In a recent blog post, I discussed why getting straight A's in college is not necessarily a recipe for a successful career and life. Citing a New York Times article, I offered many reasons for this, one of which is that students who never get less than an A don't [...]
The costs involved in applying to college can quickly add up: first, there are the application fees, which can range from $50-$90 per college (unless you're applying to one of a small number of schools that don't charge an application fee). If you're applying to a performing arts program that [...]
In talking with students and parents, one of the most frequent questions I am asked is, "What can I/my child to do improve my/my child's chances of admission?" Sometimes people ask this in regard to a particular college, and other times they ask about getting into college in general. Of [...]
On June 14, the University of Chicago made headlines by announcing its decision to become test-optional. As explained in this blog post, a college that is test-optional does not require its applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores. According to The National Center for Fair and Open Testing, there are [...]
If you're a high school student or the parent of one, that title probably got your attention. Students (and parents) frequently ask me this question as they contemplate what they (their child) can get involved in that will help them (their child) stand out on college applications. The answer, which [...]
As the school year winds down, college recommendation letters are probably the farthest thing from high school juniors' minds. AP and IB exams, finals, prom, and friends' graduations are likely dominating students' thoughts and schedules, while applying to college and all it entails may seem a long way off. However, [...]
On March 14, tens of thousands of high school students across the U.S. walked out of class in response to the February 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Lasting 17 minutes, the walkouts were designed to honor the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting. Furthermore, [...]
High school seniors across the country are breathing a sigh of relief. Having spent a significant part of the fall writing essays and filling out applications, most have now finished applying to college. If you applied regular decision, now you have to endure the long wait until decisions are released, [...]
Before making a list of potential colleges for a student, I ask his or her parents to provide me with some financial information so that I can consider this in recommending schools for their child. At least a few times each year, I get a response like the following: "We [...]
Students and parents frequently ask me how important it is to determine what you want to major in before you go to college. As with so many aspects of the college search and admissions process, the answer is, "It depends." Some would say that the whole point of going to college is [...]
