What's it Take to Get a California Kid Into a California College?
For years now, UCLA and UC Berkeley have been “reach” schools for everyone. With 2018 acceptance rates in the low double-digits, it was...
"I Have Nothing to Write About!!!": The Tyranny of the Personal Statement
First of all, yes you do. Before you disagree, let’s talk about the college essay or “personal statement” in realistic terms. The point...
The Accommodations Curse
When we first meet with students and families, we go over academic progress, look at transcripts, and talk subjectively about how the...
So What's It Gonna Cost?
College acceptances are winging their way towards anxious students as you read this. These acceptances will come with a financial aid packag
How To Know What You Need To Know
They know that they're supposed to do research, but many students are unsure about exactly what to look for as they explore a college....
Summer Plans for Rising Seniors
Rising seniors take note: this is your last summer before applying to college, and you would be wise to use it as an opportunity to make...
The ABCs of A-G
Students know that they are supposed to take rigorous courses to prepare them for college, but they don't always know which ones to...
Tragedy as Essay Fodder
Many students believe that revealing the deepest tragedies of their lives in their college essays will gain them admission. But the most...
Should You Answer the Additional Info Question?
At the end of the Common App, the UC application, and others, there’s an opportunity to add some additional information about yourself. ...
Suddenly, Next Summer
We've only just packed away our bikinis and yet it’s time to start thinking about summer 2019. While summer is a great time for all...
