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Parental Peer Pressure: Managing Advice from Other Families (The Neighbors' Kid Phenomenon)
Are you stressed by the pressure to "keep up" with other college parents? You've met "The Neighbors' Kid"—the mythical student doing everything "right."
This guide helps you ignore the highlight reels and focus on your child's unique path. Stop comparing your family to someone else's PR strategy. Your job is to guide, not to keep up.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
4 days ago3 min read


Stop Micromanaging: The Parent’s Essential Guide to College Application Help (Where to Step Up & Step Back)
Are you helping too much with the Common App? Learn the 3 key areas where parental involvement hurts the college application process, and 3 essential tasks where your help is required. Expert tips for a stress-free admissions cycle.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Oct 274 min read


Your Guide to Crafting a Unique College Application Essay
College application essays shouldn't be cliché! Stop writing about "The Big Game" and "The Mission Trip." Discover the 5 exhausted topics admissions officers are sick of—and get the 5 fresh, unique angles that will actually make your story stand out. Ditch the generic. Write your acceptance.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Oct 164 min read


How to Write About Failure in Your College Essay: Reframing Low GPA, Mental Health, and Conduct Issues for Admissions Strategy
The most challenging failures to write about in your college essay are those that appear as blemishes on your transcript or record: a significant drop in GPA, a disciplinary note, or a semester lost to a mental health crisis. Learning how to write about failure when the issue is sensitive requires a strong admissions strategy. When addressing these deep personal challenges in your application, the Admissions Committee is no longer just testing your resilience; they're assessi
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Oct 106 min read


The "Why Us?" Essay: Moving Beyond Wikipedia
The "Why Us?" essay is the college admissions office's ultimate litmus test. They want to know if you'll actually enroll, thrive, and contribute. But too many students fall into the same trap: writing a glowing, generic summary of the college's website. If you just copy-paste facts about a beautiful campus or a high ranking, you sound like a robot reading a Wikipedia entry.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Oct 73 min read


College Support for Students with IEPs: From High School to Independence
The transition from high school IEPs to college accommodations can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to. Discover how your teen can access college support for students with IEPs, build self-advocacy skills, and find colleges with exceptional learning programs.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Oct 63 min read


When "Major" Matters Most - How Choosing Certain Majors Affects Admission Odds
You've probably spent countless hours perfecting your essays, acing your SATs, and racking up those impressive extracurriculars. But what if I told you there's another, often overlooked, factor that can significantly impact your college admission odds? That's right, we're talking about your intended major.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Sep 304 min read


The Overlooked Role of Net Price Calculators: Why Early Use Can Save Your College Dreams (and Wallet!)
Hey future college students and savvy parents! As you navigate the thrilling (and sometimes overwhelming) journey of college...
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Sep 233 min read


The Common App Additional Information Section: Your Secret Weapon (and the New 300-Word Limit)
Applying to college can feel like trying to fit your entire life story into a few small boxes. But what about the crucial details that don't fit? This is where the Common App Additional Information section becomes your greatest asset. Often overlooked, this is your chance to strategically reframe your profile and give admissions officers the context they need to fully understand you.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Sep 203 min read


How Colleges Quietly Track Demonstrated Interest – Beyond Campus Tours
When it comes to college admissions, you may have heard the phrase demonstrated interest. It’s a way colleges gauge how excited a student is about attending their school. And here’s the catch: many colleges track interest in more ways than you might realize. For juniors, seniors, and their parents, understanding these “quiet” signals can help a student stand out in a very crowded applicant pool.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Sep 103 min read


Don't Just Look at the Sticker Price: A Parent's Guide to Finding Colleges That Actually Want to Give You Money
Don't let college sticker shock stop you! The "sticker price" is almost always a lie. Learn how to be strategic with financial aid and find colleges that actually want to give your child money. Read our guide for parents of high school juniors and get the financial clarity you need.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Sep 64 min read


Unlocking Out-of-State College Admissions: Why Your College Acceptance Rates Depend on Your Zip Code
Is your dream college's acceptance rate a lie? Discover the hidden numbers that could make or break your application. Learn how to find the real statistics that most colleges keep secret. Don't apply blind—get the inside scoop on your true odds.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Aug 254 min read


The Role of a Consultant in College Admissions Success
Navigating the college admissions process can be overwhelming. From selecting the right schools to crafting compelling applications,...
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Aug 243 min read


Choosing the Right D1 College: Your Guide to Admissions Success
Dreaming of a big, warm-weather college with a Division 1 sports team? Schools like the University of Georgia and the University of Florida are highly competitive for out-of-state students. Don’t lose hope! Many fantastic universities offer similar experiences with better chances for acceptance. In this blog, we’ll explore admissions trends, understand real acceptance rates, and help you leverage data for your advantage. Get ready to build a college list that leads to your pe
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Aug 214 min read


So You Think You Know College Admissions? Think Again, Parents!
Hey there, fabulous parents in your 50s! Remember those college days? Good times, right? Well, buckle up, because the world your high-schooler is navigating today? It's a whole different ballgame. It’s easy to look at today's landscape and think, "What's the big deal? Kids just apply online now." And while technology is a huge part of the shift, it's really just the tip of a very complex iceberg. Let's take a stroll down memory lane and then flash forward to today, shall we?
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Jul 214 min read


Just When I Thought It Was Over: The Supplemental Essay Dash Began
Frustrated parent discovering supplemental essay requirements. As a parent, I thought we had crossed the finish line in the marathon that...
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Jul 164 min read


Tips for Writing a Winning Common Application Essay
The Common Application essay is a crucial component of your college application. It is your chance to express who you are beyond your...
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Jul 153 min read


Effective Strategies for Navigating College Admissions
Navigating the college admissions process can be both exciting and stressful for prospective students. With so many factors to consider,...
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Jul 74 min read


Key Aspects of the Common Application That Remain Constant
As the new academic year approaches and changes to the Common App are set to take place in August, there’s no better time to get ahead of your application process. Here, we will discuss six key aspects of the Common App that are not changing. By tackling them now, you can reduce stress as deadlines loom.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Jun 194 min read


10 Engaging Hooks to Make Your College Admissions Essay Shine and Get Noticed
Crafting a compelling college admissions essay starts at the very beginning. That first sentence is crucial; it's your chance to grab the...
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Jun 104 min read
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