Hi Reader, Do you remember those annoying little red buttons that said "Easy" that Staples sold several years ago? You know, the ones we thought were cute at first but then wanted to throw down the garbage disposal because our kids pushed it incessantly, thinking it was hysterical to see us lose our minds as we rushed to get dinner? Yup. Well, I could use one now, but I would sell them in packs: one button would say, "That was easy," and the other, "That was hard, but you did it! Go...
27 days ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, I've been an empty nester for three weeks now. Week 1: I wandered aimlessly around the house, unsure of what to do with myself. Week 2: I filled my schedule with students, keeping every moment busy. Week 3: I nested. I cleaned out the mudroom, the kitchen junk drawer, and the infamous "water bottle" cabinet full of mismatched bottles. I even tackled the junk food drawer—no more half-eaten bags of chips. Feeling inspired, I cleaned up my inbox, reaching zero! I returned emails,...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, Welcome back to a new school year! We hope you've had a refreshing break and that your children are ready to jump back into the swing of things. There's something special about this time of year—the smell of new notebooks, the promise of a clean new schedule, and the excitement of new beginnings. As students settle back into their routines, my team and I look forward to using our new notepads, whiteboards, and sticky notes to regroup, plan, and create. Over the next few weeks, my...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader, Did you know that between 20% and 50% of incoming college students in the United States enter college as "undecided" on their major? This means many students haven't yet committed to a specific field of study when they begin college. This is why we tell students not to worry if they are unsure what they want to study—in fact, we encourage them to be uncertain. We encourage students to explore a wide range of subjects before deciding. This exploration can lead to discovering...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, It can be overwhelming for some students to keep track of all the different application types and deadlines, especially since each school has its own unique schedule. Here's a quick guide to help clarify the common types of college application categories and their typical timelines: 1. Rolling Admission Description: Applications are reviewed as they are received, and decisions are made on a rolling basis. Deadline: There is usually no specific deadline, but it is best to apply as...
2 months ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader, Tomorrow is one of our favorite days of the year. While many people view January 1st as a day to set goals, resolutions, and intentions for the new year, we believe August 1st is equally significant for students and families to reflect, plan, and set objectives for academic and personal growth. For seniors, August 1st marks the opening of the Common Application and their official journey to applying to college, and that is something to celebrate! Over the next few weeks, our...
3 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, Interviewing with a college admissions office gives students the opportunity to talk to someone who knows the school and ask questions about what life at that particular school is really like. Whether they interview with an admissions counselor, alum, or current student, interviews are a student's golden ticket to ask their questions in an intimate setting. Interviewing offers students a chance to provide context for what they share in their applications. Whether virtual or in...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Are you visiting family and friends in different locations and states over the summer? See if there is a local University or College to check out!At the beginning of their process, students might not know what they are looking for in a school; seeing and experiencing any college is a great way to understand what they like and don’t like.In a city, book a visit or walk around at a local university to see if they like the idea of going to college in a city (even if it is not that...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Summer College Visit Days Hi Reader, While you may hear advice not to visit schools over the summer, it is sometimes the only time families can visit. Lucky for you, many schools offer "special campus preview days" over the summer that provide students with more insight into campus life than a tour and information session during the school year might. Remember, we are highlighting just a tiny fraction of colleges; let us know what schools you want us to follow, and we will continue adding new...
3 months ago • 1 min read