The Best U College Admissions Consulting

  If you have a student in the college application process, you may already be aware of some recent ‘big’ announcements by big name universities: “ More colleges extend test optional policies” “UT joins the Common App!” “USC announces new early action option” While these shifts sound like they might benefit applicants, the reality is a bit more complex. Read on for our insights about what motivates these policies and what this means for applicants – What’s really behind making it ‘easier’ for students to apply? As colleges announce shifts in their admission requirements, deadlines, and application processes, we want every student and parent to have an honest look at the why behind these changes. Whether it’s accepting applications without test scores, offering an early action deadline where a college didn’t have one before, dropping supplemental essay requirements, or finally making it ‘easier’ for students to apply by joining the Common Application, each of these admissions offic...

  There are many reasons a student might decide to transfer colleges. If this is a possibility on your horizon, this winter is the time to complete transfer applications for enrollment next fall. Read on for three things to know if you are thinking about transferring– Transfer admissions is its own process, separate from the typical first year applicant process. Here are three key pieces for students who are considering applying to transfer: 1. There is a different application & a different timeline. While most applications are already submitted for First Year Applicants, many colleges’ Transfer Admission deadlines are coming up in February and March, and some less competitive schools will not close transfer admissions until later in the Spring. Many colleges do use the Common Application for transfer admissions, however, there is a separate application with different questions and components called The Common App for Transfer. 2. College specific requirements and priorities ar...

  The college essay is a daunting task for most high school students. For many, it’s the first time in their academic lives they are asked to write about…themselves. No thesis to prove, no sources to cite, no textual analysis. Just you, your life, and what you are learning about yourself and the world. For those who are struggling to start or move through the process, here are three fantastic tools we recommend to find your way. And if you are wondering when to write that college essay…the answer is now . So check these out to get unstuck– Read real essays: Often, students feel lost trying to get a sense of the shape and tone of this personal statement essay. A good way to understand what this is all about, is to read real college essays that ‘worked’ according to admissions officers. Fortunately, there are several colleges that make a regular practice of sharing a handful of these essays. You can check these out from Connecticut College, Johns Hopkins University, Hamilton College,...

  Although the hazy days of summer may feel far off, every high school student & their family would benefit from starting to form your summer plans now. Summers are a wonderful, treasured part of the journey through high school, and they are a key piece of a student’s college application. Read on for three myths about summer plans and how you can make the most of these golden months in your admissions process – From the months before 9th grade begins, right up until the start of 12th grade, the way a student spends each summer is a big part of the story they will tell through their application. Myth #1: Formal Summer Programs are a ‘Leg Up’ for College Admissions. Though there are tons of programs happening for high school students on college campuses all over the country, these are not top priority for your college admissions readers. These programs are widely varying in rigor and value, and can cost quite a lot of money. Increasingly, college admissions readers look at many ...

  If you know a young person thinking about the prestigious U.S. Service Academies in their future, there is a lot to know. The candidate processes at Westpoint, the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, & the Coast Guard Academy are unlike traditional college applications. Here are three things to know now if you are curious about these opportunities: Preparation begins now: While each service academy has its own expectations and profiles of their ideal admitted candidates, know that admissions is as competitive as the most highly selective colleges in the country. All of the academies are looking for students who are both excellent students and committed, accomplished athletes. They expect to see students taking rigorous courses and earning strong grades throughout high school, particularly in math and science. They look for students to compete in one or more sports as varsity athletes throughout high school. Prospective students will also need to complete health evaluations ...