College Admissions

Master the 2026–27 Common App personal statement with expert tips on topic selection, structure, and the mistakes that sink most applications.

A gap year can strengthen your application and personal development if you use the time intentionally. When It Helps Structured gap years with clear goals, whether working, volunteering, traveling with purpose, or pursuing a project, demonstrate maturity and initiative. When It Hurts An unstructured gap year with no plan can raise questions. Admissions officers want…

College rankings capture only a fraction of what matters for your experience and career. Here is how to research what really counts. Academic Fit Look at specific department strengths, class sizes, research opportunities, and curriculum flexibility. A school ranked 50th overall might have a top-10 program in your field. Campus Culture Visit if possible. Talk…

The Common App offers seven essay prompts, but the best one for you depends on the story you want to tell, not the prompt itself. Choosing Your Prompt Start by brainstorming stories and moments that reveal who you are. Then match your best story to the most fitting prompt. Do not start with the prompt…

A well-constructed college list balances ambition with pragmatism, ensuring you have options you are excited about at every selectivity level. Reach Schools (3-4) Schools where your stats are below the median. Admission is possible but not likely. These are your dream schools. Match Schools (4-5) Schools where your stats are near the median. You have…

College interviews give you a chance to show personality, enthusiasm, and fit that your written application cannot fully convey. Common Questions Why this school? What are your academic interests? Tell me about yourself. What would you contribute to campus? Prepare thoughtful answers but do not memorize scripts. Preparation Tips Research the school thoroughly. Prepare 2-3…

Transfer admissions is a viable path for students who want to change schools after starting college. When to Transfer Common reasons include academic fit, financial considerations, location, and program availability. Most students transfer after freshman or sophomore year. Application Requirements Transfer applications typically require college transcripts, a transfer essay explaining why you want to switch,…

Your college essay is the most personal part of your application. It is your chance to show admissions officers who you are beyond grades and scores. Topic Selection Choose a topic that reveals your character, values, or growth. Avoid cliches like the big game or the service trip unless you have a truly unique angle….

Some colleges track how much interest you have shown in their school. This factor, called demonstrated interest, can influence admissions decisions. What Counts Campus visits, information session attendance, email engagement, early application, and mentioning specific programs in your essays all demonstrate interest. Which Schools Track It Not all schools consider it. Research each school’s policy….

A clear timeline takes the chaos out of college admissions. Here is what to do and when. Junior Year Fall: research colleges and start test prep. Winter: take PSAT/NMSQT. Spring: take SAT or ACT. Summer: visit campuses, start essay brainstorming. Senior Year Fall September: finalize school list and essay drafts. October: submit early applications. November:…