By Victoria Tillson Evans, Ph.D. There’s nothing like an imminent deadline to force people to get started. Unfortunately, that mindset doesn’t work for the college admissions process. Planning to start your applications and essays just shy of November 1st, the big Early Action or Decision deadline for most schools, is like trying to run a..
By Caroline Matas, Ph.D. In many ways, July is the peak month of summer break: removed enough from spring semester to have fully broken out of your school year routines and still far enough away that you’re not yet thinking about buying school supplies for the fall. In the world of college admissions, though, July..
By Adam Muri-Rosenthal, Ph.D. Child of a single working mom, Daniel has just moved from New Jersey to California where he lives in the only ramshackle apartment complex in Reseda that his mother can afford. Daniel initially hates California, but the moment he meets Ally, things start to look up… or at first they seem..
By Victoria Tillson Evans, Ph.D. In June of every year, commencement speakers appear onstage to impart words of wisdom to excited and anxious graduates. Their messages are meant to fortify young people as they transition from childhood into adulthood. While tradition holds that most students sit and listen, I thought it was important to allow..
By Nora Lessersohn Along with classes, sports seasons, academic competitions, and recitals, we know that summer programs are already starting to be cancelled. If this applies to you, you are probably thinking 1) Uh Oh! 2) What should I do this summer instead? While our current global crisis is extremely challenging for many, it can..
By Victoria Tillson Evans, Ph.D. Each year, more and more students are asking about how to get a summer internship. While these opportunities are frequently competitive, they’re worth shooting for if you’re genuinely serious about your academic and/or professional ambitions, and are aiming for a highly selective college. To help you figure out your options..
By Victoria Tillson Evans, Ph.D. This article first appeared on BuzzFeed on June 7, 2015. The sound of the ocean. The warmth of the sun. And… college applications? What? That can’t be what summer vacation is about. Yet, for rising high school seniors, that’s exactly what you need to be focusing on, that is, if..
By Victoria Tillson Evans, Ph.D. Picking strong summer experiences is an essential part of the college preparation process. Schools want to enroll productive students, who enjoy taking on challenges and interesting projects even during the “vacation months”. So, what makes a great summer activity? The answer really depends on who you are! Here are a..