When colleges need to decide among similarly qualified applicants, recommendation letters from teachers and counselors often tip the scale—especially for more selective colleges engaging in holistic application review, where students’ personal qualities are key. The content of those letters is shaped by your day‑to‑day interactions, especially during junior and senior years.

The summer before senior year can be both a well-earned break and a strategic window to get ahead on college planning. With more time and fewer academic demands, rising seniors can take key steps now that will ease the pressure of the fall application season.

Here are eight things students can do this summer to feel more confident and prepared heading into senior year:

Before rising seniors draft their Common Application personal essay, also known as the personal statement, it’s essential to understand why many colleges ask for essays. Admissions officers seek insight into you beyond your curriculum rigor, grades, test scores, activities, and awards, since those items already appear elsewhere in your application. Colleges often weigh your personal qualities heavily. Essays help show that you will contribute as a roommate, classmate, and community member in addition to succeeding academically.

Dave “The Scholarship Coach” Peterson didn’t save enough money to pay for his son's college, and he didn’t want his son to be burdened with student loans. Determined to find a solution, Dave discovered the ins and outs of securing scholarships. Thanks to his efforts, his son graduated debt-free, with a total cost of just $1,500 for his entire college experience, covering tuition, room, board, books, and fees! Now, as the Head Coach at Scholarship GPS, Dave helps other students and families navigate their own scholarship journeys.

Navigating the college admissions process can feel like a high-stakes journey for students and parents. While your child is at the heart of this experience, it is also a challenging time for parents. You may be experiencing conflicting emotions about your child leaving home soon, your excitement for what college has in store for them, and anxiety about how much the process has changed since you were in high school. Though these feelings are all natural, it’s helpful to keep them in check so that they do not add stress to the college admissions process for you and your child. Here’s a guide to assist you in walking this path with confidence and care.

As sophomore year draws to a close, now is the perfect time to reflect on your progress and build momentum heading into junior year. The final two months of this school year offer valuable opportunities to strengthen your academic profile, deepen your exploration of interests, and position yourself for success in the upcoming college admissions process. This guide provides targeted advice on the key steps you should take during these remaining weeks, ensuring you're well-prepared to tackle what's next.

Receiving financial aid offers from colleges can be both exciting and overwhelming. Colleges present aid differently, so it's essential to compare packages carefully and understand what can be negotiated. Whether you’re considering need-based aid adjustments through a professional judgment review or leveraging multiple merit-based aid offers, strategic steps can help you maximize financial support.

Selecting next year’s courses is critical in shaping a strong high school transcript. The classes you choose can impact your academic growth and how colleges view your readiness for higher education. With grade inflation at many high schools, curriculum rigor can be key to distinguishing yourself from other students—especially when applying to more selective colleges.

Winter break is the perfect time to unwind and recharge after a busy semester. But it’s also a golden opportunity to get ahead in your college and career planning without the usual pressures of schoolwork. Whether you're a sophomore just beginning to think about the future or a junior diving deeper into the college process, here are some ways to make your winter break productive and meaningful.

The college admissions process can feel like navigating a labyrinth, with countless myths shaping students' and parents' perceptions. As an independent college counselor, I've witnessed the confusion and stress these misconceptions can cause. In this blog, I'll debunk some of the most common myths about college admissions, paving the way for a clearer, more informed journey to your ideal college.

Deciding where to spend the next four years of your educational life is no small task. Though brochures and websites offer a glimpse into campus life, there’s nothing quite like being there in person. Here's why campus visits are essential and how you can maximize each visit.

Embarking on your college journey involves a maze of decisions, with one being your choice of application plan. Whether it's Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, or Rolling Admissions, each pathway holds its unique set of rules and potential benefits. Let's dive into these options to help you carve out the best route for your college aspirations.

Creating a balanced college list is more than finding colleges where you stand a good chance of admission; it’s also about finding places where you’ll thrive academically and socially and that are affordable. Academic fit is the cornerstone of your college list. It’s crucial to seek institutions that offer programs aligning with your interests and career aspirations, as well as supporting your personal development, social needs, and financial situation.

Demonstrated interest (DI) can play a pivotal role in admissions decisions. This nuanced aspect of the college application process can significantly influence admissions decisions at some colleges, while it might not matter at others. Luckily, the same actions that help you show interest in colleges will also help you learn more about them, which will assist you in deciding which ones you like best.