Mapping Out a High School Plan for College-Bound Students Feb 14, 2025

A Suggested Timeline for Students and Parents

            I recently attended a close friend’s birthday party. While I had a fantastic time catching up with old friends and sharing stories of our time in college, I couldn’t help but find myself talking a lot about work. I know…How boring! However, ...

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When To Begin? May 01, 2024

Top Three Reasons to Get Started on the College Application Process Now

            When should I start jumping into the college app process? Every year, as the junior year ends and the college application season begins, this is the one question I always get from rising seniors. And my answer is al...

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“It Ain’t Whatcha Write, It’s the Way ‘Atcha Write It!” Feb 12, 2024

Thoughts on the So-Called “Cliché" Personal Statement

            “Jesse, I came across a YouTube video that said you should never write about sports in your Personal Statement.”

            “Jesse, I saw a TikTok that said you should never write about the death of a loved one.”

            “Jess...

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Control What You Can Control and Let Go of the Rest Jul 16, 2023

How to Keep Your Sanity During the College Application and Admissions Process

            “Control what you can control.” You’ve probably heard this saying a thousand times. “And let go of the things you can’t.” This is always easier said than done, right? Yes, but it’s still good advice for life. ...

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To Test or Not to Test May 31, 2023

Thoughts on Whether Taking Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT) Still Makes Sense for College-Bound High School Students

            In a word: maybe.

            So, as we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic turned the age-old tradition of taking standardized tests like the SAT and ACT on its head. What was ...

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Rethinking the College Application/Admissions Process May 11, 2023

Prioritizing Good Fit Over Name Brand

            Yes, I admit it – I’m a product of consumer culture. When I was thirteen years old, I was a diehard Michael Jordan fan. And one day, my best friend showed up at school with a brand-new pair of Jordan 4s. As much as I loved him as a brother, I could ...

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Write of Passage Apr 09, 2023

How to Approach the College Application Essay and Get the Most Out of It

            I am 100% with you. The primary reason we take the necessary time and effort to write outstanding college application essays is to move the needle in our favor when applying to the universities we so badly want to ...

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How to Set Yourself Apart in the College Admissions Process Mar 21, 2023

The True Value of the College Application Essay

            It’s no secret that school counselors are stretched thin. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) notes, “In 2014-2015, the average student caseload nationally was 482, with some states surpassing an average of 60...

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Putting the Cart Before the Horse in Creating a College App List Feb 23, 2023

The Dos and Don'ts When Deciding Which Universities You Should Apply To

            I can already hear you asking, “So, Jesse, what the heck do carts and horses have to do with college app lists?”

            Well, in a figurative sense, when a college-bound high school student puts the cart befor...

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