6 College Essay Mistakes We See Every Year
After years of working with students on their college essays, certain patterns emerge. Not the good kind — the kind that makes us wince a little on the inside while remaining mostly calm and encouraging on the outside. In the spirit of helping your student avoid the most common pitfalls, here’s an honest rundown of what we see again and again, and what to do instead. Mistake #1: Starting with the Prompt We know. The Common Application has prompts. They’re right there, staring at your student. It seems logical to begin there. It isn’t. Students who dive straight into a [...]
College Review: Penn State University
One of the most popular Big Ten schools, Penn State’s main campus is filled with so many good things—275 majors, with all of the greatest hits, but also including niche ones such as Immunology, Rail Transportation Engineering, and Turfgrass Science. In addition, they are an R1 research institution, have thousands of clubs, play many types of “sportsball,” as Lynda and I call it, and have endless opportunities for student advancement. Along with all of those great things, however, come 40,000 or so other things—undergraduate students. As a lifelong introvert, I won’t lie—my first reaction to all of the people and [...]
The Four Dimensions of College Fit
At The College Admissions Collective, we help families consider four key dimensions of college fit that paint a holistic picture of what “the right school” looks like: Academic Fit: How does your student learn best? Do they prefer hands-on projects, lively discussions, or structured lectures? A college that matches their learning style will foster engagement and confidence. For instance, a student who loves debate and writing might thrive at a discussion-based liberal arts college, while one who excels in labs and teamwork may prefer a polytechnic environment. Social Fit: Will your student find a sense of belonging among peers? Social [...]
The Ultimate Guide to College Admissions Interviews
There’s no sugarcoating it—college admissions interviews are intimidating. It’s one thing to hit “submit” on your Common App, but it’s a whole different kind of pressure to sit across (or Zoom across) from someone who might potentially have a say in your college future. Here’s some good news: most college interviews are primarily informational and won’t significantly impact your admissions decision. Here’s some more good news: admissions interviews aren’t about having all the right answers. They’re about giving you a chance to share more of your personal story. They’re a low-stakes (yes, really!) way for you to share more [...]
College Review: Wake Forest University
On a cold, rainy day, we visited Wake Forest University and experienced a blend of awe and thoughtful reflection. Despite the damp weather, the campus's enduring beauty shone through, offering us a glimpse of its storied charm and vibrant academic community. Embracing the Campus Beauty in the Rain Even under overcast skies, Wake Forest University’s architectural elegance and lush green spaces left a lasting impression on us. The rain-enhanced colors of the manicured gardens and historic buildings added an unexpected depth to our campus tour. We found that the serene pathways and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces created a warm, inviting [...]
College Review: Furman University
We drove to Greenville, South Carolina to experience Furman University—a small liberal arts college with roughly 2,500-3,000 undergraduates and a lot to offer. Discovering Greenville, SC Greenville, named one of the best places to visit by The New York Times, is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This vibrant town boasts: Abundant Outdoor Activities: Enjoy biking, hiking at nearby state parks, and soaking in the natural beauty. Culinary Delights: A dense downtown area packed with unique, foodie restaurants—so many, in fact, that dining at a different spot each day would take six months. Lively Social Scene: Trendy [...]