Higher Education & Admissions

Early Action vs. Early Decision

When students tell me they are “applying early,” my first question is always: which early program ? Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) sound similar, but they ask very different things of you. One keeps your options open. The other asks you to commit. In this guide, I will walk you through...

Build a College-Ready Resume in 9th and 10th Grade

When students hear “college resume,” they often picture junior year: big titles, big awards, big pressure. But the truth is much calmer and more encouraging. Your most college-ready resume is built quietly, week by week, starting in 9th and 10th grade through good academic habits , a few...

Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel awkward, but it does not have to be. It is common for professors, supervisors, and mentors to write letters for graduate school applicants. The key is to ask the right person, ask early and make it easy for them to write a detailed, supportive letter....

Writing a Standout College Admissions Essay

Your college admissions essay is one of the few places in the application where you are not reduced to numbers, course titles, or checkboxes. It is a human moment. A real reader is looking for a real student with a voice, values, and self-awareness. That can feel like a lot of pressure, especially...

SAT vs. ACT: Choosing the Right Test

If the SAT vs. ACT decision has you spiraling, take a breath. You are not choosing your future. You are choosing a testing format. Both exams are widely accepted at colleges and universities, and both can open doors when they reflect your strengths. In my years as a teacher and advisor, I have seen...