A Guide to Building a Balanced College List of Reaches, Targets and Likely Schools. A balanced college list usually includes 8 to 12 schools or up to 15 if you are applying to a selective major. To build your list, categorize schools as safety, target, or reach based on your academic profile. Safety schools are where your grades and test scores are well above the school’s average admitted student. Most of these schools have an admit rate of 60% or more. Target schools match your academic profile to the average admitted student’s stats. These schools usually admit in the 50% Read More
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September 2026 — Get Organized Seniors should be creating a list of 10-12 colleges that include reach, target, and safety/likely schools during the month of September. Students need to check application deadlines and admissions requirements. Additionally, current seniors should be creating accounts for the Common App and/or each college’s application. It will also be helpful to set up a college application calendar with all deadlines listed. High school applicants should also review their transcripts and make sure their senior courses are correct. Also, students should make a list of extracurricular activities, leadership positions, awards, work, volunteering, and other accomplishments. They Read More
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The feeling of staring at a blank page (or screen) without an idea of what to write is a frustrating one that most people have experienced at one time or another. A teenager applying to college sometimes faces this situation for various reasons. There is the paralyzing fear of “whatever I write won’t encapsulate all of me,” “nothing I’ve done is so extraordinary,” and other similar concerns. It’s important to acknowledge writer’s block when it happens – just as professional writers do – but there are ways to circumvent the blank page and take the pressure off the feeling that Read More
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How much should parents help with college essays? Learn where to draw the line. From brainstorming support to knowing when to bring in an essay coach.
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For many young athletes, playing college sports is more than just continuing a game they love; it’s an opportunity to earn an education, compete at a higher level, and grow as a leader. Whether your goal is to compete in NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, the NAIA, or junior college, the recruiting journey can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. The truth is, getting recruited doesn’t happen by accident. It takes preparation, persistence, planning, and patience. This guide walks you through the recruiting process step by step so you can take control of your future as a student-athlete Read More
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Learn how to choose your UC Personal Insight Question prompts, structure compelling essays, and show academic motivation, community impact, and self-awareness.
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As parents, we all strive to provide the best educational opportunities for our children, ensuring they have every advantage in their academic and professional futures. Understanding how to maximize the benefits of AP exams can be instrumental in helping your child succeed. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this crucial aspect of a student’s high school education. Are AP Exam Scores Important? Some colleges consider AP scores as part of their holistic review process. Good scores can enhance your application by demonstrating your ability to handle college-level coursework. However, AP scores are usually just one factor among many, Read More
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Discover ten underrated West Coast colleges offering unique opportunities and excellent education in this insightful blog post by Greenhaus College Consulting. Perfect for students seeking hidden gems with strong academic programs and vibrant campus life Read more to explore your options and find your ideal college match (Greenhaus College Consulting). Attending a business-focused college can be your gateway to a successful career. However, creating a college list can be a daunting task amidst the sea of options. That’s why we’ve curated a list of top hidden gem colleges for business in the West. These institutions may not always be in Read More
Read MoreGuest Blog Post from Peg Keough, College Aid Pro – Director of Education I’ve worked with college-bound families for many years now. Some of the most common questions I hear from parents are about the different letters and documents they receive after their child gets accepted to college. In the midst of the exciting news, there can be confusion around what each piece of mail actually means. Let me break it down for you. The Fun Part – The Admission Letter When those big envelopes or emails start rolling in, that’s when the real fun begins! The first document you’re Read More
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Are you fascinated by subjects such as marketing, finance, management, economics, and entrepreneurship? Do you enjoy keeping up with business news and trends? Do you have strengths in areas such as analytical thinking, problem solving, communication and leadership? Are you comfortable working with numbers and data? A business major may be right for you. Many people do not realize that the top business programs are highly competitive. If you are considering a business major, there are a few things you will want to consider to be prepared and stand out in the admissions process. These include which high school courses Read More
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