Most parents I work with are aware that the college admissions landscape their child is entering is radically different from what they experienced when they applied to college decades ago.  As Jeffrey Selingo wrote in a recent New York Times article, selective colleges’ admissions rates continue to drop as students continue to increase the number of applications they submit.  The only real solution to this situation that enhances both student success as well as student sanity is application list balance.  What is a balanced college application list, and how do you create one?

Each fall representatives from thousands of colleges visit high schools across the United States.  Attending college rep visits can save you time and money otherwise spent traveling to visit campuses in person.  These visits also allow you to connect with the person most likely to review your college application.  What is the best way to make the most of college rep visits at your high school?

Teacher recommendations, for most private colleges and public universities, are a persuasive part of your college application.  A teacher recommendation is a chance for college admissions officers to see you through an adult’s eyes and learn new information about you in the classroom.  What is the best way to make sure that your recommendations are as effective as possible?

The CommonApp personal essay provides seven prompts and limits students to a 650 word limit. Based on the personal essay you submit, college admissions officers will use your writing to help decide if you’re a good fit or not for their campus. How should a high school senior begin their writing process?