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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 10, 20253 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 6, 20254 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 25, 20254 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 24, 20253 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 21, 20254 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 21, 20254 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 16, 20254 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 15, 20253 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 7, 20254 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 19, 20254 min read


10 Engaging Hooks to Make Your College Admissions Essay Shine and Get Noticed
Research shows that admissions officers often read hundreds of essays, so a great hook makes all the difference. It can be the dividing line between a quickly forgotten essay and one that stands out vividly in the minds of the admissions committee.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Jun 10, 20254 min read


Breaking Down the Common Application Essay for Success
The Common Application essay is one of the most critical components of the college application process. It gives students a unique...
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Jun 2, 20254 min read


Strategic Planning for a Successful College Application
Navigating the path to college can be a daunting process for many students and their families. With so many options and requirements,...
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
May 26, 20254 min read


The Impact of Professional Guidance on Your College Admission Success
Navigating the college admissions process can be overwhelming. With numerous choices, deadlines, and constantly changing requirements,...
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
May 23, 20255 min read


Why Taking a Gap Year Can Transform Your Future
Taking a gap year isn't just a break; it's an investment. Learn why it can often be a fantastic decision.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
May 16, 20254 min read


How to Uncover Your Academic Fit with the Common Data Set
Finding the right college can feel like navigating a maze. It's not just about picking a school known for its prestige or a location you love. It’s about choosing the right place that matches your academic goals, values, and dreams. One tool that can help illuminate this path is the Common Data Set. This guide will explore how to leverage the Common Data Set to discover your best academic fit.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
May 12, 20254 min read


The Power of Demonstrated Interest: A Tale of Two Applicants
Colleges aim to admit students who are likely to enroll. By tracking demonstrated interest, they can gauge which applicants are serious about attending, helping them manage enrollment numbers and build a committed student body.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
May 6, 20252 min read


Top Tips for Selecting the Ideal Common Application Essay Topic
Choosing a topic that feels authentic to you is crucial. Admissions officers want to hear your voice and understand your thoughts and feelings.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
May 4, 20255 min read


Game On! Your Playbook for College Athletic Recruiting
This blog post is your playbook, filled with informative insights and actionable steps to help you navigate the exciting journey of college athletic recruiting.
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Apr 28, 20256 min read


NCAA Divisions Explained: D1 vs. D2 vs. D3 for Student-Athletes
If you're a high school athlete (or the parent of one), navigating college sports can feel overwhelming. Terms like Division I, II, and III get tossed around — but what do they actually mean? And how do you figure out which one is the best fit?
Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Apr 24, 20253 min read
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