As parents of high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, you're in a pivotal stage of your teen's academic journey. While it may seem like a whirlwind of applications, deadlines, and decisions, it's also an exciting time to explore the possibilities of college life. College visits offer a unique opportunity to see campuses firsthand and gather crucial information. However, the real challenge lies in asking the right questions to ensure your teen finds the best academic and social fit.  

Today, I’ll share three essential questions that you, as a parent, should ask on college visits. These questions will help you gain deeper insights into the college experience, ensuring that your...

The journey can feel overwhelming when it comes to preparing your high schooler for the college admissions process. The abundance of information makes it difficult to know which reliable and helpful tools and resources. As a parent, you want to ensure your child uses the right resources to make informed decisions about their college future. 

Below are four essential websites and tools to help simplify the process and provide your family with the information needed to prepare for college admissions successfully. These resources are user-friendly, thorough, and effective. Whether your child is a senior on the brink of submitting applications or a freshman just starting to explore their options,...

College admissions can be an overwhelming process, especially when it comes to writing the all-important essay. For many parents, guiding their teen through this part of the application can feel like a daunting task. But with the right tools and strategies, you can help your high schooler create an essay that stands out to admissions officers.

Why the College Essay Matters

The college essay is a critical component of the admissions process. While test scores and grades provide colleges with a snapshot of a student’s academic achievements, the essay offers something more personal—a chance to see the human behind the application. It's an opportunity for your teen to showcase their...

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...

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...