College Application Archives — College Planning Center and Guides

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Getting Your College Recommendations in Order Before It’s Too Late

Scrambling to find someone willing to write your recommendation letter with only two weeks left before your application deadline is a stress no student should have to carry. The solution is straightforward: start identifying and approaching your recommenders at least six to eight weeks before your earliest deadline, and treat the process as a relationship […]

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A Saner Path Through the College and Grad School Application Process

The season of applications arrives with a peculiar blend of adrenaline and dread. Whether it’s for undergraduate admissions or graduate programs, the process quickly transforms into a full-time job—one with vague metrics, opaque deadlines, and emotional roller coasters at every turn. The weight of expectations, both internal and external, presses in. But in the chaos, […]

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New Horizons in College Applications Without Personal Essays

Navigating the college admissions process is more than just a rite of passage—it’s a pivotal moment in every student’s life. Yet, with the college admissions landscape undergoing significant transformations, students and their families are left wondering how to best present themselves to their dream schools. Authenticity has become the gold standard for applications, prompting institutions […]

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The Early Bird Catches the College Admission

The college admissions landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a notable surge in early applications. Over the last five years, the number of early applications—encompassing both early decision and early action—has jumped significantly as compared to regular decision applications. For high school seniors, understanding this trend is crucial as it can significantly […]

how seniors can prepare for college applications

How Seniors Can Prepare for College Applications

If you’re a high school senior or the parent of one, you know that getting ready for college is an extensive and often stressful process. There are so many things to consider. You need to keep your grades up, stay active in extracurricular activities, research schools, and then visit your favorites in person. It can […]

How To Write a Great College Application Essay

How To Write a Great College Application Essay

There are many steps in applying to college. Transcripts and recommendation letters help prove the type of student you are, and past awards help show your extracurricular interests. But you may think, how can you show off your personality and academic interests? That’s where the college application essay comes into play. Students face a specific […]

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Ways Your Kids Can Stand Out on College Applications

With the arrival of fall comes the anxious college application season. Seniors in high school are busy getting in those college applications to meet each school’s deadline. This stress can be overwhelming for students looking to get into their top-choice schools. Here are five ways that your kids can stand out on their college applications. […]

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Best College Application Resources for High School Seniors

In the fall of your senior year, it’s an ideal opportunity to start the journey for which you’ve spent the majority of the secondary school preparing: applying to a school. It’s a scary undertaking, but on the other hand, it’s one that can prompt excellent changes. Before the procedure starts, it’s smart to do your […]

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How Non-Traditional Students Can Optimize Their College Applications

If you’re a non-traditional student, you may feel a certain apprehension about applying to college. When you’ve been out of school for some time, it can be hard to get teachers to write recommendation letters for you. If you never took college entrance exams, you may be rusty on some of the material you need […]