• Healthy Habits for the College-Ready Student

    Healthy Habits for the College-Ready Student

    Developing and and maintaining healthy routines is an important part of adolescence. The earlier one can establish the habits of eating well, exercising, and prioritizing sleep, the more likely the person is to reap the benefits of these practices throughout their lives. These are foundational habits that, somehow, our society has chosen to think of…


  • How a Household Budget Informs College Applications

    The paying for college process is overwhelming for many families. The key is to understand what the different steps are and when they should take place. Going into the process well-informed is one of the best things you can do to support your student. I encourage all families who intend to apply for financial aid…


  • What do colleges look for?

    What do colleges look for?

    If you’re like most high school students applying to college, you wish you knew how you could stand out from the crowd. If only you had some way to find out what colleges look for when they read applications, that would make this process so much less stressful! While I don’t have a cheat sheet…


  • Saint Mary’s College (IN) Campus Visit

    Saint Mary’s College (IN) Campus Visit

    WHO: Saint Mary’s College WHERE: Notre Dame, IN HOW BIG: 1600 undergraduates (all women) VIBE CHECK: Saint Mary’s women all said they chose the school for its tight-knit community, opportunities to stand out in the classroom, and access to the clubs and amenities at the University of Notre Dame less than a mile away. The…


  • College Application Deadlines

    College Application Deadlines

    You’ve probably already learned that there are several types of college application deadlines. Those deadlines vary not just in their dates but sometimes in their requirements as well. Why is something that should be so simple so confusing!?  Learning the right terminology will help you determine which college application deadline is right for you. Four…


  • What is a College Application Workshop?

    What is a College Application Workshop?

    If you know your student would benefit from expertise, structure, and accountability so they can work on their college applications over the summer, group college application workshops and bootcamps are a great option. They are less expensive than working one-on-one with a college consultant, yet your student should still have the opportunity for professional guidance…


  • Finding the Right Social Fit College

    Finding the Right Social Fit College

    While the main objective of going to college is earning a degree, personal growth during the college years is also important. The right social fit college will allow you the opportunity to learn new things about yourself, make new friends, and live a life different from what you’ve always known. There are seven main factors…


  • University of San Francisco Campus Visit

    University of San Francisco Campus Visit

    WHO: University of San Francisco WHERE: San Francisco, CA HOW BIG: 5200 undergraduates VIBE CHECK: This private, Jesuit, Catholic university is ranked #1 in the US for ethnic diversity. USF-CA attracts both Bay Area commuters and students from all over the US and the world. From the students I spoke with, there is a definite…


  • University of California, Berkeley Campus Visit

    University of California, Berkeley Campus Visit

    WHO: University of California, Berkeley WHERE: Berkeley, CA HOW BIG: 33,500 undergraduates VIBE CHECK: Despite its size, UC Berkeley is a bastion of exceptionalism. My tour guide described the campus as “not one community, but a bunch of smaller communities” in which it is relatively easy to find your place. One student from the LA area said “classes are…


  • Do I Need A Consultant For College Planning?

    Do I Need A Consultant For College Planning?

    If you’re a parent of a high school student and you’re wondering if you need a consultant for college planning, like most things related to college admissions, the answer is: it depends. For parents who are considering whether or not their family needs a college consultant, please ask yourself these questions: If you answered YES…