A high school sophomore recently shared her thoughts on the challenges of earning an A in her Chemistry course—a grade that she, her peers, parents, and many others view as essential to be “competitive” for college admissions and a reflection of her intelligence. She realizes that she needs more time than typically allotted in a…
To most effectively gain needed information at college fairs—often described as “speed dating” for college admissions—it’s crucial to prepare in advance. First, scrutinize the list of attending college admissions officers for campuses of interest. Being focused, students and families can save time aimlessly roaming the event space. Second, reflect on one’s ideal college experience. With…
Most families believe the college admissions process starts with picking colleges, then filling out applications, which includes writing college essays, then submit applications, then, wait for responses, then choose one college. However, the actual process of choosing and applying to college is much more intricate. Often, parents are puzzled when their teenager seems overwhelmed or…
College admissions officers are increasingly expecting students to use AI tools to help them write their college essays. However, students should use AI tools in addition to, not instead of, their own creativity and effort. Students can use AI tools to brainstorm ideas for essays. Students prompt AI responses with details about themselves and their…
For a high school student, there’s no single “right” way to spend a summer vacation. Yet, many students and their families are concerned that without a “productive” summer vacation, then a student diminishes opportunities for college admissions. However, this is not necessarily true. Selection for college admissions is becoming increasingly subjective, thus no one summer…
Students often wonder, “How will college admissions officers’ view this?” in reference to a grade, an extracurricular activity, or topics for college essays. In other words, teens worry about impressing admissions officers, or risk not being accepted to college. Amidst the competitiveness in education, students often search for the “right” combination of factors including: GPA,…
Written by Padma Namgyal, a graduating high school senior musing about what’s yet to come. Waiting as I am in the trails of my eighteenth year. There is excitement shining like a gem but also a lot of fear… I tell myself to do my part. “You need to help out here!” But, when I…
High school students often develop a seeming “college admissions filter”, assessing any experience (or potential experience) through “How will this help me with being admitted to college?” Many may be frustrated at such consideration, yet in my experience, such a mindset seems pervasive amongst teens. Today’s high school students have heard messages like, “When you…
Educational consultants are valuable guides, offering personalized advice for both parents and students. By understanding each client’s unique educational goals, consultants distill the deluge of internet-available information and wide-ranging “advice” from other parents (both IRL and virtually) into practical recommendations. Then families can make informed choices that contribute to their children’s success. Moreover, life rarely…
Immigrant parents can be challenged to balance their native cultural traditions while assimilating, especially when guiding their American-born children’s education. Parents may need to learn the American perspectives of teachers as well as be aware of filtering their children’s experiences through their own cultural context. If parents are not fluent in English, effective collaboration with…
When calm, one can concentrate. And, when concentrated, one knows instantaneously how to react appropriately in any situation, including during a standardized test like the SAT or ACT. Upon examination, what many students term “test anxiety” is a lack of concentration, which is more complicated to address than a 6-8 week cram course called, “Test…
Most aspiring college applicants (and their families) are aware that they’ll report extracurricular activities in their applications, yet few may understand the significance of their efforts. With their extracurricular commitments, students can showcase their interests, while also contributing to their communities. Since college admissions officers don’t set specific requirements about the number or type of…
While making a list of colleges is essential in the college application process, without knowing oneself and why one seeks a college experience, then generating a list may not be the most effective first step. Instead, rising seniors and transfer applicants on the cusp of applying to college can: 1. Engage rigorous self-reflection: Preferably in…
Often, when asked, “Why do you want to attend college?” high schoolers reply, “To get a good paying job”, and implied in their statement, “to figure out who I am” (which typically emerges in subsequent interviews) while their parents nod and smile in agreement. So, I reflected on the change in view which also often…
Is an Ivy League education worth the nearly $90,000 per year cost of attendance, which includes tuition, room & board, fees, average estimates for books, personal expenses + transportation? The following is the current estimated cost of attendance at all eight Ivy League institutions: As inflation erodes the average middle class standard of living, while…
