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2 days ago
7 min

The Admissions Factory: How political marketing changed college admissions forever

The reason college admissions has changed so much in the last several decades has more to do with politics than you ever knew.

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Fall 2020 And COVID-19: Reports from campus and how to plan for college in a new era

Dr. Thom

Sep 11
4 min

Fall 2020 And COVID-19: Reports from campus and how to plan for college in a new era

We are nearly one month in since move-in at most colleges and universities across the United States. Here is what we have learned so far.

11 viewsWrite a comment

How to Extracurricular: Common App Activities Charts Explained

Dr. Thom

Sep 4
3 min

How to Extracurricular: Common App Activities Charts Explained

Trust us when we say that colleges DO NOT expect you to have a huge list of activities, but they do want you to be clear about what you do.

45 viewsWrite a comment

Better Questions to Ask on a Campus Tour

Dr. Thom

Aug 28
4 min

Better Questions to Ask on a Campus Tour

A good college campus visit comes down to asking thoughtful and good questions - even if those questions are spoken through a 2-ply mask.

20 viewsWrite a comment

Dr. Thom

Aug 21
3 min

The Rise of the Luxury Residence Hall

Remember what your first dorm room looked like? Things have changed as universities compete with private companies to out-luxury each other.

22 viewsWrite a comment

Finding the Best Fit College: The power of “must/can’t”

Dr. Thom

Aug 14
3 min

Finding the Best Fit College: The power of “must/can’t”

Figuring out which colleges (or restaurants for that matter) to investigate without all the stress requires an unexpected first step.

61 viewsWrite a comment

Dr. Thom

Aug 7
4 min

What the Heck is Test Optional Anyway?

We’ve been getting a ton of questions about what test optional means if you have a high school student approaching the college search.

23 viewsWrite a comment

What NOT to Submit to an Admissions Office

Dr. Thom

Jul 31
2 min

What NOT to Submit to an Admissions Office

What is the craziest object that anyone ever submitted to an admissions office in support of their application? We'll tell you.

64 viewsWrite a comment

Ten Tips on Getting Great Letters of Recommendation

Dr. Thom

Jul 24
2 min

Ten Tips on Getting Great Letters of Recommendation

As more schools move to test optional in this next admissions cycle, letters of recommendation are likely to increase in importance.

22 viewsWrite a comment

The Gifts of Eighteen Summers and the Importance of Senior Year

Dr. Thom

Jul 10
3 min

The Gifts of Eighteen Summers and the Importance of Senior Year

Eighteen summers. That’s how many most of us get with our kids. How we choose to spend that time is way more important than any college.

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What Does it Really Mean to Stand Out in Your Application?

Dr. Thom

Jun 26
3 min

What Does it Really Mean to Stand Out in Your Application?

What would make your application stand out and really connect, given the pile of files into which your application will sit?

24 viewsWrite a comment

Why Students Should Stop Asking What Colleges Want

Dr. Thom

Jun 19
3 min

Why Students Should Stop Asking What Colleges Want

One of the most common questions we are asked is: "What would College X think of [insert decision]? Here's why that is the wrong question.

21 viewsWrite a comment

Dr. Thom

Jun 12
2 min

Application Fear: Do it anyway

Really putting yourself out there in your application is scary - it always is. Do it anyway.

15 viewsWrite a comment

A message to our community: We stand for equality

Dr. Thom

Jun 5
2 min

A message to our community: We stand for equality

We want to be a part of the solution, a resource, and a safe place for conversation and reflection. We invite you to join us.

12 viewsWrite a comment

How to Get Your Student to Take the Lead in their College Search

Dr. Thom

May 29
2 min

How to Get Your Student to Take the Lead in their College Search

Recently, my 14 year old son asked me for advice on college. But he added something that stopped me in my tracks.

25 viewsWrite a comment

Dr. Thom

May 22
3 min

An Open Letter to the Class of 2020

This was supposed to be your year, and in a way, it still was. You found ways move forward and because of that, you're ready for big things.

21 viewsWrite a comment

Couch Surfing College Search: What Happens in the Fall

Dr. Thom

May 15
5 min

Couch Surfing College Search: What Happens in the Fall

There is a ton of uncertainty in the college admissions process right now. Here's how you can stay positive and sane through it all.

9 viewsWrite a comment

How to Really Help Your Student Apply to College

Dr. Thom

May 8
2 min

How to Really Help Your Student Apply to College

It's tempting to want to help your student with all of the minutiae of the college search, but you have to know the boundaries first.

4 viewsWrite a comment

Guide to Dual Enrollment: Buy One, Get One Free?

Bridget Williams Golden

May 1
5 min

Guide to Dual Enrollment: Buy One, Get One Free?

Dual enrollment is like a "buy one get one free" offer to high school students. Here's our guide to everything dual enrollment.

17 viewsWrite a comment

Couch Surfing College Search: COVID-19 and AP testing

Dr. Thom

Apr 24
3 min

Couch Surfing College Search: COVID-19 and AP testing

The changes to the Advanced Placement (AP) testing program may be the most significant, and potentially lasting. Here is what we know.

11 viewsWrite a comment

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