Blog
Resources and information for college applicants.
15 Outstanding Questions to Ask at Orientation
Each summer, I sit down with students one-on-one to help them prepare for the transition to college. Certain questions come up again and again. Once the initial excitement of choosing a university wears
Summer College Visits: How to Evaluate a Campus When School Isn’t in Session
Summer is often the easiest time for busy families to visit colleges. Families finally have more flexibility in their schedules, students are beginning to think seriously about college research, and campuses are welcoming
You Got the Acceptance Letter — Now What? An April Guide for Seniors
April is busier than most families expect. Here are the forms commonly missed and the actions that set your student up for a smooth enrollment. CLASS OF 2026 · APRIL ACTION GUIDE FOUR
You Can Only Go to One.
A thank-you to the schools that made it hard to choose. I saw that on a button a student handed out at a Challenge Success event years ago. I’ve repeated it every spring
Deferred, Not Denied: What to Do After an Early Deferral
If you opened your early action or early decision decision and saw the word deferred, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of the running. A deferral can feel confusing, frustrating, and emotionally draining,
2025-26 Tips for completing your University of California Application
Steps to Completing your UC Application: Please see the end of the post for video guides for each section of the UC Application. We recommend that you watch the 3-5 minute video before
Getting Organized: Dorm Room Essentials
It’s mid-July, and I have put together a quick list of must-have dorm room items that could be at risk of selling out. Instagram and Pinterest have exhaustive lists on how to create
College Orientation Overview
College Orientation Overview “It is totally normal to feel excited and nervous at orientation. Two things can be true at the same time. You may look around and feel like everyone has it
A Calm Launch to College
Life is Full of Transitions. As an educational consultant and school counselor, I have come to realize that a student’s life is filled with numerous transitions. Each season in their academic journey presents
Why Students Should Consider the Highlands Ability Assessment
The Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) I recently got certified to integrate the Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) into our practice. It is a human assessment tool that objectively measures students’ natural abilities by asking
Thinking Beyond the Most Popular Majors
Students often gravitate towards similar majors when they apply to college. Oftentimes, these majors are popular because students have been exposed to them in some way in high school. While popular majors can
Supporting Students with Learning Differences: What to Know About the College Transition
When we talk about learning differences, we’re referring to the many diverse ways and paces at which students absorb, process, and apply information. No two students learn the same way—and that’s not only
Honors Colleges
What is an honors college? Most honors colleges are housed within larger universities and offer students a smaller, liberal arts college feeling. Honors colleges offer myriad benefits, such as more rigorous and often
Navigating the Wild World of Job Hunting: 3 Tips for Recent College Grads
Hey there, recent college graduates! First off, big congrats on making it through those late-night cram sessions, endless essays, and probably one too many cups of coffee. Now that you’ve got that diploma
All About Demonstrating Interest
You might have heard the term before, but do you actually know what it means? You know that it has something to do with the college application process, but just how important is
12 Ways to Have a Meaningful Summer
1.) Get Involved in your Community 2.) Listen to Podcasts to investigate your academic interests 3.) Get a Job: Coffee shop, ice cream shops, boutiques, restaurants 4.) Participate in a Pre-College Summer Program
College Visits: What to do Before, During, and After
5 things to do BEFORE you visit Research the school and major options Check to see if the school is doing an on-campus interview Contact coaches, departments, professors or current students to meet
Preparing for your College Interview
Some colleges offer optional interviews to their prospective first-year students. Some interviews can be evaluative while others are just another way for the college to learn more about you and for you to
How to Demonstrate Interest
In the world of the Common Application, demonstrating interest is showing colleges that you are truly interested in their institution and not just checking a box. Why do colleges care? Colleges are very
SAT/ACT To Send or Not to Send?
To Report or Not to Report? That is the question. As you prepare to send in your college applications, a major consideration is whether to report your test scores – SAT, ACT, AP
Planning for a Fun and Meaningful Summer
We know it seems early to think about summer, but now is the time to get excited about ways you can explore your interests and apply to programs. Many applications are due at
Summer Job Ideas- Now Hiring
If you are thinking you want a summer job, you need to start looking now. You will want to be in process in March/April if you plan to start in June. Getting a
2022-23 Tips for completing your University of California Application
Steps to Completing your UC Application: Materials You Need: You will need a copy of your transcript, test scores (AP/IB), social security number (optional), CA statewide Student ID (for public HS students) and
How to Demonstrate Interest
In the world of the Common Application, demonstrating interest is showing colleges that you are truly interested in their institution and not just checking a box. Why do colleges care? Colleges are very
The Personal Statement
What is a Personal statement? At its core, your essay is a story – a story about you. Your story, told in your own voice and in your own words, will show readers
REFLECTIONS on 2021: What we learned about students and college admissions
When 2021 came to a close, we took some time to have some deep discussion and crunch some numbers to see what information we can glean from the unprecedented 2021 Admissions Cycle. Some
The Basics of College Athletic Recruiting
Jenny Dumas from College Calm discusses important things aspiring athletes need to consider regarding the college application process. Here are our top three takeaways from the presentation. For the full presentation, click here.
Considering Majoring in Pre-Med or Going to Medical School?
Jenny Dumas talks with 3 students in medical school and residency to gain insight into what it means to be pre-med in college. To view the presentation, click here. These amazing women speak
Student Synergy Project: Genetic Modification Tool CRISPR CAS-9
The Student Synergy Project is a meaningful self-directed summer project for high school students. Below is a completed project by one of the student participants. Learn more about the Student Synergy Project
Student Synergy Project: Mental Health and Media
The Student Synergy Project is a meaningful self-directed summer project for high school students. Below is a completed project by one of the student participants. Learn more about the Student Synergy Project