Former Admissions Officers Reveal Common College Application Missteps

It’s important to stand out when applying to college, but all too often applicants can draw attention to themselves for the wrong reasons. Common application mistakes may not completely derail your chances of admission, but they can give admissions officers pause when making decisions.

Don’t “Resume Pad” In Order to Look More Appealing to Admissions Officers

Many college-bound students struggle with what or how much to put on their college application activity list. Often, many students will add a number of extra activities in order to make it look like they’ve done a lot more initiatives in high school, but this resume padding can actually hurt more than it helps. 

Students Applying to College Should Seek Help From a Number of Different Resources

For students just starting the college admissions process, it can be intimidating and overwhelming, so some perspective from peers going through the same process can be helpful and welcome. We caught up with one of our pro bono students, Oladunni, to get her advice on what students should know when applying to college this fall.

Here’s What College Bound Students Need to Do to Write a Great College Application Essay

It’s college application crunch time for high school seniors, and there are probably more than a few of you who are behind on writing those application essays. Don’t get stressed! Our team of counselors is here to help with some of their top essay writing tips.

In The “Holistic Review” Process Qualitative Elements Like Essays, Recommendations, and More Are Just As Important As Grades and Test Scores

Grades and test scores are important when applying to college, but what about the other college application elements like essays, recommendations, and more? It’s critical for students (and parents!) to understand how the different elements of applications are evaluated when applying to college in order to have the best chance of admission to their top-choice schools.

Quantitative Elements Like Grades, Test Scores, and More are Weighed When Applying to College

College bound students know that grades and test scores are important when applying to college, but exactly how important? It’s critical for students to understand how the different elements of applications are evaluated and what they can do to improve their chances of admission.

Here’s Everything College-Bound Seniors Need to Know About the Coalition College Application

Looking for the 2018-19 Coalition application guide? Click here.

The 2017-18 admissions season is ramping up, with the opening of the Common Application on August 1 and the availability of the Coalition application. Over 100 colleges and universities plan to use the Coalition application this year, and there have been a number of changes and enhancements that students and parents need to be aware of before starting on their applications this fall.

Students Can Get a Head Start On College Applications and Essays This Summer

The school year may be coming to a close, but the college admissions process is just starting for rising high school seniors (aka the college class of 2022). In addition to preparing for standardized testing and finalizing college lists, rising seniors also have the opportunity to get a head start on their college application essays during the summer break.

Even After You’re Admitted Your Social Media Presence Can Impact Your Admission Decisions

This spring, at least 10 members of Harvard’s class of 2021 had their offers of admission rescinded after the university was alerted to a private group message in which some incoming freshmen were posting offensive memes. This is a good opportunity to remind college bound students of the effect social media can have on the college admissions process before – and after – applying.

Here’s What to Expect on the 2017-18 Common Application

The admissions cycle for the class of 2021 may be over, but the college preparation journey is just starting for current juniors who are planning to apply to college this fall. Students are getting started on their applications earlier than ever, and it's important to stay informed on the latest Common Application changes before the summer and fall.