admissions environment, you need an actionable plan now.

The Problem: Your High School Counselor is Overwhelmed 

We know you want to rely on your high school guidance counselor, but most are spread too thin—juggling hundreds of students and unable to provide the de...

The Panic is Real

I get it. Every September and October, my inbox starts to fill with nervous messages from parents of juniors. And honestly? You’re not wrong to be stressed. Junior year isn’t just another lap in the high school race. It’s the lap where strategy matters most.

If freshman year is about starting off strong and sophomore year is about finding rhythm, junior year is where the stakes climb sky-high. College admissions officers are going to scrutinize your teen’s transcript, their extracurricular choices, and yeswhether they’ve even stepped foot on a college campus or sat through a Saturday morning standardized test.

But here’s the good news: there is a system. And if you follow it, you’ll...

As the holiday season wraps up and we bid farewell to the seniors of 2024 who have made their early decisions or early action applications, it's time for the junior class of 2025 to step into the spotlight. 

Today, I want to share with you why thinking about and planning for your high school junior's summer activities is crucial for their college applications.

Why Summer Matters

I understand that summer seems distant, almost six months away, but how your high school junior spends this time can significantly impact their college application. The pressure isn't on to enroll in an academic program or secure a high-profile internship. A traditional job or a refreshing, rejuvenating experience can be j...