College
Aug 4, 2026
The Common App Is Live: What Every Parent of a High School Senior Should Know
While senior year may still feel a little distant for some families, August often signals the unofficial beginning of the college application season. If your student plans to apply through the Common App, now is the time to move from thinking about college to actively preparing applications. Starting early can make the entire process less stressful and lead to stronger, more thoughtful applications.
Jul 14, 2026
Grade Inflation: What Every Parent Should Know
Grades are higher than ever—but are they telling the whole story? For many parents, a report card filled with A's feels like reassurance that their student is on the path to college success. But over the past two decades, an important trend has changed how colleges interpret transcripts: grade inflation.
Jul 6, 2026
The Common App Essay: Helping Your Senior Write with Confidence
For many families, the Common Application essay feels like the most intimidating part of the college application process. Parents often ask us: "What should my student write about?", "How personal is too personal?", and "Should I edit it?"
May 31, 2026
Curating Your Common App Activities and Honors List: Telling Your Story Beyond Grades and Test Scores
When students think about the college application process, they often focus on grades, test scores, and essays. However, one of the most important sections of the Common Application is frequently overlooked: the Activities and Honors sections. These sections provide colleges with a snapshot of a student's identity outside the classroom. They help admissions officers understand how students spend their time, what they value, and how they contribute to their schools and communities.
May 3, 2026
College Majors, Careers & Summer Planning: A Smart Path To College Success
When students think about college admissions, they often focus on GPA and test scores—but colleges are equally interested in something deeper. The connection between college majors, career interests, and summer experiences plays a powerful role in shaping a student’s story—and ultimately, their college applications.
Mar 29, 2026
College Visits 101: How Parents Can Help Students Make the Most of Campus Tours
A college campus visit is one of the most powerful steps in the college search process. What looks perfect in a brochure or on a website can feel very different in person. Visiting a campus helps students imagine themselves living and learning there — and helps families determine whether a school truly feels like the right “best-fit” college.
Mar 23, 2026
The Smart Start: How to Build Your Student’s Best-Fit College List
The college search process can feel overwhelming, but building a strategic, thoughtful college list is the essential first step in turning that stress into excitement. A strong college list goes beyond big-name schools and focuses on what truly matters: finding a place where your student will thrive academically, socially, and financially.
Feb 28, 2026
What It Means to Be Waitlisted — and Should You Write A Letter of Continued Interest?
College decision season can bring a mix of excitement, relief… and sometimes confusion. One outcome that often raises questions is being placed on a college waitlist, which an increasing number of colleges are doing. If your student received a waitlist decision, don’t panic — this is not a rejection. In fact, many students are admitted from waitlists every year. The key is knowing what it means and how to respond strategically.
Feb 14, 2026
529 Plans: A Smart Way to Stretch Your College Savings With Test Prep
There is no question that college costs continue to rise, so many families are turning to 529 college savings plans to prepare for future expenses. What many parents don’t realize is that recent changes to federal law now allow 529 funds to be used for SAT and ACT test prep and tutoring—a powerful way to stretch those college dollars even further.
Feb 12, 2026
The Big Shift: Colleges Are Reinstating Test Requirements
While the pandemic has long since passed, COVID-affected college admissions testing policies have slowly evolved. During the pandemic, most U.S. colleges and universities moved to test-optional policies because students could not easily access testing. After reviewing several years of admissions and academic performance data, many institutions are reinstating test requirements.
Jan 18, 2026
How Can Our Free ACT Diagnostic & Detailed Score Report Help you Make Better Decisions?
The winter of junior year is a pivotal moment in your student’s college-planning journey — and standardized testing plays a big role. One of the most strategic steps your student can take is to complete a baseline diagnostic practice ACT test. This isn’t just another homework assignment. A diagnostic ACT is a powerful planning tool that helps students understand where they are now, reduce uncertainty, and build a smart, confidence-boosting path toward Test Day success.
Dec 18, 2025
Deferred, Not Denied: What Parents of Seniors Need to Know About Letters of Continued Interest (LOCI)
If your student applied Early Action or Early Decision and received a college deferral, take a deep breath. A deferral is not a rejection—it’s an opportunity. Colleges use deferrals to keep strong applicants in the pool while they review the rest of the applicant group. How your student responds now can make a real difference.